Blog Layout

Understanding What You Need To Know About Workers Comp Insurance

Chris Antrim • Feb 08, 2023
idaho workers comp

Understanding What You Need To Know About Workers Compensation Insurance In Idaho

Workers' compensation insurance is mandatory for any firm in Idaho with one or more employees. If a worker gets injured during the job, they won't have to worry about paying for medical treatment out of pocket.


Who Should Buy Workers' Compensation Insurance

Employers in Idaho are mandated to provide workers' compensation insurance for their staff. If your health insurance company rejects your claim for an injury sustained at work, this policy will cover the costs.


Idaho mandates coverage for all employees, whether full-time, part-time, seasonally, or sometimes. Before hiring their first employee, a company must have workers' compensation insurance.


There are situations in which you must include your independent contractors in your workers' compensation policy. Each business must check in with the Idaho Industrial Commission (IIC) to determine what is needed to operate legally in the Gem State.


Who Are Exempted From Workers' Compensation Insurance 

In Idaho, the following are not subject to the state's mandatory workers' compensation coverage:


Most, but not all, workplace injuries are covered by workers' compensation insurance. However, the following are excluded from its scope:


  • Business owners and independent contractors
  • Members of a sole proprietor's immediate family who work for the business
  • Some non-resident relatives of sole owners may qualify for an exemption
  • Some non-resident relatives of sole owners may be eligible for an exemption
  • Directors and officials who own 10% or more of the company's equity are considered "significant shareholders."
  • Workers who are protected by the Federal Workers' Compensation Act
  • Persons employed in the home as cleaners, cooks, etc., or "domestic helpers."
  • Those who fly planes used for spraying crops or spreading seeds
  • Affiliated property agents and salespeople
  • Volunteered ski patrollers
  • Officials in middle and high school sports
  • Temporary work that shifts and is unrelated to the employer's primary operations.
  • Outworkers


What Are The Expenses Covered By Work Comp

Although benefits from workers' comp insurance are typically low, they do include the following:


  • The cost of treatment for the illness or damage
  • Rehabilitation cost
  • Income Replacement
  • Money spent on retraining
  • Damages paid out in the case of permanent impairment
  • Those who lose a loved one due to work-related causes can receive benefits.


Idaho's workers' compensation insurance is estimated to cost businesses $1.60 for every $100 in payroll that is covered.


The total price that you pay depends on a variety of things, such as:


  • Payroll\sLocation
  • The Squashed Number of Employees
  • The Market and Potential Dangers
  • Limits on Coverage
  • Background on Prior Claims


How can business owners in Idaho cut costs when buying workers' comp?

Correctly classifying your employees can help you save money on workers' compensation insurance. It is more cost-effective to insure those working in office environments or jobs with a low likelihood of physical harm. You'll save money by avoiding penalties for misclassification as well.


Workers' compensation insurance that is paid for periodically is an option for small business owners. This workers' comp coverage has a low initial premium and monthly payments based on actual payroll rather than an estimate. It's helpful for companies who bring on temporary workers or have staff numbers that rise and fall with the seasons.


Workers' compensation expenses might be reduced with the help of a well-documented safety program. The insurance price can be kept to a minimum if accidents are concentrated on the job.


What is worker's compensation insurance coverage?

Workers' comp will pay for medical care if an employee is hurt or gets sick. While the employee is out of commission due to an injury, weekly compensation may be made.


Advantages provided by workers' comp policies include:

  • Expenses associated with receiving medical attention, from urgent care to long-term treatment
  • Wage reduction during recovery time
  • Benefits for those who are temporarily or permanently disabled
  • Accidental death benefits


Employer's liability insurance is a standard feature of most policies. It can assist in paying for your legal fees if an employee sues you for negligence after they sustain an injury on the job. However, once an employee accepts workers' compensation benefits, they are barred from suing their employer under the policy due to the exclusive remedy rule.


How to buy Workers' Compensation Insurance?

Idaho business owners have four options when purchasing a workers' compensation policy.


  • Private insurance companies

Companies that provide private workers' compensation insurance are subject to state oversight. Still, they are free to choose their own rates and accept or reject customers as they see fit. Suppose you compare a private company's rates and customer service to the state-run alternative. In that case, you might be surprised that the latter is superior.


  • State insurance fund

If you cannot secure workers' compensation insurance from a private insurer, your state's workers' compensation fund can help.


  • Competitive state-funded workers' comp

A private company and a government-run program offer worker's compensation insurance in your state, making it competitive. The state of your residence competes with private insurance companies for clients.


  • Monopolistic state-funded workers' comp

Worker's compensation insurance is monopolized by the state of North Dakota, Ohio, Washington, and Wyoming.


What happens when you don't have worker's compensation insurance?

The employer may be held personally responsible for all benefits that workers' compensation insurance would have provided in the event of an employee injury if the employer does not have the required coverage. In addition, the wounded worker may be subject to a 10% penalty on the cost of their medical care, lost wages, and legal representation.


In addition, for every day of noncompliance, the company will be fined the greater of $2 per employee or $25. If an employer is breaking the law in running a business, the IIC can seek an injunction to stop them from doing so. Furthermore, criminal misdemeanor sanctions may apply.


There are numbers of ways to find the best policy for your business. Idaho Workers Compensation Insurance can help you find what the most perfect policy to you company. As they will fit naturally to your business's needs. Contact us today!

Contact Us

idaho workers comp insurance for small business
By Idaho Select Workers Compensation Insurance Agency 15 Dec, 2023
Discover your guide to securing workers comp insurance for small businesses in Idaho, ensuring legal compliance and employee safety. Contact Idaho Select Insurance for all your inquiries.
idaho workers compensation insurance for contractors
By Idaho Select Workers Compensation Insurance Agency 14 Dec, 2023
Discover how workers compensation insurance for contractors in Idaho safeguards your business and meets legal requirements. Get the protection you need at Idaho Workers Compensation Insurance.
idaho workers compensation insurance
By Idaho Select Workers Compensation Insurance Agency 01 Nov, 2023
Navigate through Idaho's workers comp insurance for self-employed with our expert guide. Protect your business and secure peace of mind today. Contact Idaho Select Insurance for your inquiries.
More Posts
Share by: