Daycare Center

Posted on May 24, 2019 by Mitchell Sharp

Insurance coverage for a Daycare Center can be expensive

Workers compensation rates tend to vary considerably by industry, state, and insurance company. This can make it difficult for employers to know if they are getting a good deal when purchasing coverage. Partnering with an independent insurance agent is a good way to get many choices all in one place. This can help owners and managers when shopping Small Business Insurance for Daycare Companies.

Toy area at a Daycare Center

Child care costs are extremely high for new parents. A large reason for the amount daycare companies have to charge is because of the cost of commercial insurance. This industry has a tendency to have a higher frequency of claims and those claims tend to have a higher severity compared to other industries. Implementing a safety program that includes a return to work program is a great way to attempt to control what a business pays for commercial insurance. These programs will help the business limit the frequency and severity of claims. It is also a great way to save when purchasing Workers Compensation Insurance.

Why are Risks so High? 

A large reason for these additional risks is because the primary purpose of the industry is to take care of children. Children are the most prized possession of a family and they bring an element of emotion to any claim or lawsuit. When something happens to a child, people react differently then normal circumstances. People are willing to file a lawsuit much quicker when it comes to something involving their child. Even in the event that a lawsuit is unfounded and the business is found to not be negligent, this can still create an enormous cost to a business in the form of legal fees.

Workplace Safety Concerns

When it comes to the health and well-being of employees, Daycare Centers have many different types of risks. Common slips, trips, and falls are always a concern. Lower back injuries can be common because of having to pick up kids frequently. Germs are a large risk that needs to be dealt with. Providing antibacterial soap and hand sanitizer is essential to keep your employees healthy and on the job.

How can Daycare Centers Adapt?

The good thing is many agencies offer exclusive programs designed for the child care industry. If they are an independent agent, they can usually find programs with several insurance companies. This can help daycare centers find the lowest rates on coverage and prevent large fluctuations in premium.

Children waiting for lunch at a daycare center.

NCCI Classification Codes for Daycare Programs

Class Codes Brief Business Description of Operations we Cover
8869 Child Care Centers- All Employees. This classification typically includes centers that care for both pre-school and school-aged children. It doesn’t include traditional schools with before and after school care programs. However this class would include child care centers operated by organizations such as YMCA’s and churches.
7380 Drivers and Chauffeurs. This is a common class code utilized for day care centers with vans or buses for transportation.
8868 College- Professional Employees. Adult day care facilities may utilize this code for day time senior care where there is very limited medical care involved. May also be applicable to learning centers.
9101 College- Other Employees. This code would apply to adult care staff who are not in a professional role or utilizes specialized skills. This may include maintenance, grounds keepers, food service and driving.
8868 Massachusetts Only- Child Day Care Centers utilize this code
NOTE Contact a Workers Comp Specialist for more information on properly classifying your day care business.
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Trim Carpenters

Posted on May 17, 2019 by Mitchell Sharp

There are many different aspects of the construction industry. Some businesses are generalists and focus primarily on new home construction. Other businesses focus primarily on remodeling of existing structures. Still other businesses focus on a specific niche within the construction industry. Some examples of these niche companies include: framers, roofing companies, floor installation, and even trim carpenters. Trim carpenters are one area of the construction industry that have a unique risk associated with the work they do. Here is a description of exactly what a trim carpenter does and what they need to be concerned with when it comes to dealing with the workers compensation system.

Tools used by a Trim Carpenter.

What Trim Carpenters Do 

Trim Carpenters perform construction work only on the interior of a property. This may include cabinet installation, interior trim, remodeling, repair, finishing or refinishing. Contractors and Remodelers perform both interior and exterior work. Exterior carpentry includes framing work, such as structural support for a new building or residence. Normally, Interior Carpentry consists both rough and finish work. Rough work involves framing windows and doors, laying floor joists and sub-floors, stairways and more. Finish carpentry work examples include: hanging doors, installing baseboards and molding around doors and windows, making or installing cabinets as well as shelving or other custom built-ins.

Trim Carpenter sanding wood for use on a job.

