Contractor Workers' Comp in Pennsylvania
Pennsylvania workers' comp for contractors — required the moment you have employees, and priced by class code.
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Pennsylvania law requires workers' compensation insurance for virtually every employer with employees — there is no small-employer exemption like some states have. For a contractor, comp covers medical bills and lost wages when an employee is hurt on the job, and it shields you from being sued directly for that injury. It is a legal requirement, not a choice, and the penalties for going without are severe. It sits beside contractor general liability as the second must-have policy.
Comp is priced by class code and payroll. Each trade has a workers' comp classification with its own rate per $100 of payroll — roofing and framing carry high rates because the injury risk is high; finish work and estimating carry low ones. Getting your employees into the correct codes is where money is won or lost: misclassified payroll either overcharges you or triggers a nasty audit bill. We make sure the codes match the actual work.
Owners and officers can often exclude themselves in Pennsylvania, and subcontractors you hire must carry their own comp — or their payroll rolls onto yours at audit. That single issue, uninsured subs, is the most common cause of a surprise five-figure audit premium. We set the policy up to track sub certificates so you are not paying comp on crews that should carry their own.
Comp is usually best shopped on its own with a comp specialist rather than bundled, so you get the right code rates. Start a Pennsylvania contractor quote with your trades and payroll, and we will place the comp correctly.
Frequently asked questions
Is workers' comp required for contractors in Pennsylvania?
Yes. PA requires comp for nearly every employer with employees — no small-employer exemption. Going without carries severe penalties. Owners and officers can often exclude themselves.
How is contractor workers' comp priced?
By class code and payroll — a rate per $100 of payroll that varies sharply by trade. Roofing and framing are expensive; finish work is cheaper. Correct classification is critical to avoid overpaying or an audit bill.
Do I pay comp on my subcontractors?
If a sub doesn't carry their own comp, their payroll rolls onto yours at audit — a common cause of surprise bills. We track sub certificates so you only pay for crews that should be on your policy.
Can I exclude myself as the owner?
Often, yes. Pennsylvania lets many owners and officers elect out of their own comp coverage, which lowers premium. We set the election up correctly for your business structure.