Tennessee Workers' Comp
Here we cover the specific state laws and requirements for small business employers and their Tennessee Workers’ Comp Insurance obligations.
First, who needs to be covered by Workers’ Comp coverage? Second, where can you get it? Also, how much does it cost? All of this is covered by state law.
Additionally, are you headquartered or based in Tennessee, but have employees working, or transiting on the clock, to or through another state to perform work? Further, the Workers’ Compensation laws in THAT or THOSE states will also determine coverage requirements. Finally, if your employees are working in more than one state, you will need coverage in each state.
WorkersComp4SmallBusiness can help with just that.
In Tennessee, the majority of small businesses with five (5) or more employees must carry workers comp insurance, regardless if they are full-time, part-time, or seasonal. This also includes family members working as employees. Businesses that operate within Tennessee must comply with the state’s workers’ compensation regulations.
The average workers’ compensation insurance rates have been steadily declining since the state passed reform legislation.
The Tennessee Workers Compensation Reform Act of 2013 applies to all workers’ compensation claims that are made on or after July 1, 2014. This new law is intended to streamline the workers compensation claim process while providing better protection and faster service to injured employees.
Workers Compensation Requirements in Tennessee
Tennessee businesses are required to carry workers comp insurance if they have five (5) or more employees. If you operate in construction, trades or mining industries, you must have insurance if you have even one or more employees. The owners of businesses in these industries must also cover themselves, unless they obtain an exemption.
If an independent contractor, you might not be covered by the contracting firm’s workers’ compensation insurance policy. You may very well need to provide proof of workers’ compensation coverage.
Are you an independent contractor or an employee? Excellent Question. Let’s get an idea.
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Where to Buy Workers Comp Insurance?
The state of Tennessee has a private workers’ compensation insurance market. A business can purchase a workers’ compensation policy from any private insurance company, agent and/or broker that is properly licensed to do business in the state of Tennessee.
Request a quote from WorkersComp4SmallBusiness.com
Still having trouble finding coverage? You can also contact NCCI, if you prefer.
Employee Limits
Part-time employees, corporate officers and/or family – if they ae determined to be employees – must count toward employee limits.
Owners and Corporate Officers
The corporate officers of non-construction businesses may exclude themselves, but they still count toward the five (5) employee limit.
Subcontractors / Independent Contractors
Most subcontractors and independent contractors are sole proprietors or partnerships. Unless they are an employee, they will not be covered by their insurance policy, and they may need proof of Workers Comp Insurance.
Are they an independent contractor or an employee? Great Question. Let’s get some idea.
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Obtaining Workers Comp Insurance for Your Small Business
Tennessee has its private market, meaning employers may purchase a workers comp policy from any insurance carrier or broker licensed to write workers compensation in the state.
Request a quote from WorkersComp4SmallBusiness.com
Employers must provide basic details, including location(s), employer identification numbers, type of industry, total payroll needing coverage and any prior history of workers compensation coverage and/or claims.
Tennessee does not offer a state insurance fund, but employers struggling to find coverage can contact the Tennessee’s Workers Compensation Insurance Plan.
Tennessee Coverage and Rates
Tennessee reformed workers compensation a few years ago leading to more competitive rates.
NCCI, the National Council on Compensation Insurance, is used by most states to collect workforce injury data and make recommendations regarding insurance rates. NCCI administers workers compensation residual market services, offering coverage to businesses that who are unable to find coverage through private insurers. NCCI also recommends rates in Tennessee.
When accepted, insurers must use these rates as a baseline for premiums. The type of industry, total covered payroll, claims history and other individual details all influence total premiums.
Your business must comply with the state where your employees perform work – not necessarily where the business was founded or is based.
Your business operates in multiple states? Employees travel across state lines to work? You may need to modify your policy to guarantee coverage.
Tennessee Work Comp Resources
Tennessee Workers Comp Resources
Workers’ compensation insurance coverage in Tennessee is regulated by the Tennessee Bureau of Workers’ Compensation. They can be reached at (615) 532-4812, toll-free at (800) 332-2667, or by email at wc.info@tn.gov.
Tennessee workers’ compensation rates are determined through the NCCI (National Council on Compensation Insurance). Additionally, Tennessee has a high-risk pool for those businesses having trouble securing coverage – the Tennessee assigned risk pool is Tennessee Workers’ Compensation Insurance Plan.
Areas We Serve in Tennessee
- Nashville
- Memphis
- Knoxville
- Chattanooga
- Clarksville
- Murfreesboro
- Franklin
- Jackson
- Johnson City
- Bartlett
- Hendersonville
- Kingsport
- Smyrna
- Collierville
- Cleveland
- Spring Hill
- Gallatin
- Brentwood
- Columbia
- Germantown
- Mount Juliet
- Lebanon
- La Vergne
- Cookeville
- Morristown
- Maryville
- Oak Ridge
- Bristol
- Farragut
- Shelbyville
- East Ridge
- Tullahoma
- Springfield
- Sevierville
- Goodlettsville
- Dyersburg
- Dickson
- Greeneville
- Soddy-Daisy
- Athens
