Complete Guide to Rockford, IL Workers' Compensation Insurance

From various Mercyhealth medical facilities to the Fiat Chrysler assembly plant, Rockford, IL is home to many employers. Regardless of the type of business, workers sometimes get hurt on the job. When this happens, workers’ compensation insurance is there to cover medical costs and loss of income.

There are several different insurance companies that offer workers’ compensation insurance. A local independent agent can help you comparison shop so that you are able to find the best policy for your Rockford business. Contact an insurance agent near you to get started.

Do All Rockford Businesses Need Workers’ Compensation Insurance?

If you are anywhere in Illinois and you have employees, you need to carry workers’ compensation insurance.

Illinois state law makes exceptions only for sole proprietors who have no employees, family members who are corporate officers, and direct family members who live in the same household as the employer. However, these exceptions do not pertain to workers in high-risk jobs like roofing and construction.

It is a felony offense to be knowingly and willingly out of compliance with Illinois workers’ compensation laws. If caught, you could face jail time and fines of up to $25,000. If you are uncertain about whether you need to purchase coverage for your Rockford business, you can consult with a local independent insurance agent

How Much Does Worker’s Compensation Insurance Cost in Rockford, IL?

Your cost for coverage will be based primarily on how hazardous the jobs your employees do are. Every year, the Illinois Workers’ Compensation Commission publishes rates for thousands of different job classifications. Commercial insurance providers use these as base rates when calculating your premiums.

The following are average rates paid per every $100,000 in employee payroll for three of the top industries in Rockford, IL:

Health care: $1,910 a year
Educational services: $700 a year
Transportation equipment: $12,770 a year

A worker at an automotive assembly plant is far more likely to suffer a significant injury on the job than a teacher in a classroom setting, and workers’ compensation rates reflect that. Keep in mind that these are simply average rates under large industry umbrellas. Cost can vary significantly from one type of job to another.

Talk to a local independent insurance agent in Rockford to find out how much workers’ compensation will cost for your particular business.

Rockford Workers’ Compensation Covers the Cost of Medical Treatment

If your workers are injured while doing their jobs, or if they suffer an occupational illness due to exposure to toxic substances, they will need to seek medical attention. Workers’ compensation will cover the cost of all necessary medical treatment and follow-up care, including medications, physical therapy, and long-term care if needed.

As an employer, you may designate a list of authorized treating physicians your employees can go to for their care. Exceptions are made for life-threatening injuries, which should be treated at the closest emergency room. If your business does not participate in the preferred provider program, your workers can see a doctor of their choosing.

Employees should not have to pay anything out-of-pocket for their medical care. If an injured worker must travel a significant distance to receive treatment or follow-up care, your workers’ compensation company may offer reimbursement for reasonable travel expenses.

Rockford Workers’ Compensation Insurance Provides Disability Coverage

Disability coverage is designed to replace lost wages if an employee must take more than three days off work to recover from a work-related injury or occupational illness. If the employee needs to miss more than fourteen consecutive days of work to recover, then the first three unpaid days of leave will also be compensated.

There are different types of disability coverage available for your employees:

Temporary partial disability: If the treating physician approves an employee for light-duty work during recovery, they must report for this work or risk losing their disability benefits. If the light-duty work pays less than their previously earned wages, workers’ compensation can provide coverage to bridge the gap.
Temporary total disability: This can provide injured employees with two-thirds of their average weekly wages until their treating physician releases them to return to work.
Permanent partial disability: If an employee suffers a permanent injury like a lost limb and is unable to continue to do the same line of work, they may collect 60% of the difference in their wages before and after the injury. This benefit can be collected for a designated number of weeks, depending on the severity of the injury and the nature of the impairment.
Permanent total disability: If an employee becomes permanently disabled due to a work accident and is no longer able to work, they can receive a benefit of two-thirds of their previous wages for the rest of their life.

To learn more, contact a local independent insurance agent.

Workers' Compensation Covers Fatal Work Injuries in Rockford

Unfortunately, workplace injuries are sometimes so severe, they lead to death. While workers’ compensation cannot bring these people back to their loved ones, it can help to ease the financial burden the loss can bring.

If an employee dies within four years of being hurt on the job, and the death is related to the injury or an occupational illness, this insurance can provide compensation in the form of survivor benefits to the employee’s spouse and dependents.

This coverage provides approximately 60% of the employee’s average wages during the year prior to the accident. This benefit can continue for up to 25 years or $500,000, whichever is greater. Workers’ compensation insurance will also cover up to $8,000 of the deceased employee’s burial expenses.

Find the Best Workers’ Compensation Insurance in Rockford

When you are looking for suitable workers’ compensation coverage for your employees, you will want to be sure you are getting a great policy at a competitive rate. Comparison shopping is easy when you work with a local independent insurance agent.

Independent insurance agents can provide more information and can help you start comparing customized workers’ compensation insurance rates from a selection of highly-rated insurers. Find an insurance agent near you to get started.

Find an Independent Agent

Find an Insurance Company

What type of insurance do you need?

By Coverage Type

By Business Type

Auto & Vehicle Insurance

Home & Property Insurance

Other Insurance

Insurance Solutions & Resources