What You Need to Keep on File
If someone asks for proof or if you need to check something yourself, having the right papers ready helps. Keep these documents in one place:
- Copy of your workers' comp policy documents. These prove you have insurance.
- Certificate of insurance (COI). Some clients or project managers might ask for it.
- Class code confirmation. The code helps set your price.
- Copy of your quote. It shows the real price for your work and state.
When to Check if Your Work Changed
Carpenters often do many different types of work. If your work changes, check if it still matches what you told your insurer.
- If you start doing more electrical work, it might change your class code.
- If you build more decks or install cabinets, that might change your code too.
- If you start working in a new state, you might need a new policy or a different quote.
- If you hire a helper, it changes everything. You need regular workers' comp, not a ghost policy.
When in doubt, start your quote again to check that your class code fits the work you do now.
Work above 15 feet can't be covered by this program. If any of your carpentry goes that high, you need regular workers' comp, not a ghost policy.
When a New Person Asks for a Certificate
If a new client, contractor, or building manager asks for a certificate of insurance, check a few things:
- Check if your current COI is still valid. It shows the dates the policy is active.
- Check the name and address the person wants on the certificate as the certificate holder. You can make a new certificate with that name from your account.
- If the work they want you to do is different from what you told your insurer, you might need to check your quote again.
Once Cimarron issues your policy, you can make a new COI from your account.
What to Check Each Time You Renew
Renewing your policy is like buying it for the first time. Each time you renew, check these things:
- Make sure your class code still matches the work you do. The quote will tell you.
- Remember that a ghost policy does not cover you, the owner.
- Check if the price still looks right for your work and state.
- UNO sells in 14 states, so make sure the state where you work is one of them.
Renewing is the same as getting your first quote. Start your quote to get the latest version.
When Hiring Your First Helper Changes Things
If you hire your first helper, it changes everything. You can't use a ghost policy anymore. A ghost policy is for the owner only. That means no employees and no subcontractors of any kind, even subs who carry their own insurance or hand you a certificate. If anyone else works for you — an employee, a subcontractor, a 1099 worker, day labor, or a family member who helps — you need regular workers' comp, not a ghost policy.
- Ghost policies are only for businesses with no employees and no subcontractors. They prove coverage exists but do not cover you if you get hurt.
- A 👻Ghost Policy never covers the owner; if you want coverage for yourself, you need regular workers' comp.
- With regular workers' comp, your helper is covered for work-related injuries. They are not covered for other injuries.
- You might need a different class code for your business now.
Your insurance company or your state's workers' compensation office can tell you what regular workers' comp requires where you work.
How to Stay on Top of Everything
Here are some simple steps to help you stay on top of your insurance and admin work:
- Keep all your papers in one place. Use a folder or a digital folder.
- Check your class code and policy each time you get a new job. Make sure the work matches what you told your insurer.
- Get a new quote each time you renew. It shows the latest price and terms.
- Remember that a ghost policy does not cover you, the owner, if you get hurt while working.
- If anyone else starts working for you, you need regular workers' comp, not a ghost policy.
By following these steps, you can make sure you always have the right insurance for the work you are doing. If you still work alone, start your quote to see the latest price.
