Workers’ Compensation Insurance 

Workers’ Compensation Insurance for California Employers

If you run a business in California—even with just one employee—you’re legally required to carry workers’ compensation insurance. It’s a must-have coverage that protects both your people and your business when a workplace injury or illness occurs. At Derian Insurance, we help Los Angeles employers find smart, affordable work comp insurance options that meet state law and support your team when it matters most.



From construction crews in Burbank to retail shops in Pasadena, we help small and mid-size businesses across LA navigate California’s workers’ comp requirements with ease.

Warehouse workers with a pallet jack, stacking boxes on shelves.

How Work Comp Premiums Are Calculated

Workers’ compensation pays for medical bills, lost wages, and rehab if an employee is hurt on the job. It also helps shield you from lawsuits related to those injuries. For example:

Delivery person handing a package to a person.

A delivery driver is injured in a car accident

Black icon of a truck next to a warehouse.

A warehouse worker strains their back lifting heavy boxes

Person at desk with laptop, clock overhead.

An office employee develops carpal tunnel from repetitive tasks

In every case, employers’ insurance steps in to cover the cost.

Two construction workers wearing hard hats and overalls.

Who Needs Workers’ Compensation in California?

 Under California law, any business with one or more employees—even part-time or seasonal—must carry a workers’ comp policy. That includes:


  • Construction contractors
  • Restaurants and hospitality businesses
  • Retail stores and service providers
  • Nonprofits and family-run shops

Even sole proprietors often need coverage to meet contract requirements or protect themselves when hiring subcontractors.


Need it fast? We can issue workers’ comp certificates quickly for new hires or compliance with vendor agreements.

How Work Comp Premiums Are Calculated

Several factors impact the cost of your workman’s comp policy:

Stacks of paper currency.

Payroll

Higher payroll equals higher premium

Three black silhouettes of people.

Employee job class codes

Riskier work = higher rate (e.g., roofer vs. office admin)

Black silhouette of a multi-story building.

Experience Mod

Based on your company’s claims history (we help manage this over time)

Hand holding a shield with a checkmark, symbolizing security and protection.

Safety practices

Discounts available for safety programs and proactive risk management

We’ll help you review your classification codes, optimize your reporting, and keep your premiums under control.

Why Derian Insurance for Workers’ Comp?

We’ve been helping Los Angeles businesses navigate workers’ comp for over 55 years. Whether you’re in a high-risk industry like construction or just hiring your first W-2 employee, our team makes sure:


  • You meet all California workers’ comp rules
  • You’re set up with a carrier that understands your industry
  • You get help filing claims quickly and clearly if someone is injured
  • You have a real, local agent to talk to—not just a 1-800 number

We don’t just sell a policy—we help you understand how to make it work for your business.

Common Questions About Workers’ Comp in California

  • Who’s required to have workers’ comp in CA?

    Any business with even one employee. It’s not optional under state law.

  • What does workers’ comp insurance cover?

    It covers medical care, lost wages, rehab, and sometimes death benefits when an employee is injured or becomes ill due to work.

  • How are premiums determined?

    By your total payroll, your industry’s risk level (job class codes), and your claims history.

  • What if I’m self-employed?

    You’re not legally required to carry it, but some clients or contracts may require it anyway. Plus, we offer options for sole proprietors and independent contractors too.

  • Do I need coverage for subcontractors?

    In many cases, yes. If your subcontractors don’t carry their own valid workers’ comp, you may be held responsible for injuries.

Get a Workers’ Comp Quote in Los Angeles

Running a business is hard enough—compliance with California’s workers’ comp law doesn’t have to be. Let Derian Insurance guide you through your options, get you properly covered, and help you avoid costly mistakes.