Workers' compensation insurance covers medical care and lost wages for employees who are injured or become ill because of their job — and in return, it generally protects employers from being sued for those injuries. It's one of the few business coverages that is genuinely mandatory, and both Washington and Florida require it, though they administer it very differently. Getting workers' comp right is both a legal obligation and a major cost line, so understanding how each state works is essential.
Washington vs. Florida requirements
| Washington | Florida | |
|---|---|---|
| Where you buy it | State fund (L&I) or self-insure | Private insurance carriers |
| Who needs it | Virtually all employers with employees | Threshold varies by industry (see below) |
| Construction threshold | Coverage required for employees | Required with 1+ employee |
| Non-construction threshold | Coverage required for employees | Required with 4+ employees |
| Agency role | We advise; premiums paid to L&I | We shop private carriers for you |
Because Washington coverage runs through L&I, our role there is advisory — helping you classify workers correctly, manage rates, and coordinate the rest of your business insurance. In Florida, we actively shop the private market to find your best workers' comp rate, which can vary substantially between carriers for the same class codes.
What workers' comp covers
- Medical treatment for work-related injuries and illnesses.
- Lost wages (a portion of income) while an employee recovers.
- Disability benefits for lasting impairments.
- Vocational rehabilitation to help employees return to work.
- Death benefits to dependents in fatal cases.
- Employer liability (in private-market states) if an injury leads to a lawsuit.
What drives your workers' comp cost
Workers' comp premiums are based on your payroll and the risk classification (class code) of the work employees perform, adjusted by your claims history through an experience modification factor (“mod”). Safer workplaces with fewer claims earn lower mods and lower premiums over time.
Relative workers' comp cost by class of work
Managing your workers' comp costs
Beyond shopping the market (in Florida), the biggest levers are accurate class-code assignment, a documented safety program, prompt claims reporting and return-to-work practices, and correct payroll reporting at audit. Misclassified payroll is a frequent source of surprise audit bills — we help you get it right the first time.
Why work with Maru on workers' comp
We help Washington employers navigate L&I classifications and coordinate the rest of their coverage, and we shop the Florida private market to control your rate. Either way, we make sure your class codes, payroll, and safety practices are set up to keep premiums down and audits painless — and we bundle workers' comp with your GL, BOP, and commercial auto for a coherent program.
Frequently asked questions
Is workers' compensation required in Washington and Florida?
Why can't I buy workers' comp from a private insurer in Washington?
How is my workers' comp premium calculated?
What does workers' compensation cover?
Do I need workers' comp for independent contractors?
Licensed independent insurance agent · WA & FL
Written and reviewed by a licensed Maru advisor. Maru Insurance is an independent agency (License #22261820) representing multiple A-rated carriers across Washington and Florida.
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