Is workers comp required in Alaska?
Alaska generally requires employers with one or more employees to carry coverage, with limited exceptions. Owners, partners and corporate officers are treated under their own rules, and some workers such as certain agricultural or domestic employees may be handled differently.
Buying coverage in Alaska
Coverage in Alaska is sold by private insurers. Every state also has a market of last resort, so even higher-risk or brand-new businesses can generally find a policy.
Who sets the rules
The Alaska Division of Workers' Compensation oversees workers comp in Alaska. In Alaska, the National Council on Compensation Insurance (NCCI) provides the classification system and loss costs that insurers use to file rates.
What Alaska employers should know
- Seasonal operations such as fishing, tourism and remote work camps make accurate payroll estimates and classification especially important.
- Employees who travel between Alaska and other states may need other-states coverage on the policy.
How premiums are calculated
Your Alaska premium starts with payroll in each job classification. Experience mods, schedule credits and minimum premiums then adjust it, and the year-end audit settles the difference between estimated and actual payroll. Learn more about how workers comp rates work and preparing for an audit.
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Alaska workers comp FAQ
Is workers comp required in Alaska?
Alaska generally requires employers with one or more employees to carry coverage, with limited exceptions. Rules and exceptions change, so confirm your situation with the state agency or an agent.
Who oversees workers comp in Alaska?
The Alaska Division of Workers' Compensation administers the workers compensation system in Alaska.
Can I buy Alaska workers comp from a private insurer?
Yes. Private insurers write workers comp in Alaska, and a market of last resort is available for businesses that are hard to place.
How is workers comp priced in Alaska?
In Alaska, the National Council on Compensation Insurance (NCCI) provides the classification system and loss costs that insurers use to file rates. Your Alaska premium starts with payroll in each job classification. Experience mods, schedule credits and minimum premiums then adjust it, and the year-end audit settles the difference between estimated and actual payroll.