Workers Compensation Concerns for Trim Carpenters

The liability a Trim Carpenter faces related to Workers Compensation varies based on the size and nature of the job. The physical nature of the job for trim carpenters creates elevated levels of injuries. Hand tools and sharp objects such as saws, chisels and nails are common to all types of carpentry. These tools can cause an excessive amount of cuts, piercings and accidental amputation. Hernias, strains, sprains, and back injuries related to lifting occur more frequently then other industries. When an adequate focus on safety is present can limit the frequency and severity of injuries that occur. When work is done at height, additional risks are present. There is a potential for more severe injuries and even death when work is done on ladders and scaffolds at height. Maintenance of ladders and scaffolds is crucial in order to limit injuries to employees who do work at heights. The use of proper safety equipment should be a part of any company culture no matter if the business is a one man operation or includes dozens of employees.

Painter finishing a job before turning over a new house to its owner.

Additional recommended coverages for Trim Carpenters:

  • General Liability Insurance
  • Inland Marine Insurance
  • Commercial Auto (and Hired and Non-Owned)
  • Business Personal Property
  • Employee Dishonesty
  • Inland Marine
  • Umbrella Liability Coverage
  • Business Income with Extra Expense

Common Workers Compensation Class Codes:

  • 5437: Carpentry—Cabinets and Interior Trim
  • 5403: Carpenters—Not Classified Elsewhere
  • 2802: Carpentry—Shop Only
  • 5432: California Class—Carpentry
  • 5645: Carpentry—Residential Construction

 

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Washington Workers Compensation Insurance Rates 2019

Posted on May 10, 2019 by Mitchell Sharp

Washington Workers Compensation Insurance Rates 2019

There is good news making waves throughout the state of Washington in 2019. The good news is the business community is paying less for workers compensation insurance this year. On average, businesses are paying 5 percent less for coverage compared to 2018. This marks the largest drop in more than 10 years and the effects went in to place as of the first of the year. With this decrease, employers will pay an average of approximately $58 less per employee for a year of workers’ compensation coverage. Workers will also see the amount they contribute to the workers compensation system decrease by an average of $6 a year. This combines for a total savings of $136 million less in premiums during 2019 for workers and employers.

Seattle, Washington Skyline

Why are Washington Workers Compensation Insurance Rates Declining in 2019

One of the main reasons for declining Workers Compensation Insurance Rates in Washington for 2019 is the projected long term costs for the workers’ compensation system have fallen more than $2 billion thanks to a number of reasons.  The Labor and Industries (L&I) Department within the state government has enacted a number of programs that have helped injured workers heal and return to work, reduce opioid use during treatment, and provide vocational support earlier in injury claims. The state has seen dramaticly positive results as a result of L&I implementing opioid prescription guidelines. The guidelines have resulted in a 90 percent reduction in the number of workers receiving opioids at six to 12 weeks after injury. THis has also been in conjunction with the agency providing vocational support and assistance earlier in injury claims. Stepping in earlier in the process has helped reduce injured workers from winding up on long term disability. According to L&I Director Joel Sacks, ‘We’ve seen a big drop in injuries at work in our state since 2012. And that’s great news because preventing injuries and making workplaces safe is our number one goal’.

Mount Rainier National Park in Washington State

What Can Washington Businesses do to Maximize Savings?

Invest in Safety

The one main aspect of what a business pays for workers compensation insurance is the experience modification rating. The one aspect of this rating a business has control over is the loss ratio.  The loss ratio is the percent of insurance premium a business pays to the insurance carrier compared to the expected loss incurred by the carrier as a result of that business.  This ratio is the one aspect of commercial insurance businesses have some control over. Implementing effective safety programs and documenting them is the best way to impact this ratio.

Shop Around

Shopping around for the best insurance rate possible is always a wise decision. It is not wise to base your decision to buy insurance solely on price and it is not wise to switch agencies or carriers each year based on a slight dip in price. Relationships still mean something in the insurance industry. It is important to look around if for nothing else than to make sure your agent and your carrier are offering a competitive price.

Partner with an Independent Agent

The most efficient way to shop around your policy is by partnering with an independent insurance agent. An independent agent is not tied solely to one carrier. They can offer your business the policies of many different carriers. This offers your business many more choices. Also, an independent agent can give you unbiased advice about each policy and each carrier. Margins within the insurance industry are extremely tight. When a carrier offers a drastically lower rate then the competition there is a reason for it. The reason for a lower price is rarely, the coverage is better or the carrier offers better claims service. When you partner with an independent agent, they can tell you the positives and negatives to each carrier and help you make a well informed decision.

