What is Workers' Comp and Why Does It Matter?
Workers' comp is insurance that pays for work-related injuries. If someone you hire gets hurt while working for you, this insurance helps cover their medical bills and lost time from work. That is regular workers' comp; a ghost policy covers no one you hire.
If you are a solo tile setter in Virginia, you probably do not have employees. But you might still need workers' comp if someone asks you to show proof of coverage. This is called a certificate of insurance.
Who Needs Workers' Comp in Virginia?
In Virginia, as a general rule, a business with more than two part-time or full-time employees must buy workers' comp. A one-person business with no employees that does not hire subcontractors is not required to carry it. But some people who hire you may ask to see a certificate of insurance before they let you work for them.
This can happen with property owners, landlords, or companies you do work for. They want proof that your business has workers' comp.
What is a Ghost Policy and How Does It Help?
A ghost policy is a special kind of workers' comp insurance. It is for people who do not have employees. It proves your business has insurance, so you can show a certificate when someone asks. It does not cover you, the owner, if you get hurt. It just shows the insurance is in place.
If you are a solo tile setter in Virginia, a ghost policy can help you get work if a client asks for proof of insurance.
How to Get a Ghost Policy in Virginia
To get a ghost policy in Virginia, you need to get a quote. A quote is the actual price for your insurance. You tell the company what kind of work you do (tile setting) and where you work (Virginia). Then you get a real price for your coverage.
You can get your quote in minutes right here. This site only sells the ghost policy and works online. You do not need to talk to anyone in person.
In Virginia, a ghost policy costs $1,250 all in: $1,000 plus the $250 Audit Fee — Powered by Audit1. You pay by card, in one payment. A blanket waiver of subrogation is optional and adds $150.
What Does a Tile Setter's Policy Cover?
A tile setter's ghost policy shows your business has workers' comp. It does not cover you, the owner. You reject coverage for yourself when you buy it, so it pays no medical or wage benefits to you.
The policy does not pay for your own injuries. But it lets you show a certificate to prove coverage exists for your business. A ghost policy is for the owner only, with no employees and no subcontractors of any kind.
Why You Might Need to Show a Certificate
Some people who hire you will ask for a certificate. This is a form that shows your insurance is active. It lists the kind of insurance, the carrier, the dates it is active, and the coverage limits.
If you are working for a landlord, a building company, or a home owner, they may want to see this certificate to protect themselves. It gives them the proof of coverage they ask for.
What to Do If Your State Is Not Listed
If you are not sure if Virginia is on the list of states we can write insurance for, your quote will tell you. You can get your quote in minutes to see if it works for you.
Each state has its own rules for insurance. Your state's workers' comp office can also explain Virginia's own rules.
How to Know If You Need a Ghost Policy
Think about who you work for. If they ask for a certificate, you need one. If they do not, you might not need a ghost policy. But if you want to be ready for future jobs, it is smart to have one.
Also, check if your state requires workers' comp for certain kinds of work. You can look up Virginia's rules or ask your client if they need it.
