Protect Your Roofing Business with Workers' Compensation Insurance in Pennsylvania
Part of our guide to roofers insurance in Pennsylvania.
Many roofers in Pennsylvania mistakenly believe they can skip Workers' Compensation Insurance if they have few employees or work on small projects. In reality, Pennsylvania law requires workers' compensation as soon as you hire your first employee. This coverage is not just a legal requirement, but also a crucial protection for your business and employees. Without it, you risk paying out of pocket for medical bills and lost wages if an employee is injured on the job. In Pennsylvania, the risk of workplace injuries is particularly high due to severe winter storms and slippery roofs. Workers' Compensation Insurance pays for medical bills and lost wages when employees are injured on the job, providing a financial safety net for your business.
Workers' Compensation cost for roofers in Pennsylvania
Illustrative monthly workers comp estimate for a small roofer operation in Pennsylvania. Actual pricing depends on revenue, payroll, coverage limits, claims history, and carrier. Get a personalized quote to see your real price.
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What Workers' Compensation Covers for Roofers in Pennsylvania
Workers' Compensation Insurance for roofers in Pennsylvania covers medical bills and lost wages when employees are injured on the job. This includes injuries from falls, equipment accidents, and other work-related hazards. For example, if an employee slips on a icy roof in Pittsburgh and breaks their ankle, Workers' Compensation Insurance would cover their medical bills and lost wages. However, it does not cover injuries that occur while commuting to or from work, or those that are self-inflicted. Additionally, it does not cover damage to equipment or property, which would be covered under a different policy like General Liability or Commercial Auto.
Do Roofers in Pennsylvania Need Workers' Compensation?
In Pennsylvania, workers' compensation is generally required as soon as you hire your first employee. This means that even if you only have one employee, you are still required to carry Workers' Compensation Insurance. Going without it can result in significant fines and penalties, as well as leaving your business vulnerable to lawsuits and financial losses. For example, if an employee is injured on the job and you do not have Workers' Compensation Insurance, you may be liable for their medical bills and lost wages out of pocket. In practice, this means that roofers in Pennsylvania should prioritize getting Workers' Compensation Insurance as soon as they hire their first employee to protect their business and employees.
A Real Workers' Compensation Claim a Roofer Could Face
A roofer in Allentown faced a $10,000 Workers' Compensation claim when an employee fell off a roof and broke their leg. The employee required surgery and several weeks of physical therapy, resulting in significant medical bills and lost wages. Fortunately, the roofer had Workers' Compensation Insurance, which covered the employee's medical bills and lost wages. The policy paid out $8,000 in medical bills and $2,000 in lost wages, leaving the roofer with no out-of-pocket expenses.
What Workers' Compensation Costs for Roofers in Pennsylvania
The cost of Workers' Compensation Insurance for roofers in Pennsylvania varies, but estimated premiums range from $55-$215/month. Factors that affect the cost of this coverage include revenue, payroll, coverage limits, deductible, and claims history. For example, a roofer with a high revenue and large payroll may pay more for Workers' Compensation Insurance than a smaller operation. Additionally, the cost of this coverage may be higher in areas with high plaintiff-favorable courts, like Philadelphia. To lower their premium, roofers can implement safety protocols, provide training to employees, and maintain a clean claims history.
How to Get Workers' Compensation in Pennsylvania
To get Workers' Compensation Insurance in Pennsylvania, roofers should gather information about their business, including revenue, payroll, and employee information. They should also determine the coverage limits and deductible they need, and compare quotes from different insurance providers. For example, a roofer in Erie may want to consider a policy with higher coverage limits to protect against severe winter storms and slippery roofs. By bundling Workers' Compensation with other core policies, like General Liability and Commercial Auto, roofers may be able to lower their total premium. Get your quote today and protect your roofing business in Pennsylvania.
Frequently asked questions
Will my Workers' Compensation premium jump after one claim?＋
Yes. A single claim can increase your premium. However, the amount of the increase depends on the severity of the claim, your claims history, and other factors. For example, a minor injury with low medical bills may result in a smaller premium increase than a more severe injury with high medical bills. Additionally, some insurance providers offer premium discounts for businesses with strong safety protocols and low claims histories.
Can I get a COI same-day for a client?＋
Yes. Many insurance providers offer same-day COIs for Workers' Compensation Insurance. However, this may depend on the complexity of the policy and the provider's underwriting process. For example, a simple policy with low coverage limits may be eligible for same-day COI, while a more complex policy with high coverage limits may require additional underwriting time. It's best to check with your insurance provider to determine their specific COI process and timeline.
Does a sole proprietor need Workers' Compensation?＋
No. Sole proprietors are not required to carry Workers' Compensation Insurance in Pennsylvania. However, they may still want to consider purchasing a policy to protect themselves against workplace injuries and illnesses. For example, a sole proprietor roofer may want to consider a policy that covers themselves in case of an injury, as they would not be eligible for workers' compensation benefits as an employee. Additionally, some clients may require sole proprietors to carry Workers' Compensation Insurance as a condition of working on their project.
What's not covered by Workers' Compensation?＋
Workers' Compensation Insurance does not cover injuries that occur while commuting to or from work, or those that are self-inflicted. It also does not cover damage to equipment or property, which would be covered under a different policy like General Liability or Commercial Auto. For example, if an employee is injured in a car accident while driving to a job site, Workers' Compensation Insurance would not cover their medical bills. However, if the employee is injured while working on the job site, Workers' Compensation Insurance would cover their medical bills and lost wages.
Can I cancel my Workers' Compensation policy at any time?＋
Yes. You can cancel your Workers' Compensation policy at any time, but you may be subject to penalties or fees. For example, if you cancel your policy mid-term, you may be required to pay a short-rate penalty. Additionally, if you cancel your policy and then need to reinstate it, you may be subject to a higher premium or additional underwriting requirements. It's best to check with your insurance provider to determine their specific cancellation policies and procedures.
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Other coverages roofers in Pennsylvania should know
This article is for general educational purposes and is not insurance or legal advice. Coverage requirements and pricing in Pennsylvania change over time and vary by business. Verify current rules with the Pennsylvania Department of Insurance and a licensed agent before purchasing a policy.