Public Fish Market in Downtown Seattle, Washington

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Accounting Firms

Posted on April 30, 2019 by Mitchell Sharp

Accountants, CPA’s, Bookkeepers, Auditing, Tax Preparing Services, and Payroll Services 

Businesses in the accounting industry have very unique risks that only businesses in this industry face. These businesses face enormous risk when it comes to dealing with people and businesses sensitive financial information. Cyber Security is extremely important for accounting firms. When it comes to Workers Compensation Concerns, the risk of severe injury are small. Because of the nature of an office setting, repetitive use injuries are the biggest risk. A sedentary lifestyle is also a concern for the health of the workforce in general. Creating some form of incentive to encourage your employees to stay physically fit is a good idea to prevent absenteeism. In most cases it creates a happy and healthy workforce. Slips, trips, and falls are not a huge problem to this industry, but they should not be taken lightly. Focusing on ergonomics will help employees prevent repetitive use injuries and prevent back problems from arising.

Picture of a persons desk while working at an accounting firm.

Even though an accounting firm operates in an office setting, there is a need to pay attention to the up keep of the facility the business operates. Keeping the parking lot well lit and free of debris can prevent many slip, trip, and fall claims from occurring. Even you operate in an area of the country where cold weather is common during the Winter Months, it is important to have a plan in place for removing snow and ice from the parking area and walkways. Common areas within the facility should be kept clean and clutter free. Someone needs to be in charge of the general maintenance of the facility. Smoke detectors needs to be in working order.

Accounting Firm picture on a laptop computer with stacks of coins getting gradually larger.

Additional Coverages for Accounting Professionals:

✓ General Liability Insurance
✓ Professional Liability Insurance (E&O)
✓ Hired and Non-Owned Auto
✓ Employee Dishonesty Bond

General Liability Insurance

In most states throughout the country, general liability insurance is required by law for most businesses. This is commonly the first policy a business purchases, along with workers compensation insurance. Just purchasing GL and WC can be a risky proposition for most businesses. General Liability will cover the business for the common liability it faces to outside third parties damaged by the actions of the business. These damages can be both property damage and bodily injury. In most cases, clients do not visit the office location or an accounting firm. If they do it is not very frequent or for very long. This keeps the liability risk fairly low. Off-premises exposures arise when employees are engaged in sales visits, training sessions, and physical audits at the client’s location. There should be strict policies and training for how an employee should conduct themselves when conducting off-site work.

Professional Liability Coverage

Professional Liability is a necessary coverage for most all accounting firms. Professional Liability is also frequently referred to as Errors and Omissions or E&O. The nature of the business for accounting firms is giving professional advice and providing audits. When the advice is not up to par, liability can arise. These risks can be related to include the services the business provides, the credentials and experience of the employees, and the ratio of professional to clerical employees. Thorough background checks must be done on all employees to verify education and to prove they do not have a financial criminal history. In many cases, failure to adequately monitor staffs credentials can cause a claim to not be covered. Limiting the amount of professional work clerical staff are allowed to do can prevent risks from arising related to E&O Claims.

Commercial Auto Insurance

Risks associated with driving normally low for accounting firms. If the business owns vehicles that are only used for business purposes, a traditional commercial auto policy will suffice. If you have employees who travel and use rental cars or employees who use their personal vehicles for business purposes, a hired and non-owned auto policy needs to be added for the business to be properly protected.

Employee Dishonesty Bond

An Employee Dishonesty Bond is highly recommended for businesses that operate as an accounting firm. There are two main types of criminal exposure that are covered by a bond. The bonds that can be purchased to protect a business from losses related to the criminal activity committed employees. Those two ways to protect your business from this exposure is through a Commercial Crime Insurance Policy or a Fidelity Bond.  A Fidelity Bond is a form of insurance that covers losses resulting from employee dishonesty, fraud.  A Fidelity Bond is meant to act as a security against potential fraudulent employees as well as disgruntled employees.  A Commercial Crime Insurance Policy is typically designed to meet the needs of organizations other than financial institutions (such as banks). A commercial crime policy typically provides several different types of crime coverage like: employee dishonesty, forgery, computer fraud, funds transfer fraud, kidnap, etc. Both of these policies will cover losses due to the actions of your employees. If you are not sure which type is best for you it is always best to consult with an experienced independent insurance agent to make sure you are properly covered.

Picture of a binocular with the words class codes.

