{"id":353605,"date":"2016-04-04T10:47:02","date_gmt":"2016-04-04T15:47:02","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/ability-fl-prod.internetbrands.com\/ability-law\/injury\/workers-compensation\/workers-compensation-for-the-self-employed.html"},"modified":"2026-09-09T11:01:37","modified_gmt":"2026-09-09T16:01:37","slug":"workers-compensation-for-the-self-employed","status":"publish","type":"page","link":"https:\/\/www.findlaw.com\/injury\/workers-compensation\/workers-compensation-for-the-self-employed.html","title":{"rendered":"Do I Need Workers’ Comp Insurance if I’m Self-Employed?"},"content":{"rendered":"\n
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Do I Need Workers' Comp Insurance if I'm Self-Employed?<\/h1>\n\n
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\n By Susan Buckner, J.D.<\/a> | Legally reviewed by Catherine Hodder, Esq.<\/a>\n | Last updated\n
\n \n <\/i>\n Legally Reviewed\n <\/summary>\n\n
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This article has been written and reviewed for legal accuracy, clarity, and style by FindLaw\u2019s team of legal writers and attorneys<\/a> and in accordance with our editorial standards<\/a>.<\/em><\/p>\n\n <\/div>\n <\/details>\n\n

\n \n <\/i>\n Fact-Checked\n <\/summary>\n\n
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The last updated date refers to the last time this article was reviewed by FindLaw or one of our contributing authors<\/a>. We make every effort to keep our articles updated. For information regarding a specific legal issue affecting you, please contact an attorney in your area<\/a>.<\/em><\/p>\n\n <\/div>\n <\/details>\n<\/section>\n\n\n

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Key Takeaways<\/h2>\n

Most self-employed<\/span> workers are not legally required to have workers’ compensation insurance<\/span>. However, some states mandate coverage for high-risk industries<\/span> like construction or roofing. Even when optional, some self-employed<\/span> people choose to purchase coverage to protect against medical bills<\/span> and lost income from work-related injuries<\/span>.<\/p>\n\n <\/div>\n <\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n

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Most self-employed<\/span> workers do not have to buy workers’ compensation insurance<\/span>. State laws<\/span><\/a> typically require\u00a0workers’ comp coverage<\/a>\u00a0only for businesses with employees, not for sole proprietors<\/span><\/a>, independent contractors<\/span><\/a>, or freelancers<\/span> working alone.<\/p>\n

However, you may need workers’ comp if you’re self-employed<\/span> in certain situations:<\/p>\n