What should a California contractor prepare for a Workers' Compensation review?

Prepare the business name, license or trade information, employee and payroll details, operations, vehicles or equipment when relevant, contracts, prior coverage, and claims history. A licensed team member can then review the request subject to carrier eligibility, policy terms, and underwriting.

How are Workers' Compensation limits or terms selected for a contractor?

Limits and terms are not universal. They can be influenced by the contractor's actual work, contracts, employee duties, vehicle use, project requirements, prior loss history, carrier guidelines, and applicable California requirements. The appropriate structure must be reviewed for the individual operation.

Can Asena provide an exact price or guarantee coverage for this page?

No. Any indication is preliminary until complete information is reviewed. Availability, pricing, limits, effective dates, certificates, and coverage are subject to carrier eligibility, policy terms, underwriting, and written confirmation.

Workers Comp Insurance Cost for Framing Contractors in California (2026 Rates)

## Workers Comp Insurance Cost for Framing Contractors in California (2026) Residential framing contractors in California (CSLB license C-5 or B) fall under WCIRB class code 5645. Framing is one of the higher-risk construction classifications due to fall exposure from open framing and elevated work. ### 2026 Workers Comp Rates for Framing Contractors | Payroll | Rate Range | Annual Premium (Est.) | |---------|-----------|----------------------| | $50,000 | pricing varies by classification, payroll, operations, claims history, limits, and underwriting/per $100 | pricing varies by classification, payroll, operations, claims history, limits, and underwriting | | $100,000 | pricing varies by classification, payroll, operations, claims history, limits, and underwriting/per $100 | pricing varies by classification, payroll, operations, claims history, limits, and underwriting | | $250,000 | pricing varies by classification, payroll, operations, claims history, limits, and underwriting/per $100 | pricing varies by classification, payroll, operations, claims history, limits, and underwriting | Framing contractors pay significantly more than many other trades due to the high fall exposure from open-frame construction. A strong safety program and clean EMR are critical to keeping costs down. ### Common Workers Comp Claims for Framing Contractors - **Falls from open framing** — the most serious and costly claim type - **Nail gun injuries** — puncture wounds from pneumatic nail guns - **Saw injuries** — circular saw and miter saw lacerations - **Back strain** — from lifting lumber and repetitive bending ### SB 216 and Framing Contractors SB 216 Phase 1 does NOT apply to C-5 framing contractors. Phase 2 (January 1, 2028) will require all CSLB license holders including sole proprietors to carry workers comp. ### Get a Framing Contractor Workers Comp Quote **Call (858) 925-9555** or [get a quote online](/get-workers-comp-quote).