What You Need to Know Right Now

You are a drywall finisher. You make walls smooth and look good. You use tools, you climb, and you work in dusty places. Sometimes, people need proof you have insurance. That proof is a certificate. You must keep your insurance up to date, even if you do not hire anyone. You need to check a few things every now and then to make sure you are all set. A ghost policy can't cover work above 15 feet, so if any of your work goes that high, you need regular workers' comp instead.

Your Certificate of Insurance

When someone asks for a certificate, you need to give it to them. The certificate shows your business has insurance. It has your name, the insurance company, the dates, and the types of cover. It does not show all the details of your policy — just the basics. If you do not have a certificate, you might lose a job or get in trouble. You can get a certificate from your policy documents. If you do not have one, start your quote.

Your Class Code

Your class code is a number. It tells the insurance company what kind of work you do. The code helps them decide your price. You might not know the code, but your quote will show it. Different states have different codes for the same job. So your code might be different in one state than in another. Do not worry — your quote tells you the code for your state.

When to Check Your Policy Again

You must check your policy again when something changes. If you start doing a new kind of work or if you move to a new state, you must check again. Even if you do not hire anyone, your work might change. For example, if you start fixing more walls in a risky place, you might need a new code. If you hire anyone, you need regular workers' comp, not a ghost policy. Your policy must match what you actually do. Start your quote if you are not sure.

Does the Policy Cover You?

A ghost policy does not cover you, the owner. You reject coverage for yourself when you buy it, so if you get hurt at work, the policy pays no medical bills or lost wages to you. It exists to show proof of coverage to the client, contractor or landlord who asks for it. If you want a policy that pays you when you get hurt, you need regular workers' comp, not a ghost policy. Always check what you need before you start work.

If You Hire Someone

If you hire someone, everything changes. 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. You might need a new class code. You must get regular workers' comp before anyone else starts work. If anyone works for you without regular workers' comp, you might be breaking your state's law. Your state decides what you must do. Your state's workers' compensation office can tell you what regular workers' comp requires where you work.

What to Keep on File

You must keep your insurance documents safe. This includes your policy, your certificate, and your class code. You must also keep a record of any changes you make. For example, if you change your work, you must note it. You might need to show these records to a client, a landlord, or a government office. Always keep a copy in a safe place — like your phone, a cloud folder, or a paper file.

Renewals and Updates

Your insurance does not last forever. It has a start and end date. You must renew it before it ends. When you renew, you check your work again. You make sure your class code is still right. You check that you still work alone, with no employees and no subcontractors. If you are not sure, start your quote. You might get a new price. You might get a new certificate. Always read the new policy to make sure it matches your work.

Where to Go for Help

If you are confused, you can look at other articles on this site. For example, you can read about ghost policies, certificates, and how to run your business alone. If you want your own price, get your quote in minutes. You do not need to talk to an agent. You get your price online. Cimarron issues your policy within 24 business hours of your payment and signed documents, and then you get your certificate. Your quote is fast and simple.