Workers' Comp for Roofers,
GCs, Electricians & Every CA Trade
Required by California law for any contractor with employees. Same-day coverage. We shop 100+ carriers to find your lowest rate.
Quick Answer
Workers' compensation insurance is required by California law for any contractor with one or more employees. Self-employed contractors may also need it for certain job sites. Rates are based on your trade and payroll — roofing and demolition trades pay the highest rates, while painting and landscaping pay lower. Most contractors can get same-day coverage and a certificate of insurance.
What Workers' Comp Covers
⚠️ California Law Requires It
California Labor Code Section 3700 requires every employer to have workers' compensation insurance. Failure to carry workers' comp is a criminal offense, punishable by up to $10,000 in fines and potential imprisonment. The CSLB requires proof of coverage for all licensed contractors.
Who Needs Workers' Comp in California?
Any California contractor with employees — including part-time workers, seasonal crew, and in many cases subcontractors classified as employees — is required by law to carry workers' compensation insurance. Even a single employee triggers the requirement.
Sole proprietors with zero employees previously could file a workers' comp exemption with the CSLB. That changed on January 1, 2026.
California SB 216 — Ghost Policies for Sole Proprietors (Effective Jan 1, 2026)
California SB 216 eliminated the workers' compensation exemption for most CSLB contractor license classifications. As of January 1, 2026, ALL licensed contractors must carry a workers' compensation policy — even sole proprietors with zero employees. This includes trades that were previously exempt, such as HVAC (C-20), Concrete (C-8), Landscaping (C-27), and many others.
What is a Ghost Policy? A ghost policy (also called an owner-exclusion WC policy) is a workers' compensation policy that covers the business entity but excludes the owner from benefits. The premium is minimal — typically $800–$1,500/year — because there is no payroll to rate. It satisfies the CSLB's WC requirement without adding employee payroll.
The CSLB is actively suspending licenses for non-compliance. If your license is at risk, call us now — we can bind a ghost policy same-day and submit proof of coverage to the CSLB on your behalf.
How Much Does Workers' Comp Cost?
Most small California contractors pay between $1,500 and $6,000 per year depending on their payroll and trade. Roofing contractors typically pay more than painters or landscapers due to higher fall risk. Your premium is calculated based on:
We shop 100+ carriers to find you the most competitive rate for your specific trade and payroll. Call us for a no-obligation quote.
Workers' Comp and Your CSLB License
The California Contractors State License Board (CSLB) requires proof of workers' compensation insurance — or a valid exemption — at every license renewal. If your policy lapses, the CSLB can suspend your license within days, meaning you cannot legally bid or work on jobs.
We track your renewal dates and notify you before your policy expires so you're never at risk of a lapse. See full CSLB insurance requirements →
We Cover All Contractor Trades
Frequently Asked Questions
Is workers' compensation required for contractors in California?
Can I get workers' comp if I'm self-employed?
How much does workers' comp cost for contractors in California?
How fast can I get a certificate of insurance?
What does workers' comp cover?
What is a ghost policy and do I need one?
Do I need workers' comp for subcontractors?
What happens if I don't have workers' comp in California?
What is WCIRB and how does it affect my workers' comp rate?
Can I reduce my workers' comp costs?
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Serving California Contractors Statewide
We write workers' compensation policies for contractors across all of California — from San Diego to Sacramento, from the Central Valley to the Bay Area. Same-day COI available in every county.
Comprehensive Contractor Coverage
Workers' compensation is one piece of a contractor's insurance puzzle. Protect your business with comprehensive coverage that includes liability protection, vehicle coverage, and business property protection.
Workers' Compensation for California Contractors Statewide
Asena Capital serves licensed contractors across all of California — from San Diego to the Bay Area. Whether you're a sole proprietor or run a team, we shop 100+ carriers to find you the most competitive workers' comp rate for your specific trade and payroll.
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