Workers Compensation Insurance
Workers compensation pays statutory benefits for work-related injury and illness, and its employers liability part responds to related suits. Requirements are set by each state.
How this coverage works
How the premium is built
Premium starts with payroll by class code, multiplied by a rate for that classification, and is then adjusted by your experience modification factor and any scheduled credits the insurance carrier applies.
Because the policy is rated on estimated payroll, the final premium is determined at audit. Accurate class assignment and clean subcontractor records are the two largest drivers of audit outcomes.
Claims handling and return to work
Prompt reporting materially affects claim cost. A written injury reporting procedure and a designated medical provider list, where the state allows, keeps claims moving.
A documented return-to-work program that offers modified duty typically shortens claim duration and limits the long-term effect on your experience modification factor.
Details to review
- Statutory benefits paid according to your state's schedule
- Employers liability limits coordinated with your umbrella
- Class codes and payroll drive rating and audit results
- Experience modification factor reviewed for accuracy
What the coverage includes
Coverage names, terms, and availability vary by insurance carrier and state. These descriptions are educational and are not a policy contract.
Common optional add-ons
Endorsements change what a policy covers. Availability differs by insurance carrier and state.
Additional insured
Extends certain liability protection to a party you contract with, as required by the written agreement.
Waiver of subrogation
Gives up the insurance carrier's right to recover from a party named in your contract. Availability varies.
Blanket certificate handling
Sets up recurring certificate issuance for landlords, clients, and general contractors.
Primary and non-contributory wording
Commonly requested in commercial contracts to establish how policies respond to a shared claim.
Who this is generally written for
Eligibility is set by each insurance carrier and can differ by state. Nothing here is a guarantee of eligibility or coverage.
Commonly a good fit
- Businesses with an active operation, revenue history, and a described scope of work
- Owners who can describe payroll, locations, and subcontractor use
- Operations that meet the insurance carrier's underwriting appetite for the class of business
Worth a conversation first
- Recent claims activity, lapses in coverage, or a change of ownership
- Work performed at heights, below grade, or on critical infrastructure
- Contracts with insurance requirements above standard limits
Availability varies by state
State regulation notice
- Monopolistic workers compensation states
- A small number of states require workers compensation through a state fund rather than a private insurance carrier.
- Catastrophe-exposed regions
- Coastal wind, wildfire, and earthquake exposures often require separate deductibles, sublimits, or specialty markets.
- Licensed trades and permits
- Some states and municipalities require specific bond forms or minimum liability limits before a permit is issued.
Frequently asked questions
Coverage that often comes up next
Related coverage worth reviewing at the same time. Nothing is added without your direction.
- Business Owners PolicyPackages general liability and commercial property for eligible small businesses.
- Liability and property in one policy with one renewal date
- Built for eligible small businesses with modest property values
- Optional add-ons for equipment, data, and hired autos
Program review: liability, property, and workers compensation
Most businesses are better served by a coordinated program than by separate unrelated policies. A licensed insurance professional can review how your liability, property, auto, and workers compensation coverage fit together, and where a package or umbrella changes the outcome. Availability and pricing vary by insurance carrier and state.
- Business Owners Policy or Commercial Package Policy
- Workers Compensation
- Commercial Auto
- Commercial Umbrella
- Commercial UmbrellaAdditional limits above general liability, auto, and employers liability.
- Adds limits above liability, auto, and employers liability
- Responds when an underlying policy's limits are used up
- Often required by contracts asking for higher limits
Ready to compare your options?
Start online in a few minutes or speak with a licensed insurance professional. There is no obligation, and quoting does not bind coverage.
Insurance coverage is not bound or effective unless and until it has been confirmed in writing by TruvaLink Insurance Agency or an authorized representative of the applicable insurance carrier. Submission of a quote request, application, payment, or other information does not guarantee coverage or constitute proof of insurance.