Buy Work Comp Insurance in Rhode Island

What to Know

You are required to carry workers' compensation insurance in Rhode Island if:

You have any employees working in Rhode Island.
You’re going to work for someone else. Unless you’re an employee, you won’t be covered by their insurance policy and may need to provide proof of work comp. Are you an employee or an independent contractor? 10 ways to tell >>

Other regulations that may affect you:

Workers' compensation insurance covers wage replacement and medical bills for 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 >>

Where to Get It

Rhode Island 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. WorkCompOne can write workers' compensation policies in any U.S. state except those that practice state-run workers' compensation (Ohio, Washington, North Dakota and Wyoming). Get started on a policy with WorkCompOne >>
Rhode Island has a state fund that competes with the private market. You can contact Beacon 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.
If you’re still having trouble, you can contact Rhode Island's assigned risk pool, which will help you find coverage.

Factors That Impact Coverage

You are a sole proprietor or partner: In Rhode Island, you are excluded from coverage.
You are a corporate officer or member of an LLC: Rhode Island includes you in coverage, but you have the option to exclude yourself.
You are a licensed real estate brokers, salespersons or real estate appraisers: If you are paid on a commission-only basis, you are exempt from workers’ compensation coverage.

Rhode Island Key Resources

Regulated by the Rhode Island Department of Labor and Training
(401) 462-8100 (Press option #1)
Email: WCEdcUnit@dlt.ri.gov
Rhode Island rating bureau: NCCI (National Council on Compensation Insurance)
Rhode Island state fund & assigned risk pool: Beacon Mutual Insurance Company
Rhode Island workers' compensation state law

Other Tips

If you employ workers in multiple states or your employees are temporarily working out-of-state, you need to purchase insurance for all the states where your workers are located, according to each state’s laws.

The nature of your business, number of employees being covered and past coverage and claims are all factors in how much your premium will cost. Learn more about workers' comp insurance rates >>

Here's What You Need to Get Started

To buy workers compensation insurance, you need to request a quote from a licensed insurance agent and provide some details about your business.

Here’s what to have in front of you:

Number of employees in each class code.
Total payroll for all employees. You may be able to exclude yourself if you don't wish to be covered under the policy.
Federal ID Number. If you are a sole proprietor, you can use your Social Security Number.
Copy of your workers comp insurance policy, if you've had coverage or claims in the past few years. If you know your company's experience mod, please have your experience mod rating sheet or policy in front of you. Otherwise, you will be assigned a default rating of 1.0.

Buy Workers' Compensation Insurance in Rhode Island

Who needs to be covered by the policy, where you can buy it and how much it will cost are all mandated or influenced by state law.