Who needs Workers’ Compensation Insurance?
California law requires real estate brokers to provide workers’ compensation insurance coverage for their real estate sales agents, even when those agents are independent contractors. For purposes of workers’ compensation insurance, the relationship between a real estate broker and a real estate salesperson is governed by Section 3200 et seq. of the California Labor Code, available at www.leginfo.ca.gov
Stiff penalties for uninsured Brokers!
If an agent gets injured while working and cannot collect benefits through the broker’s policy as they are entitled, the agent receives benefits from the state’s Uninsured Employers Fund, administered by the Department of Industrial Relations Division of Workers’ Compensation. In turn, the DWC makes every attempt to reclaim benefits paid using the same methods the state uses to collect overdue taxes, child support and student loans which includes liens against real property and asset attachments. Additionally, when an investigation determines an employer is illegally uninsured, the Department of Industrial Relations Division of Labor Standards Enforcement will issue orders stopping the employer from conducting business and issuing civil citations up to $100,000 until the broker is fully compliant. Some brokers erroneously require agents to provide their own workers’ compensation insurance; thereby opening themselves up to potential claims and lawsuits from current and former agents and fines.
RealCare Can Help!
RealCare has been helping brokers and agents with their insurance needs for 20 years. We are the California Association of REALTORS® (C.A.R.) only endorsed insurance broker. Let our team help you find the best fit for your workers’ compensation. Just click on the button to visit our online quote form or get immediate assistance by calling (800) 939-8088, Ext 207.
Want to see how much we can save you? Just request a quote to find out.