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
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 >>