California Contractor Insurance

EPLI Insurance for California Contractors

EPLI covers employee claims of wrongful termination, harassment and retaliation that workers' comp and GL do not. What CA contractors should know.

Quick answer: Employment practices liability insurance (EPLI) covers claims by employees or applicants for wrongful termination, harassment, discrimination or retaliation. Workers' comp covers workplace injuries and general liability does not cover employment claims, so neither policy responds to these.

Claims EPLI is written for

  • Wrongful termination or demotion
  • Sexual harassment or hostile work environment
  • Discrimination in hiring, pay or promotion
  • Retaliation after a complaint or a workers' comp claim
  • Failure to promote and other employment decisions

California rules that raise the exposure

California's Fair Employment and Housing Act applies to employers with five or more employees, and its harassment protections apply to every employer, including those with one employee. Defending even a baseless claim can be expensive, which is why contractors with crews buy EPLI.

What to check

  • Is it claims-made, and what is the retroactive date?
  • Are defense costs inside or outside the limit?
  • Wage-and-hour claims are commonly excluded or covered only for defense with a low limit. Ask for the exact limit
  • Does it include third-party claims, such as harassment of a customer or vendor?
  • Can it be added to a package policy?

Get an EPLI quote

Tell us the number of employees and your turnover and we will show you options. Call (858) 925-9555 or request a review online — only your name, phone and email are required; we collect project details by phone. Asena Capital Insurance Services, CA License #6008596.

Frequently asked questions

Does workers' comp cover wrongful termination?

No. Workers' comp covers workplace injuries. Termination, harassment and discrimination claims need EPLI.

Does EPLI cover wage and hour claims?

Usually not, or only for defense up to a small limit. Check the policy.

How many employees before a contractor needs EPLI?

There is no legal minimum. Any contractor with employees can face a claim, and California's FEHA covers employers with five or more.

Is EPLI claims-made?

Yes, in most cases.

Sources

Related pages

Reviewed by Roy Elshad, California-licensed insurance broker, CA License #6008596 — October 4, 2026.

General information only, not legal advice; your contract and policy wording control.

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