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Missouri Workers' Compensation Insurance
Protect your business and employees with Missouri workers' comp
Workers' compensation insurance in Missouri helps businesses pay medical bills and lost wages if employees get hurt on the job. It also protects employers from lawsuits about these injuries.
From the Ozarks to St. Louis, workers' comp coverage is important. See how experts at Progressive Commercial can help you get the right policy.
Who needs workers' compensation insurance in Missouri?
Workers' compensation rules in Missouri require most businesses with five or more employees to have insurance. But construction companies have stricter rules. They need coverage even if they have one worker.
Missouri workers' compensation insurance exemptions
Some people are exempt from Missouri workers' compensation law, including:
- Farm workers
- Housecleaners or other domestic helpers
- People doing small or temporary jobs for a family
- Certain real estate agents
- Direct sellers, like door-to-door salespeople
- Volunteers at tax-exempt 501(c)(3) businesses, such as nonprofits
Even if you don't have to have workers' comp, carrying it can be smart. It shows that you care about your employees, lowers liability risk, and appeals to some clients.
What are the penalties for not having workers' comp in Missouri?
Businesses that need workers' compensation insurance in Missouri can get in trouble without it. Usually, they'll have to pay the injured person's medical bills.
Employers could also deal with more serious penalties. For example:
- They could be charged with a misdemeanor and owe three times the insurance cost, up to $50,000.
- If they break Missouri workers' comp laws again, they might face a felony charge.
Read about workers' comp penalties in Missouri to learn more.
How much does workers' comp cost in Missouri?
Missouri workers' compensation rates depend on a few factors, such as:
- Job classification code: The National Council on Compensation Insurance (NCCI) sets workers' comp class codes by looking at how risky different jobs are. If your profession is considered safe, you might pay less for a policy.
- Payroll: Workers' comp insurance cost is based on every $100 of your total payroll. The more payroll you have, the more you'll spend.
- Claims history: Your claims history affects what you'll pay for Missouri workers' compensation coverage. Businesses with more claims than what's normal for their industry can expect a higher cost.
- Insurance carrier: Insurance companies consider their own risk checks, pricing options, and more when setting workers' comp rates.
How can you get workers' comp in Missouri?
There are three ways to get workers' compensation insurance in Missouri:
- Private insurers: A lot of businesses get workers' comp from private insurers that can customize policies and benefits. Remember to ask about your options when you start a quote.
- Self-insurance: The Missouri Division of Workers' Compensation administers self-insurance. This choice can help employers save money, but they'll have to manage the policy themselves.
- Assigned risk pool: Businesses in high-risk industries or with a history of claims can apply for coverage through an assigned risk workers' compensation plan.
How does workers' comp work in Missouri?
According to the Missouri Department of Labor, when someone gets hurt at work, they have 30 days to tell you about it in writing. This note should say when and where the injury happened, what kind of injury it is, and the employee's name and address. Then, you'll have five days to report the accident to your insurance company.
If the claim is approved, the worker will start receiving support. How much they get depends on their weekly wage and how serious their injuries are.
Common employee benefits include:
- Medical expenses
- Disability benefits
- Lost wages
- Rehabilitation costs
Remember that workers' comp helps businesses, too. It protects them from fines and legal action. When employees accept their Missouri workers' compensation settlement, they usually can't sue. If a lawsuit does happen, this insurance covers your legal costs.
Missouri workers' compensation death benefits
When someone dies because of a workplace injury, their family members can receive Missouri survivor benefits. Their spouse and dependents will typically get:
- Workers' comp payments of 67% of the employee's average weekly wage
- A lump sum for funeral expenses, up to $5,000
Missouri workers' compensation statute of limitations
According to the Missouri workers' comp statute of limitations, employees have two years from the date of their injury or last payment to file a claim. If the business doesn't report the injury on time, they'll have three years to file.
Encourage your employees to let you know about workplace accidents as soon as possible to protect their right to benefits.
Why choose Progressive Commercial for Missouri workers' comp
For over 50 years, business owners like you have trusted Progressive Commercial to help them find the right insurance. You can count on our specialists to answer your Missouri workers' compensation questions and connect you with the right policy.
Protect your company and employees with a workers' comp quote today.
