Is Workers’ Compensation Insurance Required in Illinois?

The state requires business owners to have workers’ compensation insurance if they have one or more full-time or part-time employees. According to the Illinois Workers’ Compensation Commission, sole proprietors, business partners, corporate officers, and members of limited liability companies may exempt themselves from coverage.

Additional information can be found at iwcc.illinois.gov. We also recommend that you speak with a lawyer if you have any questions regarding whether you need workers’ compensation insurance.

How Does Workers’ Compensation Insurance Work?

If an injury, illness, or other serious medical issue happens to an employee as a result of their work for you, that employee typically files a claim with your workers’ comp insurance company.

From there, the insurance company that holds your policy works with the employee to come up with a settlement for the claim.

That means the employee is able to recoup financial losses, and you’re able to continue growing your business without experiencing a potentially catastrophic lawsuit.

What Does Workers’ Compensation Cover?

Lost wages. 

If an employee is unable to work as the result of an on-the-job injury or illness, they could receive a portion of their wages in a lump sum or in weekly installments, depending on the coverage. Those payments end when an employee returns to work.

Medical exams, tests, and surgeries. 

If an illness or injury requires medical care, workers’ compensation can cover the bills — even after an employee returns to work.

Ambulances and emergency room visits. 

If an accident or illness requires immediate care, workers’ compensation insurance can help cover the costs of an ambulance trip and an emergency room visit.

Physical therapy and ongoing care. 

Some injuries require ongoing, long-term care. Workers’ compensation benefits can help cover rehabilitation costs to help an employee recover and return to work.

Funerals, burials, and survivor benefits. 

Workers’ compensation also can help pay for a funeral and other end-of-life costs.

How Much Does Workers’ Compensation Cost?

Like many types of insurance coverage, cost is often determined by a number of factors. Some of the most important influencers of cost include:

The nature of your business 

Some industries, such as construction, can be risky for workers. As a result, that can have an effect on the insurance coverage premium.

Your business payroll 

Your annual payroll can be part of the price determination as well. So when shopping for workers’ comp insurance, it’s helpful to have your payroll information at hand.

Your claims history 

If you’ve had workers’ compensation claims in the past, that also could affect your premium price.

Where you do business 

Laws governing workers’ comp can vary from state to state, and they can have an effect on the final cost of your coverage.

Each business is different. So if you’re looking for workers’ comp insurance, it can help to talk with people who know a lot about insurance and a lot about being a small business owner.

We Can Help with Your Workers’ Comp Coverage

Insuring small businesses is what we do. With our online quote tool, we can help find the coverage to meet the workers’ comp requirements in your state in just a few minutes. 

Our licensed insurance agents can also answer questions Monday-Friday, 8 a.m.-8 p.m., ET. Just call 855-930-2844.

For more information about workers’ compensation in Illinois, we recommend visiting the Illinois Workers’ Compensation Commission at iwcc.illinois.gov