Why It’s Important to Hire an Electrician with Workers Comp Insurance

Hiring an electrician may not seem like a high-stakes decision, until someone gets hurt.

hire an electrician with workers comp insurance

Whether you’re updating your home’s electrical system, installing new appliances, or troubleshooting a breaker panel, safety should always be the top priority.

That includes ensuring your electrician carries proper insurance, especially workers compensation insurance.

So, why is it important to hire an electrician with workers comp insurance?

In short: It protects both you and the electrician in case of a workplace injury, offers legal compliance, and ensures a professional standard of care.

What Is Workers Compensation Insurance?

Workers compensation insurance is a policy that provides medical benefits and wage replacement to injured workers who are hurt on the job.

It’s designed to help electricians and other tradespeople recover from injuries while minimizing legal liability for the employer or property owner (that’s you!).

Coverage typically includes:

  • Medical care and treatment
  • Partial income replacement (usually a percentage of the average weekly wages)
  • Rehabilitation and return to work services
  • Disability or death benefits for serious or fatal incidents

Why Hire an Electrician with Workers Compensation?

1. It Protects You from Financial Liability

If a contractor is injured on the job and doesn’t have workers comp coverage, you could be held responsible for their medical expenses, lost wages, or worse. That cheap quote might end up costing you tens of thousands of dollars.

With workers comp in place, their insurance company handles the claim, not your homeowner’s policy, and definitely not your wallet.

2. It’s Required by Law in Most States

Most states require businesses with employees to carry workers compensation insurance, including Colorado. Even full-time or part-time electricians with just one apprentice must be covered.

💡 According to the Colorado Department of Labor, how much does workers’ comp pay in CO? Generally, 66.67% of the injured worker’s average weekly wages, subject to the state’s cap. As of 2025, the maximum weekly benefit is around $1,200.

If your electrician isn’t complying, they’re not only risking their employees, they’re also violating state law.

electrician certification

3. It Shows Professionalism and Credibility

Legitimate electricians value their crew’s safety. When you hire an electrician with workers comp, it shows they:

  • Care about their team’s wellbeing
  • Follow local safety regulations and safety protocols
  • Operate a legally compliant and trustworthy business

Would you trust someone with your electrical work if they can’t protect their own staff? Probably not.

4. Electrical Work Is Risky Business

Electricians work in unpredictable and often hazardous environments. Risks include:

  • Electric shock
  • Falling from ladders
  • Burns and arc flashes
  • Injuries from power tools
  • Confined spaces and crawlspaces

Even with the best safety protocols, accidents can still happen. That’s why workers comp coverage is critical, it provides peace of mind for everyone involved.

🔧 See our guide on electrical emergencies for more examples of high-risk situations electricians face daily.

5. It Covers More Than You Think

Let’s say an electrician gets shocked while replacing a breaker and can’t return to work for months. Workers comp may help cover:

  • Emergency room visits and surgery
  • Physical therapy and medication
  • Wage replacement during recovery
  • Long-term or permanent disability benefits

It might even pay for job retraining if the worker can’t resume their old role. In other words, workers comp doesn’t just cover Band-Aids, it supports return to work solutions for injured workers.

What Happens If Your Electrician Isn’t Covered?

Here’s what you’re risking by not confirming coverage:

  • Legal action: Injured workers may sue you for damages.
  • Out-of-pocket costs: You could end up paying for medical care, lost income, and legal fees.
  • Insurance complications: Your own home insurance may deny the claim.
  • Project delays: An injury can derail your timeline, especially if legal proceedings are involved.

⚠️ Top signs your house needs a rewire and why it’s best to let a covered pro handle it.

How to Confirm an Electrician Has Workers Compensation

Before hiring anyone, ask for a Certificate of Insurance (COI). It should list:

  • Workers compensation insurance
  • General liability insurance
  • Policy start and end dates
  • Name of the insurance company
  • The electrician’s name or business

Still unsure? Call the insurer to confirm the policy is current and valid. If the electrician hesitates or can’t provide proof, move on.

Does Workers Compensation Cover Subcontractors?

This is a gray area. In many cases, subcontractors are responsible for their own coverage. However, if an electrician hires helpers or apprentices to assist, they should be covered under the main contractor’s policy.

If you’re not sure, ask directly: “Are all workers on my property covered by your workers comp insurance?”

Who Needs Workers Compensation Insurance?

Any electrician who hires full-time, part-time, or temporary workers in Colorado is legally required to carry coverage. This includes:

  • Sole proprietors with employees
  • LLCs with staff
  • Corporations and partnerships

Even if the crew seems small, make sure they’re insured. It’s your right as the client.

🔌 Learn how to choose the right ceiling fan, and the right professional to install it.

What The Electricians Bring to the Table

At The Electricians, we take safety seriously, ours and yours.

We’re:

  • Fully licensed and bonded
  • Covered by workers compensation insurance
  • Backed by general liability insurance
  • Trained to follow OSHA-level safety protocols

Whether you’re installing a Tesla EV charger, upgrading your panel, or planning a remodel, our team brings professional care, and peace of mind, to every job.

Final Thoughts: Hire Smart, Hire Insured

So, why hire an electrician with workers compensation?

Because it’s smart, responsible, and legally sound. You’re not just paying for wires, outlets, or switches, you’re investing in a team that shows up safe, covered, and ready to work.

Let’s recap:

✅ Protects you from lawsuits

✅ Ensures injured workers receive proper medical care

✅ Keeps your project on track

✅ Complies with state labor laws

✅ Signals professionalism

Ready to hire an electrician with workers comp in Colorado?

Contact The Electricians today or request a free quote. We’re not just the best in the business, we’re the safest.

FAQs

What if the electrician is a solo contractor?

If they don’t employ anyone else, they may not be legally required to carry workers comp. But having it still offers protection, for both you and them.

What happens if an uninsured worker gets hurt?

You may be held liable, especially if your homeowner’s policy excludes coverage for uninsured contractors. It’s a legal and financial headache you do not want.

Does workers compensation cover electric shock injuries?

Yes, if an electrician suffers an electric shock while on your project, workers comp can cover medical expenses, wage replacement, and rehabilitation costs.

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