If you are responsible for Workers’ Compensation for one or more multi state companies, your workers’ compensation coverage may be more complicated than you realize. Workers’ compensation coverage written in one state may not protect you if workers are injured in another. Though some policies cover multiple states, others limit coverage to the state where the policy was written. In addition, some states only allow claims to be covered by policies written within that state.
This Work Comp Insights is not intended to be exhaustive nor should any discussion or opinions be construed as legal advice. Readers should contact legal counsel or an insurance professional for appropriate advice.
© 2011, 2021 MyTPG.com. All rights reserved.
Work with the Right Broker
Your workers’ compensation broker should have experience handling multi-state companies. In addition, your broker must be licensed in each of the states you do business in and should understand the nuances of each state’s workers’ compensation regulations. For example, North Dakota, Ohio, Washington and Wyoming require workers’ compensation insurance to be purchased through their state program. If you are based in one of those states, you’ll need different coverage for any workers you have out of state. Or if you’re based somewhere else but have workers in any of those states, you’ll need to procure additional coverage through their state fund. Also, some states treat uninsured independent contractors or subcontractors the same as employees for workers’ compensation purposes, so your broker should understand the implications of those state laws as well.
Give your Broker the Facts
Your broker can only help you if they know all the facts. Make sure to tell them:
- The size of your workforce.
- In which states you have operations or workers.
- If you employ independent contractors or subcontractors, and in which states.
- Which state(s) your employees were hired in.
If any of the above information changes, be sure to inform your broker immediately so that you remain covered in each state you do business in.
Know your Rates
Not all states calculate modifiers the same way, which can result in differing premium amounts in different states. Your broker should understand how each state you do business in calculates workers’ compensation premiums, so they can ensure that you will not be overcharged and that you have an accurate amount to budget for.
To learn more about Workers’ Compensation Coverage for your Multi State Company, talk to TPG Insurance Services today just call 909.466.7876! You can also visit our Workers’ Comp content and keep learning about this essential coverage.
