Workers' compensation provides financial support for employees who get hurt or sick on the job. It also protects
employers from potential lawsuits related to workplace injuries. Many businesses with employees need this coverage,
though the specific rules depend on where you live. Learn more about how workers' comp insurance works.
Workers' compensation from Progressive Commercial, also known as workers' comp, protects your employees if they get sick or hurt while on the job.
It helps pay for your employees' medical expenses, lost wages, and rehabilitation for their work-related injuries. For example, slipping on a wet floor, lifting heavy boxes, or a variety of other incidents.
Employees who accept workers' comp benefits typically can't sue you for their injuries. However, workers' comp can help cover court costs and legal fees if you do get involved in a lawsuit.
Workers' comp is required by law for employers in almost every state, and not having it puts your business at a high financial risk. The amount of protection your business needs is based on a variety of factors like location, employee risk, payroll, and more.
Protect your small business with workers' compensation from Progressive Commercial. Call us or start a quote online today.
Workers' compensation insurance covers employees who become sick or injured at work. Benefits typically include:
Medical expenses: Workers' comp 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, workers' compensation can
cover a portion of their regular wages.
Rehabilitation costs: Workers' compensation insurance can cover physical therapy, occupational
therapy, or other forms of rehab that the employee needs to recover.
Disability benefits: If a work-related injury disables an employee, workers' comp may pay
short- or long-term benefits. However, this payment is subject to the policy contract.
Death benefits: If an employee dies because of a work-related injury or illness, workers'
compensation can help their dependents with funeral expenses and other forms of financial support.
Coverage details vary based on your location and other factors. Talk to one of our
expert agents or review your policy to understand the exact protections you get when you purchase workers'
comp insurance.
How does workers' compensation insurance work?
Employers need to follow state
workers' compensation laws where they do business. 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 from lifting heavy equipment, slipping on a wet or oily
surface, or getting hurt in a fire or explosion at work.
If an employee becomes injured outside of work, such as playing football with friends on a day off, workers'
compensation insurance won't cover them.
Why choose Progressive Commercial for small business workers' comp insurance?
For over 50 years, Progressive Commercial has been a reliable partner for businesses like yours, offering dependable
service, competitive rates, and trustworthy guidance. Our team of experts understands the regulations and can
customize a policy that gives you the right workers' compensation coverage for your small business.
Who needs workers' compensation insurance?
Most businesses with employees need workers' compensation insurance, but requirements can vary. Your industry, number
of employees, and the type of work they do can all affect whether you have to get coverage. Some exemptions exist,
so you'll want to check with your state to find out if workers' comp is mandatory for your business.
If you're self-employed or an independent contractor, you may not need to have coverage but carrying it can be a good
idea. Workers' comp can protect your income and pay medical expenses if you're ever injured because of your job. See
when workers'
compensation insurance for independent contractors is required.
Workers' comp coverage helps you stay compliant with the law, avoid potential legal issues, and take care of your
employees in case of workplace injuries. Protect your business from these risks by getting workers' compensation
insurance.
Small businesses that need workers' comp
Workers' comp requirements apply to many types of small businesses. Even if you only have one or two employees or are
a sole proprietor, you might still need insurance depending on your state or profession. Common examples of
businesses that need workers' comp coverage include:
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 related to acts of vicarious
liability. In these cases, the employers
liability coverage on your policy can help pay for court costs and legal fees.
How much does workers' compensation insurance cost?
In 2024, the national median cost of workers' compensation insurance through Progressive Commercial was $80 per
month. The average monthly price was $125.
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.
How to get workers' comp insurance through Progressive Commercial
To get workers' compensation insurance, follow these basic steps:
Understand workers' compensation requirements in your state
State regulations can affect how you get your workers' compensation policy. For example, monopolistic
states like Ohio, North Dakota, Washington, and Wyoming require business owners to buy workers' comp
insurance directly through their state fund.
You'll need to include details about your business when getting a workers' comp quote. Prepare by listing your
address, payroll, claims history, number of employees, and the nature of your work.
Get a free workers' compensation quote from Progressive Commercial
Call us or start an online workers'
compensation insurance quote to get the protection your small business needs. We'll review your information
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?
Workers' compensation won't cover injuries that occur outside of work, intentionally, and while commuting to and from
work. Coverage also won't include incidents related to intoxication or substance abuse.
Who does workers' compensation cover?
It depends on your business location. For example, certain types of employees, such as seasonal workers, may not be
covered by workers' compensation in some states.
What's the difference between employers liability vs. workers' compensation?
Employers
liability coverage protects you if lawsuits arise from employees getting injured or sick because of their
job. It's usually included in a workers' comp policy. However, in monopolistic
states, employers liability might need to be purchased separately.
Does a sole proprietor need workers' compensation?
Not usually. While workers' compensation laws vary by state, most don't require sole proprietors to carry it.
However, sole proprietors might benefit from having this coverage to protect against work-related injuries,
particularly if they work in a profession with a higher risk of injury.
Does workers' compensation insurance cover me if I'm self-employed?
Yes. Workers' compensation can provide coverage for people who are self-employed.
While it may not be required by law, many business owners opt to purchase workers' comp to cover medical bills and
lost wages if an injury occurs.
Are 1099 employees, independent contractors, and volunteers covered under workers' comp?
Depending on the state, 1099 employees, contractors, and volunteers can be entitled to workers' compensation benefits
if they're injured or become ill on the job. Find out when you need workers' comp for 1099 employees.
Our in-house agency can help answer state-specific workers' compensation questions. Give us a call at 1-888-806-9598.
How is workers' comp cost calculated?
Your workers'
compensation cost depends on a variety of factors, including your profession, payroll, claims history,
number of employees, and location. State laws can also influence your workers' comp rate. Browse by
state to learn more.
What is a workers' comp audit, and do I need one?
A workers' comp audit is a
formal review by the insurer of your payroll, tax records, financial documents, and employee classifications to
ensure your coverage is accurate. Audits are usually required when buying or renewing a policy.
How do I file a workers' comp claim?
Both business owners and employees need to follow certain steps when filing a workers' comp claim. If one of your
staff gets hurt on the job, they'll need to document their medical care and submit formal notice about the accident
as soon as possible. Once you have this information, contact your insurance company. A claims expert can guide you
through the process.
How can I support an employee after a workplace illness or injury?
The first step to supporting an employee after a workplace accident or illness is making sure they understand and
know how to access their benefits. Once a claim has been filed, stay in contact with your employee and monitor their
progress as they recover. Establish a return-to-work plan so they know what to do when they are healthy and ready to
get back to work.
