What you need to check and why
If you are a painter, you need to keep your insurance up to date. Here is a simple list to follow. It helps you stay ready when someone asks for proof of insurance.
Always keep a copy of your certificate
Your certificate is proof you have insurance. You can show it to a client, a landlord, or a building manager. Keep a copy safe. If you lose it, you can print it from your policy documents. If you ever need a new one, you can get it from your insurance company.
Know the kind of work you do
You might paint walls, paint outside, or work with special tools like sprayers. Tell your insurance company if your work changes. For example, if you start doing new types of jobs, your class code may change. Your quote shows the right price for the work you do.
A ghost policy can't cover work above 15 feet, such as on a high ladder or scaffold. If any of your painting goes that high, you need regular workers' comp instead.
If you hire someone, you need regular workers' comp
If you hire someone to help, you need to tell your insurance company. 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. Always check your policy when you hire someone.
Check your policy each year
Every year, look at your insurance policy. Ask yourself: Did I change the kind of work I do? If so, get a new quote. Did I hire someone? Then you need regular workers' comp, not a ghost policy. This makes sure your insurance still fits your work.
If you want coverage for yourself
A painter is not covered by their own ghost policy. You reject coverage for yourself when you buy it, so it pays no medical bills or lost wages to you. A 👻Ghost Policy never covers the owner; if you want coverage for yourself, you need regular workers' comp. It is important to know this before you buy.
Keep your business info up to date
If you move, change your business name, or change your phone number, tell your insurance company. This keeps your policy correct. If your information is wrong, it can cause problems if someone asks for proof of insurance. Always make sure your address, name, and phone number are correct in your policy.
Review your policy before each renewal
When it is time to renew your policy, read it again. Make sure it still covers the work you do. Ask yourself: Did I change jobs? If so, get a new quote. Did I hire someone? If so, you need regular workers' comp instead of a ghost policy. Your policy should always match the work you do today.
Keep an eye on your state's rules
Your state decides the insurance rules for painters. These rules might change. For example, some states use their own rating systems instead of NCCI class codes. Check your state's rules to make sure you are still following them. You can always get a new quote at start your quote to see what happens next.
Do not forget the basics
Make sure you always keep your certificate ready. Know the kind of work you do. If you hire someone, you need regular workers' comp, not a ghost policy. Check your policy each year. Keep your business info up to date. These simple steps help you stay ready for any request for proof of insurance.
