You need workers' comp if someone asks you for a certificate
Do you do handyman work, like fixing things around houses? Maybe you work alone, not with a team. If someone asks you for a certificate of insurance, you need workers' comp. It proves that your business has coverage. It does not cover you, the owner. But it shows the coverage exists, even if you're alone. This kind of policy is called a ghost policy.
What is a ghost policy?
A ghost policy is when you buy workers' comp for your business, but you're the only person working. No employees are covered. The policy is there to show you have insurance. It helps you send a certificate to someone who asked for it. But the policy does NOT cover you, the owner, if you get hurt. You reject coverage for yourself when you buy it. That's important to know.
Who might ask you for a certificate?
Certificates of insurance are often asked for by property managers or home owners. For example, if you're doing a job at a house or apartment, the owner might want to see proof you have coverage. This is not about you getting hurt. It's about showing that your business has workers' comp. If you're alone, the certificate still shows you have a policy. The policy is just not for you.
What does a workers' comp policy actually cover?
Workers' comp insurance covers medical bills and lost wages if someone who works for you gets hurt while doing their job. A ghost policy is for the owner only. If you're working alone and no one else works for you, then the policy is there to show coverage exists. It does not cover you, the owner. You reject coverage for yourself when you buy it, so it pays no medical or wage benefits to you.
What happens if you hire someone?
If you hire a helper or start working with another person, the rules change. A ghost policy is for the owner only, with 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. In most states, you must have workers' comp coverage for an employee.
How do you get a workers' comp quote?
To get a quote for workers' comp, you tell the insurance company what kind of work you do and where you work. This helps them give you the right price. The quote will show the real price for your situation. A ghost policy is only for work you do alone. Work above 15 feet can't be covered by this program, so if any of your handyman jobs go that high, you need regular workers' comp instead. The quote gives you the real price for your state and the work you do. Get your quote in minutes.
What about other kinds of insurance?
Workers' comp is not the same as general liability. General liability would cover if someone else gets hurt because of your work, like if a tool falls and hits them. But workers' comp only covers injuries to people who work for you. If you need general liability, you have to get a separate policy. This site only sells the ghost policy. Learn more about ghost policies.
Why is it important to know what a ghost policy does not cover?
A ghost policy does not cover you, the owner. You reject coverage for yourself when you buy it. If you get hurt at work, the policy does not help you. If you want a policy that pays you when you get hurt, you need regular workers' comp, not a ghost policy. So it's important to know what you're buying when you get your quote. Learn more about certificates of insurance.
