Do I Need Workers' Comp If I'm Self-Employed?

Quick Answer: Maybe, but your state decides

If you work alone and have no employees, you might not need workers' comp. But some states still ask for it. The person who says 'send me a certificate' decides what they want to see. To prove you have coverage, a ghost policy is a good option. It shows you have a policy, but it does NOT cover you, the owner. To know for sure, get your quote today. Your state decides what is required, and your quote will tell you if you need coverage for a certificate or if you can skip it.

What is workers' comp?

Workers' comp is insurance that pays for medical bills if a worker gets hurt on the job. If you work alone, you are the owner. You are not a 'worker' in most cases. So, you might not need it. But, if someone asks you to show coverage, you can get a policy that proves it exists. This is called a 'ghost policy'. It is real insurance, but it does NOT cover you, the owner. It just proves coverage is there for a certificate. You can choose to add yourself to the policy for extra coverage, but that costs more. To learn more about what coverage includes, visit Certificates.

What is a ghost policy?

A ghost policy is a real insurance policy for a business with no employees. It shows you have coverage for a certificate request. But, it does NOT cover you, the owner. It only proves your business has workers' comp. If you want coverage for yourself, that is a separate choice. It costs more. You choose it when you get your quote. To learn more about Ghost Policies. A ghost policy is for showing proof to someone else, not for protecting you. So it's a good idea to know what you're getting before you buy one.

Why do you need a certificate?

A certificate is proof you have workers' comp. A client, a school, or a job site might ask for it. They want to know you are safe. If you work alone, you might not need coverage. But they might still want to see it. You can get a ghost policy to hand over the certificate. That’s okay. Just know it does not cover you, the owner. If you're asked for a certificate, it's good to know what it is and what it means. To learn more about Certificates.

How do I get a ghost policy?

Getting a ghost policy is simple. Go to start your quote. Answer a few questions about your work and your state. The quote will tell you the price and what your policy includes. If you want coverage for yourself, you choose it there. It costs more. If you just need a certificate, you can skip it. Your quote will tell you if this is an option in your state. You don’t have to buy anything unless you want to. Just knowing your options helps you make good choices.

Do I need coverage for myself?

If you want to be covered if you get hurt on the job, you can choose that. It is called an 'owner inclusion.' It adds you to the policy. It costs more. But it pays for your medical bills if you are hurt. This is a separate choice. You decide if you want it. Your quote will show you the cost. If you do not need it, you do not have to choose it. If you're not sure what you need, it's okay to ask questions before you buy anything. Your quote will help you see what choices you have.

What if I work with others?

If you hire someone else to work with you, you might need to cover them. Workers' comp is required for most employees in most states. If you hire someone, get your quote to see what you need. If you work with contractors or volunteers, they might have their own coverage. But it's a good idea to ask them if they do. Your state's rules decide what you need to do. If you're not sure, your quote will help you understand what your state requires. To start your quote.

What if I am unsure?

If you are not sure what you need, get your quote. It will ask you the right questions and tell you what is required. You can also ask your state's insurance office. They can tell you what the law says in your area. But remember: your quote will give you the best answer for your situation. If you're confused, it's okay to look up more information or ask questions. To start your quote.

What if I'm asked to show coverage but I don't need it?

If someone asks you to show coverage but you don't need it, you can get a ghost policy. It shows you have a policy, but it does NOT cover you, the owner. It just proves coverage is there. This is okay if you need to hand over a certificate. But it's important to know what it includes and what it doesn't. If you're not sure, your quote will help you understand what you need. To start your quote.