Yes, Solo Painters May Need Workers' Comp in Illinois
If you paint for money in Illinois and you have people working for you, you need workers' compensation insurance. If you work alone and have no employees, you still might need it because your job could ask for proof. Workers' comp is not just for people who hire others — it can be a requirement even for a solo business.
You can get a quote in minutes. Start your quote to see if you qualify.
What Is Workers' Comp and Why Is It Important?
Workers' comp is insurance that helps pay for injuries at work. It covers medical bills and lost wages if someone gets hurt doing a job. In Illinois, it is a law for most businesses to have this type of insurance. That means if you have employees, you must have it. But even if you work alone, you may need it to show someone that you are safe and responsible.
Why is it important? Because if someone is hurt while working for you, regular workers' comp helps pay for their care. A ghost policy does not, so if anyone works for you, you need regular workers' comp. It also helps you keep your business going.
When Do You Need a Workers' Comp Certificate?
If you paint and a client, landlord, or another business asks for a certificate of insurance (COI), you need workers' comp. The COI proves you have coverage. This often happens when you are doing work for a bigger company or a property owner who wants to make sure everyone working on their site is protected.
Even if you paint on your own, someone might ask for proof. That's when you need a workers' comp certificate. Some places will not let you work unless you can show you are covered. That is not just about the law — it is about being safe and showing others you are responsible.
What Is a Ghost Policy and How Does It Work?
A ghost policy is a type of workers' comp insurance made for people who work alone. It shows that your business has coverage, but it does not cover you, the owner, if you get hurt. It is just to prove to others that you are covered. You reject coverage for yourself when you buy one.
Think of it like a report card. It says you are covered. But it does not help you if you fall and break your leg. It helps others feel safe, not you. A ghost policy pays no medical or wage benefits to you.
How to Get Coverage
Getting coverage is simple. You tell us what kind of work you do, where you work, and whether anyone else works for you. Then you get a real price for your policy. In Illinois, a ghost policy for a painter costs $1,500 all in: $1,250 plus the $250 Audit Fee — Powered by Audit1. You pay by card. You don't need a phone call or a meeting. After you pay and sign your documents, Cimarron issues your policy within 24 business hours of your payment and signed documents. A ghost policy is for the owner only, with no employees and no subcontractors of any kind. Work above 15 feet can't be covered by this program, so if any of your painting goes that high, you need regular workers' comp instead.
Start your quote now to see your price. A ghost policy does not cover you, so it fits best if you just need proof of coverage for a client.
What If You Don't Need Coverage for Yourself?
If you work alone and don't want or need coverage for yourself, a ghost policy is a good choice. It gives you a certificate to show others that you have workers' comp. It does not pay for your medical bills if you get hurt. That's okay if you only need proof of coverage. Just remember, if you ever want a policy that pays you when you get hurt, you need regular workers' comp, not a ghost policy.
Some people just need a certificate and don't need a policy that pays them. A ghost policy is made for them. A 👻Ghost Policy never covers the owner; if you want coverage for yourself, you need regular workers' comp.
What Happens If You Don't Have Coverage?
In Illinois, an employer that knowingly skips workers' comp when the law requires it can be fined for every day without it, and can be ordered to stop all business until it has insurance. Some places and clients will not let you work without proof. It's not just about the law — it's also about being safe and showing others you are responsible.
Not having coverage can cost you more than just money. You might lose jobs or clients. It is better to get coverage and be ready for anything.
How Much Does It Cost?
In Illinois, a ghost policy costs $1,500 all in: $1,250 plus the $250 Audit Fee — Powered by Audit1. You pay by card, in one payment. It's not a guess — it's the actual cost for your situation. A blanket waiver of subrogation is optional and adds $150.
Start your quote to see what it costs for you. The price is the real price for your business. Once the policy is issued, the premium is fully earned and there is no refund.
Why Is It Important to Be Safe and Responsible?
Being safe and responsible is not just about the law. It is about protecting your business and your reputation. If someone asks for proof of coverage, you need to be able to show them. This helps you win jobs and keep clients happy. It also helps you avoid fines and legal trouble.
Even if you work alone, you might still need to prove you are covered. This is why it is important to have a workers' comp policy. It helps you be safe and responsible, and it helps you grow your business. You can start by getting a quote.
