Workers' Compensation Insurance Laws in California
In California, you must carry workers' compensation coverage with one employee or more. Workers' compensation has strict penalties in California. If your business fails to have coverage, it is a misdemeanor and carries a fine of $10,000 and up to a year in jail. If you fail to carry workers' compensation twice, penalties include one year in jail and a fine of $50,000.
What Does Workers' Compensation Cover in California?
In California, workers' compensation will cover several incidents for your business and employees. This policy pays for the medical expenses of an employee who is injured or becomes ill as a result of their duties. This can include the following:
- Traumatic injuries
- Repetitive injuries
- Some mental or cognitive injuries
- Occupational illnesses/diseases
What Doesn't Workers' Compensation Cover in California?
With any policy, some exclusions apply. In California, your workers' compensation insurance will not usually provide coverage for the following incidents:
- Intentional injuries or illnesses.
- Injuries or illnesses sustained outside of work.
- Injuries or illnesses sustained while committing a crime.
- Injuries or illnesses sustained under the influence of drugs or alcohol.
Common Workers' Compensation Claims in California
The Top 5 industries with the most fatalities, in order:
- Construction
- Transportation and warehousing
- Manufacturing
- Crop farming
- Landscaping
The Top 7 most reported fatal injuries are, in order:
- Violence and other injuries by persons or animals
- Transportation incidents
- Fires
- Falls, slips, trips
- Exposure to harmful substances or environments
- Contact with objects and equipment
- Overexertion and bodily reaction
According to statistical data, 463 workers' comp claims turned fatal in California in one recent year.
What Are the Best Workers' Compensation Companies in California?
| Top Workers' Compensation Insurance Companies | Star Rating |
| Travelers |  |
| Liberty Mutual | |
| Hanover | |
| EMC | |
| Builders & Tradesmen's Insurance |  |
How Much Does Workers' Compensation Insurance Cost in California?
Workers' compensation insurance costs will depend on several risk factors. There is a low to high range for workers' compensation rates in California. Below are rate ranges in California for several industries, per $100 of payroll:
| Industry | Low Cost | High Cost |
| Roofing Contractors | $23.06 | $87.83 |
| Asphalt & Paving Work | $0.72 | $2.57 |
| Residential Construction- Home Builders- Remodelers- Siding | $3.30 | $10.39 |
| Excavation | $5.54 | $18.65 |
| Grading Work | $4.04 | $14.67 |
National Average Cost of Workers' Compensation Insurance
Healthcare $1,825 Per $100,000 payroll
Retail Trade $2,850 Per $100,000 payroll
Construction $7,430 Per $100,000 payroll
FAQs: Workers' Compensation Insurance in California
What is workers' compensation insurance?
California workers' compensation insurance pays for an employee's medical expenses and lost wages when they get injured or become ill as a result of doing their job.
Is workers' compensation taxable in California?
No. If your employee has to file a claim against your workers' compensation policy, their benefits will not be counted as taxable income in California.
Is workers' compensation required in California?
Yes. California requires all business owners to carry workers' compensation insurance when they have just one employee or more. Coverage must be obtained at the minimum limits of liability at least.
How can you acquire a workers' compensation certificate in California?
When your business works with other companies, individuals, and municipalities, they may require proof of insurance. A certificate of workers' compensation coverage can be obtained from your local agent and provide evidence of protection.
Why shop workers' compensation insurance with a California independent agent?
When you're searching for workers' compensation insurance in California, you'll have options. Working with an independent insurance agent can get you affordable coverage that suits your needs the best. They have access to multiple carriers so that you're presented with top-rated companies.