What We Cover
Pays for treatment of work-related injuries and illnesses, from an emergency room visit to surgery and physical therapy.
Replaces part of an injured employee's wages while they're unable to work because of a covered injury.
Provides benefits for permanent impairment and, in the worst case, benefits to the family of a worker killed on the job.
Part two of a workers' comp policy. Covers the business if it's sued over a workplace injury, for example by a family member or another company.
Premium is based on estimated payroll, then audited after the policy year. We help you estimate accurately so the audit doesn't bring a surprise bill.
We issue certificates of insurance and handle waiver of subrogation requests when a contract requires them.
Tennessee Requirements
Most businesses: employers that are not in construction must carry workers' compensation once they have five or more employees, counting full-time and part-time workers.
Construction and coal mining: employers need coverage once they have one or more employees. Since March 1, 2011, owners of construction businesses must also carry coverage on themselves or be listed on the state's Workers' Compensation Exemption Registry.
These are the general rules from the Tennessee Bureau of Workers' Compensation. Other exceptions apply, so ask us about your situation. If you work in Alabama or another state, that state's rules apply to work there.
Construction Exemption
Construction business owners who don't want to carry workers' comp on themselves can apply to the Workers' Compensation Exemption Registry through the Tennessee Bureau of Workers' Compensation. Only owners are eligible. Employees cannot be exempted, and a sole proprietor can hold only one exemption.
The exemption only removes the owner from the coverage requirement. If you have employees, they still need to be covered. Many general contractors ask subs for either a workers' comp certificate or proof of exemption. See our contractors insurance page for more on how this works on job sites.
How Pricing Works
Premium is based on your payroll and the class code for each type of work. Each class has a rate per $100 of payroll, so office staff cost far less to cover than roofers. Larger businesses also get an experience modification factor that raises or lowers the premium based on their claims history compared with similar businesses.
Because the premium starts from estimated payroll, the carrier audits actual payroll after the policy year. Correct class codes and realistic payroll estimates are the easiest ways to keep workers' comp costs predictable, and we review both when we quote.
Commercial Carriers We Work With
Including Travelers, The Hartford, and AmTrust, plus specialty and E&S markets for harder-to-place risks.
FAQ
Most non-construction employers need it at five or more employees. Construction and coal mining employers need it at one or more employees. Construction business owners must also cover themselves or be listed on the state's exemption registry.
Construction business owners can apply to the Workers' Compensation Exemption Registry through the Tennessee Bureau of Workers' Compensation to exempt themselves. The exemption covers owners only, not employees.
They can. A worker you pay as an independent contractor may still be considered an employee for workers' comp purposes, depending on how the work is controlled. If you hire uninsured subcontractors, your carrier may also charge for them at audit.
Your premium was based on estimated payroll. If actual payroll was higher, or the auditor found uninsured subcontractors or different class codes, the carrier bills the difference. If payroll was lower, you may get a refund.
We write workers' compensation with carriers including AmTrust, The Hartford, and Travelers, and we compare them to find the best fit for your industry and payroll.
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Free Quote
We'll compare carriers and follow up with options. Prefer to talk? Call (615) 241-8823.
