Workers Compensation

[Charles Parent]

I am a single person office. I do not have any employees. I receive a 1099 from every one of my clients, work as an independent contractor. I have been told by numerous people that I do not need to carry WC, as I have no employees.

A new contact just said that if I do not have my own WC, they would bill me and I would be covered on their policy. As a 1099 independent contractor, I don't think this is correct. They shouldn't require WC for me, I'm not their employee. The response I got was that it is required since I am a subcontractor. Other than receiving the order via email, I am 100% independent. Every other person that asked if I had WC was satisfied when I told them that I do not employ anyone.

I've heard a few stories of sole proprietors having WC, but I still think that I don't require it. The dollar amount that the company intends to deduct is not substantial, but I don't think it's necessary. it sounds like they are just adding a layer of protection in case I got hurt, but at my expense.

Any feedback?