Construction & Contractors Workers' Comp · California
Construction & Contractors Workers' Comp Insurance in California
Requirements, class codes, and costs for construction & contractors businesses in California — shopped across multiple carriers by a licensed agency.
Is workers' comp required for construction & contractors in California?
California requires workers' compensation for every employer with at least one employee — with no exceptions based on business size or industry (Labor Code § 3700).
Operating without coverage is a criminal misdemeanor punishable by fines up to $100,000, stop-work orders, and personal liability for every injury claim.
Coverage is available from private carriers or the State Compensation Insurance Fund (State Fund), the insurer of last resort.
Construction & Contractors class codes
The right class code sets your rate. California classifies payroll under WCIRB — California uses its own rating bureau and class codes, not NCCI.
| Code | Description |
|---|---|
| 5606 | Contractors — General |
| 5403 | Carpentry NOC |
| 5645 | Carpentry — Detached One or Two-Family Dwellings |
| 5651 | Carpentry — Dwellings Three Stories or Less |
| 5183 | Plumbing NOC & Drivers |
| 5190 | Electrical Wiring — Within Buildings |
| 5551 | Roofing — All Kinds |
| 5022 | Masonry NOC |
| 5213 | Concrete Construction NOC |
| 5491 | Painting or Paperhanging |
| 5537 | HVAC Systems — Installation, Service & Repair |
| 5445 | Wallboard or Sheetrock Installation |
| 5348 | Tile Work — Inside |
| 5437 | Carpentry — Cabinet Work or Interior Trim |
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What construction & contractors workers' comp costs in California
California has some of the highest workers' comp rates in the country and classifies payroll under WCIRB codes rather than NCCI.
The biggest drivers of your construction & contractors premium:
- · Trade classification — roofers pay significantly more than finish carpenters
- · Total annual payroll across all class codes
- · Experience modification rate (EMR)
- · Use of subcontractors and their insurance status
Try our cost calculator for a rough estimate, or request a quote for an exact rate.
Common construction & contractors claims
- ⚠ Falls from ladders, scaffolding, and roofs
- ⚠ Struck-by injuries from falling tools and materials
- ⚠ Electrocution and electrical burns
- ⚠ Overexertion and back injuries from lifting
- ⚠ Power tool and equipment-related injuries
Frequently asked questions
Is workers' compensation required for construction & contractors in California? +
California requires workers' compensation for every employer with at least one employee — with no exceptions based on business size or industry (Labor Code § 3700). Operating without coverage is a criminal misdemeanor punishable by fines up to $100,000, stop-work orders, and personal liability for every injury claim.
How much does construction & contractors workers' comp cost in California? +
California has some of the highest workers' comp rates in the country and classifies payroll under WCIRB codes rather than NCCI. Your construction & contractors premium ultimately depends on your class code, payroll, claims history, and experience modification rate — request a quote for an exact, carrier-underwritten rate.
How much does workers' comp cost for a contractor? +
Rates vary dramatically by trade. Clerical staff might be $0.30 per $100 of payroll, while roofers can be $15-$25+ per $100. A general contractor with $500,000 in payroll across multiple trades might pay $15,000-$40,000 annually. We shop 10+ carriers to get the best rate for your specific trades.
Do I need workers' comp if I'm a sole proprietor with no employees? +
In most states, sole proprietors can exempt themselves. However, many GCs and project owners won't let you on site without a workers' comp certificate. We can set up a policy covering just the owner — often called an "owner-only" or "ghost" policy — so you can stay on job sites.
Get Construction & Contractors Coverage in California
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