Construction & Contractors Workers' Comp · New York
Construction & Contractors Workers' Comp Insurance in New York
Requirements, class codes, and costs for construction & contractors businesses in New York — shopped across multiple carriers by a licensed agency.
Is workers' comp required for construction & contractors in New York?
New York requires workers' comp for virtually every employer with one or more employees, including part-time and most family workers.
Penalties reach $2,000 for every 10-day period of non-compliance, plus stop-work orders and possible misdemeanor or felony charges.
Even a single part-time employee generally triggers the requirement.
Construction & Contractors class codes
The right class code sets your rate. New York classifies payroll under NYCIRB — New York's own rating board and class codes.
| Code | Description |
|---|---|
| 5606 | Contractors — General |
| 5403 | Carpentry NOC |
| 5645 | Carpentry — Detached One or Two-Family Dwellings |
| 5651 | Carpentry — Dwellings Three Stories or Less |
| 5183 | Plumbing NOC & Drivers |
| 5190 | Electrical Wiring — Within Buildings |
| 5551 | Roofing — All Kinds |
| 5022 | Masonry NOC |
| 5213 | Concrete Construction NOC |
| 5491 | Painting or Paperhanging |
| 5537 | HVAC Systems — Installation, Service & Repair |
| 5445 | Wallboard or Sheetrock Installation |
| 5348 | Tile Work — Inside |
| 5437 | Carpentry — Cabinet Work or Interior Trim |
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What construction & contractors workers' comp costs in New York
New York has high statutory benefit levels and above-average rates, classified under NYCIRB codes.
The biggest drivers of your construction & contractors premium:
- · Trade classification — roofers pay significantly more than finish carpenters
- · Total annual payroll across all class codes
- · Experience modification rate (EMR)
- · Use of subcontractors and their insurance status
Try our cost calculator for a rough estimate, or request a quote for an exact rate.
Common construction & contractors claims
- ⚠ Falls from ladders, scaffolding, and roofs
- ⚠ Struck-by injuries from falling tools and materials
- ⚠ Electrocution and electrical burns
- ⚠ Overexertion and back injuries from lifting
- ⚠ Power tool and equipment-related injuries
Frequently asked questions
Is workers' compensation required for construction & contractors in New York? +
New York requires workers' comp for virtually every employer with one or more employees, including part-time and most family workers. Penalties reach $2,000 for every 10-day period of non-compliance, plus stop-work orders and possible misdemeanor or felony charges.
How much does construction & contractors workers' comp cost in New York? +
New York has high statutory benefit levels and above-average rates, classified under NYCIRB codes. Your construction & contractors premium ultimately depends on your class code, payroll, claims history, and experience modification rate — request a quote for an exact, carrier-underwritten rate.
How much does workers' comp cost for a contractor? +
Rates vary dramatically by trade. Clerical staff might be $0.30 per $100 of payroll, while roofers can be $15-$25+ per $100. A general contractor with $500,000 in payroll across multiple trades might pay $15,000-$40,000 annually. We shop 10+ carriers to get the best rate for your specific trades.
Do I need workers' comp if I'm a sole proprietor with no employees? +
In most states, sole proprietors can exempt themselves. However, many GCs and project owners won't let you on site without a workers' comp certificate. We can set up a policy covering just the owner — often called an "owner-only" or "ghost" policy — so you can stay on job sites.
Get Construction & Contractors Coverage in New York
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