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Why Do Companies Need Workers’ Compensation Insurance?

Why Do Companies Need Workers’ Compensation Insurance?

Workers' compensation insurance came into the United States in the late 19th and early 20th century, known as Workers' Accident Insurance. It took until 1949 for every state to enact a workers' compensation program. These days, although specific requirements vary by state, most businesses with more than one employee are required by law to provide workers' compensation benefits. Companies typically have these benefits as part of their comprehensive workplace safety program, as it is ...
June 8, 2023By InterWest Insurance Workers' Compensation Insurance 0 Comment Read More »
Are Contractors Required to Have Insurance?

Are Contractors Required to Have Insurance?

When you're running a business in the construction industry, there is no shortage of legal requirements to keep track of. Between OSHA regulations, federal employment laws, and even insurance requirements, keeping up with rules and requirements is a full-time job. When it comes to contractor insurance, some big changes have made headlines in 2023 that will impact your construction business. Here's what you need to know about contractor insurance requirements. Are Contractors Required to Have Insurance? Prior ...
May 30, 2023By InterWest Insurance Contractor Insurance 0 Comment Read More »
What does Workers' Compensation Insurance Cover?

What does Workers' Compensation Insurance Cover?

Workers' compensation has seen some big changes in 2023, but when you need it, what does it actually cover? Workers' compensation insurance protects your employees in the event of a work-related illness or injury. As the name suggests, workers' compensation can only cover injuries or illness resulting from doing their work, but it does not cover injuries sustained outside of work. Nevertheless, it still covers a wide range of health expenses, including medical expenses, lost ...
May 25, 2023By InterWest Insurance Workers' Compensation Insurance 0 Comment Read More »
Is Workers' Comp Required by Law in California?

Is Workers' Comp Required by Law in California?

No one wants to send an employee home from the job for an injury - or worse yet, make a trip to the ER. While you do what you can to keep your team safe, sometimes accidents happen. Fortunately, there are things that you can do to help make sure that you and your employees are covered. Who Needs Workers' Comp Insurance? A 2023 law in California (SB216) expanded the list of contractors required to carry ...
April 26, 2023By InterWest Insurance Contractor Insurance 0 Comment Read More »
Are California Contractors Required to Have Liability Insurance?

Are California Contractors Required to Have Liability Insurance?

You started your California contracting company because you're great at what you do, but navigating the legal requirements of the contracting business can be a headache. While the State of California does not legally require contractors to have general liability insurance, not having it could cause you to lose out on job bids, be denied license applications, or even force you into bankruptcy if an accident happens and you can't afford to pay out of ...
April 19, 2023By InterWest Insurance Contractor Insurance 0 Comment Read More »
CA Contractors Face Surety Bond Increase in 2023

CA Contractors Face Surety Bond Increase in 2023

The bond amounts for the California contractor license bond and the California qualifying individual bond are increasing to $25,000 starting on January 1, 2023. This means that all contractors who hold active licenses in the state of California will need surety bond increases processed to keep their contractor licenses in good standing with the state. Here's what you need to know about the bond increases in California. How Do You Increase California Contractor Bonds? It all depends ...
March 22, 2023By InterWest Insurance Contractor Insurance 0 Comment Read More »
The Employer Guide to Workers' Compensation Insurance in CA

The Employer Guide to Workers' Compensation Insurance in CA

If you run a California business with employees, you need workers' compensation insurance to cover the cost of employee work-related injuries. Workers' comp insurance is mandatory in California, even if your company has only one employee. It's also required for employees who regularly work in California, even if your business is based in another state. Get answers to the most common questions about workers' comp insurance in CA. Do Freelancers Need Workers' Comp? Sole proprietors and independent ...
March 13, 2023By InterWest Insurance Workers' Compensation Insurance 0 Comment Read More »
CA Contractors Have New Workers' Compensation Requirements

CA Contractors Have New Workers' Compensation Requirements

A new California law requires all licensed contractors to carry workers' compensation insurance, whether or not they have employees. CA Requires All Contractors to Carry Workers' Comp The law, known as CA Senate Bill 216, or SB216, is being implemented in response to the tendency of many small contractors to claim that they have no employees, even though they regularly hire day laborers or undocumented aliens. This leaves these workers without any protection in the event ...
February 23, 2023By InterWest Insurance Contractor Insurance 0 Comment Read More »
Top 10 Construction Resources

Top 10 Construction Resources

This post was originally published in 2019 and has been updated and expanded for 2022. Operating any business takes a lot of skill, organization, sound advice, and maybe even a pinch of good luck. This is particularly true when you’re building and expanding a construction business. We rounded up some of the best construction resources available to help you – publications, blogs, podcasts, and websites that can give you the most assistance as you grow. 1. SBA ...
January 6, 2023By InterWest Insurance Contractor Insurance 0 Comment Read More »
What is a Certificate of Insurance for Contractors?

What is a Certificate of Insurance for Contractors?

A certificate of insurance proves you have business insurance coverage. A certificate of insurance (COI) is also known as a certificate of liability insurance or proof of insurance. Whatever you prefer to call it, your insurer will provide you with this 1-page summary of your business insurance coverage. Why Would You Need a Certificate of Insurance? There are two reasons you may need a certificate of insurance: To show potential clients who want to hire you ...
November 25, 2022By InterWest Insurance Contractor Insurance 0 Comment Read More »