Workers' compensation insurance for California employers
If your business has employees in California, workers' comp is required by law. We help contractors and small businesses across North County and the Temecula Valley find the right policy — and keep it in good standing as your crew grows.
Workers' Compensation Insurance: what it can cover
Workers' compensation protects your employees and your business when someone is hurt or becomes ill because of their job. A policy typically includes:
Medical care
Doctor visits, hospital care, prescriptions and treatment for work-related injuries and illnesses.
Lost wages
Disability benefits that replace part of an injured employee's pay while they recover.
Return-to-work help
Benefits that help injured workers get back on the job or retrain for new work.
Death benefits
Benefits for the dependents of a worker who dies from a work-related injury or illness.
Employer's liability
Protection for your business if it's sued over a workplace injury.
Who needs workers' comp in California?
- Any business with one or more employees — full-time or part-time
- Licensed contractors with employees — the CSLB requires a workers' comp certificate on file (or an exemption if you have none)
- Concrete (C-8), HVAC (C-20), asbestos (C-22), roofing (C-39) and tree service (D-49) contractors — even with no employees
- Subcontractors whose general contractor asks for proof of coverage before the job starts
Coverage, limits and exclusions vary by carrier and policy. We'll walk you through the details of any policy before you buy.
Workers' comp for the businesses that keep North County working
Every industry has its own class codes and risks. We work with employers like these every day:
Contractors & trades
General contractors, remodelers, electricians, plumbers, roofers, concrete and other trades.
Landscapers
Landscape maintenance, tree care, irrigation and hardscape crews.
Trucking & delivery
Drivers, haulers and delivery businesses — pair it with commercial auto.
Agriculture
Farms, ranches, groves, vineyards and wineries with farm workers.
Retail
Shops, stores and service businesses with counter and stock staff.
Restaurants
Restaurants, cafés and food service with kitchen and front-of-house teams.
One call, multiple workers' comp carriers
Workers' comp pricing and underwriting can vary a lot between companies. As an independent agency, we shop it for you.
- We compare carriers — including State Fund and The Zenith — instead of offering just one company's policy
- We help make sure your employees are in the right classification codes and your payroll estimate is realistic, so there are fewer surprises at audit time
- Certificates of insurance for general contractors, clients and job sites when you need them
- Help reporting a claim and working with the carrier when an employee gets hurt
- One local agency for your workers' comp, general liability, commercial auto and contractor coverage
Why DeWitt Insurance
- Independent agencyWe aren't tied to one company — we compare multiple carriers to find coverage that fits.
- Serving California since 1978Decades of experience helping families and businesses choose the right protection.
- Local office1081 Borden Rd., Ste. 107 in Escondido, serving Temecula, the Temecula Valley and North County.
- A real person answersCall (760) 747-9596 Monday–Friday, 8:30 AM – 4:30 PM.
Common questions
Is workers' comp required in California?
Yes. California requires every employer with one or more employees to carry workers' compensation insurance (or be certified by the state to self-insure) — even if the employees are part-time.
I'm a contractor with no employees. Do I need it?
Right now most license classifications can file an exemption with the CSLB if you truly have no employees. Concrete (C-8), HVAC (C-20), asbestos abatement (C-22), roofing (C-39) and tree service (D-49) contractors must carry it regardless, and under current law all licensed contractors will need workers' comp starting January 1, 2028. Call us and we'll help you plan ahead.
How is my workers' comp premium figured?
Premiums are generally based on your payroll, the classification codes for the work your employees do and your claims history. Most policies are audited at the end of the term to compare actual payroll with the estimate.
Which workers' comp carriers do you work with?
We work with carriers including State Fund and The Zenith, and we'll compare options to find the right fit for your business.
What should I do if an employee is hurt on the job?
Make sure they get medical care first. Then give them a claim form within one working day of learning about the injury, and call us at (760) 747-9596 — we'll help you report the claim to your carrier.
Ready to compare your options?
Get a free, no-obligation quote — or call and talk it through with a real person.