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Workers' Compensation for Rhode Island Businesses

What are the laws that govern workers’ compensation insurance in Rhode Island?

According to the Rhode Island Department of Labor and Training:

The RI workers’ compensation system is a form of no fault insurance designed to provide assistance to employees injured at work for medical expenses and lost wages. The employer buys an insurance policy to cover accidents to employees in the workplace. The employer’s insurance company pays claims that are covered under the employer’s insurance policy.

Rhode Island law requires employers with 1 or more employees to provide workers’ compensation insurance. The Workers’ Compensation Insurance Coverage Verification page provides insurance coverage information for employers that have purchased a workers’ compensation insurance policy and certified self insured employers.

Who needs to carry worker’s compensation insurance?

Every person, firm, public service or private corporation, including the State, that employs employees regularly in the same business is subject to the Workers’ Compensation law.

Who is covered under workers’ compensation insurance in Rhode Island?

Employers with one or more employees are required to carry workers’ compensation insurance. Sole proprietors, partners, certain real estate, agricultural and domestic service employees are not covered. Police, firefighters, and federal employees are covered under different compensation programs. Municipal employees are only covered if the municipality has chosen to be covered. Independent contractors are not covered.

Who can collect workers’ compensation benefits in Rhode Island?

Covered employees who are injured at work or who become ill from working may be eligible to collect workers’ compensation benefits. If your injury or illness is not work-related, a different program, such as Temporary Disability Insurance or Social Security Disability may provide benefits.

Rhode Island Statistics*

*2018 business stats provided by the Bureau of Labor Statistics

229,974

number of Rhode Islanders employed by small businesses

99,821

businesses in RI where workplace accidents can take place

30

number of islands

1,214

square miles

13th

colony to become a state

Rhode Island Businesses We Cover with Workers' Comp Insurance

We are continually adding more industries. To get a quick, free quote, click here.

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Food & Beverage

Bars, Bistros, Cafeterias/Buffets, Candy Stores, Caterers, Coffee Shops, Doughnut Shops, Fast Casual, Fast Food, Fine Dining, Health Supplement Stores, Juice Shops, Tea Houses, Taverns and Nightclubs

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Tech Services

Data Processing, Ecommerce, Hosting, Graphic Design, Network Installation/Repair, Office Machine Installation/Repair, Programming, Strategy & Management Consulting Services, and Software/Web Development (includes SOLOpreneuers!)

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Legal Services

Athlete/Actor/Entertainer Agents, Court Reporters, Lawyers & Attorneys at Law, Notaries and Transcription

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General Retail

Bakeries, Beer/Wine/Liquor Stores, Butcher/Meat Markets, Convenience Stores/Gas Stations, Discount Stores, Fish, Seafood, Fruit & Vegetable Markets, Grocery Stores, Laundromats, Pet Stores, Pharmacies/Drug Stores, Specialty Food Stores

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Educational Services

Computer Training, Cosmetology/Barber Schools, Exam Preparation/Tutoring, Fine Art Schools, Language Schools, Libraries/Archives, Management Training, Professional Training, & Translation/Interpretation Services

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Manufacturing

Microbreweries (less than 15,000 barrels produced per year) & Wine Making (no growing or production of grapes/fruit)

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Personal Services

Barber Shops/Salons, Cemeteries/Mausoleums, Crematoriums, Funeral Homes, Interior Design, Pet Kennels/Groomers, Photography/Photofinishing, Gyms, Nail Salons, Self-Storage, Tanning Salons, Tattoo/Piercing, and Wedding/Event Planners

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Clothing Retail

Bridal Stores, Clothing Stores, Dry Cleaners, Formal Wear/Costume Rentals, Luggage & Leather Goods Stores, Shoe Retail/Repair, and Tailor Shops

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Personal Product Retail

Art Galleries/Stores, Auto Parts, Beauty/Cosmetics, Bike Stores, Bookstores, Camera/Photo Supplies, Cell Phone Retail/Repair, Computer Stores, Jewelry Stores, Musical Instruments, Sporting Goods , Tobacco/Vaping & Video Games

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Medical Professions

Blood Banks, Dental Labs, Dentists/Orthodontists, GP/Medical Specialists, Kidney Dialysis Centers, Medical Diagnostics & Testing, and Veterinarians

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Architecture & Engineering Services

Architects & Drafting, Engineering, Surveyors, & Window Treatment Stores (we do not cover construction contractors or trucking companies)

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Financial Services

Accounting, Auditors, Banks/Credit Unions, Bookkeeping, Collection Agencies, Financial Advisors/Trust Companies, Mortgage & Loan Brokers, Payroll Services, Tax Preparation, Title & Title Insurance

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Scientific Services

Scientific Research & Development/Consulting, Technical Consulting, & Environmental Consulting

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Office, Home, & Garden

Hearing Aid Stores, Hobby/Craft/Art Stores, Gift/Novelty Stores, Florists, Floor Covering Stores, Mailing/Packaging Stores, Models/Toy/Games, Office Supplies, Optical Stores, Paint/Wallpaper Stores, Perfume Stores, Plumbing & Taxidermists

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Therapeutic Services

Acupuncture, Chiropractors, Mental Health Practitioners, and Physical & Occupational Therapy

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Explore commonly asked questions about business type, industry and state.

To put it simply, your business is covered. Just like that. In most cases, all of your employees are covered by workers' compensation insurance. You can request a Certificate of Insurance (COI) to provide proof of insurance. You can request periodic COIs throughout the contract.
Workers' compensation insurance provides all state required benefits, including reasonable and necessary medical treatment and wage replacement, for employees injured in the course and scope of employment.
In most states, it’s required for small business owners to obtain workers’ compensation coverage. In the event that an employee is injured in the course and scope of your employment, workers' compensation insurance protects you from costly lawsuits and provides state required compensation for the employee, including lost wages and medical expenses.
The estimated premium is based on estimated payroll (at the beginning of the policy). The final premium is based on actual payroll (at the end of the policy) for the policy period (usually 12 months). In the event your payroll changes, we'll work with you on adjusting your policy.
Yes, the workers' compensation policy covers all of your employees. Significant changes to your payroll should be reported to Cerity. This will help mitigate having a large additional premium due at the end of your policy period.
Starting a small business is nothing less than an act of bravery. Those who dare to do it deserve total support — and that’s why we built Cerity. We reimagined insurance to meet the needs and wants of small businesses, making it easier, more flexible, and more transparent. Founded by a company that’s insured over 100,000 small businesses, we have the experience (and empathy) to help you get the workers’ comp coverage you need, fast. Check out our free workers’ comp quote tool to see for yourself.
You do not need any documents to apply, however it will be helpful to have your business FEIN on hand. All you need to obtain a quote is tell us a few quick things about your business and we should be able to get you a quote on a policy you can purchase easily online.