What is Worker's Compensation Insurance?
Workers' compensation insurance protects employers and their employees in the event of a job-related injury or illness. It is designed to cover any medical costs, lost wages, and other financial losses associated with an accident on the job. This type of insurance typically covers physical and mental injuries, as well as occupational diseases that may arise from work-related activities. It also provides death benefits in the event of a fatal accident or illness due to work conditions.
Why Do Employers Need Workers’ Compensation Insurance?
In most states, employers are required by law to carry workers’ compensation insurance. Even if not mandated by law, obtaining workers’ comp insurance provides peace of mind both for employers and employees alike. Workers' compensation insurance offers employees assurance that they will be provided with the necessary benefits should they suffer any harm related to their job duties. Furthermore, it protects employers from potentially costly litigation in the event an employee suffers an injury while at work.
What Does Workman's Comp Cover?
Workers' compensation is insurance that helps with medical expenses and other costs if someone gets hurt or sick at work. This can include payments for time off work while recovering, long-term disability payments if someone can't go back to work after an injury or illness, death benefits if someone dies because of their job, and funeral expenses in some cases. Workers' comp usually also pays for things like physical therapy and rehabilitation services that an injured person might need to get better.
How do I get Workers’ Compensation Insurance?
Employers interested in obtaining workers’ compensation insurance should contact an authorized carrier licensed to issue workers’ compensation policies in their state/jurisdiction. The carrier will determine appropriate coverage levels based on factors such as a number of employees and types of jobs performed within their organization. Once coverage has been established, a premium is typically paid annually or quarterly depending on the policy details agreed upon between the employer and insurer.
Related Services: Business Insurance
What Should I Know Before Purchasing Worker's Comp Insurance?
Before purchasing a workers' compensation policy there are several key considerations that employers should take into account:
- Coverage Modifications: Certain industries require additional modifications which might affect rates;
- Experience Modifications: This rating factor reflects past payroll accuracy;
- Audit Adjustments: These adjustments reflect actual payroll amounts versus estimates used by insurers when setting up a policy;
- Class Codes & Payroll Allocations: Policies must be setup based on industry-specific class codes and accurately reported and tracked payroll allocations linked with each code;
- Policy Fees & Service Fees: These can vary significantly across carriers so it pays to shop around for competitive rates when possible.
