Who needs it
Almost every state requires workers comp the moment you hire your first W-2 employee. The specific rules vary — for example:
- California, New York, and many others — required from employee #1.
- Florida — required at 4 employees for non-construction.
- Texas — technically optional, but skipping it removes valuable legal protections.
If your business is set up as a sole prop with no employees, you generally don't need it — though some general contractors will require you to carry it before they let you on a job site.
Why staging exposures matter
Stagers lift heavy furniture, climb ladders, and move through unfamiliar properties. Back injuries, falls, and lacerations are the most common claims. A single back-surgery claim can exceed $50,000 — workers comp pays it without involving your personal assets.
How pricing works
Workers comp is priced on your annual payroll (not headcount) times a rate per $100 of payroll for your industry classification. For home staging that rate is typically modest — often $1–$3 per $100 of payroll, depending on state.
Need workers comp added to your GL quote?
Check the Workers Comp box on the quote form and tell us your headcount and payroll.