Palm Coast Workers' Compensation

In Palm Coast, FL, you're required to carry workers' compensation insurance if you have one or more employees. This policy is not only beneficial to your staff but your business as well. It will protect your bottom line and avoid large penalties for inadequate coverage.

Workers' compensation will pay for the medical expenses and lost wages of an employee injured or ill on the job. An independent insurance agent can help your company navigate the laws and regulations of workers' compensation. Connect with a local expert to get started.

What Are the Basics of Workers' Compensation Laws in Palm Coast, FL?

Florida does mandate all employers to have workers' compensation insurance with one or more employees. This may seem like just another law, but it could be for the good of your business. 

Why your business needs workers' compensation insurance:

The state regulates workers' compensation insurance. If you're found without coverage, your business could suffer fines and back taxes. When you're in the habit of misclassifying employees as 1099s, your company may be in a heap of trouble with the IRS.

One disgruntled contractor could put you out of business. The IRS will launch an investigation, and if they find your 1099 worker is supposed to be a W-2 employee, you'll be charged penalties and years of unpaid taxes. It's best to consult with a professional on state-regulated policies. 

What Does Workers' Compensation Cover in Palm Coast, FL?

Palm Coast, FL, employers lobbied for workers' compensation insurance because it meant the "great trade-off." Since an employer offers medical expense coverage and lost wage support, the employee waives the right to sue. 

This saves any FL business owner from an increased number of lawsuits and protection for their funds. When a staff member is injured or ill due to working, this policy will help foot the bill. Workers' compensation will save employers from financial ruin by protecting the team member and the company at the same time.

If an employee becomes disabled or even deceased because of their job, workers' compensation will help pay for the loss. When a death occurs, it will pay out a benefit to the family of the worker to help compensate for the loss. Since coverage is mandated, you'll need to ensure your business has adequate limits according to state guidelines.

Who Does Workers' Compensation Cover in Palm Coast, FL?

Workers' compensation insurance in Palm Coast, FL, protects the business owner and the employee. It will provide coverage for an injured or ill staff member and save the employer from financial destitution. 

If you're running a company without this state-regulated insurance, you could be setting yourself up for a massive battle. When a claim arises and you're found uninsured, you will have penalties and the loss to pay. Instead, be proactive by getting the business policy your company needs the first time.

How Much Does Florida Workers' Comp Cost?

Florida workers' compensation costs vary across the board. When it comes to your business coverage, expenses can rack up. Premiums are set depending on a few key factors that the state and insurance companies look for when setting rates. Check out some items the companies consider when deciding your pricing:

• Class codes: These are set by job duty. The riskier the task, the more expensive the class code will be rated, and the more you'll pay for workers' compensation insurance.
• Prior losses: If you have previous claims, you'll be charged accordingly. The more claims your business has filed, the higher your costs.
• Years in operation: The longer you've have workers' compensation coverage, the better. 

Florida base rate examples:

The National Council of Compensation Insurance (NCCI) sets the base rate per classification code. This, combined with your business's safety program and practices, will determine how the carrier prices your workers' compensation policy. Take a peek at some examples of base rate ranges per $100 of employer payroll:

• 8721 Real estate appraisal company - outside: $0.27
• 8723 Insurance co. - including clerical and sales: $0.17
• 8742 Salespersons - outside: $0.35
• 8745 News agent - not retail dealer: $4.63
• 8748 Automobile salespersons: $0.61
• 8800 Mailing company and clerical: $1.66
• 8803 Auditors, accountant or factory cost: $0.07
• 8810 Clerical office employees. NOC: $0.17
• 8820 Attorney offices: $0.14
• 8831 Hospital - veterinary: $1.82
• 8832 Physician and clerical: $0.34
• 8855 Banks and trust co. - all employees: $0.18
• 8868 College - professional employees and clerical: $0.44
• 8869 Child care center - all employees: $1.45

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Most Common Workers' Compensation Claims in FL

In Florida and most states, slip and fall injuries are the most common claims reported on the job site. If your company allows employees to use commercial vehicles for job duties, you're at even more risk. The majority of losses can be preventable with the right precautions in place. To have a safer workplace, there a few things you can do.

One item is to hold regular safety meetings for your staff. This will ensure every employee and team member is on the same page. Other ways are to assign a safety officer to uphold company rules and reward safe protocol following. The safer your business is, the better your premiums will be for workers' compensation insurance.

Where Can You Purchase Coverage?

The best place to purchase workers' compensation coverage in Palm Coast, FL, is through an adviser. You'll need a licensed professional who can sell and consult on insurance policies. If you're trying to go at it alone, you could be missing key coverages resulting in a financial loss for your business. 

When you are using the Florida Workers' Compensation System, an agent can help. Since a professional knows the ins and outs of the state-regulated coverage, you can relax. Contact someone who knows commercial insurance for an accurate workers' compensation quote.

How experience modification rating affects your premium in Florida:

In Florida, when you have a workers' compensation premium of $10,000 or more in two years, you'll have an Experience Modification Factor (X-mod). An X-mod will help the underwriters determine how likely your business is to file a claim. It's not always the number of claims that affect your X-mod the most.

Similar to professional liability insurance, the X-mod will take into account the frequency of claims filed and the length of time they are open. A workers' compensation claim that lasts over 12 weeks will impact your rates more than two small losses closed quickly. If your premiums are under that $10,000 mark, you won't have an X-mod assigned, and carriers will go off of prior loss history and classification codes.

How a Palm Coast, FL, Independent Agent Can Help 

Workers' compensation insurance in Palm Coast, FL, can be tricky. If you're not an insurance expert, you will likely have inadequate coverage. This can mean a big financial hit for your bottom line when a claim arises. 

To work with a professional who knows the state guidelines, an independent insurance agent can help. They have access to several markets, saving you time and money. Go to TrustedChoice.com to find a local adviser in minutes.