Ghost Policy / Minimum WC for contractors

Most do. The ACORD 25 from a ghost policy shows active workers' comp coverage. Occasionally a GC or their insurance carrier will require documentation of actual employee coverage. We can tell you upfront whether your specific situation is likely to be accepted.

Ghost policy pricing varies by state and trade, but typically falls between $800 and $2,500 per year. Roofing and other high-hazard trades trend toward the higher end; lower-hazard trades are often closer to $800–$1,200.

You need to contact your agent immediately. A ghost policy doesn't cover employees. As soon as you hire, you need to convert to a payroll-based policy. Failure to do so exposes you to significant liability.

Owner exclusion rules vary by state. Most states allow sole proprietors to exclude themselves from WC, but the rules differ. We confirm what's available in your state before placing the policy.

Cost varies by trade, state, payroll size, and loss history. Ghost policies typically run $800–$2,500/year. Standard policies are rated per $100 of payroll at rates that vary by class code. We quote your specific situation in about 15 minutes.

Yes. Contractors Choice Agency is licensed in all 50 states and writes workers' comp for contractors anywhere in the country.

About 15 minutes for most trades. Have your trade type, payroll estimate, and employee count ready. Hard-to-place risks may take a day or two to place with the right markets.

Often yes. We have admitted and surplus lines markets for contractors with high experience mods, prior losses, OSHA citations, and other issues standard carriers won't write.

If you have employees, you need a real policy. If you're a sole proprietor with no employees who simply needs a certificate for a GC, a ghost policy is the right fit. We'll help you figure out which one applies to your situation.

A.M. Best ratings reflect a carrier's financial strength. We place coverage with A-rated carriers so you can be confident the policy will pay if a claim happens.

Yes. Roofing, demolition, framing, and other high-hazard trades are our specialty. We have markets that write these trades where other agencies can't help.

A waiver of subrogation prevents your WC carrier from suing the general contractor after paying a claim. Most GCs require this endorsement. We add it to your certificate same day.

Trade type, payroll estimate, employee count, states where you work, and any loss history. More detail means a more accurate quote, but we can start with the basics.

Yes. Short-term or project-based workers' comp policies are available for contractors who need coverage for a specific job rather than a full year. Call us and describe your project.

A lump-sum policy requires a large down payment at the start of the year. Pay-as-you-go spreads your premium across each payroll cycle based on actual wages. PAYG is better for contractors with variable workloads; lump-sum is simpler for stable payrolls.

If your subcontractors can't provide certificates of insurance, the carrier may add their payroll to your audit. Always collect certificates from every sub. We help contractors understand audit exposure before the audit happens.

Yes. We write new ventures and startups. Without loss history, you'll be rated on industry averages, but coverage is available for day one.

A missed payment can result in a lapse in coverage and loss of your certificate. If this happens, call us immediately — we can help reinstate or replace coverage quickly.