Workers Compensation Insurance
Workers comp is mandatory in nearly every state once you have employees. It pays medical costs and lost wages when a crew member is injured — falls from ladders and lifts, slips on wet surfaces, strains, and chemical exposure.
Workers Comp for Pressure Washing Contractors
Workers compensation is required by law in almost every state from your first employee. It covers job-related injuries and illnesses and, in exchange, generally protects you from being sued directly by an injured worker.
Pressure Washing Crew Exposures
Exterior cleaning work carries real injury risk:
- Falls: From ladders, lifts, and roofs during soft washing of high surfaces
- Slips: On the wet, slick surfaces your own work creates
- Strains & repetitive injury: From handling heavy hoses, wands, and equipment all day
- Chemical exposure: Burns and irritation from sodium hypochlorite, degreasers, and detergents
- High-pressure injuries: Serious lacerations and injection injuries from the spray itself
Classification and Rates
Pressure washing typically falls under janitorial/cleaning service or building exterior cleaning class codes. Work at height — roofs and lifts — can affect your rate. Proper classification keeps your premium accurate and avoids audit surprises.
What It Pays
- Medical treatment for work-related injuries
- Lost wages during recovery
- Permanent disability benefits
- Death benefits to dependents
- Employer's liability for injury lawsuits
Subcontractors and 1099 Crews
Subcontractors who don't carry their own workers comp may be treated as your employees at audit, generating unexpected premium. Always collect certificates from any sub you hire — we'll show you how to manage this so there are no surprises.
What's Covered
Frequently Asked Questions
In most states, sole proprietors with no employees can opt out, though some clients require coverage anyway. Once you hire any employee — even part-time or seasonal — workers comp becomes legally required in nearly every state.
Uninsured subcontractors are often reclassified as employees at your annual audit, adding their payroll to your premium. Collecting a workers comp certificate from every sub you hire prevents these audit charges.