Gas Station Workers’ Compensation Insurance
Protect Your Team — Protect Your Business
Gas stations and c-stores face unique risks — from slip and fall injuries near pumps to fuel-related burns and late-night robberies. Workers’ compensation helps pay for medical care and lost wages if an employee is hurt on the job, and it keeps you compliant with California law. :contentReference[oaicite:0]{index=0}
Why Your Gas Station Needs Workers’ Comp
It’s the Law in California
Any employer with employees must secure workers’ compensation coverage (or approved self-insurance) under California Labor Code §3700. :contentReference[oaicite:1]{index=1}
Not carrying coverage can trigger a stop-order from the Labor Commissioner and additional penalties. :contentReference[oaicite:2]{index=2}
It Protects Your People & Your Business
- Medical treatment & wage replacement after a covered injury
- Permanent disability & death benefits where applicable
- Employer’s liability coverage for certain suits not covered by comp
Coverage specifics follow California rules and your policy forms.
Top Injury Risks at Gas Stations & C-Stores
Slips, Trips & Falls
Wet forecourts, sudden spills, and uneven surfaces raise the likelihood of slips and falls near pumps and entrances.
Fuel Handling & Fire
Ignition sources must be controlled during fueling operations; safe procedures and signage are critical near pumps and storage. :contentReference[oaicite:3]{index=3}
Late-Night Robbery
Gas stations and convenience stores experience higher rates of robbery-related violence; environmental design and staffing practices can reduce risk. :contentReference[oaicite:4]{index=4}
What Workers’ Comp Covers
- Reasonable medical care for job-related injuries or illness
- Temporary disability (wage replacement) while recovering
- Permanent disability benefits when applicable
- Death benefits to dependents for fatal injuries
Employers must provide the DWC-1 claim form to the employee within one working day of learning of an injury. :contentReference[oaicite:5]{index=5}
What Drives Your Premium
- Payroll & job classifications (accurate coding prevents overpaying)
- Experience Modification (X-Mod) — your loss history vs. industry average
- Safety programs & return-to-work plans that reduce claim costs
Learn how X-Mods work in California from the WCIRB. :contentReference[oaicite:6]{index=6}
Stay Compliant & Claim-Ready
Post-Injury Next Steps
Give the employee the DWC-1 claim form within one working day, report the injury to your insurer promptly, and document your investigation. :contentReference[oaicite:7]{index=7}
Stop-Order Risk
Operating without coverage can lead to a stop-order and additional penalties until insurance is secured. :contentReference[oaicite:8]{index=8}
Owner/Officer Options
Eligible owners or officers may be able to exclude themselves via written waiver; confirm eligibility and impacts on premium before proceeding. :contentReference[oaicite:9]{index=9}
Safety that Lowers Claims
- Written fuel-handling procedures; no ignition sources near pumps
- Spill response kits and housekeeping checklists per shift
- Robbery-deterrence design: clear sightlines, drop safes, limited cash, signage
- Late-night staffing policies and employee training
- Transitional/modified duty to speed return-to-work
See OSHA/NIOSH guidance for late-night retail and gas stations. :contentReference[oaicite:10]{index=10}
Prefer a Public Option?
JSSR works with multiple private carriers and California’s State Compensation Insurance Fund (State Fund) to keep coverage accessible and competitively priced. :contentReference[oaicite:11]{index=11}
Compare OptionsWhy Gas Stations Choose JSSR Insurance Agency
Local Expertise
We understand San Joaquin County operations and carrier appetites for c-store risks.
Classification Review
We verify roles (cashiers, attendants, managers) are coded correctly so you don’t overpay.
Claim-Smart Strategy
Safety audits and return-to-work plans support a lower X-Mod over time. :contentReference[oaicite:12]{index=12}
Gas Station Workers’ Comp — FAQs
- Is workers’ comp required if I have only one employee?
- Yes. California Labor Code §3700 requires employers to secure workers’ compensation insurance (or approved self-insurance). :contentReference[oaicite:13]{index=13}
- What are the consequences of not having coverage?
- The Labor Commissioner can issue a stop-order and penalties prohibiting use of employee labor until coverage is obtained; criminal penalties may also apply. :contentReference[oaicite:14]{index=14}
- How quickly must I provide the DWC-1 claim form?
- Within one working day of learning about the injury, you must provide the DWC-1 to the employee. :contentReference[oaicite:15]{index=15}
- Can owners or officers be excluded from coverage?
- Some owners/officers can be excluded with a proper written waiver; confirm eligibility and how it affects payroll and premiums. :contentReference[oaicite:16]{index=16}
- What is an Experience Modification (X-Mod)?
- It compares your claim experience to your industry’s average and adjusts your premium up or down accordingly. :contentReference[oaicite:17]{index=17}
