Get Your Free California Workers' Comp Quote — With or Without Employees.
Ghost policies for solo California contractors. Full coverage for contractors with employees.
Get your certificate of insurance the same day your policy starts. Available through The Contractors Resource Center.
No employees? You may only need a ghost policy.
A ghost policy is a minimum workers' comp policy for owner-operators with no employees. It excludes you as the owner, is audited to confirm there's no payroll, and gives you the workers' comp certificate that clients and the CSLB may require.
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California Construction Insurance Specialist
Helping contractors start, manage and grow a successful construction business
You deserve more than a policy. You deserve a partner who gets you the workers' comp certificate you need with clear next steps. For 15+ years I've helped residential contractors with their insurance options. Watch ContractorTV on YouTube and listen to the California Contractor Podcast on Spotify — I share how to build a stronger construction business.
- Member & Insurance Advisor, California Building Industry Association (CBIA)
- Member & Insurance Advisor, National Association of the Remodeling Industry (NARI)
With employees vs. ghost policy
- With employees: standard California workers' compensation covering your payroll.
- No employees: you may only need a ghost policy — minimum workers' comp for owner-operators that excludes you as the owner, is audited for no payroll, and gives you a certificate clients, general contractors or the CSLB may require. See Ghost Policies
Class codes that often need a certificate
Certain trades often need proof of workers' comp. Explore your class code:
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Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
1. Do California contractors need workers' comp with employees?
Yes. If you have employees (or issue payroll), California generally requires a standard workers' compensation policy. Get a quote on this page and we'll help you compare options.
2. What if I have no employees but need a certificate?
You may only need a ghost policy — a real workers' comp policy written with no payroll. It provides a certificate for GCs, HOAs, or CSLB classes that require proof. See our ghost policy page for details.
3. What is the difference between a ghost policy and payroll workers' comp?
A ghost policy has no payroll and excludes the owner; it's for certificate/CSLB proof when you work alone. Payroll workers' comp covers employees when you have wages. We'll help you pick the right path.
4. Is workers' comp only for California contractors?
CRC's workers' compensation and ghost policy quotes are for California contractors. Contractor bonds are available in every U.S. state.
5. How fast can I get a certificate of insurance?
Once your policy starts, we can typically issue a same-day certificate of insurance so you can show a GC or file with the CSLB.
6. How do I get a workers' comp quote?
Fill out the short form on this page or call us at 530.320.3617. Tell us whether you have employees or work alone, plus your CSLB class if you have one.
7. Which license classes often need workers' comp proof?
Classes like C-8 Concrete, C-20 HVAC, C-22 Asbestos, C-39 Roofing, and C-61/D-49 Tree Service often need a policy on file even with no employees. See our class landing pages for details.
8. Does a ghost policy cover me if I get hurt?
No. Ghost policies exclude the owner. If you want coverage for your own injury, you need a standard workers' comp policy — ask us which fits.
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