Workers' Compensation Insurance

Carpenter with workers

Workers’ compensation insurance, commonly known as workers’ comp, provides financial support for employees who get hurt or sick on the job. It helps pay for their medical bills, lost wages, rehabilitation, and more. This insurance also protects employers from potential lawsuits related to workplace injuries. Businesses with employees are required to carry this coverage in most states.

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Workers’ compensation from Progressive Commercial, also known as workers’ comp, protects your employees if they get sick or hurt while on the job.

It helps pay for your employees’ medical expenses, lost wages, and rehabilitation for their work-related injuries. For example, slipping on a wet floor, lifting heavy boxes or a variety of other incidents.

Employees who accept workers’ comp benefits typically can’t sue you for their injuries. However, workers’ comp can help cover court costs and legal fees if you do get involved in a lawsuit.

Workers’ comp is required by law for employers in almost every state, and not having it puts your business at a high financial risk. The amount of protection your business needs is based on a variety of factors like location, employee risk, payroll and more.

Protect your small business with workers’ compensation from Progressive Commercial. Call us or start a quote online today.

DISCLAIMER: Progressive Casualty Ins. Co. & affiliates

What does workers’ compensation cover?

Workers’ compensation insurance covers employees who become sick or injured at work. Benefits typically include:

Coverage details can vary based on your location and other factors. Speak to an insurance professional or review your policy to understand the exact business and employee protections you get when you purchase workers’ comp insurance.

How does workers’ compensation insurance work?

Each state has its own set of workers’ compensation laws that employers must follow. These regulations ensure that employers cover work-related injuries or occupational diseases, no matter who is responsible.

An employee can only receive benefits if their injury or illness relates to their job duties or employment. For example, 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 becomes injured outside the scope of their employment, 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 you at high financial risk. Not only can you face a lawsuit for workplace injuries, but you’ll likely be fined for breaking the law. You can protect your business from these risks by getting workers’ compensation insurance.

Benefits of workers’ compensation insurance for employers

In addition to supporting employees, workers’ comp insurance protects your small business. For example, if your insurance is compliant with state law, an employee who receives benefits typically can’t sue you for their injuries or lost wages.

That said, there are some lawsuits that workers' comp can't prevent, including claims involving acts of vicarious liability. In these cases, your workers' compensation policy can help pay for court costs and legal fees.

Contractor with workers

How much does workers’ compensation insurance cost?

In 2023, the national median cost of workers’ compensation insurance through Progressive was $67 per month. The average monthly price was $119.

A lower median cost suggests that most policyholders spent less than the average premium. Your rate will depend on specific qualities of your business, including your profession, state, payroll, and claims history.

The best way to discover your workers' comp cost is to get a workers' compensation insurance quote.

How to get workers’ comp insurance through Progressive

To purchase workers’ compensation insurance, follow these basic steps:

Understand workers’ compensation requirements in your state

Each state has specific rules for workers’ compensation. Sometimes these regulations affect how you get your policy. For example, monopolistic states like Ohio, North Dakota, Washington, or Wyoming require business owners to buy workers' comp insurance directly through their state fund.

Explore business insurance by state to learn more about the laws where you live.

Gather information about your business

You’ll need to include details about your business when getting a workers’ comp quote. You can prepare by listing your location, payroll, claims history, number of employees, and the nature of your work.

Get a free workers’ compensation quote from Progressive

Call us or quote workers’ compensation insurance online to get the protection your small business needs. After you provide your information, we’ll assess your needs and let you know how much coverage we recommend and how much you can expect to pay.

Common questions about workers’ compensation insurance

What doesn’t workers’ compensation cover?

Workers’ compensation won’t cover injuries that occur outside of work, intentionally, and while commuting to and from work. Coverage also won’t include incidents related to intoxication or substance abuse.

Who does workers’ compensation cover?

It depends on your business location. 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 for answers to state-specific questions about your coverage. You can also browse business insurance by state for basic information.

Does a sole proprietor need workers’ compensation?

Not usually. While workers’ compensation laws vary by state, most don’t require sole proprietors to carry it. However, sole proprietors might benefit from having this coverage to protect against work-related injuries.

Does workers' compensation insurance cover me if I'm self-employed?

Yes. Workers’ compensation can provide coverage for people who are self-employed. While it may not be required by law, many business owners opt to purchase workers’ compensation to cover medical bills and lost wages if an injury occurs.

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 state-specific workers’ compensation questions. Give us a call at 1-888-806-9598.

How is workers' comp cost calculated?

Your workers’ compensation cost depends on a variety of factors, including your profession, payroll, claims history, number of employees, and location. Each state has its own set of workers’ compensation laws that can influence your rate. Browse by state to learn more.