Is it required?
Most states require workers' comp once you have employees, but the employee threshold, exemptions, and industry rules vary by state. A few states allow some employers to opt out. Tell us your state and we'll confirm.
Workers' Compensation
Workers' comp that protects your team and your business.
Workers' compensation pays for medical care and lost wages when an employee is hurt on the job, and it helps protect you from related lawsuits. Gatson Life & Financial Group helps small businesses nationwide get the coverage their state requires.
Get a free quote Or call (945) 208-8372
What it covers
Medical expenses
Doctor visits, hospital care, and treatment for work-related injuries and illnesses.
Lost wages
A portion of an employee's income while they recover and can't work. How much is set by state rules.
Rehabilitation
Physical therapy and return-to-work support so your employee can get back on the job.
Employer's liability
Most policies include employer's liability, which helps if an employee sues you over a work injury.
Who needs it
Is this coverage for you?
- Businesses with one or more employees (rules vary by state)
- Contractors whose general contractors require proof of coverage
- Restaurants, retail, and service businesses with hourly staff
- Owners who want coverage for themselves (where allowed)
- Businesses hiring subcontractors who may not carry their own coverage
Common exclusions
What it usually doesn't cover
- Injuries from horseplay, fighting, or intoxication (varies by state)
- Injuries while commuting to and from work, in most cases
- Independent contractors who aren't employees (classification rules vary by state)
- Injuries to customers or the public (that's general liability)
- Self-inflicted injuries
Exact exclusions vary by carrier and policy. We'll walk through yours before you buy.
Know before you buy
How workers' comp works.
What affects the price
Your payroll, the class codes that describe the work your employees do, your state, and your experience modification (claims history). Riskier work classes typically cost more.
Subcontractors and certificates
If a subcontractor doesn't carry their own workers' comp, their workers may be counted on your policy at audit. Collect certificates of insurance from every sub.
Payroll audits
Premiums are usually estimated up front and adjusted after a year-end audit of your actual payroll. Keeping clean records helps avoid surprises.
FAQ
Workers' comp FAQ
Is workers' comp required in my state?+
In most states, yes, once you have employees. The number of employees that triggers it, and which businesses are exempt, varies by state.
Do sole proprietors or owners need workers' comp?+
Owners and sole proprietors are often exempt but may be able to opt in. Some contracts require owner coverage anyway. Rules vary by state.
How is workers' comp priced?+
It's based mainly on payroll, job class codes, your state, and your claims history (experience mod). Rates vary by state and carrier.
What happens if I don't carry required workers' comp?+
Penalties vary by state and can include fines, stop-work orders, and personal responsibility for an injured employee's costs.
Do I need to cover my subcontractors?+
If they don't have their own coverage, you may be charged for them at audit, and in some states you could be responsible for their injuries. Always collect a certificate of insurance.
Does workers' comp cover remote employees?+
Generally yes, for injuries that happen while doing their job. Whether a specific at-home injury is covered depends on the facts and varies by state.
What's an experience mod?+
It's a number that compares your claims history to similar businesses. Fewer claims can lower your premium over time; more can raise it.
Can I pay workers' comp as I go?+
Some carriers offer pay-as-you-go billing tied to your payroll, which can reduce audit surprises. Availability varies by carrier.
Get compliant workers' comp coverage.
Free quote, no pressure. Call (945) 208-8372 or send us your details.
Get a free quote