You don’t have employees. You’ve excluded yourself from coverage. And the GC still won’t let you on the job without a workers’ comp certificate. That’s exactly the problem a ghost policy exists to solve.
What a ghost policy is
A ghost policy is a minimum-premium workers’ compensation policy for owners with no employees who have legally excluded themselves from coverage. It doesn’t actually cover anyone — what it does is satisfy contract requirements by letting the carrier issue a legitimate certificate of insurance, so you can sign subcontracts and get on job sites.
Who it fits
What it costs
Ghost policies run at or near carrier minimum premium — typically somewhere in the $750–$1,500 per year range depending on your state and class code. Compare that to losing a contract, or to paying full payroll-based premium for coverage you don’t legally need, and the math is simple.
The fine print that matters
Not every state allows ghost policies, and hiring even one worker — including some 1099 labor — changes everything at audit time. This is exactly the kind of policy you want an independent agent to place: we confirm what your state permits, match the class code correctly, and flag the moment your situation outgrows it. We write ghost policies alongside standard and pay-as-you-go workers’ comp across the country, including for contractors of every trade.
Ghost policy FAQs
What is a workers’ comp ghost policy?
A ghost policy is a minimum-premium workers’ compensation policy issued to a business owner who has excluded themselves from coverage and has no employees. It exists to generate the certificate of insurance that GCs and clients demand — the policy technically covers no one, which is why it’s called a ghost policy.
Who needs a ghost policy?
Sole proprietors and single-owner businesses — commonly subcontractors — who have no employees but can’t get on a job site without showing a workers’ comp certificate. If a GC requires proof of comp and you legally don’t need coverage for yourself, a ghost policy solves the paperwork problem.
How much does a ghost policy cost?
Ghost policies are priced at or near the carrier’s minimum premium — commonly in the range of $750 to $1,500 per year depending on the state and class code, sometimes more for high-risk trades. It’s usually far cheaper than a standard policy because no payroll is being covered.
Are ghost policies legal in every state?
No — availability varies by state, and some states don’t permit them or handle owner exclusion differently. We confirm what’s available in your state when we quote. If a ghost policy isn’t available, alternatives like a minimum-payroll policy usually are.
What happens if I hire someone?
Tell us immediately. The moment you have an employee — even part-time or temporary labor — a ghost policy no longer fits, and an audit will catch uncovered payroll. Converting to a standard policy is straightforward and keeps you compliant.
Get a ghost policy quote — most are issued within a day or two.