Yes, You Need Insurance Before the First Job
Before you start your first job as a drywall finisher, you need to get insurance. Some clients ask to see proof of coverage before they let you work. This proof is called a certificate of insurance. It shows that your business has a policy in place. You cannot start the job without it in some places. It is best to get it before you meet the client for the first time.
What Insurance You Need
You need workers' compensation insurance. This kind of insurance pays for medical bills if someone you work with gets hurt on the job. But, by default, it does not cover you, the owner. If you want coverage for yourself, you can choose to include yourself in the policy, but it will cost more. You make this choice when you get your quote.
What Happens If You Don't Have Insurance
If you don't have insurance and a client asks for a certificate, you can't start the job. You might lose the job. Also, if someone gets hurt on your job and you don't have coverage, you might have to pay their medical bills out of your own pocket. That can cost a lot of money. And if you hire anyone, your state almost certainly requires workers' comp for them.
How to Get Insurance Fast
To get insurance quickly, go to start your quote. You will answer a few questions about your work and your state. The system will show you the price for a policy that works for you. You can buy it right there. You can get a certificate in minutes after you finish the process. You do not need to talk to anyone by phone. Everything happens online.
What Your Policy Covers
Your workers' compensation policy covers medical bills for work-related injuries. It also pays for lost wages if someone can't work. But, remember, it does not cover you, the owner, unless you choose to include yourself in the policy. That choice costs more. It is your decision to make when you get your quote. Your quote will tell you if your state allows that choice and how much it costs.
Ghost Policy vs Owner Coverage
A ghost policy proves that your business has insurance. It shows the client that you are ready to work. But, it does not cover you, the owner, if you get hurt. If you want coverage for yourself, you need to include yourself in the policy. This is a choice you make when you get your quote. It costs more, but it is your choice. A ghost policy is good if you just need proof and do not need to be covered yourself.
What to Do If You Have Questions
If you have questions about your insurance, read more about it in our Ghost Policies section. Or, you can get your own quote and see what your policy covers. If you want to learn more about certificates, read our Certificates section. These pages will help you understand what you need to know before you start work.
What to Do If You Are Asked for Proof Before You Are Ready
If you are asked to show a certificate before you are ready, you can tell the client you are in the process of getting your policy. But, it's best to have everything ready before starting a job. That way, you avoid delays and show you are serious about your work. If you say you are working on it, you should finish it soon after. Do not wait too long. Some clients will not wait for you to get your insurance after they have already agreed to the job.
What to Do If You Are Working on a Small Job
If you are working on a small job and the client does not ask for a certificate, you might still need insurance. Some places have rules about having workers' comp for any job, even a small one. You should always check what your state requires. It is better to have insurance and not need it than to need it and not have it. Your quote will tell you what your state requires and how much it costs.
