Workers Compensation Insurance in North Carolina
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Workers Compensation Insurance in North Carolina
What is workers compensation insurance?
Workplace injuries can result in expensive medical bills, which often come right when employees are unable to work. In order to offer employees financial protection against such situations, North Carolina employers regularly carry workers compensation insurance.
Workers compensation insurance generally offers specialized coverage for workplace injuries and illnesses. Policies may protect both employers and employees if an employee is injured.


What businesses in North Carolina need workers comp insurance?
The North Carolina Workers Compensation Act generally requires workers comp insurance if businesses have 3+ employees. Coverage is still broadly recommended for businesses with fewer employees.
When determining who constitutes an employee, state law normally follows the IRS’s definition of employees. Workers who receive a W2 at year’s end likely are employees. Those that receive a 1099 are likely independent contractors.
Do North Carolina businesses need workers comp insurance for independent contractors?
Businesses that hire independent contractors, subcontractors, or freelancers usually aren’t required to carry workers comp for them. An insurance agent specializing in workers comp policies may be able to help find coverage for contractors if protection is desired, though.
What kinds of injuries and illnesses does workers compensation cover?
Workers compensation is able to cover many different injuries and illnesses that employees might sustain while working. It generally applies to:
- Immediate injuries
- Long-term injuries
- Immediate illnesses
- Long-term illnesses
- Accidental deaths
For example, a policy may cover situations such as the following:
- Factory worker is killed while operating the machinery on an assembly line
- Maintenance worker sustains injuries when falling off of a ladder
- Office worker develops carpel tunnel syndrome over years
- Lab worker becomes sick because of accidental ingestion of a poisonous liquid
- Employee becomes sick because of long-term mold exposure that wasn’t known
What costs does workers compensation pay for a covered injury?
In the event of a covered employee injury or illness, workers compensation normally assists with medical costs and lost wages. A policy will normally pay all medical costs directly associated with the injury or illness, subject to any applicable deductible or limit. Lost wages are normally covered at a percent of what the employee normally earns.

How do workers compensation policies classify employees?
When calculating workers compensation premiums, insurance companies usually assign each covered employee to a category. The category is based on the employee’s role, and it helps insurers assess the likelihood of the employee being injured.
The categorization system is fairly standardized throughout the insurance industry. The most popular system is developed by the National Council on Compensation Insurance (NNCI), and uses 3- and 4-digit codes.
Some of these codes are somewhat broad, but others are quite specific. The following are just a few examples:
- 8810 might be used for clerical office employees, such as accountants, clerks, administrative assistants, interviewers, and many others.
- 0917 might be used for homemakers, who are usually employees who provide in-home services like cleaning, laundry, cooking, and other housekeeping work.
- 8017 might be used for retail store workers, such as cashiers at gift shops, drug stores, clothing stores, and department stores.
- 8825 might be used specifically for food service employees working at retirement centers or assisted living facilities.
- 2041 might be used for employees working at cocoa and chocolate production facilities.
- 2143 might be used for employees working at apple cider presses, including seasonal and year-round employees.
- 5190 might be used for employees who provide exterior holiday decorating services.
Because codes can be highly specific, it’s important to work with an insurance agent who understands workers compensation well when setting up a policy. An expert agent can make sure employees are properly classified for their given roles.

Where can businesses find workers compensation insurance?
If your North Carolina business needs workers compensation insurance, contact the independent insurance agents at Laurie Insurance Group. Our agents have worked with many employers, and we’ll make sure your business finds the workers comp coverage its employees need.

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