Get a Quote

Oklahoma Workers' Compensation Insurance

Learn everything you need to know about worker's compensation insurance in Oklahoma.

Need coverage now? Low rates & same-day quotes available. Select your industry to get started.

Get My Quote
painter-2751665_1920
clock-regular

Lightning Fast Quotes

We’re available when you are – online and on your schedule. In less than 5 minutes, you could be on your way to a work comp quote.

list-ol-solid

Easy Process

Our proprietary online quoting tool makes it easy. Just answer a few simple questions about your business.

piggy-bank-solid

Affordable Rates

As an independent agency, we can shop around our network of carriers, and deliver the best quote to you.

check-circle-regular

Top Insurance Carriers

Every policy backed by leading insurance carriers known for their financial strength and customer service. All our carriers have earned a rating of A or higher by A.M. Best.

award-solid

Trusted by Thousands

Since 2012, WorkCompOne has helped thousands of small businesses get the coverage they need to stay in compliance and protect their employees.

star-regular

Made for You

It's work comp, simplified for small business. Our online platform allows top national carriers to serve all businesses – even those with less than 10 employees.

Small Business Work Comp Requirements in Oklahoma

In most cases, Oklahoma employers must carry workers’ compensation insurance. Not having coverage could result in a misdemeanor charge and fines. The state revamped its workers’ compensation system in 2013, and has been in flux ever since.

Below, we outline workers’ comp requirements for Oklahoma small businesses.

You are required to carry workers' compensation insurance in Oklahoma if you have any employees, whether full-time or part-time.

Sole proprietors and partners: You are a sole proprietor or partner: In Oklahoma, you are excluded from coverage but have the option to include yourself.

Corporate officers and members: Oklahoma excludes officers and members owning 10% or more stock, but you may elect to include yourself.

“Family five or fewer”: If you have up to five employees and all are immediate family, you are exempt from providing workers’ compensation.

Independent contractors: Independent contractor may complete an “Affidavit of Exempt Status” to verify that they are waiving coverage.

In Oklahoma, both the independent contractor and the principal employer can be held liable for an uninsured subcontractor’s employees. If hiring a contractor with employees, ask the subcontractor to show proof of coverage.

Independent contractor vs. employee: How to tell the difference.

Exceptions

Other exceptions include:

  • Some agricultural workers.
  • Real estate brokers.
  • Professionals employed by a tax-exempt youth sports league.
  • Owner-operators of a truck-tractor.
  • Drive-away owner operators.

Coverage and Rates in Oklahoma

The Oklahoma workers’ compensation system has been in flux—and a source of debate—for at least a decade. Citing high costs, excessive claim payouts and a slow-moving system, state lawmakers passed legislation in 2013 that reformed the state’s work comp.

Since then, costs have declined, but laws have still be evolving. A number of provisions have been struck down by the state supreme court as unconstitutional. One such law, the Oklahoma Employee Injury Benefit Act, or Opt-Out Act, allowed employers to opt out of the state workers’ compensation system and provide its own Employee Benefit Plan. It has since been overturned.

In 2018, Oklahoma workers’ compensation rates decreased 16.3%, the largest decrease filed that year by NCCI and fifth year in a row that rates have decreased.

Many agree that the state work comp system was facing an overrun system full of unnecessary costs and benefits, and badly needed to be reformed. The recent changes have brought down costs and benefits; a significant drop in rates has been attributed to the 2013 law. But critics say it’s gone too far in the other direction, and that the cost savings are at the expense of injured workers.

Oklahoma workers’ compensation rates are recommended by the National Council on Compensation Insurance (NCCI), which most states use as their rating bureau. NCCI collects workers’ compensation data and advises rates for commercial insurance carriers.

When buying a policy, small business owners can contact any insurance agent or carrier licensed to write in Oklahoma. The insurance carrier calculates the final premium cost based on the set rate, the company’s payroll, and any additional credits or debits applied. Learn more about how much workers’ compensation costs.

Oklahoma Work Comp Resources

How to Buy Small Business Workers’ Compensation Insurance

mouse-pointer-solid

1. Request Coverage

We've made it easy. Answer a few simple questions about your business, employees and payroll. 

file-regular

2. Review Your Quote 

Receive an online quote from one of our top-rated carriers. all rated A or higher by A.M. Best.

shopping-cart-solid

3. Purchase Your Policy

Some policies can be purchased online that same day — for near-instant coverage. 

Oklahoma has a private market, meaning that you can purchase workers' compensation insurance from any private insurance carrier or agency that is licensed to write in that state.

Oklahoma has a state fund that competes with the private market. You can contact CompSource Mutual Insurance Company, if you are unable to secure coverage from a private insurance carrier. State funds accept higher-risk businesses, but their rates are often higher.

Remember:

  • Your policy only covers employees when they are working within state lines. Work comp covers employees injured on the job.
  • To protect against other injuries at your place of business, you may need general liability insurance. Learn more about general liability >>
partner-amtrust2-1
partner-cna2
partner-markel-gray
partner-hartford-gray
pie-logo-1-gray2
partner-travelers-gray

Get a Quote Today

Save Up to 20% on Your Work Comp Policy!

Get a Quote

Related Resources

workers comp insurance cost
How Much Does Workers' Compensation Insurance Cost?

Premiums vary based on business size, location, industry and claims history. Find out the average small business work comp premium and how much you might pay.

Learn More

small business workers compensation insurance
Small Business Owner Guide to Workers' Compensation

Workers’ compensation law can be confusing and complicated. This guide outlines what you need to know to buy work comp insurance.

Learn More

work comp cost calculator
Workers' Compensation Insurance Cost Calculator

How much for a small business policy? Read on for a step-by-step explanation, along with other factors at play in your final workers’ compensation quote.

Learn More

More Small Business Advice