Common Classification Codes Associated with Accounting Firms:

NCCI Workers Compensation Codes:

  • 8803- Accountant, Auditor; traveling
  • 8810- Clerical; office only

SIC Business Insurance Codes:

  • 8721: Accounting, Auditing and Bookkeeping Services
  • 7291: Tax Return Preparation Services

NAICS Liability Classifications:

  • 541211: Offices of Certified Public Accountants
  • 541213: Tax Preparation Services
  • 541214: Payroll Services
  • 541219: Other Accounting Services

Business ISO General Liability:

  • 41677: Accounting/Consulting

Graphic photo of a man giving a presentation. On the presentation screen are the words Cash, Account, Savings, Credit Card, Mortgage, Money, Save, Credit

 

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Missouri Experiencing Continued Declining Workers Comp Rates in 2019

Posted on April 23, 2019 by Mitchell Sharp

2019 Marks the 5th consecutive year of declining workers compensation rates in the state of Missouri

This past December, the Missouri Department of Insurance recommended a 3.5 percent decrease for workers compensation insurance loss costs in 2019. This is a modest decline, but it also marks the fifth year in a row of declines for workers comp rates in the state of Missouri.

Spirit of Saint Louis, Gateway Arch, located on the banks of the Mississippi River in Missouri.

Missouri is an NCCI state. This means the workers compensation system partners with the National Council on Compensation Insurance for recommended pure premium rate recommendations. NCCI is the leader at gathering data, analyzing industry trends, and providing objective insurance rate and loss cost recommendations. States that partner with NCCI predominantly enjoy lower rates on workers compensation premium.

Missouri State Flag

Why are rates declining?

Missouri Workers Compensation Rates 2019 are declining because of positive lost-time claim frequencies combined with stable average claim costs. This means the insurance carriers have processed less frequent claims and the average claim cost has remained stable. Because there are less claims to cover and the cost of those claims has remained relatively stable, insurance carriers operating in Missouri have experienced less cost to operate in the state. These positive signs allow the industry to pass some of those savings on to businesses within the state in the form of lower workers compensation insurance rates in 2019.

 

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NCCI Class Code 9014

Posted on April 18, 2019 by Mitchell Sharp

Janitorial Services Companies fall in Class Code 9014 for purposes of Workers Compensation Insurance. 

NCCI Class Code 9014 has many different types of operations that are included within the code. The predominant business for this class code is commercial janitorial services companies. This type of business is defined as keeping a building clean by routine dusting; mopping, vacuuming, waxing, or polishing floors, emptying trash, cleaning or washing interior walls, and cleaning, sanitizing, and deodorizing restrooms. Most insurance carriers will allow for up to 10 percent of the businesses time be related to maintenance and minor repair work.

Class Code 9014

Specifics of Janitorial Services Companies

There are additional types of businesses that fall within NCCI Classification Code 9014. Those businesses include: Exterminators, Chimney Cleaning, Residential Boiler Cleaning, Swimming Pool Maintenance, Pet Waste Removal Services. In relation to Janitorial Services Companies, most insurance carriers want to offer coverage to cleaning companies that clean office locations. These are the least risky operations for a commercial cleaning company. The rates for workers compensation insurance are more favorable for businesses who clean offices.

Retail and other light commercial spaces are also less risky for the insurance carrier to offer coverage. Because of this, carriers offer much more favorable rates on premium. On the other end of the spectrum, it can be difficult to find an insurance carrier willing to offer coverage to businesses that clean industrial settings. When businesses who clean industrial settings do find coverage, it is normally at a higher rate of premium.

Lady working at a Commercial Cleaning Company fits into NCCI Class Code 9014.

Floor waxing is another type of operation underwriters take into account. Some carriers allow for floor waxing to be as much as 25 percent of the business operations. While floor waxing is acceptable, power washing is an activity that is not very favorable to insurance carriers.

When commercial janitorial services companies also offer their services to residential clients, the amount of residential clients must be less than 50 percent of the operations or the business must be placed within class code 0917. Workers Compensation Rates are typically higher when businesses use this class code. Many carriers have a very low appetite for residential companies because it is a less controlled work environment.

If a business is not able to find coverage on the open market, the business will be forced to find coverage from the state provider. Policies offered by the state provider are almost universally higher in cost. Partnering with an independent insurance agent is a great way to determine which classification code is proper for your business, whether your business should go with a traditional or pay as you go policy, and what you as a business owner can do to lower what you pay for premium.

