Part One - workers compensation benefits
Part One pays the benefits required by state law when an employee is injured or becomes ill because of work. That typically includes medical care, a portion of lost wages while the employee recovers, rehabilitation, and death benefits for dependents. Benefits are set by each state, not by the policy.
Part Two - employers liability
Employers liability responds to lawsuits connected to work injuries that fall outside the workers comp system, such as certain claims by family members or third-party-over actions. It has stated limits, and many contracts require higher limits than the policy default.
Part Three - other states coverage
Other-states coverage helps when an employee is injured in a state not listed on the policy. It generally does not apply in monopolistic states such as Ohio, Washington, North Dakota and Wyoming, which require coverage through their state funds.
Common endorsements
- Waiver of subrogation (blanket or specific)
- Voluntary compensation
- Alternate employer
- USL&H for certain maritime work
- Stop-gap employers liability in monopolistic states
Coverage by industry
Contractor workers comp
Workers comp for general contractors and trades like roofing, electrical, plumbing and painting. How class codes, subs…
Retail workers comp
Workers comp for retail shops, boutiques, convenience stores and specialty retailers. What it covers, typical retail…
Restaurant workers comp
Workers comp for restaurants, cafes, bars and caterers. Burns, cuts and slips, tipped payroll, kitchen safety and how…
Trucking workers comp
Workers comp for trucking companies, owner-operator fleets and delivery operations: driver classification, multistate…
Transportation workers comp
Workers comp for couriers and limousine, shuttle and medical transport companies: driver exposures, classification and…
IT consultant workers comp
Workers compensation for IT consultants, MSPs and technology firms. Clerical vs. field technician classes, client site…
Programmer workers comp
Workers compensation for software companies, app developers and programming teams, including startups with remote…
Small business workers comp
Workers comp for small businesses: when it is required, how premium works, pay-as-you-go billing and how to avoid audit…
New business workers comp
Hiring your first employee? How to get workers comp without prior insurance or loss history, and what insurers ask new…
New venture workers comp
Workers comp for new ventures, joint ventures, LLCs and partnerships, including experienced owners starting a new…
Disability coverage
Which states require employers to provide short-term disability benefits, how it differs from workers comp, and how…
Looking for your state's rules? See workers comp requirements by state.
Frequently asked questions
Does workers comp cover independent contractors?
Generally no. It covers employees. But if a worker is misclassified, or an uninsured subcontractor's workers are treated as yours, they may be included at audit.
Does workers comp cover injuries during a commute?
Usually not, though there are exceptions for travel that is part of the job. State law decides.
Is disability insurance the same as workers comp?
No. Disability insurance covers off-the-job illness or injury and is required separately in a few states.