Solutions
Workers’ Compensation
Covers medical care and lost wages for employees injured on the job, as most states require.
What It Is
Workers’ compensation pays medical costs and a portion of lost wages for employees who are injured or become ill because of their work. Most states, including Illinois, require it for businesses with employees. Most policies also include employer’s liability, which covers certain lawsuits related to employee injuries.
What It Typically Covers
- Medical treatment for work-related injuries and illnesses
- A portion of lost wages while an employee can’t work
- Benefits for permanent disability or death, as set by state law
- Employer’s liability for certain related lawsuits
Common Gaps to Watch For
- Misclassified drivers. Treating employee drivers as independent contractors can leave you responsible for injuries the policy didn’t expect to cover.
- Owner-operators who aren’t employees may need occupational accident coverage instead.
- Employees working in other states may need those states listed on your policy.
- Payroll audits. Your premium is adjusted at audit based on actual payroll, so keep classifications and payroll accurate.
Who Usually Needs It
Any business with employees. Illinois requires coverage from the first employee, even a part-time worker or a family member on the payroll. Sole proprietors, partners, corporate officers, and LLC members can often choose whether to cover themselves, but the rules differ for some higher-risk work, including trucking. Trucking companies with employee drivers, brokers with office staff, repair shops, terminals, and warehouses all typically need it.
What Underwriters Consider
- Payroll by job classification
- Your claims history and experience modification factor
- Safety and return-to-work programs
- Driver qualification and training
- The states where employees work
Questions to Ask
- Are my drivers and staff classified correctly?
- Which states need to be listed on my policy?
- How will my premium change at audit?
- How does my experience modification factor affect my price?
- Do my owner-operators need their own coverage?
All coverage is subject to policy terms, conditions, and exclusions.
Last reviewed: November 1, 2026
If You Win, We Win.
Every business deserves an agent who understands its operation, represents it honestly, and stays engaged after the policy is bound.
Licensed in Illinois.