Workers’ Comp for Painters: 10 Things to Know Before You Buy

1. Stick to Painting to avoid higher rates

Dabbling in other trades? It could cost you.

Insurance companies classify businesses based on their primary trade, and stepping outside of it can increase your rate. If you take on drywall, remodeling, or carpentry, you could be reclassified—and your rate could jump from $5.57 to $11 per $100 of payroll.

That means for a painter with $100,000 in payroll, workers’ comp would cost $5,570 per year—but if reclassified as a remodeler, that same policy could jump to $11,000 per year.

If a client asks for extra work—like drywall or remodeling—refer it out instead of taking it on. Staying within your trade keeps your business efficient, minimizes risk, and avoids unnecessary premium hikes.

2. Only hire Insured Subcontractors—and get proof

Hiring subcontractors? Make sure they have workers' comp coverage. If they don’t, your insurance company will count them as your employees—meaning you pay for their coverage.

Don’t assume your subs are covered. Ask for a {Certificate of Insurance}—because if they aren’t insured, you’re the one paying.

Tracking and keeping up with COIs isn’t just smart business—it helps you avoid expensive audit surprises. Large companies sometimes hire third-party vendors to manage COIs, but if you’re handling it in-house, stay organized.

An up-to-date COI database prevents last-minute headaches and unnecessary costs.

3. Uninsured Subcontractors must be covered by your Policy

Sometimes, you’ll need to hire an uninsured subcontractor. When this happens, they must be added to your policy.

Yes, it’s an extra cost, but failing to do so could mean huge penalties or even policy cancellation.

It’s worth thinking long-term. Hiring insured subs exclusively might seem more expensive upfront, but the savings from fewer claims, smoother audits, and better relationships with insurance providers often outweigh the extra expense.

Kickstand Tip: The 70/30 rule for Subcontractors

There’s a balancing act when it comes to hiring subcontractors.

• Insurance companies prefer businesses with at least 70% of payroll going to W-2 employees.
• Keeping subcontractor payroll under 30% helps control your costs and keeps insurance companies happy.

Some carriers allow more, but keeping subs under 30% makes things smoother and more affordable.

4. Be extra careful when working at Heights

Falls are one of the most common workers' comp claims for painters. If you’re working on ladders, scaffolds, or rooftops, safety must be a top priority.

How to reduce fall risks:

• Hold daily safety meetings before starting work
• Inspect scaffolding and ladders regularly
• Use fall protection gear (harnesses, guardrails, and safety nets)

Painters who manage risk well don’t cut corners on safety. Taking fall prevention seriously protects your crew and your business.

For painters who frequently work at heights, hiring a third-party safety consultant can be a game-changer. These professionals audit worksites, spot hidden risks, and help you implement better safety protocols.

Kickstand Tip: 

Some states offer discounts for having a written safety program. If you don’t have one, now’s the time.

5. Make sure your team wears proper PPE

Personal protective equipment (PPE) isn’t just a requirement—it’s a lifesaver.

For painters, PPE includes:

• Gloves (to protect from chemicals and skin irritation)
• Respirators (to avoid inhaling fumes)
• Safety goggles (to prevent paint splatters and debris)
• Harnesses (if working at heights)

Regular training and strict enforcement of PPE usage reduces workplace injuries—and keeps premiums lower.

Encourage team members to hold each other accountable for PPE use—a strong safety culture starts on the job site.

6. Understand your ExMod (Experience Modification Rate)

Your Experience Modification Rate (ExMod) is basically your business’s safety score. Insurance companies look at this number to decide how much you’ll pay for workers’ comp.

The lower your ExMod, the lower your premiums. The higher your ExMod? The more expensive your coverage.

Your ExMod is calculated based on your claims history. If you’ve had a lot of claims—especially serious ones—your ExMod goes up, and so does your rate.

So how do you keep it low? Prevent injuries. Train employees to work safely, wear PPE, and follow safety guidelines. Handle claims quickly and correctly—a poorly managed claim can stick to your record longer than it should and drive your rates up.

Kickstand Note:

ExMods aren’t set by your insurance company—they’re calculated by NCCI or state rating bureaus based on your claims history.

7. Be careful about what you list online

Insurance companies check your website and social media to verify your scope of work.

One painter advertised, "We do it all! From home interiors to factory floors, no project is too big or too small!"

That sounded great for marketing—but it was a nightmare for underwriting.

Why? Because listing industrial painting when you mostly do residential work raises questions about how risky your business really is. It could lead to higher rates—or even a declined policy.

If your online presence is saying you do things outside your scope, you're asking for higher rates. If you’re referring that work to others, say that, and get a referral fee instead of doing it yourself.

If you want to keep your online presence clean and avoid these issues, check out our guide: Securing Coverage in the Digital Age: The Significance of Your Online Image.

Small changes can make a big difference:

• Highlight your certifications and safety training.
• If you post job site photos, make sure your crew is wearing PPE.
• Reinforce safety messaging on your website and marketing materials.

A few small tweaks can improve how insurance companies view your business and lower your rates.

 8. Consider a Blanket Waiver of Subrogation

A blanket waiver of subrogation is a smart move—especially if you work for general contractors.

It’s not expensive to add to your policy and it can help protect your business.

If a contract requires it, having it in place ahead of time can streamline negotiations.

9. Know your Employer Liability Limits

Workers’ comp covers medical expenses and lost wages, but it doesn't protect you from lawsuits.

Employer’s liability insurance is Part II of a workers' comp policy—it provides financial protection if an employee sues over a work-related injury or illness.

Start with $1 million in employer’s liability coverage. It’s the industry standard, and if you work with large contractors, they’ll expect you to have it.

The good news? It’s a small cost for a big layer of protection. Employer’s liability coverage adds minimal expense to your premium but can save you from a financially devastating lawsuit.

10. Prevent surprise audits by knowing your payroll

Audits are part of the workers' comp process, but they shouldn’t surprise you. Make sure your payroll projections are accurate and adjust them if needed.

No audit should surprise you. Check your payroll every quarter and compare it to what you’re actually paying. If your payroll is off, adjust your projections or set aside cash to avoid a massive audit bill.

Keeping your payroll accurate and ensuring your classification codes are correct will prevent unexpected premium increases after an audit.

Pro Tip:

A workers' comp specialist can review your classifications annually to help you find hidden savings and avoid costly misclassifications.

Protect your Painting Business with smart Workers' Comp Choices

Workers’ comp isn’t just about compliance—it’s about protecting your business and your bottom line.

The right coverage keeps your employees safe, prevents costly surprises, and ensures you’re not overpaying. But most painting contractors don’t realize how much they could be saving.

At Kickstand Insurance, we specialize in finding hidden savings in painters’ workers' comp policies. Let’s make sure you’re covered—without paying more than you need to.