Workers’ Compensation Insurance for Contractors

What Is Workers’ Compensation Insurance?

Workers’ compensation insurance provides benefits to employees who are injured or become ill due to their job. For contractors and construction businesses, this coverage helps pay for medical expenses, lost wages, and rehabilitation related to workplace injuries.

Workers’ compensation also helps protect employers from employee injury‑related lawsuits and is required in most states.

Why Contractors & Tradesmen Need Workers’ Compensation Insurance

Construction is one of the highest‑risk industries. Even a single workplace injury can result in significant financial and legal consequences if your business is not properly insured.

• Required by state law in most jurisdictions

• Covers medical costs and lost wages for injured employees

• Helps protect employers from employee injury lawsuits

• Keeps your business compliant with licensing and labor requirements

• Demonstrates professionalism to general contractors and project owners

Workers’ Compensation Coverage for Hard‑to‑Place Contractors

Many contractors struggle to obtain workers’ compensation coverage due to trade classification, claims history, or payroll size. We specialize in placing workers’ comp policies for hard‑to‑place construction risks.

• High‑risk construction trades

• New ventures and startups

• Prior claims or experience modification issues

• Large or fluctuating payrolls

• Multi‑state operations

• Contractors declined by standard carriers

Fast Workers’ Comp Binding & Certificates

When you need workers’ compensation quickly to stay compliant or start a project, timing matters. In many cases, we can help secure coverage promptly and issue certificates as needed.

• Fast binding options available

• Certificates of insurance issued quickly

• Help meeting general contractor and jobsite requirements

• Payroll and class code guidance

Access to NCCI & State Workers’ Compensation Markets

When standard insurance carriers are unable to offer workers’ compensation coverage, alternative markets are often necessary. We work with national and state‑specific workers’ compensation programs to help ensure contractors are not left without options.

This includes access to NCCI‑administered assigned risk plans and the California State Compensation Insurance Fund, which are designed to provide workers’ compensation coverage when coverage is not available through the voluntary market.

• NCCI assigned risk plans (where applicable)

• California State Compensation Insurance Fund

• Solutions for contractors declined by standard carriers

• Assistance maintaining compliance when options are limited

Availability, eligibility, and placement are subject to state rules and underwriting requirements.

Schedule a Workers’ Compensation Insurance Consultation

Speak with a licensed broker who understands construction payroll, jobsite risks, and state‑specific workers’ compensation requirements.

Workers’ Compensation Insurance FAQ

Is workers’ compensation insurance required for contractors?

In most states, contractors with employees are legally required to carry workers’ compensation insurance. Requirements vary by state.

Do I need workers’ comp if I use subcontractors?

In many cases, contractors can be held responsible for uninsured subcontractors. Proper certificates and coverage are critical.

Does workers’ compensation cover the business owner?

Coverage for owners depends on state rules and policy structure. Some states allow owners to opt in or out.

What affects the cost of workers’ compensation insurance?

Costs are influenced by trade classification, payroll, claims history, experience modification, and state regulations.

Can you help contractors with prior workers’ comp claims?

Yes. We work with carriers that specialize in higher‑risk and loss‑sensitive workers’ compensation programs.