You're an electrician working alone. Do you need workers' comp?
You may need workers' comp. Some people ask you to show proof you carry it. This happens when you work on a job site or get hired by a bigger company. They want to know you have insurance for work-related injuries.
Workers' comp is insurance that pays for injuries to people covered in the policy. A ghost policy does not cover you, the owner. You reject coverage for yourself when you buy it.
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What is a ghost policy?
A ghost policy is a special kind of workers' comp. It's for a business with no employees and no subcontractors of any kind. It proves coverage exists, but it does not cover the owner. If you ask for a certificate of insurance (a COI), a ghost policy can answer the request. It shows the policy number, dates, and the type of coverage. But it does not pay for your injuries.
Some people call it a "fake" policy. That's not right. It's real insurance. It just covers no one but proves coverage exists. You reject coverage for yourself when you buy it. If you want a policy that pays you when you get hurt, you need regular workers' comp, not a ghost policy.
Learn more about ghost policies.
Why do you need workers' comp?
Some people require proof you carry workers' comp. This is common in construction, utilities, and electrical work. When you show a certificate, you prove you have insurance.
Your state may also require workers' comp. The rules vary. Most states require it once you have employees. New Mexico, for example, requires it for employers doing work that needs a Construction Industries license, whatever their number of employees. Your state's workers' compensation office can tell you what applies to you.
What does workers' comp cover?
Regular workers' comp covers injuries to people who are working for the business, like employees. The coverage depends on your state and the type of work you do. 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.
Regular workers' comp pays for medical bills, lost wages, and disability for the people it covers. A ghost policy pays none of these, because it covers no one. General liability is a different kind of insurance, and you can't buy it through this site.
How much does it cost?
The cost depends on your state and the kind of work you do. Work above 15 feet can't be covered by this program, so if any of your electrical work goes that high, you need regular workers' comp instead. Electricians are in a class code that affects the price. The code is a number that insurance companies use to set rates. Your quote will tell you the real cost for your situation.
The price is set by your state and your trade. It can vary by state. You can read more about cost and payment. Your quote will show you the real number.
How do you get a certificate of insurance?
A certificate of insurance (COI) is a form that shows proof of coverage. It has the policy number, dates, and the name of the insurance company. You can give it to the person who asked for proof.
After Cimarron issues your policy, you can get the COI from your policy documents. It's part of the paperwork. You download it from your account. You do not need to call anyone.
What if you want coverage for yourself?
A 👻Ghost Policy never covers the owner; if you want coverage for yourself, you need regular workers' comp.
The owner is not covered by a ghost policy. You reject coverage for yourself when you buy it. This means the policy does not pay your medical bills or lost wages if you get hurt. It exists to show proof of coverage to the client, contractor or landlord who asks for it.
