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California Workers' Compensation

Learn everything you need to know about worker's compensation insurance in California.

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We’re available when you are – online and on your schedule. In less than 5 minutes, you could be on your way to a work comp quote.

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Our proprietary online quoting tool makes it easy. Just answer a few simple questions about your business.

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As an independent agency, we can shop around our network of carriers, and deliver the best quote to you.

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Since 2012, WorkCompOne has helped thousands of small businesses get the coverage they need to stay in compliance and protect their employees.

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It's work comp, simplified for small business. Our online platform allows top national carriers to serve all businesses – even those with less than 10 employees.

Workers' Compensation Insurance: California Requirements

You are required to carry workers' compensation insurance if you have any employees working in California. Roofers must carry coverage in California even if they don’t have any employees.

Contractors: If you are an independent contractor, you might not be covered by the hiring company’s insurance policy and may need to provide proof of work comp. Check: Are you an employee or an independent contractor?

Owners: Sole proprietors may choose to include themselves, and should do so by clearly stating this inclusion on the policy, or adding a coverage endorsement. Directors and officers must be included in coverage, unless the corporation is fully owned by the directors and officers.

AB5 and Gig Economy Workers

In September 2019, California passed AB5, a new labor law extending wage and benefit protections to "gig economy" workers. Under the new law, some workers previously considered independent contractors — such as those at app-based tech companies Uber, Lyft and Doordash — would be reclassified as employees, and therefore eligible for employee benefits like workers' compensation coverage.

State lawmakers are also taking aim at large corporations in the state like Amazon. 

Employers at these and similar companies must pay close attention to how this issue is handled, to ensure compliance with the state's workers' compensation laws.

Remember: Employers must comply with the state where employees work — not necessarily where the business is located. If workers are in multiple states or temporarily working out-of-state, business owners may need to purchase additional coverage.

California Workers' Comp Insurance Rates

According to the 2017 State of the Workers' Compensation Insurance System report, premiums are holding fairly steady, in contrast to the double-digit growth in 2010 through 2014, and rates decreased slightly in 2017. That said, California has the highest rates in the country, as a result of higher medical, legal and administrative costs, and a high frequency of permanent disability claims. This makes it difficult to find cheap workers' compensation insurance in California. 

Ultimately, the nature of your business, payroll of employees being covered and past coverage and claims are all factors in how much your premium will cost. Learn more about workers' comp insurance rates >>

If you have questions about who needs to be covered by the policy and other questions about work comp, California’s Information and Assistance (I&A) Unit helps employers and employees understand their rights and responsibilities.

Work comp covers wage replacement and medical bills for employees injured on the job. To protect against other injuries at your place of business, you may need general liability insurance. Learn more about general liability >>

California Work Comp Resources

Editor's note: This page was updated in September 2021 for accuracy and comprehensiveness. 

How to Buy a Workers’ Comp Policy

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1. Request Coverage

We've made it easy. Answer a few simple questions about your business, employees and payroll. 

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2. Review Your Quote 

Receive an online quote from one of our top-rated carriers., all rated A or higher by A.M. Best.

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3. Purchase Your Policy

Some policies can be purchased online that same day — for near-instant coverage. 

California has a private market. You can purchase a workers' compensation policy from any private insurance carrier or agency that is licensed to write in the state. Get started on a policy with WorkCompOne >>

California has a state fund that competes with the private market, and also provides a last resort for businesses that can’t secure coverage elsewhere.

In the past, self-insurance was a viable option for only large companies. However, group self-insurance, which allows several employers to jointly self-insure, has increased in popularity. All self-insurance programs must meet state guidelines.

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How to Get Cheap Workers’ Compensation Insurance in California

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