Nadler Insurance

Workers Compensation Insurance

California requires it. We make sure you're covered correctly — and help you manage costs through smart coverage and safety strategies.

What Workers Comp Covers

Medical Benefits

Covers all reasonable and necessary medical treatment for work-related injuries and illnesses — doctor visits, surgery, medication, physical therapy, and more.

Temporary Disability

Replaces a portion of lost wages while an employee recovers from a work injury. Typically about two-thirds of the employee's average weekly wage.

Permanent Disability

Provides compensation if an employee has lasting impairment from a work injury. The amount depends on the severity of the disability.

Death Benefits

Provides benefits to dependents if an employee dies from a work-related injury or illness. Includes burial expenses.

Vocational Rehabilitation

Covers retraining and job placement assistance if an injured employee can't return to their previous position.

Employer's Liability

Protects employers against lawsuits from injured employees in certain circumstances. Covers legal defense costs and settlements.

California Workers Comp Requirements

  • All employers with employees must carry workers comp — even with just one part-time worker.
  • Post the required notice. Display the "Notice to Employees" poster where all employees can see it.
  • Provide claim forms promptly. You must give injured employees a claim form (DWC-1) within one working day.
  • Report injuries to your carrier as soon as possible — delays can complicate claims.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is workers comp required in California?
Yes. California requires all employers with one or more employees to carry workers compensation insurance. This includes part-time employees, family members, and in most cases, corporate officers. Sole proprietors without employees are generally exempt but can elect coverage.
What happens if I don't have workers comp?
Operating without workers comp in California is a criminal offense. Penalties include fines up to $100,000, potential jail time, and personal liability for any employee injuries. The state can also issue stop-work orders.
How is workers comp premium calculated?
Premiums are based on your payroll, industry classification codes, and experience modification rate (X-mod). High-risk industries pay more. Your claims history directly affects your X-mod — fewer claims mean lower premiums.
What should I do if an employee is injured?
Provide immediate first aid, then give the employee a claim form (DWC-1) within one working day. Report the injury to your insurance carrier promptly. Document everything and cooperate with the claims process. Call us if you have questions.
Can I reduce my workers comp costs?
Yes. Focus on workplace safety to prevent injuries, return injured workers to light duty quickly, and work to improve your experience modification rate. We can also shop your coverage across carriers to find competitive pricing.
Growing Up Covered

Free Guides & Checklists

Practical resources to help you understand your coverage.

How to Handle a Commercial General Liability or Work Comp Audit & What Could Trigger It.

A plain-English guide for Bay Area business owners going through a GL or Workers' Comp audit. Covers why audits happen, what happens if you ignore one (estimated high bill or mid-term cancellation), the two audit types, what auditors look for, how misclassification creates surprise bills, records to prepare, how to engage during the process, disputing results, and prevention habits. Ends with a printable prep checklist.

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