HomeCoverageWorkers’ Compensation
WC · Contractor coverage

Workers’ Compensation

California requires it, your crew depends on it. Workers’ Comp covers medical care and lost wages when someone gets hurt on the job — and protects your business from the lawsuit that can follow.

Get a Workers’ Comp quote Call 800-897-8221
Why it matters

California doesn’t give you a choice on this one

From January 1, 2028, every licensed California contractor must carry Workers’ Compensation insurance — even with no employees. C-8, C-20, C-22, C-39 and C-61/D-49 licensees already must, whatever their headcount. And it has always been mandatory the moment you hire anyone. Operating without it risks CSLB license suspension, stop-work orders, and steep fines.

Beyond compliance, it’s the policy that takes care of your people: medical treatment, disability payments, and lost wages after an on-the-job injury — plus employer’s liability protection for your business.

What it covers

  • Medical treatment — doctor visits, hospital care, medication, and rehabilitation
  • Lost wages — temporary disability payments while an injured worker recovers
  • Permanent disability — compensation when an injury has lasting effects
  • Death benefits — support for dependents after a fatal workplace accident
  • Employer’s liability — defense when an injury leads to a lawsuit against your business
  • Return-to-work support — getting your experienced people back on the job safely
Required for ALL

every CSLB licensee needs WC by Jan 1, 2028 — employees or not

Payroll-based

premiums come from your class codes and payroll, not a flat fee

X-Mod matters

a clean safety record earns a lower experience modifier — and lower premiums

Pairs well with

Round out your coverage

General Liability

Third-party bodily injury and property damage protection — the coverage almost every project owner requires.

Learn more

Commercial Auto

Coverage for the trucks, vans and equipment haulers that keep your operation moving between job sites.

Learn more

Excess & Umbrella

Additional liability coverage beyond standard limits — often required for larger contracts and public work.

Learn more
Common questions

Workers’ Comp, answered

Do I need Workers’ Comp if I don’t have employees?
If you hold a C-8, C-20, C-22, C-39 or C-61/D-49 license, yes — those classifications must carry it regardless of employees today. Every other classification can still file a no-employee exemption with the CSLB until January 1, 2028, when the requirement becomes universal. Check your classification with our free tool.
How is my Workers’ Comp premium calculated?
Three ingredients: your class codes (the type of work you do), your payroll, and your experience modifier (X-Mod). Rates are charged per $100 of payroll, so your premium scales with your crew — and a clean safety record earns a lower X-Mod over time. Read the full breakdown →
What happens if my Workers’ Comp policy lapses?
The CSLB can suspend your license automatically, and the state can issue stop-work orders and steep fines. A lapse mid-project can also put you in breach of contract. Renewal reminders in our client portal help make sure it never happens.
Do 1099 subcontractors count as employees?
Often, yes. If a sub is unlicensed or doesn’t carry their own Workers’ Comp, California generally treats their workers as your employees at audit time. Collecting current certificates from every sub protects your premium — and our portal tracks them for you.
How fast can I get proof of coverage?
Instantly. Once your policy is bound, you can issue your own certificates from our client portal in seconds, any time — no waiting on a broker.

Get a Workers’ Comp quote today

Tell us about your work and we’ll come back with real options — usually within one business day. Certificates are instant once you’re covered.

Get my free quote Call 800-897-8221