Workers' Compensation for framing contractors

Workers' comp is rated on payroll by class code. Framing (5403) carries a higher rate than office work because of the fall and tool exposure, but good loss control and a clean experience modifier meaningfully reduce it. We quote based on your actual payroll and history.

It depends on your state and business structure. Many states exempt sole proprietors and single-member LLC owners, but you can elect coverage, and if you have any W-2 employees you must carry it. We'll tell you exactly what your state requires.

A serious claim affects your experience modifier, but the impact is bounded and improves over time. The best defense is correct class coding, a documented fall-protection program, and aggressive claim management — all of which we provide to keep your mod down.

Falls are the most common serious framing injury. We respond within 2 hours, make sure the injured framer gets care fast, and manage the claim with the carrier to control cost and get the crew member back to work. Good handling protects both the worker and your modifier.

Workers' comp follows where the work is performed, and each state has its own rules and rates. Because we're licensed in all 50 states, we structure a program that covers your crews across state lines without gaps.

Generally no — true independent contractors carry their own. But many states apply a 'statutory employee' test, and misclassifying W-2 workers as 1099 can leave you liable. We help you classify workers correctly and document it.

At policy end, the carrier audits your actual payroll by class code and true-ups the premium. If your payroll was underreported you'll owe more; if overreported, you'll get a return. We help you classify payroll correctly up front to avoid audit shock.

Most framers pay $1,500–$4,500 a year for $1M/$2M general liability, with workers' comp rated on payroll at class 5403 and tools floaters based on scheduled gear. We quote the full program in about 15 minutes and show every market's price.

Yes. Contractors Choice Agency is licensed in all 50 states and writes framing crews from the Sun Belt and Texas to the Pacific Northwest, Rocky Mountain West, and Northeast.

About 15 minutes for a standard program. Once bound, we turn around additional-insured certificates, waivers of subrogation, and primary/non-contributory endorsements usually within minutes.

Wood framing and rough carpentry is typically coded under NCCI class 5403 (Carpentry). Correct classification keeps you from overpaying or facing an audit surprise — and ensures claims aren't denied for misclassification.

We place general liability that specifically covers two- and three-story framing, truss setting, and roof work. Many budget contractor policies exclude work above one or two stories — we make sure yours does not.

Tools are covered under a tools & equipment (inland marine) policy, not GL or property. We schedule nail guns, saws, generators, and compressors at replacement cost so jobsite and truck theft is covered.

Most residential framers carry $1M/$2M GL with a $2M–$5M umbrella. Commercial and multifamily GCs often require $2M–$5M limits plus additional-insured status. We size limits to your actual contract requirements.

Yes — personal auto excludes business use and will deny claims when you haul lumber or tools. Commercial auto covers your trucks, trailers, and lumber haulers, including hired/non-owned vehicles.

Often, yes. We have excess-and-surplus (E&S) markets for contractors with loss runs, cancellations, or tough exposures that standard markets decline.

Your GL doesn't cover independent subs — they should carry their own and name you additional insured. We set up certificate tracking and additional-insured requirements so subcontracted work doesn't become your liability.

You reach a person with context, not a queue. We respond within 2 hours, help you document the loss, and manage the claim with the carrier so it's paid correctly and your operation keeps moving.

Framing has fall, nail-gun, saw, and theft exposures that generic carriers exclude or misprice. A specialty broker knows the class codes, the height exclusions to avoid, the markets that write framers, and how to manage a framing claim.