What is California Comp Authority?

California Comp Authority has 25 pages. See its app structure and page count in a summary based only on verified setup data.

Does California require workers' compensation insurance?

Yes. California law generally requires employers to carry workers' compensation insurance when they have one or more employees, subject to limited exceptions. Coverage can be purchased from a licensed carrier, the State Fund, or—rarely—through self-insurance for qualifying employers.

Do I need workers' comp with only one employee in California?

In most cases, yes. California requires coverage with one or more employees, including part-time and seasonal workers. Some exceptions exist for certain sole owners and family members depending on the business structure and election filed with the state.

Do California contractors need workers' compensation insurance?

Yes. California licensed contractors generally must carry workers' comp, even if they have no employees, and must disclose coverage status on their license. The Contractors State License Board requires active coverage or a valid exemption on file.

Can business owners exclude themselves from workers' comp in California?

Owners and partners may be able to exclude themselves depending on entity type and a formal election, but corporate officers and LLC members who are actively engaged must typically be included unless they properly opt out. Rules vary by structure.

What happens if a California business doesn't carry workers' comp?

Employing without required coverage can lead to penalties, stop orders, civil assessments, and potential criminal liability. Injured employees may still recover benefits, and the employer can be liable for the full cost plus penalties.

California Workers' Compensation Insurance

Coverage solutions for California businesses—from straightforward office risks to construction, staffing, transportation, manufacturing and harder-to-place accounts.

GET MY QUOTE TALK TO A SPECIALIST

California Businesses Industry-Specific Solutions Hard-to-Place Risks Fast Quote Review

1Business

2Operations

3Risk

4Contact

Does Your California Business Need Workers' Comp?

California employers generally must provide workers' compensation benefits when they have one or more employees, subject to applicable California law and limited exceptions. Coverage can be purchased from a licensed carrier, the State Compensation Insurance Fund, or—rarely—through self-insurance for qualifying employers.

California Division of Workers' Compensation

Common Questions

Direct answers to what California employers ask most.

Who We Help

California businesses across industries and risk profiles, including accounts that may be harder to place:

High experience modifications
Prior workers' comp claims
Difficult classifications
Lapses in coverage
New ventures
Rapidly growing payroll
Multi-location operations
High-hazard operations

Explore hard-to-place coverage

Behind Every Policy Is a Person at Work

Workers' comp protects the people who build, repair, drive, and run California's businesses. These are the workers we help you protect.

A crew of construction workers on the job — Job-site crews

Roofer working with a power drill — Roofing crews

Electrician working on an electrical panel — Electricians

Semi truck on the highway at dusk — Drivers on the road

Office team collaborating with laptops — Office & staffing teams

Plumber repairing plumbing — Plumbers & service techs

Construction worker on scaffolding — Trades at height

Colleagues working together at a table — Growing California teams

Industry-Specific Workers' Comp

Coverage tailored to the hazards, class codes, and claims patterns of your industry.

View all industries →

Construction

California construction businesses face elevated workplace injury risk from heights, heavy equipment, and moving materials, so workers' compensation is both legally required and critical to protect the company. Coverage is priced by class code and payroll, adjusted for claims history and experience modification, and specialty programs exist for high-hazard construction accounts.

Learn more

Roofing

Roofing is among the highest-hazard trades in California, with serious fall and heat-exposure risks that make workers' compensation essential and often expensive. Coverage is rated on a dedicated roofing class code, adjusted heavily by claims history and experience modification, and may require specialty carriers for accounts with prior losses.

Learn more

Electrical Contractors

California electrical contractors face shock, burn, and fall hazards that drive workers' compensation cost and underwriting scrutiny. Coverage is rated on an electrical class code by payroll, adjusted for claims history and experience modification, and generally more available than higher-hazard trades—though prior losses can still limit options.

Learn more

Plumbing

California plumbers face lifting, slip, and confined-space hazards that drive workers' compensation claims, though generally at lower severity than roofing or framing. Coverage is rated on plumbing class codes by payroll and adjusted for claims history and experience modification.

Learn more

Trucking

California trucking companies face serious injury exposure from highway accidents, loading, and long-haul fatigue, making workers' compensation essential and often complex. Coverage is rated on trucking class codes by payroll, adjusted for claims history and experience modification, and may require specialty carriers for accounts with poor loss history.

Learn more