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Workers’ Compensation Insurance for California Employers

Show your team you care. Workers’ Compensation Coverage protects employees after workplace injuries and supports your business continuity.

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Workers’ compensation insurance in California pays for medical care and a portion of lost wages when an employee is hurt or becomes ill because of work, and it protects the employer from most injury lawsuits. California generally requires employers with employees to carry it. Confirm how the rules apply to you with a licensed agent.

Updated October 5, 2026

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Is workers’ compensation required in California?

California generally requires employers with employees to carry workers’ compensation insurance or be legally self-insured. Rules differ for certain workers, owners and contractors, and licensing may add its own requirements. Because the consequences of being uninsured are serious, confirm your obligations with a licensed agent.

Do not rely on assumptions about who counts as an employee. Classification rules are detailed.

A Blueprint for Worker's Trust. Workers’ compensation is your promise to care, covering medical bills and lost wages while protecting your company from costly claims and lawsuits.

What does workers’ compensation cover?

It covers medical treatment, a portion of lost wages, disability benefits and death benefits for employees injured or made ill through work. It also generally shields the employer from most lawsuits over those injuries, which is why it is described as an exclusive remedy, subject to the rules and exceptions that apply.

Medical care for work injuries and illnesses
Partial replacement of lost wages
Disability and rehabilitation benefits
Death benefits for dependents
Employer liability coverage in most policies

A Defined Process for Care and Continuity. We cover medical costs, rehabilitation, and partial wage replacement for work-related injuries, so employees get the care they need and your business stays protected.

two construction workers building something

What happens if I have employees and no coverage?

An employer without required coverage can face serious penalties, orders to stop work and responsibility for an injured worker’s costs, and may lose protections that insured employers have. The details depend on the situation, so address any gap quickly and speak with a licensed agent about getting compliant.

Coverage generally starts when the policy begins, not retroactively, so do not wait for an injury.

What affects workers’ compensation rates?

Rates are generally driven by the classification codes of your employees’ work, your payroll, and your claims history, which carriers express as an experience modification. A safer workplace and good claims management can improve your results over time. A broker can explain which of these factors you can influence.

Accurate classification and payroll reporting matter, because audits compare them with what you reported.

How do I get workers’ compensation quotes in California?

Tell Homewell about your business, employee roles and payroll. An independent broker compares carriers that write workers’ compensation, explains the options in plain language and returns tailored quotes. Requesting a quote is free, and you decide whether to move forward.

What your business does and where
Job roles and estimated payroll
Prior coverage and claims history
Any safety programs in place

HOW WE DO IT

Analysis Calculation Strategy Delivery

We review your operations to identify common injury risks and gaps in existing protection.

WHY HOMEWELL?

We are your Insurance Experts

We combine experience, carrier relationships, and claims know-how to protect employees and your bottom line.

Key takeaways

Workers’ compensation pays medical care and lost wages for work injuries and illnesses.
California generally requires employers with employees to carry it.
Being uninsured can bring serious penalties and exposure.
Classification, payroll and claims history drive rates.
An independent broker compares carriers to find the right fit.

Frequently asked questions

Are independent contractors covered by my workers’ compensation policy?

It depends on whether they are truly independent under the law. Misclassified workers may be treated as employees, so review classifications with a licensed agent.

Does workers’ compensation cover remote employees?

Employees working from home are generally covered for work-related injuries, although proving that an injury arose from work can be more complex. Report any incident promptly.

Should I report every injury to my insurer?

Report work injuries promptly according to your policy and legal requirements. Delays can complicate benefits and may create problems for the employer.

Can business owners cover themselves?

Sometimes. Whether owners are included or can elect coverage depends on the business structure and policy, so ask your broker about the options for your entity.

Your Next Step to Insure Your Business

Send your best email and we’ll reach out with a custom plan that fits your business. You can also call 866-856-3846.