You need insurance before your first job if the client asks for it.
Some clients ask to see your insurance before they let you start work. If you do not have it, you might lose the job. So yes, you might need insurance before your first paid job.
Workers' compensation insurance is the type you need. It proves you have a policy in place for work-related injuries. A ghost policy is for owners with no employees and no subcontractors, but it can't cover roof work. Roofing is work at height, and work above 15 feet is an automatic decline. So a roofer needs regular workers' comp, not a ghost policy. A ghost policy would not cover you, the owner, either.
Regular workers' comp is a different policy from the ghost policy this site sells. Your state's workers' compensation office can tell you what you need.
Here's what you need to do before your first job starts.
- Get regular workers' comp. You will need to tell the insurance company where you live and what kind of work you do. The price will depend on your location and the work you do.
- Check that the policy fits roof work. Ask the insurance company to confirm the policy matches the work you do, including work at height. A ghost policy can't cover work above 15 feet.
- Buy the policy. If you agree with the price and the terms, you can buy the policy. Ask for the policy documents and a certificate of insurance you can show to clients.
- Save your documents and show them when needed. Keep your certificate and policy documents in a safe place. Some clients will ask for a copy before you begin work.
What happens if a client asks for insurance on the first day?
If a client asks to see your insurance before your first job starts, you need to have it ready. If you do not have it, they might not let you work for them. This means you could lose the job.
That is why it is smart to get your workers' comp insurance before you start getting work. Once you have regular workers' comp, you can show your certificate to clients. It proves you have insurance for your roofing business.
If you do not have insurance and you get hurt, you might have to pay for your own medical bills.
Why is a ghost policy not enough for a roofer?
A ghost policy is a workers' comp policy for an owner with no employees and no subcontractors. It shows a client that your business has coverage, but it does not cover you, the owner, if you get hurt. You reject coverage for yourself when you buy one. It also can't cover work above 15 feet, which is an automatic decline.
Most clients just want proof that you have insurance. For roof work, that proof has to come from regular workers' comp. If a client asks whether you are covered as the owner, tell them the truth about what your policy says.
What if you get hurt on the first job?
If you get hurt on the first job, a ghost policy would not help you. It does not cover the owner. You reject coverage for yourself when you buy one, so it pays no medical or wage benefits to you. If you want a policy that pays you when you get hurt, you need regular workers' comp, not a ghost policy.
If you get hurt and you have no policy that covers you, you might have to pay for your own medical bills. That is why it is important to understand what your policy covers before you buy it.
How to make sure you are ready for the first job.
Here are a few things you can do to be ready for your first job:
- Get your workers' comp insurance before starting work. A ghost policy is not an option for roof work, so look for regular workers' comp.
- Save your certificate of insurance. Some clients will want to see it before you start.
- Know if you are covered as the owner. A ghost policy would not cover you. Ask your insurance company what your policy says about the owner.
- Be ready to show proof if a client asks. You do not want to lose a job because you did not have insurance ready.
