What to do every day, every month, and every year
You run a plumbing business alone. You need to stay on top of your insurance. This one-page checklist helps you do that. It tells you what to do every day, every month, and every year. Let’s look at each part step by step.
Every day: Check your work matches what you told the insurance company
- Are you still doing the same kind of work you told your insurance company about? If you start doing different jobs, you need to tell them. Your insurance price depends on the work you do. Your quote will show the right kind of work for your state and your business.
- If a client asks for a certificate of insurance, do you have it ready? A COI is a form that shows your business has insurance. It is not the same as the real policy. If you don’t have one yet, start your quote. After Cimarron issues your policy, you can make a COI from your account.
Every month: Keep your files in order
- Save a copy of your policy documents and your certificate of insurance. You might need them when you talk to clients or when you do taxes.
- Make sure you understand the kind of work your insurance covers. Plumbing includes many things—like fixing leaks, installing new pipes, or working with gas lines. Your insurance is based on the kind of work you do. If you start doing something new, you might need to tell your insurance company.
- If you use tools or equipment, make sure you know how to use them safely. A ghost policy does not cover you, the owner. If you get hurt doing your job, your insurance won’t help you.
Every year: Renew your policy and check your details
- Renew your insurance by getting a new quote. Things can change—like the kind of work you do or your state rules. Start your quote to see your new price and terms.
- Remember what your policy does not cover. A ghost policy does not cover you, the owner. You reject coverage for yourself when you buy it. A 👻Ghost Policy never covers the owner; if you want coverage for yourself, you need regular workers' comp.
- Look at your policy documents again. Make sure you understand what your insurance covers and what it does not. If you are not sure, you can get your documents again from your account.
When something changes: Add a new certificate holder or update your policy
- If a new client or company asks for a certificate of insurance, make sure you send them the right one. A COI is a form that shows your business has insurance. It is not the same as the real policy. You can make a new COI from your account with their name as the certificate holder.
- If you hire someone to help you, your insurance 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 may also need a different class code. A class code is the kind of work your business does. Tell your insurance company about the new person.
- If you start working in a new kind of place—like a school, hospital, or government building—you may need to tell your insurance company. Some places have special rules about the kind of insurance they accept.
When you need to know more: Find the right help
- If you are not sure about your class code, start your quote: it uses the code for the work you do. Your state’s workers’ compensation office can explain your state’s rules.
- If you have questions about what your policy covers, look at the policy documents you saved. They explain the rules in detail. If you need a new copy, get it from your account.
- If you are not sure what to do next, your quote and your policy documents are the best places to start. They show you what your insurance covers and how much it costs.
When things go wrong: What to do if you get hurt or something breaks
- If you get hurt while doing your job, remember: your policy will not pay for it. A ghost policy does not cover you, the owner.
- If something breaks or goes wrong at a job site, your insurance does not cover it. Workers' comp does not cover damage to property or equipment. That is a different kind of insurance, like general liability or property insurance. You can read about those on other websites, but we only sell the ghost policy.
When you need to keep going: Staying compliant and ready
- Always make sure your insurance is up to date. If you don’t, you could get in trouble with a client or with your state. Start your quote to see the price.
- Keep your policy documents and your certificate of insurance in a safe place. You might need them at any time. A good idea is to save them on your computer or in the cloud.
- Know your state rules. Each state has its own rules about insurance. Your state’s workers’ compensation office can tell you what your state needs.
