Is workers comp required in Oregon?
Oregon generally requires employers with one or more employees, including part-time workers, to carry coverage. Owners, partners and corporate officers are treated under their own rules, and some workers such as certain agricultural or domestic employees may be handled differently.
Buying coverage in Oregon
Oregon employers buy workers comp from private insurance companies, and businesses that are hard to place can obtain coverage through the state's residual market or a state-chartered carrier where one exists.
Who sets the rules
The Oregon Workers' Compensation Division oversees workers comp in Oregon. In Oregon, the National Council on Compensation Insurance (NCCI) provides the classification system and loss costs that insurers use to file rates.
What Oregon employers should know
- Oregon has a large state-chartered carrier that competes with private insurers.
- Timber, agriculture and construction are prominent Oregon classes with higher hazard ratings.
How premiums are calculated
As in most states, OR premium is generally the class code rate per $100 of payroll, adjusted by any experience modification, credits and state charges. The final amount is confirmed by a payroll audit after the policy period. Learn more about how workers comp rates work and preparing for an audit.
Industry guides for Oregon employers
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Oregon workers comp FAQ
Is workers comp required in Oregon?
Oregon generally requires employers with one or more employees, including part-time workers, to carry coverage. Rules and exceptions change, so confirm your situation with the state agency or an agent.
Who oversees workers comp in Oregon?
The Oregon Workers' Compensation Division administers the workers compensation system in Oregon.
Can I buy Oregon workers comp from a private insurer?
Yes. Private insurers write workers comp in Oregon, and a market of last resort is available for businesses that are hard to place.
How is workers comp priced in Oregon?
In Oregon, the National Council on Compensation Insurance (NCCI) provides the classification system and loss costs that insurers use to file rates. As in most states, OR premium is generally the class code rate per $100 of payroll, adjusted by any experience modification, credits and state charges. The final amount is confirmed by a payroll audit after the policy period.