Yes, you need insurance before your first job as an electrician
If a client or job site asks for proof before your first job as an electrician, you need a workers' compensation policy ready. It proves you have insurance, even if you do not have any employees. Some clients or job sites ask for proof before you begin. You must be ready.
Your state decides if the law needs you to have insurance. Even if it does not, some people you work for will ask for a certificate. You need one to show them.
You can get a real price for your work and state in minutes by starting your quote.
What you need before you start your first job
Here is what you must do in order before your first job:
- Know what work you will do. Workers' compensation prices depend on the kind of work you do.
- Get a quote. This shows you the price for your state and the work you do.
- Buy the policy by card. Cimarron issues it within 24 business hours of your payment and signed documents. Then you have a real insurance policy and a certificate to show others.
- Have the certificate ready. You may need to show it on the first day.
You can do all of this online. Your quote takes minutes.
What happens if you start work without insurance
If you start work without insurance, and someone asks for proof, you may not be allowed to work. Some clients, landlords, or job sites need to see a certificate before you start. Without it, they may cancel the job or refuse you access.
Even if no one asks, you may need insurance later. For example, if you get a contract, or if the job grows, they may ask for proof. It is better to be ready before you start.
What your insurance covers
Your workers' compensation policy is a ghost policy. It does not cover you, the owner. You reject coverage for yourself when you buy it, so it pays no medical bills or lost wages to you.
Work above 15 feet can't be covered by this program. If any of your electrical work goes that high, you need regular workers' comp instead.
The policy also gives you a certificate you can show to prove you have insurance. This is what most people need to see before you start working.
Do not confuse workers' compensation with other types of insurance. It does not cover property damage or injuries to customers. That is a different type of insurance, called general liability.
What to do if you are asked for proof on day one
If someone asks for proof of insurance on the first day, you must be ready. You can show them the certificate from your workers' compensation policy. This proves that you have insurance, even if you do not have any employees.
If you have not bought the policy yet, you can send them a copy of your policy documents once it is ready.
It is best to have the certificate ready before you start. That way, you can show it right away if someone asks.
How to get started
You can get a quote in minutes. You pay by card and sign your documents, and Cimarron issues your policy within 24 business hours of your payment and signed documents. You need to tell us where you live and what kind of work you do. We will give you a real price for your state and the work you do.
If you are an electrician, you do wiring, electrical work, or something similar. That is what the insurance is for.
A 👻Ghost Policy never covers the owner; if you want coverage for yourself, you need regular workers' comp.
Once Cimarron issues your policy, you will get the certificate and policy documents. The premium is fully earned, so there is no refund after the policy is issued. You can show the certificate to anyone who asks.
What to do if you are not sure what you need
If you are not sure if you need insurance, or what to do next, start by getting a quote. It will tell you the price for your work and state. It will also tell you if UNO sells this policy in your state.
You can also read more about workers' compensation and certificates on our certificates page and solo business basics page.
