How Much Does Workers' Comp Cost for a Solo Roofer?
You asked, "What does workers' comp cost for a solo roofer?" Let's get straight to the answer. A ghost policy can't cover roof work, so there is no ghost policy price for a roofer. Roofing is work at height, and work above 15 feet is an automatic decline in this program. A roofer needs regular workers' comp. Its price depends on your state and the kind of work you do.
Your State Affects the Price
Every state has its own rules and costs for workers' comp. Some states use their own rating systems, like California's WCIRB. Your insurance company will use the correct system for your state. The exact system and rules depend on your state.
The Kind of Work You Do Matters
Rooftop work can be risky. Workers' comp uses a class code to help decide how much to charge. Roofing and office work have different class codes, and each code has its own rate. Your insurance company will use the right code for your kind of roofing.
How Payroll Changes the Price
Regular workers' comp is priced on payroll: the payroll in each class is multiplied by that class's rate. Your insurance company will use the right numbers for your business.
A Ghost Policy Does Not Cover You
A ghost policy does not cover you, the owner. You reject coverage for yourself when you buy one, so it pays no medical or wage benefits to you. If you get hurt at work, the policy won't pay for your medical bills. If you want a policy that pays you when you get hurt, you need regular workers' comp, not a ghost policy.
Ghost Policies and You
A ghost policy is a workers' comp policy that proves your business has coverage. It is for owners with no employees and no subcontractors. A ghost policy does not cover you, the owner. It is for when someone asks to see proof of coverage. But a ghost policy can't cover work above 15 feet, and roofing is work at height. So a ghost policy is not an option for a roofer.
A Solo Roofer's Example
Let's say you're a solo roofer. You work 30 hours a week and mostly do shingle work. A ghost policy can't cover that work, because roofing is work at height and work above 15 feet is an automatic decline. You would need regular workers' comp, and its price would depend on your state and the kind of work you do.
Get the Right Price for Your Business
Workers' comp costs change based on your state and the kind of work you do. There's no one-size-fits-all price. The way to get the right price for your business is to ask for regular workers' comp that fits roof work. Your state's workers' compensation office can also tell you what you need.
