Workers Compensation Insurance
Required Coverage for Rhode Island, Massachusetts & Connecticut Businesses
If you’ve just hired your first employee in Rhode Island, your first call should be about workers compensation insurance. It’s not optional — it’s the law. At Zelano Agency, we help businesses in RI, MA, and CT navigate the requirements and find the right plan.
Zelano Insurance Agency in Rhode Island understands the value of good employees. We know that your day-to-day operations depend on their hard work, expertise, and dedication, and if you supply them with quality benefits and plans, they can work with the peace of mind that comes from knowing they are properly protected.
Important: In Rhode Island, workers compensation insurance is required by law for any business with one or more employees (RI Gen. Laws § 28-36-1). Failure to carry coverage can result in fines of up to $500 per day, stop-work orders, and personal liability for the business owner. Massachusetts and Connecticut have similar requirements for most employers.
Should an accident happen, having the right workers compensation insurance plan from Zelano Agency can allow your business to cover medical expenses, lost wages, and other costs if an employee is injured on the job. Injuries can range from car accidents and back injuries to equipment malfunctions and, in some unfortunate cases, death.
Workers Compensation can cover financial obligations such as:
- An injured employee’s medical expenses/treatment
- The replacement of lost wages from injury time off
- Rehabilitation and physical therapy costs
- Permanent disability benefits
- Death benefits and funeral expenses for surviving family members
- Employer’s liability protection against employee lawsuits
If your business does not carry Workers Compensation Insurance, serious injuries that occur on the job could lead to an employee suing your company for damages. In Rhode Island, operating without coverage also exposes you to state penalties, including fines, stop-work orders, and personal liability. That is why it is important to discuss your options with a specialist at Zelano Agency who can help you find the right coverage options for all your business needs.
We commonly write workers compensation policies for construction companies, restaurants, healthcare providers, manufacturers, retail stores, and office-based businesses throughout Rhode Island, Massachusetts, and Connecticut.
Zelano Insurance Agency has locations in Chepachet, and Greenville RI to service all your workers compensation insurance needs across Southern New England.
At Zelano Insurance Agency, we specialize in Workers Compensation Insurance in RI, MA, and CT. As an independent agency, we shop multiple carriers to find you the best rate and the right coverage. Contact us today for a free, no-obligation quote.
See Other Commercial Insurance:
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Workers Compensation Insurance Required in Rhode Island?
Yes. Rhode Island law requires all businesses with one or more employees to carry workers compensation insurance (RI Gen. Laws § 28-36-1). This applies to full-time, part-time, and seasonal employees. Independent contractors are generally exempt, but misclassifying an employee as a contractor can result in penalties. If you’re unsure whether your workers need to be covered, a Zelano agent can help you determine your obligations.
What Does Workers Compensation Insurance Cover?
Workers compensation covers medical expenses, lost wages, rehabilitation costs, and disability benefits for employees who are injured or become ill as a result of their job. In cases of fatal workplace accidents, it also provides death benefits to the employee’s family. Additionally, most workers comp policies include employer’s liability coverage, which protects your business if an injured employee files a lawsuit beyond the standard workers comp claim.
What Happens If a Rhode Island Business Doesn’t Have Workers Comp?
Rhode Island businesses operating without workers compensation coverage face fines of up to $500 per day, stop-work orders that can shut down operations, and personal liability if an employee is injured on the job. The business owner may also be held personally responsible for all medical bills and lost wages. The penalties apply from the first day of non-compliance - there is no grace period.
How Does a Workers Compensation Claim Work?
When an employee is injured on the job in Rhode Island, the process typically works like this: (1) The employee reports the injury to their employer as soon as possible. (2) The employer notifies their insurance carrier and files a First Report of Injury. (3) A claims adjuster reviews the case and determines eligibility. (4) Approved claims cover the employee’s medical treatment and a portion of their lost wages while they recover. Your Zelano agent can walk you through each step.
How Much Does Workers Compensation Insurance Cost in RI?
The cost of workers compensation insurance in Rhode Island depends on several factors, including your industry classification code, total payroll, number of employees, and your business’s claims history. Higher-risk industries like construction and manufacturing typically pay more than office-based businesses. As an independent agency, Zelano shops multiple carriers to find you the most competitive rate for your specific situation. Contact us for a free quote.
