Workers’ Compensation Insurance in Texas | Neill Insurance Brokers
Neill Insurance Brokers helps Texas businesses navigate workers’ compensation insurance — one of the most complex and important coverages for any employer. As an independent agency based in Roanoke, TX, we compare rates from multiple carriers to find the best workers’ comp coverage for your business at the most competitive price.
Texas is unique among all 50 states: it’s the only state that does not require private employers to carry workers’ compensation insurance. But that doesn’t mean you should go without it. The financial exposure from a serious workplace injury — medical bills, lost wages, and potential lawsuits — can be devastating for a small business. Most general contractors, commercial property owners, and government agencies will require proof of workers’ comp before allowing your employees on their job sites.
What Does Workers’ Compensation Cover in Texas?
Medical Benefits
Workers’ comp pays for all reasonable and necessary medical treatment for work-related injuries and illnesses — doctor visits, emergency care, surgery, hospitalization, physical therapy, and prescription medications. There’s no dollar limit on medical benefits for covered injuries in Texas.
Income Benefits
If an employee is unable to work due to a work-related injury, workers’ comp pays income replacement benefits — typically 70% of the employee’s average weekly wage, up to a state maximum. Benefits are available for temporary total disability, temporary partial disability, impairment income, and supplemental income.
Death Benefits
If a work-related injury or illness results in death, workers’ comp pays death benefits to the employee’s eligible survivors, including burial expenses up to $10,000 and weekly income benefits.
Employer Liability Protection
Workers’ comp also protects employers from lawsuits by injured employees. In Texas, employees who are covered by workers’ comp generally cannot sue their employer for negligence — the workers’ comp system is their exclusive remedy. Without workers’ comp, an employer is exposed to unlimited civil liability for workplace injuries.
Who Needs Workers’ Compensation in Texas?
While Texas doesn’t require workers’ comp for most private employers, you should strongly consider it if:
- You have employees in a high-risk industry (construction, roofing, HVAC, manufacturing, landscaping)
- You work as a subcontractor for general contractors who require it
- You work on government or public projects (workers’ comp is required)
- You want to protect your business from potentially unlimited civil liability for workplace injuries
- Your employees would be unable to cover medical costs from a serious injury without insurance
Texas Workers’ Comp vs. Non-Subscriber Status
Texas employers who choose not to carry workers’ comp are called “non-subscribers.” Non-subscribers lose important legal protections — injured employees can sue them for negligence without the limitations that apply to workers’ comp claims. Non-subscribers must also notify employees and the Texas Department of Insurance of their non-subscriber status. We can help you understand the risks and make the right decision for your business.
How Much Does Workers’ Compensation Cost in Texas?
Workers’ comp rates in Texas are based on your industry classification code, your total payroll, and your claims history. High-risk industries like roofing and construction pay higher rates than low-risk industries like professional offices. As an independent agency, we compare rates from multiple carriers to find the best price for your specific business and industry.
Industries We Serve
We provide workers’ compensation insurance for businesses throughout North Texas including:
- Construction and general contractors
- HVAC, plumbing, and electrical contractors
- Roofing contractors
- Landscaping and lawn care
- Manufacturing and warehousing
- Retail and food service
- Professional services and offices
- Healthcare and home health
Frequently Asked Questions — Workers’ Compensation in Texas
Is workers’ compensation required in Texas?
Texas is the only state that does not require private employers to carry workers’ compensation insurance. However, workers’ comp is required for employers on government construction projects, and most general contractors and commercial property owners require subcontractors to carry it. Even where not legally required, workers’ comp provides critical protection against unlimited civil liability for workplace injuries.
How much does workers’ compensation insurance cost in Texas?
Workers’ comp rates in Texas are based on your industry classification, total payroll, and claims history. A low-risk business like a professional office might pay $0.30–$1.00 per $100 of payroll, while a high-risk business like roofing might pay $10–$25 per $100 of payroll. As an independent agency, Neill Insurance compares rates from multiple carriers to find the best price for your business. Call (682) 237-7975 for a free quote.
What happens if a Texas employer doesn’t have workers’ compensation and an employee is injured?
If a Texas employer (non-subscriber) doesn’t have workers’ comp and an employee is injured on the job, the employee can sue the employer for negligence in civil court — and the employer cannot use the standard defenses (contributory negligence, assumption of risk, fellow employee negligence) that are available in most states. This means unlimited civil liability exposure. A single serious injury lawsuit can bankrupt a small business.
Get a Free Workers’ Compensation Quote in Texas
Ready to protect your business and your employees? Call Neill Insurance at (682) 237-7975 or complete our online quote form. We serve businesses throughout Roanoke, Keller, Fort Worth, and the entire DFW Metroplex.