Insurance Claims Resources 1-888-806-9598 , call us Log In Pay Bill Workers' Compensation Insurance Protect your business from employee injuries & illnesses Zip Code Select a product Currently selected product Workers' Comp  Retrieve a quote Find an agent BUSINESS INSURANCE BUSINESS OWNERS POLICY GENERAL LIABILITY CONTRACTORS A small business owner’s guide to workers’ comp insurance Workers’ compensation insurance, commonly known as workers’ comp, is insurance that covers medical expenses and a portion of lost wages for employees who become injured or ill on the job. Coverage also includes employee rehabilitation and death benefits. How does workers’ compensation insurance work? Each state has its own unique set of workers’ compensation laws that employers must follow. These regulations help ensure that employers provide coverage for the cost of work-related injuries or occupational diseases, regardless of employee negligence. An employee can only receive benefits if their injury or illness relates to their job duties or employment. Workers’ comp insurance could cover injuries caused by lifting heavy equipment, slipping on a wet or oily surface, or sustaining injury due to fires or explosions. If an employee isn’t acting within the scope of their employment and becomes injured, such as playing football with friends on a day off, workers’ compensation insurance won’t cover them. Who needs workers’ compensation insurance? Workers’ compensation insurance is required by law in almost every state. Some worker exemptions exist, so you’ll want to check with your state to find out if coverage is mandatory for your business. Choosing to forgo workers’ comp coverage puts your business at high financial risk. Not only can you face a lawsuit for workplace injuries, but you’ll likely be fined for breaking the law. Keep in mind, workers’ comp insurance protects not only your employees, but your small business too. For example, if your insurance is compliant with state law, an employee who receives benefits can’t sue you for their injuries or lost wages. They can, however, sue you for things that aren’t covered under the workers’ comp portion of your policy. Employer’s liability insurance is also included in your policy to pay for court costs and legal fees if you’re involved in such a lawsuit. How much does workers’ compensation insurance cost? In 2020, the national average monthly cost for workers’ compensation insurance through the Progressive Advantage® Business Program was $86. Remember, this is only an average. Your rate will depend on specific qualities of your business including your state, payroll and claims history. Discover how these and other factors influence your workers’ compensation cost. You may also start a quote online, or contact us directly to speak with an in-house agent who can help you find coverage. How to get workers’ comp insurance through the Progressive Advantage® Business Program. We’ve partnered with select insurers who offer workers’ comp insurance in the following states: Alabama Alaska Arizona Arkansas California Colorado Connecticut Delaware Florida Georgia Idaho Illinois Indiana Iowa Kansas Kentucky Louisiana Maine Maryland Massachusetts Michigan Minnesota Mississippi Missouri Montana Nebraska Nevada New Hampshire New Jersey New Mexico New York North Carolina Oklahoma Oregon Pennsylvania Rhode Island South Carolina South Dakota Tennessee Texas Utah Vermont Virginia West Virginia Wisconsin If you need coverage in Ohio, North Dakota, Washington or Wyoming, you'll need to contact your state to secure insurance. These states only allow businesses to get workers' compensation insurance through them. Common questions What doesn’t workers’ compensation cover? In addition to injuries that occur outside of work, injuries that occur intentionally, while commuting to and from work, or due to intoxication or substance abuse wouldn’t be covered by workers’ compensation. Who is covered by workers’ compensation? It varies based on where your business operates. For example, certain types of employees, such as seasonal workers, may not be covered by workers’ compensation in some states. Contact us at 1-888-806-9598 and we’ll help you answer any state-specific questions you have about your coverage. Does a sole proprietor need workers’ compensation? Not usually. While workers compensation laws vary from state-to-state, most states don’t require sole proprietors to carry workers’ comp. Are contractors and volunteers covered under workers’ comp? Depending on the state, contractors and volunteers can be entitled to workers’ compensation benefits if they’re injured or become ill on the job. Our in-house agency can help answer any state-specific workers’ compensation questions you have. Give us a call at 1-888-806-9598. More information How much does workers’ compensation cost? Workplace safety tips for your small business Quote online or call for expert advice. Quote OnlineCall 1-888-806-9598  Business Insurance Workers' Compensation COMMERCIAL INSURANCE OFFERINGS Commercial Auto Truck Insurance Pickup Truck Insurance Box Truck Insurance Business Insurance Van Insurance Tow Truck Insurance General Liability Business Resources Workers' Compensation Business Owners Policy Professional Liability Insurance OUR COMPANY About Progressive Careers Investors Newsroom CONNECT 1-888-806-9598 Customer Service Progressive App PerkShare Home Site Map Privacy & Security Terms of Use Contact Us Accessibility Services Locate an Agent Progressive en Español Progressive Websites Insurance Terms   Search Copyright 1995 - 2021. United Financial Casualty Company. All Rights Reserved. Discounts vary and may not be available in all states and situations. Business Owners, General Liability, Professional Liability and Workers' Compensation policies are underwritten by insurers that are affiliated with Progressive and with unaffiliated insurers. Each insurer is solely responsible for claims. Progressive Advantage Agency, Inc. attempts to quote each applicant contacting us for a quote with at least one of these insurers. Certain Progressive companies may be compensated as licensed agencies for performing services on behalf of these insurers.