Question 1

How does Ohio's BWC system work for contractors?

Accepted Answer

Ohio is a monopolistic workers' comp state — contractors cannot buy WC from private carriers. All coverage runs through the Ohio Bureau of Workers' Compensation. BWC classifies contractors by manual code and sets base rates each July. The big opportunity for construction businesses is group rating: eligible contractors can pool with other safe employers through a sponsoring association and cut premiums 25-50%. RISKX coordinates BWC coverage alongside your GL and stop-gap employer's liability.

Question 2

Do Ohio contractors need stop-gap coverage?

Accepted Answer

Yes — it's essential. BWC provides medical and indemnity benefits for injured workers, but it does not include employer's liability coverage (the part that defends you if an employee or a spouse sues you directly). Stop-gap employer's liability is added as an endorsement to your general liability policy and fills that gap. Without stop-gap, a single employee lawsuit can pierce the company and reach owners personally. Most GL carriers add stop-gap for $250–$1,000/year.

Question 3

What does construction insurance cost in Ohio?

Accepted Answer

An Ohio contractor with 10 employees and $1M in annual revenue typically pays $12,000–$28,000/year across all lines: BWC workers' comp ($4–$18 per $100 of payroll by trade), general liability ($3,000–$9,000/year), commercial auto, and bonds. Group rating with BWC is the biggest single lever — it can reduce WC by a third or more. Roofing contractors pay significantly more than finish-trade contractors due to fall exposure.

Ohio Construction Insurance | RISKX