Cleaning Service

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5 Businesses Who Might Benefit From a Ghost Insurance Policy

Posted on April 9, 2019 by Mitchell Sharp

A Ghost Policy Can Satisfy Insurance Requirements for a One-Person Business at a Substantial Savings

Workers Compensation Insurance is required by law for most businesses in most states. When a business operates as a sole proprietor, one-person LLC, a partnership, or a one-person s-corporation; depending upon the state the business operates in workers comp may not be a requirement. In order to save money, many of these businesses decide to go without coverage, but most find contracts require workers comp coverage. In order to meet the requirements of these contracts, many insurance carriers have a specific ghost insurance policy to meet the needs of certificate requests.

A Ghost Insurance Policy is beneficial to all types of contractors.

How is a Ghost Coverage Different? 

A Ghost Insurance Policy is what professionals within the insurance industry  refer to as a minimum earned premium policy. Ghost policies normally cost between $750 and $1000 each year. Nor this depends upon the state and industry a business operates. The policy does not have payroll calculated into the premium and it excludes all owners from the policy. The main function of a ghost policy is to not necessarily provide tangible benefits unless the business decides to hire an employee or subcontractor that is consider an employee by the state governing body. The Ghost Policy doe provide interim protection for an employee or subcontractor until the business gets a traditional workers compensation policy in place. If the business never hires employees throughout the year, the ghost policy will meet the requirements for a certificate of insurance to be issued to an entity with whom a business is entering into a contract.

A ghost above a shadow of someone walking through the woods.

General Contractor

In many cases, a general contractor needs a certificate of insurance to prove it has certain insurance policies in place in order to enter into a contract. Workers Compensation is almost always one of the required coverages. A Ghost Policy can meet one of these requirements for the general contractor. If the contractor never hires an employee than they only have to pay for the cheaper ghost policy. If the business hires an employee or a subcontractor

Plumbers

If a plumber operates with multiple employees, they will need to secure a traditional workers compensation policy, but some plumbers are established enough to work as a single-employee entity. Plumbers who are the only employee of a business and install or service on new construction projects frequently are required to produce a certificate of insurance. When the business operates with only one employee a ghost policy can help service this requirement at a much lower rate than a traditional workers comp policy.

Landscapers

Many businesses who operate in the Lawncare and Landscaping Industry have employees and secure a traditional workers compensation policy. Some professionals work on their own as a consultant and they are the only employee of that business. When this is the case, a ghost policy is usually the best type of policy to have in place in order to satisfy the requirements for a certificate of insurance.

Home Healthcare Workers

Most Home Healthcare Companies have multiple employees who work at the residence of clients. In some instances, home healthcare workers are able to work as independent contractors. In some states, contractors are not considered employees. If that is the case for a home healthcare worker, a certificate of insurance is necessary to operate. A ghost policy costs substantially less then a traditional workers compensation insurance policy. Because of this savings, a ghost policy is usually the best way for home healthcare contractors to get coverage in place that will satisfy the requirements for workers comp.

Architect and Engineer

Architects and Engineers frequently operate as solo independent contractors. Like other contractors, they need to provide a certificate of insurance in order to agree to a contract. Workers compensation is typically required to meet the needs of the certificate of insurance. When this is a requirement, a ghost policy can meet the requirements at a much lower amount then a traditional workers comp policy.

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Workers Compensation Rates in New York for 2019

Posted on April 4, 2019 by Mitchell Sharp

Rates for workers compensation insurance have historically been high. According to the 2018 Oregon Workers’ Compensation Premium Rate Ranking Summary, rates for in the state of New York are the most expensive in the country. These rates average 188 percent more than the national average. The Oregon Workers Compensation Premium Rate Ranking Summary comes out every two years and is the most comprehensive study that analyzes workers compensation premium. In 2019, the New York Compensation Insurance Rating Board recommended a 11.7 percent reduction in loss cost rates. These reductions went in to effect on October first of 2018.

Manhattan, New York Skyline

Why are New York Rates Declining in 2019?

New York Workers Compensation Rates 2019 are seeing a decline, but in reality they could not have gotten much more expensive. As of 2018 the rates were 188 percent the national average. One of the main reasons for this decline was that in 2017 there were reforms to the workers compensation system put in place that capped classification of Maximum Medical Improvement. This reigned in the high costs associated with delays in finalizing claims. Faster processing of claims allows everyone within the system to benefit and some of those savings are passed on to the business community in the form of lower workers comp premium.

