Virginia Workers Compensation-Workmans Compensation

Virgina Workers' Compensation Insurance Rules

Virginia Workers Compensation

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

Every employer who regularly employs three or more full-time or part-time employees must purchase and maintain workers' compensation insurance.

2. Who can exempt themselves from Virginia workers compensation Insurance?

Yes, businesses that employ less than three (3) employees may be exempt from carrying workers' compensation policy.

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

Sole proprietors, partners and LLC (limited liability company) are considered owners of businesses and therefore are not covered by workers' compensation act. However, they may elect to obtain coverage for workers' compensation liability by obtaining insurance.

An independent contractor is not entitled to workers' compensation benefits unless:

* a formal election of coverage has been made; or

* a written agreement has been reached among the independent contractor, the employer, and the insurance carrier that coverage will be provided. Employees of contractors are eligible for workers' compensation benefits so long as the independent contractor employs three or more employees.

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.

Virginia Workers Compensation

Virginia Workers Compensation Links