Hiring Your First W-2 Employee in California — Workers Comp Setup Checklist (Free PDF)
- 3 days ago
- 2 min read
California is the strictest state in the country for Workers' Compensation. The moment you have a single W-2 employee — or, in many cases, a 1099 worker who fails the AB-5 ABC Test — Workers Comp is mandatory. This free PDF walks you through every document to gather, the class codes that drive your premium, the typical California pricing, and the 5 rookie mistakes that cost employers tens of thousands.
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What’s in the checklist
When Workers Comp is mandatory in California (one W-2 = required, with three narrow exemptions). What happens if you skip it (uncapped civil liability + DIR Stop Order + $1,500/employee/year penalties + criminal misdemeanor exposure). 30-minute Day-1 document checklist (EIN, CEAN, LLC papers, NAICS, payroll, job descriptions, officer DOBs). Class code rate table (8810 clerical, 9079 restaurant, 5403 carpentry, 5645 electrical, 7228/7229 trucking, 9015 janitorial). The 3-day binding path: shop 5-7 California carriers (ICW, Berkshire Hathaway Homestate, Travelers, Employers, Republic Indemnity, Zenith, plus State Fund). Typical California pricing for $100K payroll. 5 rookie mistakes (hiring before binding, AB-5 misclassification, underreporting payroll, skipping X-Mod review, lapsing coverage).
Talk to CoverToday
CoverToday Insurance Agency writes California Workers Comp for contractors, restaurants, retail, professional services, and trucking operations every week. Bilingual service in English and Russian. Same-day binding when documentation is complete. Call or text 310-299-5555. CA Department of Insurance License #0K77310.
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