How Much Does Workers’ Comp Cost for a Solo Carpenter?
The cost of workers’ comp for a solo carpenter depends on two main things: your state and the kind of work you do. Workers’ comp pays medical bills and lost wages when a covered person gets hurt on the job. Since you are the only worker, your policy is a ghost policy, which covers no one, not even you, the owner. You reject coverage for yourself when you buy it. Get your quote in minutes to find out the real cost for your business.
Your State Affects the Cost
Each state has its own price for a ghost policy. For example, Illinois costs more than Missouri. Your trade has a class code, which is like a label for the kind of work you do. Learn more about class codes. The quote you get will tell you what code applies to you and how much it costs.
The Type of Work You Do Changes the Price
Carpenters can do many different types of work. Each kind of work has its own class and price. Work above 15 feet is an automatic decline, so this program can’t cover it. If any of your carpentry goes that high, you need regular workers’ comp, not a ghost policy. Your quote will look at the kind of work you do and give you the right price. Start your quote to see what your work costs.
What a Ghost Policy Costs a Solo Carpenter, All In
A ghost policy has one flat price. Your state and your trade set it. It does not go up when you work more hours, and it does not go down when you work fewer. You pay the whole price by card, in one payment. These prices include the $250 Audit Fee — Powered by Audit1, which shows on its own line at checkout.
In Illinois, a ghost policy for a carpenter costs $1,500 ($1,250 plus the $250 fee). In Alabama, Arkansas, Kansas, Mississippi, Missouri, Montana, Nebraska, New Mexico, South Carolina, South Dakota and Virginia, it costs $1,250 ($1,000 plus the $250 fee). In Iowa, it costs $795 ($545 plus the $250 fee). In Indiana, it costs $1,250 ($1,000 plus the $250 fee).
A blanket waiver of subrogation is optional. It adds $150.
A Ghost Policy Does Not Cover You
A ghost policy does not cover you, the owner. This is called an owner exclusion. You reject coverage for yourself when you buy the policy, so it 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.
The Real Price Is in Your Quote
A quote is not a guess — it is the actual price for your situation. The price depends on your state and your trade. Get your quote in minutes to find out the exact cost for your business. The quote will also tell you if UNO sells this policy in your state.
Why This Matters for a Solo Carpenter
If you work alone, you might not think you need workers’ comp. But many clients and contractors will ask to see proof of coverage. This is where workers’ comp comes in. It shows that your business is covered, even if you are the only person working. Ghost policies are made to show that proof. 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.
Examples of How Work Type and Location Change the Price
Here are a few examples of how your work and where you live can change your workers’ comp cost:
- If your carpentry is cabinet work or interior trim, your quote uses that class.
- If you work on tall buildings, a ghost policy can’t cover that work. You need regular workers’ comp instead.
- In Illinois, the price is higher than in Missouri.
Your quote will use your state and your trade and give you the real cost for your business.
How Class Codes Work for a Solo Carpenter
Class codes are like labels for the kind of work you do. They help set the price of your coverage. The quote you get will tell you the code that applies to you and how much it costs. Learn more about class codes.
If You Want Coverage for Yourself
A 👻Ghost Policy never covers the owner; if you want coverage for yourself, you need regular workers' comp. If you only need proof of coverage for a client or contractor, a ghost policy can do that. This helps you decide if it makes sense for your business.
How to Use Your Quote to Make a Decision
Getting a quote is the best way to decide if workers’ comp is right for your business. The quote will give you the real price for your situation and show you what your coverage includes. You can use this information to decide if the cost makes sense for your business. Get your quote in minutes to find out the exact cost for your business.
