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Workers' Comp Insurance for San Francisco Contractors

Same-day certificate of insurance for construction, roofing, electrical, and hard-to-place trades in San Francisco, CA. PEO-backed. No audit. Fast approval.

Same-day COI
PEO-backed
No deposit
Hard-to-place OK

Why Comp Ninjas in San Francisco?

Same-day certificate of insurance
No large upfront deposit
Weekly pay based on actual payroll
No year-end audit
Hard-to-place industries approved
Bilingual — we speak Spanish

Industries We Cover

Construction
Roofing
Electrical
Plumbing
Home Health
Staffing
Demolition

What You Need to Know

San Francisco has some of the highest construction costs and most complex permitting requirements in California. The San Francisco Department of Building Inspection (DBI) requires all contractors to carry active workers' comp before pulling permits. Roofing and demolition contractors face particularly high WCIRB rates due to the city's dense urban environment and older building stock.

Workers Comp Rates in San Francisco by Industry

Workers comp rates in California are calculated per $100 in payroll and vary by class code. Below are typical rates for the most common industries in San Francisco.

TradeCodeRate / $100 PayrollRisk Level
Roofing5552$22.00–$28.00High
Framing / Carpentry5645$14.00–$18.00High
Concrete5213$9.00–$13.00Medium
Electrical5190$5.00–$8.00Medium
Plumbing5183$5.50–$9.00Medium
Home Health8835$3.00–$6.00Low
Landscaping0042$7.00–$11.00Medium
Demolition5213$12.00–$18.00High

* Rates are estimates. Actual rates depend on claims history, exact class code, and PEO program. Call for an exact quote.

What Is a PEO and Why Does It Matter in San Francisco?

A PEO (Professional Employer Organization) acts as a co-employer of your workers. Instead of buying an individual workers' comp policy — which requires a large deposit and an annual audit — you join the PEO's master plan. This means you pay weekly based on your actual payroll, there's no upfront deposit, and no year-end audit. For contractors in San Francisco working in high-risk industries like construction, roofing, or towing, the PEO model is often the only way to get affordable, fast coverage.

Compliance Requirements in San Francisco

In California, the Workers' Compensation Act (Labor Code §3700) requires all employers — including sole proprietors with even one employee — to carry active coverage. Roofing contractors must carry coverage even with no employees. The CSLB can suspend your license for missing coverage. Penalties for non-compliance can reach $10,000 per employee plus criminal charges.

How It Works

1

Complete the online form

2

Receive your quote in minutes

3

Get your certificate same-day

Areas We Serve

SOMA Mission District Bayview Hunters Point Potrero Hill Dogpatch Tenderloin Chinatown Richmond District Sunset District Excelsior Visitacion Valley

Frequently Asked Questions

How much does workers comp cost in San Francisco?

Rates vary by industry and class code. In California, construction rates range from $4 to $28+ per $100 in payroll. With our PEO program, you pay weekly based on your actual payroll — no large upfront deposit required.

Can I get coverage the same day?

Yes. Once we complete your application and verify your information, we can issue a certificate of insurance the same day in most cases. Call (239) 228-8029 to get started.

What hard-to-place industries do you accept?

We accept construction, roofing, demolition, towing, trucking, agriculture, home health, and staffing — industries many insurers turn away.

Do I need workers comp if I'm a sole owner with no employees in San Francisco?

In California, sole proprietors with no employees can generally file an exemption. However, if you have subcontractors or work for general contractors, many will require an active policy. Roofing contractors must carry coverage regardless.

What is a certificate of insurance (COI) and how do I get one?

A COI is a one-page document proving you have active workers' comp coverage. General contractors, property owners, and government agencies typically require it before you can start work. With Comp Ninjas, you can get your COI the same day.

What's the difference between a traditional policy and a PEO program?

A traditional policy requires a large deposit (often 25–30% of the estimated annual premium) and a year-end audit. A PEO program eliminates the deposit, lets you pay weekly based on actual payroll, and has no year-end audit — making it ideal for contractors with variable payroll.

Ready to protect your San Francisco business?

Get your certificate of insurance today. No deposit. No audit. No hassle.