Workers' comp and subcontractors in California: what GCs should check

Short answer

A sub's CSLB record shows either a workers' comp policy (carrier and dates) or an exemption saying they have no employees.
Per CSLB's exemption form, C-8 concrete, C-20 HVAC, C-22 asbestos abatement, C-39 roofing and C-61/D-49 tree service licensees can't claim that exemption.
SB 1455 (2024) set January 1, 2028 for workers' comp to apply to all licensees and required CSLB to set up exemption verification by January 1, 2027.
If an "exempt" sub shows up with a crew, stop and ask: their workers can become your problem at audit time.

What you'll see on the CSLB record

A policy on file: the carrier, the policy number and the dates. Make sure the dates cover your job.
An exemption: the contractor filed CSLB's exemption form (13L-50) stating they have no employees. That can be true for a one-person shop. It isn't a policy, and it doesn't cover anyone they bring to your site.

Trades that can't use the exemption

According to CSLB's exemption form, these classifications must carry workers' comp even with no employees: C-8 concrete, C-20 HVAC, C-22 asbestos abatement, C-39 roofing, and C-61/D-49 tree service. If one of these shows "exempt", ask why.

What's changing: SB 1455

Senate Bill 1455 (2024) set January 1, 2028 as the date workers' comp coverage applies to all California contractor licensees, kept the no-employee exemption in place until then, and required CSLB to create a process to verify exemptions by January 1, 2027 (CSLB summary). Expect many subs who are exempt today to need a policy before 2028.

Why GCs should care

If a sub has workers and no coverage, an injured worker's claim, and that sub's payroll at audit, can land on the general contractor. A comp policy on paper that expired mid-job doesn't help either.

Checklist

Policy or exemption?Read it on the CSLB record, and match the business name.
Dates cover the jobPolicy in force from start to finish, not just today.
Exempt but bringing a crew?Don't let them start until there's a policy.
Certificate on fileA COI showing the workers' comp policy, with you as the certificate holder.
Re-check before your auditKeep the date you checked with your records.

General information for California contractors, current as of November 3, 2026. It isn't legal advice; rules change, so check the official source linked above.