Wyoming Workers Comp: State Fund & Stop-Gap Coverage

Is workers comp required in Wyoming?

Wyoming operates a monopolistic state fund; coverage is required for employers in occupations the state classifies as extra-hazardous, and other employers can elect coverage. 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 Wyoming

Private insurers cannot sell standard workers comp in Wyoming. Employers obtain it from the Wyoming Department of Workforce Services, Workers' Compensation Division unless they qualify to self-insure. Because the state coverage does not include employers liability the way a private policy does, many employers add stop-gap employers liability from a private insurer, often on their general liability policy. Businesses with employees in other states also need private workers comp for those states.

Who sets the rules

The Wyoming Department of Workforce Services, Workers' Compensation Division oversees workers comp in Wyoming. Wyoming sets premiums through its state fund rather than a private rating bureau.

What Wyoming employers should know

• Because Wyoming coverage comes from the state fund, private agents mainly help with stop-gap employers liability and other business insurance.
• Energy, mining and ranching are common Wyoming classes.

Wyoming facts employers ask about

Wyoming is a monopolistic state. The Workers' Compensation Division of the Wyoming Department of Workforce Services is the only provider of workers comp. Coverage is mandatory for employers engaged in occupations the statute classifies as extra-hazardous, which includes most construction, energy and industrial work, while employers in other occupations may elect coverage.

Premiums are based on payroll by industry class and the employer's experience. Wyoming coverage does not provide the employers liability protection that comes with a private policy in other states, so energy-sector contracts and general contractors commonly require stop-gap employers liability from a private insurer.

Many Wyoming employers send crews into Colorado, Montana, Utah and the Dakotas. Work outside Wyoming generally needs other-states coverage from a private insurer or an arrangement under the state's extraterritorial rules, so tell your agent where employees actually work.

Employers not required to carry coverage can elect it by applying to the Division, and once elected, the coverage applies to all employees in the business.

Sources: Wyoming Department of Workforce Services, Workers' Compensation. Rules change; confirm current requirements with the agency before you rely on them.

How premiums are calculated

Premium for Wyoming state-fund coverage is set by the fund under its own rules and rate tables. Ask the Wyoming Department of Workforce Services, Workers' Compensation Division for current rates and programs, and ask an agent about private stop-gap and other-states coverage. Learn more about how workers comp rates work and preparing for an audit.

Industry guides for Wyoming employers

Wyoming workers comp FAQ

Neighboring states