Ways to Maximize Savings in 2019

Partner with an Independent Agent

Partnering with an independent insurance agent allows a business to get unbiased advice about the policy they are buying, the package of policies they are buying, the carrier they are buying them from, and what policies they may not need. A captive agent cannot be as honest with you about all the options at your disposal. This is because they sell the products of one carrier where an independent agent partners with many carriers. They can tell you what you may like and dislike about partnering with any particular carrier. A captive agent will only tell you the positives of their particular carrier.

Shop Around Your Policy

While it is not a good idea to switch carriers every year based upon a slight decline in price. It is wise to shop around periodically. If for no other reason than to make sure your current carrier is competitive with the current marketplace.

Implement a Safety Program

Implementing a safety program is one of the best actions a business owner can take to decrease the frequency and severity of claims within the workers compensation system. In the long run this will lower the businesses experience modification rating which is the main factor an underwriter looks at when determining what to charge a business for workers compensation insurance premium.

Bundle Policies

Bundling all policies together is an additional way to save on insurance premium. When you bundle all policies together you will prevent a gap in coverage. Also, underwriters are more aggressive with credits and discounts when they know they are getting more of your business. Your independent insurance agent can use this to get your business more comprehensive coverage at lower rates.

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West Virginia is Experiencing Declining Workers Compensation Rates in 2019

Posted on March 26, 2019 by Mitchell Sharp

West Virginia Workers Compensation Rates 2019 will decline by 10.3%

In 2019, West Virginia Workers Compensation Insurance Rates are going to be declining by a significant amount. On average, the business community will be paying 10.3 percent less for workers comp premium. This marks the 14th consecutive decrease in a row for the state. This declines amount to a cumulative decrease of 75.8 percent and aggregate premium savings of $398 million. This is extremely good news for business owners. There are a number of reasons for continuing declines and here are two aspects that contribute substantially to the decline in West Virginia Workers Compensation Rates 2019.

Why is premium declining?

The Move to Privatization

In 2006, West Virginia moved to privatize the workers compensation fund. When this began, the state system began adding private insurers to the market in an effort to compete with the state-run workers comp fund. More competition has forced not only the state fund, but also every carrier operating in the state to compete for business. In most instances, states who have both a robust state fund and a competitive open market benefit from lower workers compensation premium. Most within the industry believe continued competition will lead to additional declining rates for the business community within the state of West Virginia.

Safety Programs

Many within the insurance industry have noted that safety programs have had a significant impact on declining workers compensation rates. These programs have been instituted by numerous employers across the state of West Virginia. Better safety programs contribute to less insurance claims and the claims that are reported are less severe. This means the insurance carriers are forced to pay out less in claims. These savings are passed on to the business community in the form of lower workers comp rates.

If you are a West Virginia Business Owner looking to renew your commercial insurance, we have specialists waiting to help you get rock bottom rates on the most comprehensive insurance packages. We can help you no matter the size of your business or the industry you operate in.

Give us a call at 888-611-7467 or click here to fill out a quote online and let us shop insurance so you do have to.

 

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Who Might Need a Ghost Policy?

Posted on March 21, 2019 by Mitchell Sharp

A Workers Compensation Ghost Policy is a very specific type of insurance policy designed for a business owner to be excluded from coverage when there are no additional employees at the business. This type of policy is designed to meet legal obligations for coverage with the state. A ghost policy is also designed to provide actual workers comp benefits unless the employer hires employees or becomes liable for an uninsured subcontractor. Most commonly, a ghost policy is typically purchased by a subcontractor to satisfy coverage requirements of a general contractor or a business who hires the subcontractor.

Ghost Policy

  • A ghost policy enables a business owner to have a certificate of insurance issued,
  • A ghost policy can cost a fraction compared to a policy including the owner, and
  • A ghost policy should provide employer liability protection in the event an employee is hired or a payment is made to an uninsured subcontractor.

A ghost policy is a great choice for small subcontractors who never have employees nor make payments to other subcontractors without insurance. The reason why people buy a Ghost Policy is to provide proof of insurance coverage, through a certificate on insurance, for requirements to a contract they are operating within. Many businesses and general contractors require proof of insurance as a requirement for a contract offer.

How Does a Ghost Policy Work?

A ghost policy typically costs between $750 and $1000 annually depending on the state the policy is issued. The policy has no payroll calculated into the premium and excludes all owners from the policy. In order to elect this type of coverage a business owner must select to be excluded from coverage on the Acord 130 Form. Again, they can only elect to do so it they are the only employee associated with the business for the entire policy period.

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