Start with your employee status
Most states require workers' comp once you have W-2 employees. Texas is the major private-employer exception, while Ohio, North Dakota, Washington, and Wyoming require coverage through a state fund.
Sole proprietors may be exempt in many states, but clients and general contractors can still require proof of coverage before you start work.
Compare class codes, not just premiums
Workers' comp pricing depends heavily on class codes. A clerical employee and a roofer should not be rated the same way. If a quote uses the wrong class code, the premium may look cheap now and become expensive after audit.
Ask each carrier or broker which class codes they used, how payroll was allocated, and whether owners are included or excluded.
Check audit rules
Most workers' comp policies are audited after the policy year. If payroll increases, you may owe additional premium. If payroll drops, you may receive a credit.
Keep payroll records, subcontractor certificates, and owner-exclusion documents organized before the audit request arrives.
Look at claims handling
The cheapest policy is not always best if claim reporting is slow or confusing. For physical trades and service businesses, fast medical triage and clear return-to-work processes can matter as much as the premium.