California has strict requirements for household employers. If you're hosting an au pair in the Golden State, here's your complete guide.
California Requirements at a Glance
Required:
- ✅ Workers' Compensation Insurance — No exceptions
- ✅ Auto insurance addition (if au pair drives)
Recommended:
- 💡 Supplemental medical insurance
- 💡 Umbrella liability coverage
Workers' Compensation
California law requires all employers to carry workers' compensation insurance — including household employers with even one employee. There are no exemptions for:
- Part-time workers
- Low wage earners
- Domestic workers
- Au pairs
It's the Law
From the California Labor Code:
"Every employer... shall secure the payment of compensation."
This means you. If your au pair is injured on the job and you don't have coverage, you're personally liable for all medical expenses.
Penalties for Non-Compliance
California takes this seriously:
- Misdemeanor criminal charges for not having coverage
- Fines up to $10,000 for the first offense
- Up to $100,000 for subsequent offenses
- Stop work orders from the state
How to Get Workers' Comp in California
State Compensation Insurance Fund (SCIF)
California has a state-run workers' comp fund at statefundca.com. This is often the best option for household employers because:
- They're required to accept all applicants
- Rates are regulated
- They understand household employment
Private Carriers
Several private insurers offer household workers' comp in California:
- GTM Payroll
- HomeWork Solutions
- NEXT Insurance
Cost Estimate
In California, expect to pay $800 - $1,500/year for household workers' comp coverage.
Auto Insurance
California requires all drivers to have auto insurance. If your au pair will drive:
- Add them to your policy before they drive
- Provide their home country license information
- Check if your insurer requires an International Driving Permit
Cost Impact
Adding an au pair as a driver typically costs an extra $300 - $1,000/year in California, depending on:
- Your coverage levels
- The au pair's age and driving history
- Where in California you live (LA and SF are pricier)
Medical Insurance
Your au pair agency provides basic medical insurance. This covers:
- Doctor visits
- Hospitalization
- Prescriptions
But it does NOT cover:
- Work-related injuries (that's workers' comp)
- Dental and vision (usually)
- Pre-existing conditions (often)
Should You Get Supplemental Coverage?
Consider it if you want:
- Higher coverage limits
- Dental and vision benefits
- Better coverage for pre-existing conditions
- Lower out-of-pocket costs for your au pair
Supplemental plans typically cost $150 - $400/year.
California-Specific Considerations
High Cost of Living
California's medical costs are above the national average. This means:
- Workers' comp premiums may be higher
- Supplemental medical is more valuable
- Auto insurance costs are elevated
Multiple Locations
If you have homes in multiple California locations or split time between CA and another state, make sure your coverage applies to all locations where your au pair works.
Compliance Checklist
Before your au pair arrives in California:
- [ ] Purchase workers' compensation insurance
- [ ] Set up a payroll system or use a payroll service
- [ ] Add au pair to auto insurance (if applicable)
- [ ] Review agency-provided medical coverage
- [ ] Consider supplemental medical insurance
- [ ] Check homeowners policy for household employee coverage
Common Questions
Q: My au pair only works 30 hours/week. Do I still need workers' comp?
Yes. California has no minimum hours threshold. Any household employee needs coverage.
Q: Can I get workers' comp through my homeowners insurance?
No. Homeowners policies explicitly exclude household employees from liability coverage. You need a separate workers' comp policy.
Q: What if my au pair is from a country with universal healthcare?
Doesn't matter. Workers' comp is required regardless of your au pair's home country healthcare system.
Get Started
Ready to find coverage? Take our 2-minute quiz to see exactly what you need and compare options from California-approved providers.