Short answer: if you have employees in California, yes. California is one of the strictest states in the country on this — and the penalties for going without are serious.
When California requires it
California requires workers’ compensation as soon as you have even one employee. Some roofing license types require it even with no employees. Sole proprietors with no staff generally aren’t required to carry it on themselves — but many contracts and clients still expect it.
What it covers — and why it protects you too
- Medical care for a work-related injury or illness
- A portion of lost wages while an employee recovers
- Permanent disability and vocational rehabilitation
- Employer’s liability — it shields you from being sued directly for that injury
The cost of skipping it
Operating without required coverage in California can mean stop-work orders and steep fines — far more than the premium would have cost. Premiums ride on your payroll and class codes, and getting those codes right matters.
Get covered correctly
Insurance City is a local independent brokerage in Stockton. We’ll classify your payroll correctly and shop it across carriers — no broker fees on standard policies. Call (209) 670-1556 or see our workers’ comp page.