Yes, a plumber who works alone can get a ghost policy — here’s what it does
If you are a plumber and someone asks you to send a workers’ comp certificate, you can get a ghost policy. A ghost policy is insurance that proves your business has coverage. It does not cover you, the owner, if you get hurt. It just shows the business has insurance for a certificate request.
A ghost policy is meant for businesses like yours — no employees, just the owner. It satisfies the person asking for proof and shows the business is covered. But the policy does not cover the owner. It also allows no employees and no subcontractors of any kind, even subs who carry their own insurance or hand you a certificate. If anyone else works for you — an employee, a subcontractor, a 1099 worker, day labor, or a family member who helps — you need regular workers' comp, not a ghost policy.
You can get a real quote for your state and class code in minutes. Start your quote and see if it is available in your area.
What is a class code and why does it matter for a plumber?
A class code is a number used to decide how much your insurance costs. It is like a job code for your business. Plumbing has its own class code. The number can vary by state, because some states, like California, use their own codes. The code helps decide the price but does not change what the policy covers.
You do not need to know the code yourself — the quote process will use the right one for your business. Learn more about class codes and how they are used for different kinds of work.
Who might ask a plumber for a certificate?
There are a few people who might ask you for a certificate. Here are some of them:
- General contractors: If you help with a big job, the main contractor may need proof you have insurance.
- Property owners: If you work on their home or building, they might want to see your certificate.
- Landlords: If you do work in a rental home, they might need the certificate to protect them.
A ghost policy gives you the certificate you need. It proves coverage exists but does not cover you, the owner.
What is covered in a ghost policy for a plumber?
A ghost policy does not cover you, the owner. You reject coverage for yourself when you buy it. So if you fall or get hurt while doing plumbing work, the policy does not pay for your medical bills or lost wages.
A 👻Ghost Policy never covers the owner; if you want coverage for yourself, you need regular workers' comp. It exists to show proof of coverage to the client, contractor or landlord who asks for it.
How to get a ghost policy as a plumber
Getting a ghost policy is simple. Follow these steps:
- Go to the quote page and tell us your business type (plumbing), your state, and the kind of work you do.
- Answer a few questions about your business — we do not need a lot of information.
- See your real price for a ghost policy. The quote is the actual cost, not an estimate.
- Know what it does not cover. It pays no medical bills or lost wages to you, the owner.
- Buy your policy by card. Cimarron issues it within 24 business hours of your payment and signed documents, and then you get your certificate. The premium is fully earned, so once the policy is issued there is no refund.
If you are not sure, you can start your quote and see what is available in your state.
Work above 15 feet can't be covered by this program. If any of your plumbing work goes that high, you need regular workers' comp instead.
What if my state is not listed or I have questions?
UNO sells ghost policies in 14 states: Alabama, Arkansas, Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Kansas, Mississippi, Missouri, Montana, Nebraska, New Mexico, South Carolina, South Dakota and Virginia. Your quote will tell you if it is possible in your area. If you see a message that your state is not available, it means UNO does not offer it there. Your state’s workers’ compensation office can explain your state’s rules.
There is no person to call or ask questions. The quote process is all online. If you are unsure about anything, go back to the quote wizard and see what is available for your business.
