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, your state may not require workers' comp. For example, Virginia says a sole proprietor with no employees and no subcontractors does not need 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. Your state decides what is required, and your quote shows the price.

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, and 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. 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. You reject coverage for yourself when you buy one. 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. A ghost policy does not include coverage for you. Your quote will tell you if a ghost policy is available 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?

A ghost policy cannot cover you. You reject coverage for yourself when you buy one, so the policy pays no medical bills if you are hurt. If you want to be covered when you get hurt on the job, you need regular workers' comp, not a ghost policy. If you just need a certificate for a client, a ghost policy can do that. If you're not sure what you need, it's okay to ask questions before you buy anything. Your quote will show you the real price.

What if I work with others?

If someone else works with you, a ghost policy is not the right policy. A ghost policy is for the owner only. That means no employees and no subcontractors of any kind, even subs who carry their own insurance, and no day labor or family who help. If anyone else works for you, you need regular workers' comp. Workers' comp is required for most employees in most states. Your state's rules decide what you need to do. If you work alone, you can start your quote.

What if I am unsure?

If you are not sure what you need, ask your state's workers' compensation office. They can tell you what the law says in your area. Your quote will show you the price for your state and your work. 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.