Get Workers’ Comp Employee Protection
Protect your business from employee injuries and illnesses – all for as low as $13 a month.1
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What Is Workers’ Compensation Insurance?
Workers’ compensation insurance, also known as workers’ comp or workman’s comp, gives employees medical, wage and other benefits if they have a work-related injury or illness. Most states require this type of coverage if you have employees.
How Much Is Workers’ Compensation Insurance?
Most of The Hartford’s customers with less than $300,000 in payroll pay an average of $81 a month for workers’ compensation insurance.2 Some policies can start as low as $13 a month.3
Workers’ comp costs vary since every business is unique. The best way to find out your cost is to get a quote.
Do I Need Workers' Comp Insurance Coverage?
Take this simple three question quiz to find out.
What industry are you in?
Type keywords that best describe your business and select the closest match.
Please select state.
Do you have any employees?
Business owners should exclude themselves.
Yes, workers' compensation insurance is required if you have at least one employee.
Get a free online quote to calculate how much workers' compensation coverage will cost your business.
No, workers' compensation insurance is not required for you.
However, your business may need other types of coverage to protect against risks such as property damage, bodily injury or mistakes in the professional services provided.
Yes, workers' compensation insurance is required if you have at least two employees.
Get a free online quote to calculate how much workers' compensation coverage will cost your business.
Yes, workers' compensation insurance is required if you have at least three employees.
Get a free online quote to calculate how much workers' compensation coverage will cost your business.
Yes, workers' compensation insurance is required if you have at least four employees.
Get a free online quote to calculate how much workers' compensation coverage will cost your business.
Yes, workers' compensation insurance is required if you have at least five employees.
Get a free online quote to calculate how much workers' compensation coverage will cost your business.
No, workers' compensation insurance is not required for you.
However, it's still a good idea to have it so you'll be prepared for the unexpected. If your employee gets hurt or sick from their work, workers' comp can help them recover and return to their job.
Yes, workers' compensation insurance is required if you have at least one employee.
However, coverage in your state can only be purchased from a state-run program, not a private insurance company like The Hartford.
Yes, workers' compensation insurance is required if you have at least one employee.
However, coverage in your state can only be purchased from a state-run program, not a private insurance company like The Hartford.
Yes, workers' compensation insurance is required if you have at least one employee.
However, coverage in your state can only be purchased from a state-run program, not a private insurance company like The Hartford.
Yes, workers' compensation insurance is required if you have at least one employee.
However, coverage in your state can only be purchased from a state-run program, not a private insurance company like The Hartford.
Who Needs Workers’ Compensation Insurance?
Nearly all businesses with employees need workers’ compensation coverage, but some of the most common industries are:
Benefits of The Hartford’s Workers’ Compensation for Employers and Employees
We know getting workers’ compensation insurance can feel complicated. That’s why we designed our product to make it easier on business owners. We offer services like pay-as-you-go workers’ comp, so you can pay your premium based on your actual payroll. That means a more accurate bill, not an estimate.
We’ve created an easy-to-use digital platform to help, update and provide options for your injured employees: My Workers’ Comp Connection
Injured workers can get information about the workers’ comp process, learn about coverage and get information about their claim handler in real time. Our portal also allows your employee to:
- Check the status of their claim
- Review payments
- Sign up for direct deposit****
- Get medical services card
Your State’s Workers’ Comp Laws
Workers’ compensation laws vary by state. Select a state using the map or dropdown menu and learn about its workers’ compensation requirements. Or you can browse all states workers’ comp insurance coverages.
What Our Workers’ Compensation Customers Are Saying:
“I have had [o]n average 3 workers’ comp claims a year with … different insurance companies over the years and I can say that The Hartford … has been the most responsive and companionate one.”
Ruth, New Mexico
“Our recent workers’ compensation claim was handled quickly and efficiently.”
Michelle, California
“I had an unfortunate accident at work and had to file a workers’ compensation claim. … The Hartford made i[t] very simple to do and has taken care of all my medical needs as well as weekly payments to compensate my loss of income.”
Richard, Massachusetts
“Easiest workers’ comp claim I ever filed.”
