Idaho Workers’ Compensation Requirements

An A-Z guide on everything you need to know before you purchase an Idaho Workers' Comp Insurance Policy

Under Idaho workers’ compensation requirements, every business that employs one or more people must carry insurance. This insurance protects employees and businesses alike.

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Full-time, part-time, seasonal, and even occasional workers must be covered by a policy.

Sole proprietors and Independent contractors do not need to be covered.

Is workers’ comp insurance required in Idaho?

Yes, Idaho workers’ compensation requirements stipulate that most businesses must purchase this insurance. Any business with one or more employees must have workers’ compensation insurance. What’s more, Idaho does not distinguish between many types of employees, so full-time, part-time, seasonal, and even occasional workers must be covered. 

Do you need workers’ comp insurance in Idaho as a self-employed professional?

If you receive a 1099 instead of a W-2 or you own your own business with no other employees, you are not required to carry insurance based on Idaho workers’ compensation requirements.

Who is exempt from Idaho workers’ compensation requirements?

Idaho does offer a range of exemptions. These include:

  • Sole proprietors (with no other employees)
  • Independent contractors (not treated like employees)
  • Family members working for a sole proprietor and living in the same household
  • Business partners, LLC members, Corporate officers who are directors and own at least 10% of the company’s stock
  • Federal workers
  • Domestic workers
  • Real estate agents and brokers
  • Agricultural pilots (crop dusters)
  • Skip patrol volunteers
  • Elementary school athletic official
  • Casual employment unrelated to a business’s primary purpose
  • Remote workers

How much is workers’ comp coverage in Idaho?

Your Idaho workers’ comp rate will depend on the following factors:

  • The type of business you have
  • The size of your payroll
  • Your safety record
  • Claim history
workers comp policy cost

How can Idaho small business owners save money on workers' comp?

Complying with Idaho workers’ compensation requirements doesn’t have to mean overspending. You’ll find plenty of ways that small businesses can reduce their costs. 

One of the most important things is to ensure that your employees are correctly classified.

Another important tip is to ensure that your business has an employee safety training program and a safety team responsible for implementing/conducting it. Ensure all employees follow OSHA safety standards at all times, as well. You can also save by implementing a drug and alcohol-free workplace policy and creating a return-to-work program to aid injured workers in returning faster.

How does workman’s comp work in Idaho?

The workers’ comp process in Idaho looks a lot like that in most states. The first step is to estimate your annual payroll and then purchase a policy based on that amount. 

You’ll have a full year of coverage after paying your premium. 

At the end of the term, the insurance company will audit everything to determine the accuracy of your rate. If you paid too much, you would receive a credit. If you paid too little, you would receive a bill.

What does workers’ comp cover in Idaho?

Workers who file a workers' comp claim in Idaho can receive benefits for the following:

workers comp covers medical bills

Medical bills

workers comp covers lost wages

Lost Wages

Workers' comp coverage also protects employers from legal action. This means that if an employee sues your business because of a workplace injury, the insurance will cover the legal costs of the case.

How do I purchase workers’ compensation insurance in Idaho?

Complying with Idaho workers’ compensation requirements means understanding your options for purchasing coverage. You have three primary choices:

  1. Buy from an insurance agent. At Kickstand Insurance, we can give you an online quote in seconds.
  2. Buy through the state fund or assigned risk pool. High-risk employers may find that insurance companies cannot insure them. The state fund and assigned risk pool are designed for these situations.
  3. Self-insure. If you are a large insurance company and meet the state’s financial requirements, you can self-insure.

What happens if I fail to meet Idaho workers’ compensation requirements?

Idaho isn’t as strict as other states when it comes to enforcing workers’ compensation requirements. However, it does mandate certain ramifications if you fail to uphold your responsibility. 

First, you could be liable for all costs of the employee’s medical care and lost wages. You could also face an additional 10% penalty plus the employee’s attorney fees. 

The state may also choose to fine you up to $25 or $2 per employee per day (whichever is the higher) until you comply. You may also face criminal charges.

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FAQS

What are the workers’ comp death benefits in Idaho?

Idaho workers’ compensation requirements stipulate that the surviving spouse and dependents of an employee killed on the job or who died from a work-related disease may be eligible for death benefits. 

This includes a percentage of the employee’s average weekly earnings for up to 500 weeks (the percentage changes). Some funeral expenses are also covered, so long as the employee died within four years of the date of the injury/accident/disease onset.

How do Idaho workers’ comp settlements work?

Most states allow some sort of settlement agreement in workers’ compensation claims. 

In this situation, the employee, employer, and insurance company come to a mutually agreeable arrangement. It usually involves a lump sum payment to the employee and their waiver of any future claims involving the injury or disease in question. 

Unlike some other states, Idaho does not require most settlements to go before the state’s Industrial Commission, unless the settlement involves a non-represented person, a minor, or someone deemed incompetent. 

However, all settlements must be filed with the Commission before they’re considered effective.

What are the statutes of limitation on Idaho workers’ compensation claims?

All employees must report injuries or illnesses to their employers within 60 days of the date they were injured or discovered they were ill. 

There is no statute of limitations on medical benefits so long as all filing and notice requirements are met unless the employee previously settled the claim. 

Employees who received benefits, but those benefits were discontinued more than four years from the date of the injury, have one year from the date of the final payment to pursue further benefits. 

How do I get a workers’ comp insurance policy with Kickstand Insurance?

Start by filling out a short online form about your business. We’ll use that info to get you an estimated quote. Then, one of our experienced agents will contact you to review the quote and make sure you are getting the absolutely lowest rate possible for your business. Once the quote is finalized, you’re ready to buy the policy - often with coverage starting that day!

Why use Kickstand to
get workers' comp insurance?

Speed + Service + Experts

Document with workers’ compensation insurance quote surrounded by insurance icons

Unlike other online insta-quote systems,
here your quote is reviewed by experts

Why does it matter?

  • Avoid surprise bills at audit
  • Make sure all your employees are properly covered
  • Protect yourself from lawsuits

What do we check?

  • Business categorized correctly
  • Employees job roles
  • Special discount opportunities
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