What workers comp covers
- Medical benefits Doctor visits, hospital care, surgery, rehab for work-related injuries or illness.
- Wage-loss benefits A portion of lost wages while the employee can’t work.
- Disability benefits Temporary or permanent disability payments under California’s schedule.
- Vocational rehabilitation Training if the employee can’t return to the original role.
- Death benefits Burial costs and ongoing support to dependents.
- Employer legal defense Defense costs for workplace injury lawsuits.
How California workers comp is priced
California uses class codes tied to job duties. The advisory pure premium rate as of September 2025 is $1.52 per $100 of payroll an 8.7% hike from 2024, the first major increase in a decade. Roofers and structural steelworkers run high; clerical and IT run low. We benchmark your class code and push for discounts (drug-free workplace, safety programs, loss-free credits).