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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
IzzyMod™ · 44 sec

Watch: why one bad year costs you three renewals

Izzy walks through how your X-Mod drives your workers' comp price, and what IzzyMod does about it.

Read the transcript

Your crew works hard. So why does your workers' comp keep going up?

A lot of times, it's your X-Mod. One bad year of claims can follow you for three renewals.

That's why we built IzzyMod, powered by Insureaze. We review your open claims and reserves with the adjuster, audit your rating worksheet, and help get your injured crew back to work.

You get an IzzyMod Scorecard that shows what your mod is costing you, and a plan to bring it down.

Fewer surprises at renewal, and a mod you're proud to put on every bid. Get your free IzzyMod Check at insureaze.com/izzymod.

Get your free IzzyMod Check →
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