Workers’ Comp Insurance for Gutter Installers Georgia

Since Workers’ Compensation is required for most businesses in Georgia, gutter installation companies are no exception. Gutter installers that work alone, however, might be exempt from needing coverage.

Gutter installers can be independent contractors, sole proprietors, or employees of a larger company in Georgia. This means that Workers’ Compensation requirements for gutter installers vary. Regardless, all gutter installers should be covered by Workers’ Compensation in case an accident occurs. Gutter installers can be seen as a risk to insurance carriers, which is why companies should work with our brokers to find affordable insurance. Gutter installers should get Workers’ Compensation right away and have a policy in place before beginning operations, as failure to have insurance can make a company liable for its workers’ injuries in Georgia.

Call our Georgia Workers’ Compensation insurance brokers at (561) 990-3022 to get a quote from NPN Brokers today.

Workers’ Comp Insurance for Different Types of Gutter Installers in Georgia

There are three main types of gutter installers in Georgia: independent contractors, sole proprietors, and employees. While each has different Workers’ Compensation requirements, all face risks by being in the business of gutter installation.

Independent Contractors

Homeowners or larger companies typically hire independent contractors for help with a project. Regarding gutter installers that are independent contractors, they might be hired during a home renovation or building project to focus solely on water drainage. These independent contractors do not need to purchase Workers’ Compensation in Georgia. Furthermore, it is unlikely that they will be covered by a temporary employer’s Workers’ Compensation policy.

Sole Proprietors

Starting a sole proprietorship means that there is no legal distinction between you and your company. If you work in gutter installation and are injured on the job, it will be your financial responsibility to cover your medical expenses. Sole proprietors are excluded from needing Workers’ Compensation in Georgia. However, our Workers’ Compensation insurance brokers can still get you coverage if you are a sole proprietor gutter installer. Simply submit Form WC-10 to the State Board of Workers’ Compensation and send our brokers the necessary details about your sole proprietorship to get a quote.

Employees

If you own a gutter installation company and have several employees, you will need to buy Workers’ Compensation in Georgia. Insurance is necessary for any company with three or more workers. Unless eligible for an exemption, all workers must be covered by your gutter installation company’s Workers’ Compensation coverage.

Workers’ Comp Risk Factors for Gutter Installers in Georgia

When exhibiting certain risk factors, gutter installers and gutter installation companies might have trouble finding affordable insurance without seeking help from our brokers. Premiums can increase with each risk factor in Georgia.

Number of Employees

When companies employ many gutter installers, they might be seen as an increased risk to insure. More employees typically indicate a higher chance of workplace accidents occurring. Insurance carriers might assume that companies with more workers are unable to train them properly, which is a concern for gutter installers, considering they work while on ladders and are at an increased risk for falls. While too many workers present a risk, so do too few workers. One or two workers might be subjected to little oversight when performing gutter installation and related tasks.

History of Accidents

Gutter installers who have been hurt multiple times on the job are a higher risk to insure in Georgia. While the chance of work-related accidents for gutter installers is already high, many recent accidents can make a carrier feel uncomfortable providing a company with insurance. Our brokers can help explain the reasons for previous workplace injuries to a carrier and advise you how to create a safer work environment for gutter installers you employ in Georgia.

Company Age

Companies that have existed for three years or less are at a higher risk in terms of Workers’ Compensation in Georgia. This means that if you have just established your company and are seeking insurance without the help of a broker, you might be faced with premiums that seem too expensive in Georgia. The longer your gutter installation company exists, and the longer it goes without a workplace accident, the lower its Workers’ Compensation premiums will be.

Company Industry

Gutter installation is a dangerous job. Workers use heavy machinery to cut through gutters to size them properly, which can cause amputation injuries if not used properly. Gutter installers might fall from roofs or ladders, resulting in spinal cord injuries or broken bones. Gutter installation poses considerable risks to workers and increases the chance of employees filing Workers’ Compensation claims.

When Gutter Installers Should Get Workers’ Comp Insurance in Georgia

If you are a gutter installer working alone or own a gutter installation company, you should get Workers’ Compensation before you begin operations. If you do not, you can put yourself or your company in a very vulnerable situation.

Typically, Workers’ Compensation coverage must be in place the moment an employee is hired. Even if a gutter installer gets hurt on their first day of work, they will be eligible for Workers’ Compensation benefits if their employer has coverage or is required to have coverage. If a gutter installation company does not have Workers’ Compensation, they can face serious consequences in Georgia.

The majority of penalties focus on fines. These can add up to thousands of dollars per violation for failure to provide Workers’ Compensation or wrongly interfering in the claims process. Gutter installation companies will also be held liable for a worker’s damages in the sense that they will have to provide benefits equitable to the Workers’ Compensation benefits an employee would have been eligible to receive in Georgia. Jail time is also a possibility for employers that remain non-compliant.

Get Coverage for Gutter Installers in Georgia Today

For help finding coverage from our Workers’ Compensation insurance brokers, call NPN Brokers now at (561) 990-3022.