Private Employers
The Office of Self-Insurance Plans (OSIP) authorizes qualified employers to provide their own coverage for workers' compensation liabilities. A private self-insurer is an individual private sector employer that has been issued and lawfully holds a valid Certificate to Self-Insure its workers’ compensation liabilities. California has one of the largest self-insurance programs in the nation and has some of the strongest regulations designed to ensure the system protects both employers and employees.
Private/SIG Self-Insurance by the Numbers – 2024
$150 Billion total self-insured payroll
2.2 Million CA Workers covered by self-insurance
3,970 CA private entities are active self-insurers
$4.2 Billion Estimated Claims Reserves (EFL)
$1.7 Billion Medical and Indemnity payments
86,756 Open Workers' Compensation cases
Roster of private self-insured employers
Private Standalone Master Employer Self-Insurance Entry Prerequisites
Current regulatory financial requirements for a private master employer wanting entry into self-insurance are:
- Three calendar years in a legally authorized business form.
- An A or B credit rating for three full calendar years prior to application submission. If the rating is not acceptable, contact the OSIP Chief.
- If you meet the financial requirements, please send 3 years of certified, independently audited financial statements to SIP@dir.ca.gov so that OSIP can determine if your company qualifies for self-insurance.
Private Employer Self-Insurance Application Process
Here is what is needed for a private employer Self-Insurance application:
COMPLETE PRIVATE MASTER APPLICATION CHECKLIST:
| Form # | Description | Sealed/Notarized? |
|---|---|---|
| A – 1 | Application for a Private Entity Certificate of Consent to Self-Insure | No |
| A – 4 | Guaranty of Workers’ Compensation Liabilities (If applicant has a parent) | Yes |
| A – 5 | Corporate Resolution Authorizing Application (One time, master only) | No |
| Resolution | Resolution of Agreement of Parental Assumption and Guarantee (If applicant has a parent) | Yes |
| A – 6 | Agreement and Undertaking for Security Deposit (Master only) | Yes |
| 3 Years of Audited Financial Statements | ||
| California Certificate of Status | ||
| $500 Filing Fee Check |
Each subsidiary or affiliate company of a private applicant must file a separate application to become self-insured. They may apply with the parent company or individually.
COMPLETE PRIVATE SUBSIDIARY/AFFILIATE APPLICATION CHECKLIST:
| Form # | Description | Sealed/Notarized? |
|---|---|---|
| A - 3A | Private Interim Application | No |
| A - 3B | Application for a Permanent Certificate of Consent to Self-Insure by an Interim Self-Insurer | No |
| California Certificate of Status | ||
| $500 Filing Fee Check |
Private Employer Self-Insurance Yearly Maintenance
Here are the yearly requirements needed to maintain Self-Insured status. The table below shows what is due, the due date, and how to submit.
Per §15203.8, the employer must contact their OSIP analyst within 30 days of a change in name, organizational structure, or business structure. If you do not know your OSIP analyst, please call OSIP headquarters at (916) 464-7000.
| What is Due | Due Date | How to Submit |
|---|---|---|
| Annual Report | March 1 | https://efiling.dir.ca.gov/OSIPO/ |
| Actuarial Summary & Study | May 1 | https://efiling.dir.ca.gov/OSIPO/ |
| Security Deposit | 30 Days From Notice of Security Deposit Demand Letter (July 1) | You may post a surety bond, letter of credit, cash, securities, or any combination of these. |
| License Fee Assessment | December 31 | Mail Check to OSIP or Use EFT Payment |
| Audited Financial Statement | Annually (Whenever they are available) | https://efiling.dir.ca.gov/OSIPO/ |
Self-Insured Employers Forms
Below are forms for use that are specific to self-insured employersMay 2026