Do you need workers' comp if you are a one-person painting business?
If you are a painter who works alone, you might still need workers' comp. Some people or companies will ask to see proof that you have it before they let you paint for them. This is called a certificate. Workers' comp helps cover injuries to people who work for you. But if you are the only one working, a ghost policy does not cover you, the owner. You reject coverage for yourself when you buy it. Your state decides if it's required, and you can get the actual price by starting your quote.
What kind of injuries happen to painters?
Painters can get hurt in different ways. They might fall off a ladder, get paint in their eyes, or twist their back lifting paint cans. They might also cut themselves on tools. These are the kinds of injuries workers' comp helps with. If you are working alone and get hurt, a ghost policy will not cover you, because you reject coverage for yourself when you buy it. Think about the risks you take every day, like climbing ladders or working in hot sun. Work above 15 feet, such as on a high ladder or scaffold, can't be covered by this program, so if any of your painting goes that high, you need regular workers' comp instead.
Who might ask you for a certificate?
Some people or companies will ask for a certificate before you start painting for them. This could be a homeowner, a building owner, or a general contractor. They want proof that your business has workers' comp. The certificate shows your business has workers' comp, but it does not show all the details of the policy. The certificate includes the carrier, the policy number, and the dates of coverage, but not the full terms. You can get one by starting your quote.
What happens if you hire a helper?
If you hire someone to help you paint, your state may require them to be covered by workers' comp. 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. That way, the person you hire is protected, and you won’t be stuck with the cost of their injuries.
How do you get a quote?
To get a quote, go to start your quote. You will answer some questions about your work and your state. The quote will show you the real price for your business. It will also tell you if the policy is available in your state. If it is, you can buy it right there. You can compare what your policy does and how much it costs before you buy it.
What is a ghost policy?
A ghost policy is a workers' comp policy that covers no one but proves your business has coverage. This is for people who work alone, with no employees and no subcontractors of any kind. It helps you get the certificate you might need. But it does not cover you if you get hurt. 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. Ghost policies are useful if you need a certificate but don’t have any workers. You can get one by starting your quote.
What if you get hurt and are not covered?
If you get hurt and are not covered, the policy will not help with your medical bills. That means you will have to pay for them yourself. A ghost policy never pays the owner, so this is how it works for you. Ask yourself if you can afford the cost of an injury if the policy does not help you.
What does the policy cover in general?
Workers' comp helps cover medical bills if someone gets hurt while working for you. It also helps with lost wages if they cannot work for a while. It does not cover injuries to people who are not working for you. It only covers people who are working for you. A ghost policy does not cover injuries to you, the owner. So, it is important to know who is working for you. If anyone else works for you, you need regular workers' comp, not a ghost policy. The class code for your work helps decide the price, but it does not change what the policy covers. The coverage is the same for anyone who gets hurt at work.
What to do if you're asked for proof
If someone asks for proof of coverage, you can give them the certificate. The certificate shows the name of the insurance company, the policy number, and the dates of coverage. It also shows the types of coverage and the limits. But it does not show all the terms, exclusions, or conditions of the policy. So, if you want to know what the policy does and what it does not do, read the actual policy document. You can get your certificate after Cimarron issues the policy. If you have a ghost policy, it will still show that you have coverage, but it won’t protect you if you get hurt.
Why is this important for a solo painter?
Even if you are the only person working, you might still need workers' comp. Some jobs will not let you start unless you show a certificate. And if you ever hire someone, your state may require them to be covered, and that takes regular workers' comp, not a ghost policy. Regular workers' comp helps protect the people who work for you, and it can help you avoid big costs if they get hurt. A ghost policy does not protect you, the owner. So, think about the risks you face.
