Is workers comp required in Maine?
Maine generally requires employers with one or more employees to provide coverage, with narrow 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 Maine
Maine 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 Maine Workers' Compensation Board oversees workers comp in Maine. In Maine, the National Council on Compensation Insurance (NCCI) provides the classification system and loss costs that insurers use to file rates.
What Maine employers should know
- Logging, fishing and seasonal hospitality work are common in Maine and each has specific classification rules.
- Maine employers that use independent contractors should understand the state's tests for who counts as an employee.
How premiums are calculated
As in most states, ME 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.
Industry guides for Maine employers
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Maine workers comp FAQ
Is workers comp required in Maine?
Maine generally requires employers with one or more employees to provide coverage, with narrow exceptions. Rules and exceptions change, so confirm your situation with the state agency or an agent.
Who oversees workers comp in Maine?
The Maine Workers' Compensation Board administers the workers compensation system in Maine.
Can I buy Maine workers comp from a private insurer?
Yes. Private insurers write workers comp in Maine, and a market of last resort is available for businesses that are hard to place.
How is workers comp priced in Maine?
In Maine, the National Council on Compensation Insurance (NCCI) provides the classification system and loss costs that insurers use to file rates. As in most states, ME 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.