California workers' compensation

Workers Compensation Insurance in California (CA)

Small Business Coverage and Peace of Mind

California is home to some of the world’s most recognizable cities, including Los Angeles, Hollywood, San Diego, and San Francisco. From the waves of the beaches of the Pacific ocean to the towering peaks of Yosemite National Park, California is a beautiful part of the United States. From the Gold Rush of 1849 through the agricultural and oil booms of the early twentieth century to the high-tech revolution of the twenty-first, the state continues to be a hub of economic activity.

California is the most populous state and one of the most productive, with a gross domestic product larger than all but seven countries. As a world center for trade, transportation, high tech, education services and manufacturing, the Golden State is responsible for nearly 14% of the GDP of the United States.1

As might be expected in a state as large and diverse as California, small business activity has a major impact on the economy. The state has over 3.5 million small businesses that employ fewer than 500 employees. They account for 99.2% of all employers in the state and employ 50.4% of the private-sector workforce.2 Most independent businesses in California are small, with 80% having less than 20 employees. Small firms engaged in manufacturing, retail trade, health care and social assistance are the most numerous. Whatever the size and scope of the business, all businesses in California are required by state law to carry workers’ compensation insurance. Paid by employers, workers’ compensation insurance covers medical costs and disability benefits for on-the-job injuries and illnesses.3

The top businesses purchasing workers’ compensation in California are computer and electronic manufacturers, machine shops, wholesalers, retailers, auto repair and services, and those in the finance and insurance industries.

California Workmans’ Comp Coverage You Need

Interested in learning more about how EMPLOYERS can help your California business Request a quote for workers’ compensation insurance from EMPLOYERS!

Thousands of small businesses trust EMPLOYERS for providing cost-effective workers’ compensation insurance for over a century. With our competitive pricing, financial stability and dependability, claims service, safety training and risk advisory programs, EMPLOYERS remains focused on keeping America’s small businesses not only working, but working safely.


1. Clifford Woodruff and Ralph Rodriguez,“ Widespread but Slower Growth,” Bureau of Economic Analysis, June 11, 2014. https://www.bea.gov/system/files/2019-02/gsp0614.pdf

2. “Small Business Profile, California,” SBA Office of Advocacy, February, 2013. https://www.sba.gov/sites/default/files/ca12.pdf

3. Marc Lifsher, “Higher Workers’ Comp Rates Likely,” Los Angeles Times, December 23, 2013, http://articles.latimes.com/2013/dec/23/business/la-fi-capitol-business-beat-20131223

In California, insurance is offered through Employers Compensation Insurance Company, Employers Assurance Company and Employers Preferred Insurance Company. Not all insurers do business in all jurisdictions.