Workers’ Comp Ghost Policy for California Contractors With No Employees
Get the workers’ comp certificate your clients and the Contractors State License Board (CSLB) ask for when you work alone.
- 15+ years working with California contractors
- The Contractors Resource Center files your workers’ comp notification with the CSLB for you.
- Same-day certificate of insurance once your policy is bound
Call Kevin: 530.320.3617
Book a free 15-minute call
Get your ghost policy quote
I’ll reach out personally.
Do I need a ghost policy?
- You run your business with no employees.
- A client, GC, property manager or HOA requires a workers’ comp certificate before you start.
- Your CSLB classification is one that must carry workers’ comp even with no employees.
- You need a workers’ comp certificate on file to get or renew your CSLB license.
How it works
- 1. Tell me about your businessSend the form or call. I’ll confirm you have no employees and check your license class.
- 2. Review your optionsI shop carriers through our ContractorGHOST program and explain the policy in plain English.
- 3. Get your certificateOnce your policy is bound, you get your certificate the same day, and we file with the CSLB for you.
Talk with Kevin
Hi, I’m Kevin Leipsic. I help California contractors get the right coverage without the runaround.
- Member & Insurance Advisor, California Building Industry Association (CBIA)
- Member & Insurance Advisor, National Association of the Remodeling Industry (NARI)
- Host of ContractorTV on YouTube
- Host of the California Contractor Podcast on Spotify
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Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
1. Can I get workers’ comp if I have no employees in California?
Yes. A contractor with no employees can buy a workers’ comp policy with no payroll, usually called a ghost policy. It comes with a real workers’ comp certificate you can hand to a GC, property manager or HOA.
2. What is a workers’ comp ghost policy?
“Ghost policy” is an industry nickname for a real workers’ comp policy written with no payroll, sometimes called an owner-only or zero-payroll policy. It excludes the owner and is audited to confirm no payroll was issued. Its main job is to get you a valid certificate.
3. Does a ghost policy cover me if I get hurt?
No. Every ghost policy excludes the owner, so it won’t pay for your own injury. If you want coverage for yourself, you need a standard workers’ comp policy.
4. Why does my general contractor want a workers’ comp certificate?
Many GCs, property managers and HOAs make a workers’ comp certificate part of their own contract requirements, so they ask every contractor on the job. That’s their rule, not the CSLB’s, so it can apply even when your license doesn’t require workers’ comp.
5. Does the CSLB require workers’ comp for my license?
It depends on your classification. Some CSLB classes must carry workers’ comp even with no employees, while others can file an exemption. Tell me your license class and I’ll walk you through what applies to you.
6. What happens at the workers’ comp audit?
Every ghost policy is audited to confirm you didn’t issue payroll during the policy period. If you truly worked alone, the audit should be straightforward. If you plan to hire someone, call me first so the policy can be changed to cover payroll.
ContractorGHOST is The Contractors Resource Center’s program name, not an insurance carrier. Ghost policies exclude the owner and are audited to confirm no payroll.