Workers’ compensation insurance for contractors and construction businesses

In the construction industry, physical labor brings a high risk of injuries that could place a tremendous financial burden on your business. For instance, if a carpenter has an accident with a nail gun, it could lead to hefty medical bills and downtime.

Workers’ compensation insurance can pay for medical expenses and partial missed wages when an employee is injured on the job or develops an occupational illness. Sole proprietors may also decide to buy this policy for financial protection against work injuries, which health insurance might not cover.

• Immediate medical costs, including emergency room expenses
• Ongoing medical costs, such as physical rehabilitation
• Partial lost wages while the employee is unable to work

Employer’s liability insurance – typically included in a workers’ comp policy – protects general contractors, roofing companies, and other construction businesses when an employee decides to sue a business owner over an injury.

Employer’s liability insurance typically helps cover:

• Attorney’s fees
• Court costs
• Settlements

Even when a lawsuit is without merit, you might still have to pay for an expensive court battle if not properly insured.

The amount you pay for workers’ compensation is a specific rate based on every $100 of your business’s payroll. Your premium is determined by the type of work done by your employees (classification rate), your experience modification rate (claims history), and your payroll (per $100).

The formula is:
Classification rate x Experience modification rate x (Payroll / 100) = Premium

Every state creates its own laws for workers’ compensation requirements. For instance, every construction business in Pennsylvania is required to carry workers’ compensation insurance for its employees – even part-time workers. Georgia businesses, on the other hand, only need to carry workers’ comp when they have three or more employees.

States often have stricter requirements for construction businesses than other types of businesses due to the industry's increased risk of injury. Roofers in particular are usually required to buy workers' comp, regardless of whether or not they have employees.

Even when independent contractors, sole proprietors, and partners don’t have to carry workers’ compensation insurance, they can choose to purchase coverage for the financial protection it offers.

In certain states, construction and contracting businesses must purchase workers’ compensation insurance through a monopolistic state fund. Those states are:

• North Dakota
• Ohio
• Washington
• Wyoming

If you purchase workers’ comp through a monopolistic state fund, it may not include employer’s liability insurance. However, you can purchase it from a private insurer to fill this gap in coverage.

Construction professionals face high risks due to the physical nature of the work – not to mention the hazards of saws, ladders, and other essential equipment. If an employee suffers an injury, it can lead to a costly insurance claim – and a rise in your premiums.

Luckily, the owners of construction companies can mitigate risks by providing safety training and reducing hazards in the workplace. You can also make sure your workers are equipped with protective gear, such as gloves and goggles. This can lower your rate of workplace injuries, along with your insurance rates.

Workers’ compensation insurance provides protection for your employees and to some extent your business, but it doesn’t cover property damage, client injury, or company vehicles. Construction and contracting business owners should also consider:

General liability insurance: This policy can cover expenses related to client injury and property damage, along with copyright infringement issues.

Commercial auto insurance: This policy covers vehicles owned by your construction or contracting business. It typically pays for accidents, vehicle theft, and vehicle damage.

Contractor’s tools and equipment insurance: This policy helps pay for repair or replacement of a contractor’s tools and equipment if they are lost, stolen, or damaged.

Professional liability insurance: This policy covers professional mistakes and oversights, such as a contractor missing a deadline for a project.

Surety bonds: These bonds provide a guarantee that your company will fulfill its contract. Otherwise, it reimburses the client for their loss.

Builder’s risk insurance: Builder’s risk insurance can pay for damage done to a structure still under construction, such as fire or vandalism at a construction site.

Are you ready to safeguard your construction or contracting business with workers’ compensation or another type of insurance? Complete Insureon’s easy online application today. Once you find the right policy, you can begin coverage in less than 24 hours.