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Workers’ Compensation · California Employers

Workers’ comp for California employers.

Required coverage for businesses with employees in California, priced on payroll and job classifications, compared across carriers.

By Sam Alishahi · CA Insurance License #4348151 · Reviewed October 2026 · En español · How this page is researched

Get a Quote Call (424) 552-4545
Why it matters

Required once you have an employee

California requires employers to carry workers’ compensation insurance, even with a single employee, including part-time workers.

Operating without it is illegal in California and can bring penalties and stop orders. Workers’ comp pays injured employees’ medical care and lost wages.

  • Medical careTreatment for work-related injuries and illnesses.
  • Wage replacementTemporary and permanent disability benefits.
  • Employer’s liabilityCertain lawsuits related to employee injuries.
  • PricingBased on payroll by classification code, adjusted by claims experience, with actual payroll checked at audit.
Common situations

Employers I help

First employee

Coverage in place before someone starts work.

Contractors

Coverage that keeps a CSLB license active. The 2028 workers’ comp change

Audit surprises

Accurate class codes and payroll estimates.

High-risk trades

Specialty and state fund options. Contractor insurance

Restaurants and retail

Workers’ comp alongside a BOP. See details

Independent contractors

Understanding when workers count as employees.

Before you call

What underwriters will ask

Having these ready means I can go to market on the first call. The quote form asks for the same things, and anything you don’t know yet can wait.

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  • Business: operations and years in business.
  • Employees: job duties and number of workers.
  • Payroll: estimated annual payroll by job type.
  • Subcontractors: amounts paid and their insurance.
  • History: loss runs for the last three to five years.
  • Start date: when coverage is needed.
Questions

Workers’ comp, answered

Is workers’ comp required in California?

Yes. California requires employers to carry workers’ compensation insurance, even with one employee.

How is workers’ comp priced?

By payroll per classification code, adjusted for claims experience and carrier factors. Actual payroll is reviewed at audit.

Do I need workers’ comp for independent contractors?

It depends on whether they’re legally employees. California presumes workers are employees unless specific tests are met.

Do business owners need to be covered?

Owners can often be included or excluded depending on business structure. Contractors should also check CSLB requirements.

Do you offer workers’ compensation insurance outside California?

Yes. Clients across the country send the same quote form. California policies are placed directly; outside California the request is handled together with a partner agency in your state, and the shopping across carriers works the same way. Rules, minimums and markets differ by state — see insurance requirements by state.

Official sources

Related

Often placed alongside this

Coverage

Contractor insurance

Workers’ comp and liability that clear the contract.

See coverage Coverage

General liability insurance

Coverage for injuries and damage your business causes others.

See coverage Coverage

Security guard company insurance

Liability, workers' comp and bonds for private patrol operators.

See coverage Question

Do I need workers’ comp with no employees?

Sole proprietors, the five classifications that need it anyway, and the 2028 change.

Read the answer

Questions people ask: Is workers’ comp required for part-time employees? Does general liability cover employee injuries? Do subcontractors need their own insurance in California? What is an experience modification rate (EMR) and how does it affect contractors? Do I need workers' comp for 1099 contractors? What is an insurance premium audit? Who is exempt from workers’ comp in California? Does an uninsured contractor waiver protect you in California? What happens if your workers’ comp lapses in California? How Do High-Risk Businesses Get Workers’ Comp in California?

Also covered with this: Apparel manufacturer insurance Concrete contractor insurance Drywall contractor insurance Glazing contractor insurance Golf course and country club insurance Pizza shop insurance Restaurant group workers' comp Terrorism insurance (TRIA) Does an LLC need business insurance in California? Assisted living & board and care insurance

By state: Insurance requirements by state

Workers’ comp

Send your payroll estimate. I’ll shop it.

Job types, payroll and start date are enough for a quote.

Get a Quote Call (424) 552-4545

Alishahi Insurance · Saman Alishahi, independent insurance broker, California License #4348151. General information, not a quote or a promise of coverage; coverage depends on underwriting and the terms, conditions and exclusions of the policy actually issued.

Did you know?

A short video from Sam

Did you know? In California, even one employee means workers' comp

Under a minute each. Videos use an AI-generated version of Sam’s likeness and voice. General information only; coverage depends on your policy.

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(424) 552-4545

Answered 24/7 · CA License #4348151

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