Ohio workers’ comp and subcontractor insurance requirements
What general contractors, property managers and other businesses hiring subcontractors in Ohio need to know: who has to carry workers’ comp, when you’re on the hook for an uninsured sub, and what to collect before work starts.
Ohio at a glance
| Who must carry workers’ comp | Employers with 1 or more employees. |
|---|---|
| Where coverage comes from | State fund only (monopolistic state), or approved self-insurance |
| Regulator | Ohio Bureau of Workers’ Compensation (BWC) |
Are you liable for an uninsured sub in Ohio?
Many states make a hiring contractor responsible for an uninsured subcontractor’s injured workers. Ask the Ohio Bureau of Workers’ Compensation (BWC) or an attorney how that works in Ohio.
Separately, your own workers’ comp premium auditor may charge you for an uninsured sub’s payroll. Collecting a current certificate for every sub is the simplest protection. See workers’ comp audits and uninsured subcontractors, or estimate the cost with the workers’ comp audit calculator.
Ohio-specific things to know
- Workers’ comp comes from the Ohio BWC unless the employer is approved to self-insure. Ask for the sub’s BWC certificate of coverage.
- BWC coverage doesn’t include employers’ liability. Subs buy “stop gap” coverage separately, often on their GL.
What to collect from subcontractors in Ohio
- A certificate of insurance, usually an ACORD 25, for GL, auto and umbrella, plus state fund proof of workers’ comp.
- Exemption paperwork for sole proprietors or officers who claim they don’t need workers’ comp under Ohio rules.
- Additional insured and waiver of subrogation endorsements for higher-risk trades. See waiver of subrogation on workers’ comp.
- A renewal certificate before each policy expires. See COI expiration.
Common contract minimums
These aren’t set by Ohio law. They’re typical subcontract requirements that you can adjust by trade and project size.
| Coverage | Typical minimum |
|---|---|
| General liability | $1M each occurrence / $2M aggregate, additional insured, primary and non-contributory |
| Auto liability | $1M combined single limit |
| Umbrella / excess | $1M–$5M+, by trade risk and project size |
| Workers’ comp / employers’ liability | Statutory / $500K–$1M each, waiver of subrogation |
Generate requirements by trade with the subcontractor insurance requirements generator.
Frequently asked questions
Is workers’ comp required in Ohio?
Employers with 1 or more employees. Confirm details with the Ohio Bureau of Workers’ Compensation (BWC).
Is a general contractor liable for an uninsured subcontractor in Ohio?
Many states make a hiring contractor responsible for an uninsured sub’s injured workers, and your workers’ comp auditor may also charge you for that sub’s payroll. Ask the Ohio Bureau of Workers’ Compensation (BWC) or an attorney how Ohio handles it.
What insurance should I require from subcontractors in Ohio?
State law sets workers’ comp rules; your contract sets everything else. Common minimums are general liability of $1M per occurrence and $2M aggregate, auto liability of $1M, workers’ comp with employers’ liability of $500K–$1M, and additional insured status and waiver of subrogation in your favor.
Can a private insurer cover workers’ comp in Ohio?
No. Ohio is a monopolistic state, so workers’ comp comes from the state fund (or approved self-insurance). Ask subs for state fund proof of coverage, and for separate “stop gap” employers’ liability.
General information, not legal or insurance advice. Last reviewed October 2026. Rules change, so confirm with the Ohio Bureau of Workers’ Compensation (BWC) or a licensed professional.
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