How to Know If Your Employer Has Workers’ Compensation Insurance in California
carries workers’ compensation insurance. In California, most employers are legally required to have it.
Below, we explain how you can find out if your employer is insured and what to do if they are not.
Is Workers’ Compensation Insurance Required in California?
Yes. In California, nearly all employers are required to carry workers’ compensation insurance,
even if they have only one employee. This insurance is meant to cover medical care, lost wages,
and other benefits if an employee is injured on the job.
There are very limited exceptions, but most employees — including part-time and seasonal workers —
are covered.
Ways to Check If Your Employer Has Workers’ Compensation Insurance
1. Ask Your Employer Directly
Employers are required to post a workers’ compensation notice in a visible area at the workplace.
This notice typically includes the name of the insurance company and policy information.
You may also ask your employer or HR department directly.
2. Check the California Workers’ Compensation Coverage Search
The California Division of Workers’ Compensation (DWC) provides a public online tool
where you can search for an employer’s workers’ compensation insurance coverage.
You can search by employer name to see:
- The insurance carrier’s name
- Policy number
- Coverage dates
- Whether coverage is active or expired
In California, some large employers are legally allowed to self-insure their workers’ compensation coverage instead of purchasing a policy from an insurance company. These employers must be approved by the Office of Self-Insurance Plans (OSIP), which oversees and authorizes qualified employers to provide their own workers’ compensation coverage. Employees can verify whether an employer is self-insured by searching OSIP’s public database here:
OSIP Self-Insured Employer Search
3. Look at Your Injury Paperwork
If you reported a work injury, the workers’ compensation claim form (DWC-1)
usually lists the employer’s insurance carrier.
If the form is missing this information, that may be a red flag.
4. Contact the Division of Workers’ Compensation
If you are unsure or believe your employer may be uninsured,
the California Division of Workers’ Compensation can help verify coverage
and explain your options.
What If My Employer Does NOT Have Workers’ Compensation Insurance?
If your employer is uninsured, they may be breaking the law.
Working without workers’ compensation coverage can expose employers
to serious penalties, including fines and criminal charges.
As an injured worker, you may have additional legal options, including:
- Filing a claim with the Uninsured Employers Benefits Trust Fund (UEBTF)
- Pursuing a civil lawsuit against the employer
- Recovering medical expenses and lost wages through alternative legal remedies
These cases can be more complex, and deadlines apply.
What Should I Do If I Was Injured at Work?
If you were hurt on the job, take these steps as soon as possible:
- Report the injury to your employer
- Request and complete a DWC-1 claim form
- Seek medical treatment
- Confirm whether your employer has workers’ compensation insurance
Even if you are unsure about coverage, do not assume you are out of options.
We Can Help
If you were injured at work and are unsure whether your employer has workers’ compensation insurance,
the attorneys at C&B Law Group can help you understand your rights and next steps.
We handle workers’ compensation claims for injured workers throughout all of California.
Contact us today for a free consultation.
