The short answer
In most states, if a worker is properly classified as a W-2 employee, they need to be covered by workers' comp insurance — regardless of whether they work full-time, part-time, or just one day a week. A handful of states carve out exemptions for very small businesses or a small number of employees, but the moving industry's injury rate makes skipping coverage a genuinely risky bet even where it's technically optional.
Why this industry can't skip it
Moving is consistently one of the more injury-prone trades — back strains, dropped-item injuries, stairwell falls, and vehicle-related incidents are common. Without coverage, a single serious on-the-job injury can turn into a lawsuit that costs far more than years of premiums would have.
"They only work weekends" or "they're basically a contractor" doesn't remove the requirement if the worker is functionally an employee. Coverage requirements follow classification, not hours worked.
What to check before your busy season
- Confirm your state's specific employee-count threshold for mandatory coverage
- Confirm whether your policy covers seasonal or short-term W-2 hires, not just year-round staff
- Check whether your policy has a minimum hours or wage threshold that could exclude part-timers
Ready to stop doing this by hand? See how Gusto handles it automatically for a moving crew.
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