Is workers comp required in Kansas?
Kansas generally requires coverage unless the business has a small total annual payroll that falls under the state's exemption; most employers with regular staff need a policy. 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 Kansas
Kansas employers buy workers comp from private insurance companies, and businesses that are hard to place can obtain coverage through the state's residual market or a state-chartered carrier where one exists.
Who sets the rules
The Kansas Division of Workers Compensation oversees workers comp in Kansas. In Kansas, the National Council on Compensation Insurance (NCCI) provides the classification system and loss costs that insurers use to file rates.
What Kansas employers should know
- Because the Kansas exemption is payroll-based rather than headcount-based, a business can lose it simply by adding hours.
- Agriculture, aviation manufacturing and trucking are well-represented Kansas classes.
How premiums are calculated
As in most states, KS premium is generally the class code rate per $100 of payroll, adjusted by any experience modification, credits and state charges. The final amount is confirmed by a payroll audit after the policy period. Learn more about how workers comp rates work and preparing for an audit.
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Kansas workers comp FAQ
Is workers comp required in Kansas?
Kansas generally requires coverage unless the business has a small total annual payroll that falls under the state's exemption; most employers with regular staff need a policy. Rules and exceptions change, so confirm your situation with the state agency or an agent.
Who oversees workers comp in Kansas?
The Kansas Division of Workers Compensation administers the workers compensation system in Kansas.
Can I buy Kansas workers comp from a private insurer?
Yes. Private insurers write workers comp in Kansas, and a market of last resort is available for businesses that are hard to place.
How is workers comp priced in Kansas?
In Kansas, the National Council on Compensation Insurance (NCCI) provides the classification system and loss costs that insurers use to file rates. As in most states, KS premium is generally the class code rate per $100 of payroll, adjusted by any experience modification, credits and state charges. The final amount is confirmed by a payroll audit after the policy period.