Start with the basics every time
You are a flooring installer. You need workers' comp if someone asks you to show proof. It proves your business has insurance. It does not cover you, the owner.
You reject coverage for yourself when you buy a ghost policy, so it pays no medical bills or lost wages to you. The checklist below helps you stay ready for the next job and the next certificate request.
- Do you have workers' comp? Yes or no.
- Is the policy active? Check the dates on your certificate.
- Does it match the work you do? If you do different jobs now, it might not fit.
Keep these papers on hand
Always have these documents ready. You might need to show them to a customer or a contractor before starting work.
- Certificate of insurance from your workers' comp policy.
- Copy of your policy documents. These tell you what the policy covers and what it doesn't.
- Your class code for flooring work. The quote gives you the code. It helps the insurance company know what kind of work you do.
When to update your insurance
Things change in your business. You must tell your insurance company if any of these happen:
- Anyone else starts working for you. Even one helper means you need regular workers' comp, not a ghost policy.
- You start doing new types of work. If you used to only install hardwood floors and now do tile, your class code might change.
- You move to a new state. Your policy must be in the state where you work.
If anyone works for you without regular workers' comp, you might be breaking your state's law. And if your work changes, your certificate might not match your work.
What to do when someone asks for a certificate
Someone asks you for a certificate. Here's what to do:
- Check your certificate of insurance to see if it's still valid.
- If it's missing, make a new one from your account. If your policy has ended, get a new quote. Once Cimarron issues the new policy, you can make a new certificate.
- Make sure the certificate has the right name of the person or company asking. That's the certificate holder.
An expired certificate does not show current coverage, so send one with current dates.
Check this list before each renewal
Workers' comp policies end and need to be renewed. Before the old one ends, check these things:
- Is your business doing the same work? If not, your class code might change.
- Do you have new helpers? If anyone else works for you, you need regular workers' comp, not a ghost policy.
- Did you move? Your policy must be in your new state.
Renewing your policy is like getting a new quote. You choose the same work or new details. The new policy starts once Cimarron issues it.
What happens if you hire someone
If you hire even one person, your insurance changes. Here's why:
- 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 will need a new certificate that matches your new policy.
If anyone works for you without regular workers' comp, you might be breaking your state's law. A ghost policy cannot cover anyone who works for you.
Get your quote now
If you work alone and need a certificate, use the quote tool. If anyone else works for you, a ghost policy cannot cover them, so you need regular workers' comp instead. The quote tool tells you the real price for your state and the work you do. After you buy and Cimarron issues your policy, you can make a certificate to hand to anyone who asks.
