A faster way to write California "ghost policies."
Get instant, bindable minimum-premium workers’ comp quotes for eligible owner-only businesses with Solo X.
- Own your book
- Place hard-to-write owner-only risks
- No fees or production minimums
Get instant, bindable ghost policy quotes.
Quote eligible owner-only accounts, collect signatures, complete payment, and bind online through one streamlined platform.
Instant Quotes
Get immediate, upfront pricing for eligible risks.
Quote and Bind Online
Simpler Renewals
A smarter market for owner-only risks.
Exclusive Program – Access Solo X, SolePro’s minimum-premium workers’ comp program for eligible owner-only businesses.
A State Fund alternative – Offer competitive minimum-premium pricing with a simpler policy lifecycle.
One submission – Stop entering the same account information in multiple carrier portals.
Write hundreds of eligible workers’ comp class codes.
- Owner-operator truckers
- Handymen
- Electricians
- Plumbers
- HVAC contractors
- Painting contractors
- Carpenters and cabinet installers
- Flooring and tile installers
- Concrete contractors
- Drywall installers and finishers
- Landscapers and gardeners
- Low-voltage, alarm, and cable installers
- Appliance and equipment installers
- Janitorial and commercial cleaning businesses
- Mobile mechanics and auto detailers
- Independent home-health professionals
- Pet-service professionals
- Photographers and videographers
- And hundreds more
Five contractor classifications already require coverage—even without employees.
California currently requires the following active CSLB contractor classifications to maintain workers’ comp insurance or approved self-insurance, even when the contractor has no employees:
- C-8 — Concrete
- C-20 — Warm-Air Heating, Ventilating and Air-Conditioning
- C-22 — Asbestos Abatement
- C-39 — Roofing
- C-61/D-49 — Tree Service
Start building your California contractor pipeline now.
Current California law is scheduled to extend workers’ comp requirements to all active CSLB-licensed contractors on January 1, 2028—including contractors with no employees. That creates a significant opportunity for agents with an owner-only solution ready.
What changed
Who it will affect
When it takes effect
January 1, 2028. Start educating clients and building your pipeline now.
Frequently asked questions
What is SB 216?
SB 216 expanded California’s workers’ comp requirements for CSLB-licensed contractors. Five contractor classifications currently must maintain coverage even when they have no employees. Under current law, that requirement is scheduled to extend to all active CSLB licensees on January 1, 2028.
Which contractor classifications currently need coverage without employees?
- C-8 — Concrete
- C-20 — Warm-Air Heating, Ventilating and Air-Conditioning
- C-22 — Asbestos Abatement
- C-39 — Roofing
- C-61/D-49 — Tree Service
What did SB 1455 change?
SB 1455 moved the broader workers’ comp requirement for California contractors from January 1, 2026, to January 1, 2028. It did not repeal SB 216 or change the requirements already in effect for the five listed classifications.
What changes on January 1, 2028?
Under current law, the workers’ comp requirement will expand to nearly all active CSLB licensees and license applicants—even those with no employees. A limited exception applies to qualifying joint ventures without employees.
What is Solo X?
Solo X is SolePro’s minimum-premium, owner-excluded workers’ compensation “ghost policy” program. It is designed for eligible owner-only businesses with no employees, subcontractors or day laborers.
What does “ghost policy” mean?
A “ghost policy” is a workers’ compensation policy written for an eligible business with no covered employees because the qualifying owner is excluded. It can provide evidence that a workers’ compensation policy exists, but it does not provide workers’ compensation benefits to the excluded owner.
Is the business owner covered by Solo X?
No. Solo X excludes the business owner from coverage, so the owner is not eligible for workers’ comp benefits under the policy.
Which businesses are eligible for Solo X?
Solo X may be appropriate when the applicant:
- Is an eligible sole proprietor or other qualifying owner-only entity
- Has no employees
- Uses no subcontractors or 1099 labor
- Uses no temporary, casual or day labor
- Is eligible to exclude the owner under California law
- Falls within Solo X’s current class-code and underwriting appetite
All applications remain subject to underwriting approval.
Do all contractors subject to SB 216 fit Solo X’s appetite?
No. SB 216 creates an insurance requirement, but it does not guarantee Solo X eligibility. Qualification depends on factors such as operations, entity and ownership structure, class code, loss history, and underwriting requirements.
How do agents quote Solo X?
Registered SolePro agents can complete an online application, receive an instant quote for eligible risks, collect electronic signatures, complete payment, and bind the policy—all through the SolePro platform.
This information is provided for general educational purposes and is not legal advice. California insurance and contractor-licensing requirements may change. Coverage, pricing, and eligibility are subject to underwriting and policy terms. Confirm current requirements with the CSLB and the applicable insurer.
Turn one workers’ comp placement into a fuller commercial account.
SolePro gives you access to workers’ comp and additional commercial markets in one place. Place the owner-only account, then round out the insured’s protection with the coverages their business needs.