Joseph, Colorado
“New to having to deal as management with claims, but The Hartford has been very patient and helpful.”
Susan, Maine
“It was easy to complete online and the person assigned to our claim has been very helpful.”
Jeff, Missouri
Common Questions About Workers' Comp
What Does Workers' Compensation Cover?
Workers’ compensation helps your employees recover from work-related injuries or illnesses. It can help if your workers:
- Trip while walking up the stairs in your office
- Develop carpal tunnel syndrome from poor typing habits
- Get hurt in a car accident on their way to visit a client
Workers’ compensation insurance can help cover an employee’s:
- Medical bills
- Ongoing care costs
- Lost wages
- Disability benefits
This coverage can also help pay to train employees for new roles if they can’t return to their old ones. If they can’t return to work at all, this insurance can provide long-term disability benefits.
Learn more about what workers’ compensation covers.
What Doesn't Workers' Compensation Cover?
Some situations take place on the job and outside of work that aren’t covered by workers’ compensation insurance. A few examples of what most workers’ compensation plans don’t cover include:
- Injuries received by a fight that an employee started.
- Injuries an employee sustains due to being intoxicated in the workplace.
- Injuries an employee gets intentionally.
- Emotional injuries that aren’t accompanied by a physical workplace trauma.
How Does Workers’ Compensation Insurance Work?
Workers’ compensation insurance helps your employees recover from work-related injuries or illnesses so they can get back to work faster. Workers’ comp benefits can help:
- Cover medical care and medical treatment.
- Replace most of their lost wages if they take time off from work to recover.
- Provide disability benefits.
- Give death benefits to help pay for a funeral if they lose their life in a work accident or from a job-related illness.
- Cover costs related to a lawsuit from an employee’s work-related injury or illness.
Is Workers' Comp Insurance Required?
Most states have workers’ compensation requirements. Not carrying workers’ compensation can lead to significant fines and penalties. The laws vary by state and can include exclusions for certain types of employees.
For example, workers classified as federal employees get coverage through a program administered by the Department of Labor.
How Is the Cost of Workers' Compensation Calculated?
Insurance companies use different factors to determine workers’ compensation rates. This can include your business’:
- Payroll
- Industry
- Employees’ type of work
- Claims history
The National Council on Compensation Insurance (NCCI) assigns classification codes based on the type of job workers do. Jobs with a higher risk of injury can increase your insurance cost. If your business has a history of claims, this could also increase your cost for coverage.
You can use this formula to estimate your workers’ comp insurance cost:
Who Is Covered by Workers' Compensation?
If you have workers’ compensation insurance, your employees are covered. Several factors, like specific roles and the size of your business, can help determine which employees need workers’ compensation coverage. The requirements for workers’ comp coverage will vary by state, but most require workers’ compensation insurance for full-time employees.
Does Workers' Compensation Cover People Who Are Self-Employed?
If you’re self-employed or a sole proprietor, your state laws may not require you to buy workers’ compensation insurance for your business. Workers’ comp coverage could still be helpful to have, because your usual health insurance may not cover medical costs associated with a work-related injury. Coverage requirements vary depending on the state you’re located in, so be sure to check with your local laws to find out what you’ll need.
Are Contractors Covered by Workers' Compensation?
Workers’ compensation is typically used for employer-to-employee relationships, but it can also apply to independent contractors, too. If you work as a general contractor or a subcontractor, you may have to buy workers’ comp insurance if the contract you signed requires it. If you own a small business that hires contractors, keep in mind that any employee who accepts workers’ comp benefits loses the ability to sue your business for damages.
More Answers to Frequently Asked Workers' Comp Insurance Questions
Last Updated: October 2, 2024
1,2,3,4 Premium amounts presented are based on monthly premium paid by The Hartford’s Small Business customers between 1/1/22 and 9/14/23 for 12-month policies. Premium is derived from a number of factors specific to your business and may vary.
** “World’s Most Ethical Companies” and “Ethisphere” names are registered trademarks of Ethisphere LLC.
*** This is a simplified calculation for educational purposes only. Actual premium calculations can be more complex. Experience mods are subject to state requirements and do not apply to every policy.
**** Direct deposit is not available in all states.
Additional disclosures below.