Contractor Workers' Comp in the San Francisco Bay Area
Serving contractors in San Jose, San Francisco, Oakland and all of the San Francisco Bay Area. TOR shops 50+ top-rated carriers to find the right workers' comp for your crew and your budget.
- 50+ top-rated carriers
- 30 years protecting contractors
- Pay-as-you-go options
- Fast certificates for GCs
- Workers' comp, GL & auto together
- Hablamos español
Talk to a commercial specialist: (855) 867-0002
California is making workers' comp mandatory for all contractors
Under SB 216 (as amended by SB 1455), every licensed California contractor will need workers' compensation starting January 1, 2028 — even with no employees. The CSLB is expected to start stricter checks on "no employees" exemptions in 2027.
- Already required regardless of employees: concrete (C-8), HVAC (C-20), asbestos abatement (C-22), roofing (C-39) and tree service (D-49).
- Any contractor with employees must carry it today.
Why contractors in the San Francisco Bay Area choose TOR
We specialize where others generalize. TOR Insurance Services has protected California businesses for 30 years from our home base in Fullerton — and we serve contractors statewide.
Top-rated carriers
One call gets you compared across 50+ carriers, including specialty markets for high-risk trades.
Years of experience
Deep knowledge of California class codes, X-Mods and payroll audits — so you're not overpaying.
Years with CLCA
Endorsed broker for the Hispanic Arborist Association and a long-time partner of CLCA.
Captive programs
For larger contractors with strong safety records, captive solutions can return real savings.
Trades we insure
From one-truck operations to large general contractors — residential, commercial and public works.
- General Contractor
- Framing / Carpentry
- Concrete
- Roofing
- Electrical
- Plumbing
- HVAC
- Drywall / Lathing & Plaster
- Painting
- Landscaping
- Tree Service
- Masonry
- Flooring / Tile
- Grading / Excavation / Paving
- Solar
- Fencing
- Pool & Spa
- Handyman / Remodeling
One broker for your whole contractor package
Lead with workers' comp, then round out the coverage your contracts require.
Workers' Compensation
Medical care and lost wages for injured employees, required for California employers. Pay-as-you-go and monthly options available.
General Liability
Third-party injury and property damage claims, with additional insured and waiver endorsements your general contractors ask for.
Commercial Auto
Trucks, vans and trailers used for your business, including hired and non-owned auto coverage.
How it works
- Tell us about your businessTrade, payroll and employees — the form takes about 2 minutes.
- We shop 50+ carriersWe check your class codes and X-Mod, then compare real quotes side by side.
- Get covered fastPick your policy and get certificates to your GCs and project owners quickly.
What our clients say
“They are very thorough and such a pleasure to work with.”
“Awesome people doing an outstanding job to help with insurance.”
“Very knowledgeable and patient which are definitely a plus!”
Contractor workers' comp FAQ
Do California contractors need workers' compensation insurance?
Yes, if you have employees. California requires every employer to carry workers' comp, and the CSLB requires licensed contractors with employees to keep a certificate on file. Concrete (C-8), HVAC (C-20), asbestos abatement (C-22), roofing (C-39) and tree service (D-49) contractors must carry it even with no employees.
Is workers' comp going to be required for all contractors?
Yes. Under SB 216 as amended by SB 1455, all licensed California contractors will need workers' comp starting January 1, 2028, whether or not they have employees. The CSLB is expected to tighten verification of “no employees” exemptions starting in 2027, so it pays to plan now.
How is the price of construction workers' comp calculated?
Premium is based mainly on your payroll in each job classification (class code), the rate for those classes, and your experience modification (X-Mod) if you have one. Accurate class codes and clean payroll records are the fastest way to a fair price — we review both for you.
Can I get pay-as-you-go workers' comp?
Many of the carriers we work with offer pay-as-you-go billing tied to your actual payroll, which can lower the down payment and reduce year-end audit surprises. Ask us which options fit your business.
Do you also write general liability and commercial auto?
Yes. Most contractors need workers' comp, general liability and commercial auto together. We can quote all three at once and help you meet certificate requirements from general contractors and project owners.
What do you need for a quote?
Your business name, license number, trade, estimated annual payroll by type of work, number of employees, and current policy and loss history if you have them. Send the form and we'll follow up with anything else.
We serve contractors across California
Cities we serve in the San Francisco Bay Area: San Jose, San Francisco, Oakland, Fremont, Hayward, Santa Clara, Concord, Sunnyvale, Santa Rosa, Vallejo, and surrounding communities.
Ready to lower your workers' comp cost?
Free, no-obligation review of your current policy by a California commercial specialist.