Workers' Compensation Insurance
Medical, wage-replacement, and death benefits for employees injured on the job, plus employer's liability for related lawsuits.
Who Needs It
- Any employer in Florida with employees (construction: from the first employee)
- Texas employers who sign contracts requiring it, which is most commercial work
- Owner-only operators who need a certificate to get on a jobsite
What It Covers
- Medical treatment for work injuries and occupational illness
- Partial wage replacement during disability
- Death benefits to dependents
- Employer's liability (Part B) for suits outside the statutory system
- Other-states coverage for travel and remote staff
What It Does Not Cover
- Injuries from intoxication or intentional self-harm
- Independent contractors with their own coverage (but see subcontractor audit rules)
- Owners who have elected exemption
- Federal programs: USL&H, Jones Act, FELA (separate policies)
Texas Notes
The only state where private employers may opt out. Non-subscribers lose common-law defenses and face direct negligence suits; most GC contracts and municipal work require a policy regardless. Non-subscriber alternative plans exist and must be reported to TDI.
Florida Notes
Mandatory for construction employers with one or more employees and non-construction employers with four or more. Officer exemptions are limited and audited. Coverage is checked at licensing and on jobsites.
Workers' Compensation Insurance Questions We Hear Most
How is premium calculated?
Rate per $100 of payroll by class code, times your experience modification factor. Roofing and framing carry some of the highest rates in the book; clerical the lowest. Misclassified payroll is the most common audit surprise.
What is an experience mod?
A multiplier comparing your actual losses to expected losses for your size and class. 1.00 is average; below saves premium, above costs it. It follows you across carriers.
Can I get a certificate with no employees?
Yes: a 'ghost' or minimum-premium policy covers you if you hire and satisfies the certificate demand.
Related Coverage Guides
Get Workers' Compensation Insurance Quoted the Right Way
Two minutes on our Smart Intake. Check the Workers' Compensation Insurance box and we reveal only the underwriting questions that line needs, then a licensed Texas and Florida advisor compares 30+ carriers. No pressure, no runaround.
Start My Quote All coverage guides →This guide is general education from a licensed independent agency, not legal advice or a promise of coverage. Every policy is governed by its own forms, endorsements, limits, and exclusions. Ask us to review the actual form before you rely on it.