Hiring Employees
Protect your employees — and your business.
Hiring your first employee is an exciting milestone, but it also brings new insurance responsibilities. Whether you're bringing on a single part-time employee or building a larger team, I can help you understand Workers' Compensation requirements, explain how premiums are calculated, and explore additional coverages that help protect your business as it grows.
Scenarios you may encounter
You may be:
Hiring your first employee
Bringing on seasonal or part-time staff
Growing from a sole proprietorship into an employer
Opening a retail storefront or office
Expanding into multiple locations
Unsure whether owners should be included on the Workers' Compensation policy
Questions I can help answer:
Do I need Workers' Compensation insurance?
In California, most employers are required to carry Workers' Compensation insurance as soon as they hire one or more employees—even if those employees work part-time.
Workers' Compensation helps pay for medical expenses, lost wages, rehabilitation, and other benefits if an employee is injured or becomes ill due to their work.
Can LLC members or corporate officers exclude themselves?
Depending on your business structure and state law, certain owners, officers, partners, or LLC members may have the option to exclude themselves from Workers' Compensation coverage.
Choosing whether to include or exclude owners is an important decision that can affect both your premium and your personal protection if you're injured while working.
How are Workers' Compensation premiums calculated?
Premiums are typically based on several factors, including:
Your industry and employee job classifications
Estimated annual payroll
Number of employees
Claims history (for established businesses)
Experience Modification Factor (Experience Mod), when applicable
Providing accurate payroll estimates and employee classifications helps ensure your policy is appropriately priced from the beginning.
What information is needed for a quote?
To prepare a Workers' Compensation quote, I will typically need:
Business name and entity type
Description of business operations
Number of full-time and part-time employees
Estimated annual payroll
Employee job duties and classifications
Whether owners wish to be included or excluded
Desired effective date
For established businesses, additional underwriting information may also be requested.
What if my business grows during the policy term?
Businesses evolve, and your insurance should evolve with them.
If you hire additional employees, increase payroll, add new job duties, or expand operations, it's important to update your Workers' Compensation policy so your coverage remains accurate and compliant.
As your business grows, your insurance needs often extend beyond Workers' Compensation. Depending on your operations and long-term goals, it may be appropriate to discuss additional protection for your business, your employees, and your family.
Business Owner Protection
Businesses evolve, and your insurance should evolve with them.
If your business depends on your ability to work or generate income, you may also wish to explore individual protection strategies, including:
Individual Disability Income Insurance
Key Person Life Insurance
Buy-Sell funding strategies
Whole Life or Term Life Insurance
Long-Term Care Insurance
These solutions can help protect both your family and your business in the event of death, disability, or a long-term health event.
Looking for employee benefits?
Businesses evolve, and your insurance should evolve with them.
While my practice focuses on individual insurance solutions and commercial business coverage, I maintain relationships with experienced professionals who specialize in employee benefit programs, including:
Group Life Insurance
Group Disability Insurance
Group Dental and Vision
Employee Health Benefits
Retirement Plan Consulting
If your business reaches the point where these benefits make sense, I'd be happy to connect you with a trusted specialist while continuing to serve as your primary insurance resource.
Ready to discuss Workers' Compensation?
Whether you're hiring your first employee or expanding an existing team, I'd be happy to help you evaluate your options and obtain quotes.
If you're ready to begin the conversation, please complete the insurance quote request form here. I'll review your information and contact you within two business days to discuss your options.
I am licensed to assist clients with insurance solutions in my home state of California, and I hold licenses to practice in other states as well. Please click here to view the most current list of states I hold licensure in. If you don't currently see your state listed, feel free to contact me. Depending on the type of coverage you're seeking, I may be able to obtain the necessary licensing or connect you with an appropriate solution*.
*Please note that insurance products, carrier availability, and licensing requirements vary by state, so not every coverage option is available in every location.