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Pennsylvania Workers' Compensation Insurance
Protect your business and employees with Pennsylvania workers' comp
Pennsylvania workers' compensation insurance helps employees who get hurt or sick because of their jobs. It pays for medical bills and lost wages. This coverage also protects employers in the Keystone State from lawsuits by injured workers.
Learn more about workers' compensation insurance and see how experts at Progressive Commercial can help your business.
Who needs workers' compensation insurance in Pennsylvania?
In Pennsylvania, businesses with employees usually need to have workers' compensation insurance. This includes both part-time and full-time workers, even if they are family members.
Pennsylvania workers' compensation insurance exemptions
Businesses are exempt from Pennsylvania workers' comp rules if every employee meets certain conditions. Common exemptions include:
- People covered under other workers' compensation laws, such as federal employees
- Casual workers operating outside the regular course of the employer's business
- Domestic servants
- Agricultural laborers who work less than 30 days and earn less than $1,200 from one employer in a calendar year
- Sole proprietors or general partners
- Certain executive officers and religious organizations
- Real estate salespeople and brokers who work as independent contractors and are only paid by commission
Even if you don't need workers' compensation insurance, carrying it can help protect your business and employees.
What are the penalties for not having workers' comp in Pennsylvania?
Employers can face penalties for not having workers' comp in Pennsylvania. Depending on the situation, they might have to pay fines, deal with lawsuits, or even go to jail. If a worker gets hurt and the business doesn't have insurance, the state will cover their benefits. But the business will have to pay the money back, plus extra costs.
How much does workers' comp cost in Pennsylvania?
Pennsylvania workers' compensation rates depend on several features of your business, such as:
- Job classification code: The Pennsylvania Compensation Rating Bureau sets workers' compensation class codes for different jobs based on overall risk.
- Payroll: Workers' comp insurance cost is calculated based on every $100 of your total payroll. A higher payroll usually means a more expensive policy.
- Claims history: Claims history impacts how much you'll pay for Pennsylvania workers' comp. Businesses with more claims than the industry norm can expect a higher premium.
- Insurance carrier: Workers' comp insurance providers can set unique rates based on in-house risk evaluations, pricing options, and more.
How can you get workers' comp in Pennsylvania?
You can get Pennsylvania workers' compensation insurance three ways:
- Private insurers: Many businesses buy workers' comp coverage from private insurance companies that customize policies and offer additional benefits. Ask about special features when you get a Progressive Commercial quote.
- Self-insurance: Large, well-funded companies that have been operating for at least three years can apply for self-insurance. This option helps businesses save on premiums, but they have to manage the policy and handle financial risks on their own.
- State fund: Employers can apply for coverage through the Pennsylvania State Workers' Insurance Fund. This option is good for businesses in high-risk industries or with a history of claims that might make private insurance harder to get.
How does workers' comp work in Pennsylvania?
Employees in Pennsylvania should tell their boss about job-related injuries or illnesses within 120 days. In most cases, employers then have seven days to file a claim with their insurance company.
If approved, the employee will start getting financial support within three weeks. How much Pennsylvania workers' comp pays and how long it lasts depend on the severity of the injury, the employee's salary, and the statewide average weekly wage.
Common Pennsylvania workers' compensation benefits include:
- Medical expenses
- Disability benefits
- Lost wages
- Rehabilitation costs
Workers' comp insurance supports employers, too. It helps resolve accident-related disputes and protects businesses from fines and lawsuits because employees who accept this benefit usually can't sue.
Explore examples of how Pennsylvania workers' comp claims work for more information.
Pennsylvania workers' comp death benefits
Workers' compensation death benefits in Pennsylvania support the spouse and dependents of an employee who died because of their job. Certain family members can receive weekly payments that are a percentage of the deceased's average weekly wage. They could also get a lump sum payment for funeral expenses.
Pennsylvania workers' compensation statute of limitations
There are special time limits related to Pennsylvania workers' comp. In most cases, employees have a maximum of 120 days to report injuries. However, they have up to three years to file a claim related to occupational diseases or to petition a claim that an insurance company denied.
Why choose Pennsylvania workers' comp through Progressive Commercial
Protecting your company and employees is easy when you get Pennsylvania workers' compensation insurance through us. We have decades of experience supporting business owners like you with customized coverage and competitive rates.
Get help from specialists you can trust. Call us or start an online quote today.
