Ghost Workers’ Compensation: What It Is & Who Needs It
If you’re a contractor or business owner with no employees, you may still be required to carry workers’ compensation insurance. This often causes confusion for sole proprietors and 1099 contractors. The solution is ghost workers’ compensation.
At Upstate’s Choice Insurance, we help contractors secure ghost workers’ comp policies that meet job-site and contract requirements — without paying for payroll you don’t have.
👉 You can get started here:
https://www.upstateschoice.com/get-a-quote/workers-compensation/
What Is Ghost Workers’ Compensation?
Ghost workers’ compensation (also called workers’ comp with no employees) is a workers’ compensation policy designed for businesses that:
- Have no employees
- Operate as a sole proprietor or single-member LLC
- Are required to show proof of workers’ comp to work
These policies list zero payroll, which keeps costs low while still providing a valid workers’ compensation certificate when required.
If you’ve been asked for proof, you can request coverage here:
👉 https://www.upstateschoice.com/get-a-quote/workers-compensation/
Who Needs Ghost Workers’ Comp?
You may need ghost workers’ compensation if you are a:
- Independent contractor
- Sole proprietor
- 1099 worker
- Subcontractor
- Paper or mill contractor
- One-person construction or maintenance business
Even if you work alone, many companies will not allow you on a job site without proof of workers’ compensation coverage.
👉 Get a ghost workers’ comp quote here:
https://www.upstateschoice.com/get-a-quote/workers-compensation/
Ghost Workers’ Compensation in SC, NC & GA
South Carolina
In South Carolina, many contractors must carry workers’ compensation even with no employees — especially in construction, maintenance, and mill work.
North Carolina
North Carolina job sites and general contractors often require workers’ comp certificates from all subcontractors, regardless of employee count.
Georgia
In Georgia, workers’ comp requirements depend on the type of work and who you’re contracting with. Ghost workers’ comp is often the fastest way to meet these requirements.
👉 Request workers’ compensation coverage here:
https://www.upstateschoice.com/get-a-quote/workers-compensation/
How Ghost Workers’ Compensation Works
A ghost workers’ comp policy:
- Shows zero payroll
- Meets workers’ comp requirements
- Provides a certificate of insurance
- Keeps premiums as low as possible
⚠️ Important: If you hire employees later, the policy must be updated to include payroll.
To avoid mistakes or delays, it’s best to work with an agent experienced in ghost workers’ compensation filings.
👉 Start your workers’ comp quote here:
https://www.upstateschoice.com/get-a-quote/workers-compensation/
How Much Does Ghost Workers’ Compensation Cost?
Ghost workers’ compensation is typically very affordable because:
- There are no employees
- Payroll is listed as zero
- Risk exposure is minimal
Costs vary by state and industry, but most contractors find it far less expensive than traditional workers’ comp policies.
👉 Check your ghost workers’ comp rate here:
https://www.upstateschoice.com/get-a-quote/workers-compensation/
Frequently Asked Questions About Ghost Workers’ Compensation
Do I need workers’ comp if I have no employees?
Often, yes — especially if required by a contractor, mill, or job site.
Is ghost workers’ comp the same as regular workers’ comp?
It’s a workers’ comp policy written with no employees and no payroll.
Where can I get ghost workers’ compensation fast?
You can request same-day service here:
👉 https://www.upstateschoice.com/get-a-quote/workers-compensation/
Get Ghost Workers’ Compensation Today
If you need ghost workers’ compensation in South Carolina, North Carolina, or Georgia, don’t risk losing work or delaying a project.
👉 Get your ghost workers’ comp quote today
🌐 https://www.upstateschoice.com/get-a-quote/workers-compensation/
📞 864-845-7500