Product
Bundle Save an average of 12% on auto!Disclosure
    Carpenter with workers' compensation insurance benefits cuts wood in a workshop

    What is workers’ compensation insurance?

    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.

    Show video transcript

    What does workers’ compensation cover?

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

    • Medical Expenses: This coverage can help pay for related doctor visits, hospital stays, surgeries, medications, and other treatments.
    • Lost Wages: If an employee can’t work due to their injury or illness, it can cover a portion of their regular wages.
    • Rehabilitation Costs: It can cover physical therapy, occupational therapy, or other forms of rehab that the employee needs to recover.
    • Disability Benefits: Workers’ compensation coverage may pay short- or long-term benefits if a work-related injury disables an employee. However, this payment is subject to the policy contract.
    • Death Benefits: If an employee dies because of a work-related injury or illness, workers' comp coverage can help the employee's dependents with funeral expenses and other forms of financial support.

    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.

    Learn more about who needs 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' comp protection sands paint on a house

    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?

    Who does workers’ compensation cover?

    Does a sole proprietor need workers’ compensation?

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

    Are contractors and volunteers covered under workers’ comp?

    How is workers' comp cost calculated?

    Employee protected by workers' compensation insurance shapes wood in a workshop

    Start a quote and protect your employees with workers’ compensation insurance today

    Get a quoteOr, call 1-888-806-9598