Is workers comp required in Minnesota?
Minnesota generally requires employers with one or more employees to carry workers compensation. 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 Minnesota
Coverage in Minnesota 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 Minnesota Department of Labor and Industry oversees workers comp in Minnesota. Classifications and loss costs in Minnesota come from the Minnesota Workers' Compensation Insurers Association (MWCIA), an independent rating organization, so codes and rules can differ from NCCI states.
What Minnesota employers should know
- Minnesota has its own rating association, so experience modifications and class codes are calculated under state rules.
- Healthcare, manufacturing and agriculture are common Minnesota classes.
How premiums are calculated
Your Minnesota 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.
Industry guides for Minnesota employers
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Workers comp for general contractors and trades like roofing, electrical, plumbing and painting.…
Restaurant workers comp
Workers comp for restaurants, cafes, bars and caterers. Burns, cuts and slips, tipped payroll,…
Retail workers comp
Workers comp for retail shops, boutiques, convenience stores and specialty retailers. What it…
Small business workers comp
Workers comp for small businesses: when it is required, how premium works, pay-as-you-go billing…
Minnesota workers comp FAQ
Is workers comp required in Minnesota?
Minnesota generally requires employers with one or more employees to carry workers compensation. Rules and exceptions change, so confirm your situation with the state agency or an agent.
Who oversees workers comp in Minnesota?
The Minnesota Department of Labor and Industry administers the workers compensation system in Minnesota.
Can I buy Minnesota workers comp from a private insurer?
Yes. Private insurers write workers comp in Minnesota, and a market of last resort is available for businesses that are hard to place.
How is workers comp priced in Minnesota?
Classifications and loss costs in Minnesota come from the Minnesota Workers' Compensation Insurers Association (MWCIA), an independent rating organization, so codes and rules can differ from NCCI states. Your Minnesota 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.