How Much Does Workers' Compensation Insurance for Retail Trade Businesses Cost?

The cost of workers' compensation insurance for retail trade businesses is influenced by the total payroll being covered by the policy, specifics of the business operations, and history of work comp claims.

The retail trade industry is generally considered low-risk, but potential hazards remain. Within the industry, rates might differ depending on your company’s circumstances:

• Retailers dealing with hazardous or fragile products, such as chemicals or glassware, may have a higher chance of claims.
• Retail stores operating late-night or 24/7 might face elevated insurance costs due to the increased risk of fatigue-related accidents.
• Retailers offering specialized services like in-house tailoring or repair work may have higher insurance premiums, reflecting the risks associated with these activities.

Workers' compensation premiums are calculated based on the type of work employees perform. Some businesses have different employees for each task, while others have just a few who wear many hats. These roles are described using workers' compensation classification codes. It’s important to classify your retail trade employees accurately because this could dramatically alter your premium.

Note: If your retail trade business works with subcontractors, ensure they have their own workers' compensation insurance or are covered under your policy to maintain compliance and coverage.

Is Workers' Comp Insurance a Legal Requirement for Retail Trade Business Owners?

For retail trade businesses, workers' compensation insurance is not just a wise decision—it's a legal requirement in many U.S. states. Failure to have this insurance can lead to hefty fines and penalties. If your business employs workers in multiple states or works temporarily out-of-state, you may have to purchase insurance for all the states where your employees are located, according to each state's laws.

How to Get Workers' Compensation Insurance Coverage for Your Retail Business

Step 1: Learn the Basics of Workers' Compensation Insurance

Workers' compensation insurance provides crucial wage replacement and medical benefits to your employees in the event of work-related injuries or accidents, such as slips, falls, or strains. These would be filed as workers’ compensation claims. 

Step 2: Assess Your Business Needs

Before contacting insurance agencies, take some time to assess your retail trade business's specific requirements.

• Divide your employees by classification code.
• Determine the total number of employees and calculate your payroll. You may have the option to exclude yourself if desired.
• Identify the common risks your employees encounter while working in your store or handling inventory and equipment.
• Consider any unique tasks or roles that might have specific risk profiles, such as cashiers handling money or stock clerks lifting heavy items.

Providing this information will help insurance agencies offer you an accurate and customized quote.

Step 3: Check Your State's Work Comp Laws

Each state has its own regulations regarding workers' compensation insurance. Familiarize yourself with your state's specific requirements and any exemptions that apply to retail trade businesses.

Keep in mind that if your retail trade business operates in multiple states or your employees work temporarily out-of-state, you'll need to purchase insurance according to each state's laws.

Step 4: Contact an Insurance Agency

Now it's time to contact insurance agencies. Consider working with an independent insurance agency that specializes in workers' compensation insurance for small businesses like yours.

Provide the agency with the detailed information you've gathered, including:

• Your Federal ID Number (or Social Security Number for sole proprietors).
• Details of any previous workers' comp insurance policy or information about past coverage or claims.
• Specific roles and risks associated with your retail trade business, such as cashier duties, stocking shelves, or customer assistance.

Step 5: Review Quotes

Once you receive quotes from different insurance carriers, compare them carefully to make an informed decision. While cost is important, consider other crucial factors such as the extent of coverage, customer service, and the claims process.

Step 6: Select Your Coverage

After a thorough comparison, choose the workers' compensation insurance policy that offers comprehensive coverage at a fair price. Remember, obtaining workers' compensation insurance not only fulfills a legal obligation but also demonstrates your commitment to your employees' well-being and safety.

Need comprehensive retail business insurance? Get it here.

About Us

Where small businesses buy workers' compensation insurance. WorkCompOne is an online digital insurance agency that’s changing workers’ compensation insurance. By combining best practices in technology and insurance, we’ve built a new way for businesses to secure workers’ compensation insurance online.

Founded in 2012, WorkCompOne offers coverage to small businesses nationwide through its easy online platform and partnership with leading national carriers. WorkCompOne is part of Custom Commercial Insurance Solutions.

About CCiS

Custom Commercial Insurance Solutions, formerly IDoComp.com, is a digital first independent insurance agency focused on improving direct-to-consumer commercial insurance. Incorporating innovative technology and insurance products, CCiS offers coverage to businesses of all sizes through its easy online platform, best-in-class customer service, and partnerships with leading carriers.