Author, Rory Anderson, Account Executive, Rancho Mesa Insurance Services, Inc.

Within the last few weeks, all licensed tree care companies received a notice in the mail from the California State License Board (CSLB) stating that effective January 1, 2023, the CSLB is requiring that all companies with a D-49 Tree Service Contractor License must have workers’ compensation insurance, regardless of whether they have employees.

Currently, licensed tree care companies without employees are exempt from having workers’ compensation insurance. This new requirement comes after Governor Gavin Newsom signed Senate Bill 216 into law on September 30, 2022 which requires all contractors (not just tree service contractors), with or without employees, to have workers’ compensation insurance by January 1, 2026.

According to an article by Red Bluff Daily News, “The California State License Board research confirms that many of the approximate 50 to 60 percent of licensed contractors who currently claim an exemption to workers’ compensation insurance do use employees.”

This not only puts the non-insured tree workers and the public at risk, but it also poses an issue of unfair advantage to the companies who do not carry workers’ compensation. This creates a disadvantage for tree service contractors who play by the rules, as they are subject to higher business costs.

This new requirement will hold every tree service contractor accountable to the same standards by leveling the playing field, and it will protect the tree workers and our public.

How does this impact you, as a licensed tree service contractor?

• If you currently have workers’ compensation insurance in place, confirm with your broker that they have properly provided a certificate of insurance to the CSLB to show proof of insurance. You may also check your license status with the Department of Consumer Affairs to confirm it is up to date.

• If you are a tree care company that does not currently have employees, contact me to explore workers’ compensation insurance options for your business, effective January 1, 2023.

If you would like to discuss further, please reach out to me at randerson@ranchomesa.com or call me at (619) 486-6437.