1. Does my Utah business need worker's Compensation Insurance?

Yes, all employers are required to provide workers compensation insurance.

2. In Utah is there any exemptions from carrying workers compensation insurance?

Certain employers of agricultural laborers, domestic workers, real estate brokers, sole proprietors and partners may be exempt from workers comp. Directors or officers of a corporation are considered employees and must exclude themselves from
coverage through an insurance company directly.

3. Does Utah workers compensation law have specific requirements for subcontractors/contractors and sole proprietors?

A general contractor bears the responsibility for providing workers compensation insurance to subcontractors, including sole proprietors, partners and any corporate officers working under them. If a subcontractor does not possess workers compensation insurance, they would then be considered an employee of the general contractor for workers compensation coverage purposes only. Thus, being covered under the general contractors workers comp policy.

Employee Leasing and Staffing Companies

Using a PEO or staffing company to obtain your workers compensation may be a good alternative to purchasing your own workers compensation policy. Leasing companies handle your payroll, w-2 forms, unemployment and workers compensation claims. In many cases the down payment required to obtain a new workers compensation policy is high and many new businesses cannot afford the down payment. Another advantage, based on my experience, is that you will never get audited because you pay as you go for your coverage. We represent numerous leasing and staffing companies who in many cases offer deep discounts on your workers compensation coverage that you will not find from standard workers compensation insurance carriers.

USL&H & The Jones Act

We have excellent workers compensation programs for these specialty risks requiring this endorsement. If you are unsure and want to read either the USL&H or Jones Act I have provided helpful links below for you convenience. I have found them to be the most detailed and good resources on the laws.

If you need a quote that requires this coverage

Click Here for a USL&H Quote

Click here for the complete USL&H Act , courtesy of Cornell University.
Click here for: USL&H Web Site - Dept of labor

Read the complete text of the Jones Act here.