Texas workers' comp built for contractors who build Texas.

A Texas non-subscriber is a private employer who has chosen not to carry workers' compensation insurance. Non-subscribers operate outside the state WC system — they can design their own benefit plans but lose the standard employer negligence defenses that come with WC participation. Employees can sue non-subscribers for negligence without the standard 'course and scope' burden.

WC cost in Texas depends heavily on your trade, payroll, employee count, and loss history. High-hazard trades like roofing and structural steel carry much higher rates than interior finishing or landscaping. Small contractors typically pay a few hundred to a few thousand dollars a year; larger crews with high-hazard work pay more. We quote your actual trade and payroll — not a ballpark.

Texas law doesn't require it — but your GC's contract often does. Many Texas general contractors require all subs to either carry WC or provide a valid WC exemption certificate (in states that offer one). Without satisfying that requirement, a GC can withhold payment or pull you from the job. Read your subcontract before assuming you don't need WC.

WC class codes determine your premium rate. Each class code corresponds to a type of work — roofing, framing, electrical, HVAC, concrete — and carries a base rate that reflects the historical injury cost for that work type. Misclassified workers under low-hazard codes get corrected at audit, often resulting in large additional premiums. Correct codes from day one prevent audit surprises.

Yes — as a business owner, you may be able to exclude yourself from your own WC policy (similar to a corporate officer or LLC member exclusion). Your employees would still be covered. This is a common strategy for small Texas contractors who want coverage for their crew but not for themselves.

Occupational accident insurance is a private benefit policy — not WC — that provides medical and disability payments if someone is injured on the job. Texas contractors who operate as non-subscribers often use occupational accident coverage for their employees as a WC alternative. It's less expensive but doesn't provide all the protections of a state-sponsored WC program.

Not automatically. WC covers employees — workers you direct, control, and pay as W-2 employees. True independent contractors (1099s) are not covered under your WC policy unless the carrier views them as misclassified employees. We help you understand which workers your policy needs to cover.

When a non-subscriber's employee is injured on the job, the employee can sue the employer for negligence. Non-subscribers cannot use the standard WC defenses (contributory negligence, fellow servant, assumption of risk). Jury awards in non-subscriber injury cases can be substantial. This is the primary reason many Texas contractors choose WC despite its not being mandatory.

Once a WC program is bound, most carriers issue certificates within 24–48 hours. For urgent situations — a job starting tomorrow that requires a WC cert today — call us directly at 844-967-5247. We have relationships with carriers that can move fast when the situation demands it.

If you're a Texas GC and you hire subcontractors who don't carry their own WC, your WC carrier may include those subs in your audited payroll — effectively charging you premium on their workers too. We structure GC WC programs with clear subcontractor documentation to prevent this audit problem.

Yes — roofing is one of the highest-rated WC class codes in Texas because fall injuries are the leading cause of serious job-site injuries. But roofing WC rates vary significantly between carriers. We have access to specialty markets that write Texas roofing WC at rates that better reflect residential vs. commercial work, slope, and safety programs.

State agency contracts, some city and county projects, federal construction projects, and certain privately-owned projects that contractually require it. If you're bidding on any public-sector work in Texas, assume WC is required and factor it into your bid.

Yes — but a prior loss run affects your placement options and premium. We have admitted and E&S market access for Texas contractors with prior claims, lapsed coverage, or loss histories that make standard markets difficult. Bring us your situation and we'll find a path.

At policy year-end, WC carriers audit your actual payroll by class code. If your actual payroll was higher than estimated, you owe additional premium. If lower, you receive a refund. Misclassified workers get corrected — and if your roofers were coded as general laborers, the audit will catch it and you'll owe the difference at the higher roofing rate.

Yes — Texas WC covers injuries from occupational diseases arising out of the course and scope of employment, subject to the policy terms. Silica exposure, asbestos-related illness, and chemical exposure claims fall under occupational disease provisions.

Texas non-subscribers must post Texas Department of Insurance (TDI) Form DWC 5 at the workplace notifying employees of the employer's non-subscriber status and their right to sue for negligence. Non-subscribers must also file an annual non-subscriber report with TDI.

Texas law doesn't require it — but one serious injury can generate a lawsuit that far exceeds what a year or two of WC premiums would have cost. For small contractors with employees, the math usually favors carrying WC. We'll give you an honest premium estimate so you can make an informed decision.

Yes. We have specialty market access for high-hazard Texas trades including oilfield services, marine construction, industrial maintenance, and petrochemical work — trades that many standard WC carriers decline to write. Bring us your trade and we'll find a market.

Yes. Contractors Choice Agency holds NPN #8608479 and is licensed in all 50 states, including Texas. We write Texas WC programs for contractors in all 254 counties through A-rated admitted and surplus lines markets.