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
Your real number depends on payroll, class codes, and carrier appetite — comparing several quotes side by side is the only way to see it. 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.