Is workers comp required in Rhode Island?
Rhode Island generally requires employers with one or more employees to carry workers compensation. 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 Rhode Island
Workers comp in Rhode Island is a competitive private market. Agents compare carriers that write your class of business, and an assigned-risk option exists for employers that private carriers decline.
Who sets the rules
The Rhode Island Department of Labor and Training, Division of Workers' Compensation oversees workers comp in Rhode Island. In Rhode Island, the National Council on Compensation Insurance (NCCI) provides the classification system and loss costs that insurers use to file rates.
What Rhode Island employers should know
- Rhode Island has a state-created mutual carrier that writes alongside private insurers.
- Small construction and marine trades in Rhode Island should confirm whether any federal maritime coverage is also needed.
Rhode Island also has Temporary Disability Insurance and Temporary Caregiver Insurance funded through employee payroll contributions. See statutory disability coverage.
How premiums are calculated
Insurers in Rhode Island price policies from payroll by classification, then apply your claims experience and any credits or debits. Keeping payroll estimates current avoids a large audit adjustment. Learn more about how workers comp rates work and preparing for an audit.
Industry guides for Rhode Island employers
Contractor workers comp
Workers comp for general contractors and trades like roofing, electrical, plumbing and painting.…
Restaurant workers comp
Workers comp for restaurants, cafes, bars and caterers. Burns, cuts and slips, tipped payroll,…
Retail workers comp
Workers comp for retail shops, boutiques, convenience stores and specialty retailers. What it…
Small business workers comp
Workers comp for small businesses: when it is required, how premium works, pay-as-you-go billing…
Rhode Island workers comp FAQ
Is workers comp required in Rhode Island?
Rhode Island generally requires employers with one or more employees to carry workers compensation. Rules and exceptions change, so confirm your situation with the state agency or an agent.
Who oversees workers comp in Rhode Island?
The Rhode Island Department of Labor and Training, Division of Workers' Compensation administers the workers compensation system in Rhode Island.
Can I buy Rhode Island workers comp from a private insurer?
Yes. Private insurers write workers comp in Rhode Island, and a market of last resort is available for businesses that are hard to place.
How is workers comp priced in Rhode Island?
In Rhode Island, the National Council on Compensation Insurance (NCCI) provides the classification system and loss costs that insurers use to file rates. Insurers in Rhode Island price policies from payroll by classification, then apply your claims experience and any credits or debits. Keeping payroll estimates current avoids a large audit adjustment.