West Virginia Workers Comp Insurance

With limited exceptions, every employer in West Virginia with one or more employee(s) is required by law to have a valid workers' compensation policy at all times. This "no fault" insurance not only provides injured workers with medical care and partial wage replacement, but also protects the policyholders from potentially damaging lawsuits. Although most companies in WV purchase a traditional commercial insurance policy, there are alternative methods of coverage which include licensing as a self insurer, gaining membership in a self insurance group, or obtaining coverage in the Assigned Risk Pool.

WV Workers Comp Insurance Specific Regulations

• Any company who has employees working in West Virginia must have coverage
• If you work for someone else you will not be covered by their insurance policy unless you are an employee. This requires independent contractors to have their own workman’s compensation insurance
• West Virginia offers a private insurance market and an assigned risk pool for businesses who struggle to secure coverage
• In West Virginia sole proprietors and partners are included in coverage, but have the option to opt out
• Corporate officers are included in coverage with the option to opt out
• Members of LLCs are included in coverage, but members may exclude themselves, or up to four managers, officers, or other members