Core Liability · Calculator, Comparison & Guide

Workers' Compensation Insurance: Calculator, Comparison Table & Guide

Payroll × class rate × experience mod. Add up to four class codes.

Prong 1 · Interactive Calculator

Workers' Comp Premium Estimator

Payroll × class rate × experience mod. Add up to four class codes.

1.00 = average. Below 1.00 earns credit.

Results
LineEstimate
Manual premium —
Modified premium —
Expense constant / terrorism / fees —
Estimated annual WC premium —
Texas non-subscriber plan (rough comparable cost)Non-subscription trades lower premium for loss of common-law defenses and contract eligibility. —

Illustrative math only. Rate ranges are planning bands, not quotes. Your policy wording, carrier appetite, loss history, and state decide the real number. This tool stores nothing and sends nothing.

Get the real number — Start Smart Intake

Prong 2 · Comparison Table

Texas Workers' Comp Options

Subscriber vs. non-subscriber vs. PEO.

CriterionStandard WC Policy (Subscriber)Texas Non-Subscriber PlanPEO / Co-Employment
Legal statusStatutoryOpt-out (Labor Code Ch. 406)Statutory (PEO's policy)
Common-law defenses retainedIncludedExcludedIncluded
Contract / GC eligibilityIncludedOften rejectedIncluded
Benefit designStatutoryEmployer-designed (ERISA)Statutory
CostPayroll × rate × modTypically 40%–60% of WCWC + admin fee (2%–5% payroll)
Experience mod portabilityIncludedN/APEO's mod
Best fitMost employersLow-hazard, no GC contracts< 50 employees, HR needs
Included
covered in base form
Excluded
not available
Optional
available by endorsement
Limited
sublimited or conditional

Prong 3 · Deep-Dive Guide

Workers' Compensation in Texas & Florida: Subscribe, Opt Out, or PEO

Texas is unique. Florida is strict. Here's how the two states differ and how to control the cost either way.

Texas: the only opt-out state

Private employers may 'non-subscribe' under Labor Code §406.002. You must notify TDI and post notice. You lose common-law defenses and most GCs won't hire you.

  • Subscribe if you do contract work
  • Non-subscriber plans need ERISA benefit design and occupational accident insurance
  • Officers may be excluded on subscriber policies

Florida: mandatory

Required at 4+ employees (1+ in construction). Exemptions for officers are limited and require filing.

  • Construction exemption: up to 3 officers with 10% ownership
  • Penalties for non-compliance: stop-work orders, 2× premium

Controlling the premium

The experience mod is the lever you control.

  • Return-to-work program: lost-time claims cost 3× medical-only in the mod
  • Audit prep: separate payroll by class, exclude overtime premium
  • Pay-as-you-go to avoid audit surprises
  • Safety program credits (Texas: up to 10%)

Frequently Asked Questions

What is an experience mod?

A multiplier comparing your losses to your industry average over 3 years. 0.80 = 20% credit; 1.25 = 25% surcharge.

Do 1099 contractors need to be covered?

If they're misclassified employees, yes — and the auditor will charge you. Collect certificates or waivers.

Can I get a WC policy with no employees?

Yes — a 'ghost' or minimum-premium policy satisfies GC requirements for owner-only shops.

Related: workers comp Texas · non-subscriber · workers compensation Florida · experience mod

Turn the estimate into a quote

The Smart Intake takes about two minutes. A licensed advisor reviews your workers' compensation exposure against 30+ Texas and Florida markets. Nothing from the calculator above is stored or sent.

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Or call (281) 671-0069

All numeric rates are 2026 Texas/Florida planning bands compiled by the agency for illustration; they are not filed rates and must be reviewed by a licensed agent before publication. Coverage descriptions are summaries only and are subject to the terms, conditions, and exclusions of the actual policy. Submitting a request does not bind coverage.