Virginia Workers’ Compensation Insurance

Who needs workers’ comp in Virginia?

Virginia generally requires employers with two or more employees to carry workers’ compensation insurance. Part‑time and seasonal workers typically count toward the total. Out‑of‑state employers with staff working in Virginia must comply with Virginia law and show VA exposure correctly on the policy.

Sole proprietors and partners are not covered unless they elect coverage. Corporate officers and most LLC members are considered employees and count toward the 2‑employee threshold; certain owners may elect exclusion subject to statute, filings, and program underwriting.

Independent contractor status depends on control and an independently established business—not tax forms. General/prime contractors can be statutory employers and liable for injuries to workers of uninsured subcontractors. Always collect COIs from subs and verify endorsements before work begins.

What does Virginia workers’ comp cover?

• Medical care for work‑related injuries and occupational disease
• Wage replacement during lost time (subject to state limits)
• Temporary and permanent disability benefits
• Vocational rehabilitation/return‑to‑work services when eligible
• Death benefits for eligible dependents

Virginia requires the employer to offer a valid panel of at least three unrelated physicians; the injured worker chooses one from the panel. Programs follow state fee schedules, utilization review, and authorization rules—your adjuster will confirm providers, forms, and next steps.

Unique to Virginia: physician panel and statutory employer rules

– Physician panel: Maintain and provide a compliant panel so the employee can select an authorized treating physician—proper documentation prevents disputes and billing delays.
– Statutory employer: General contractors can be liable for uninsured subcontractors’ injuries under Virginia law. Strong subcontractor COI controls reduce audit and claim exposure.

What does it cost in Virginia?

Premium depends on:

• Payroll by NCCI class code
• Claims history and loss trends
• Experience Mod (if eligible)
• Credits/debits, safety programs, and filed rates

Effective rates vary by industry and loss profile. Share current payroll and class details; we’ll compare multiple top work comp programs (and Assigned Risk when needed) to secure competitive VA pricing.

Certificates of Insurance (COIs)

WorkComp Options issues same‑day COIs for active policies and coordinates endorsements where available to meet contract requirements.

• Rush COIs for bids and onboarding
• Waiver of Subrogation and Primary & Noncontributory wording where permitted
• Alternate Employer endorsements where permitted
• Subcontractor COI tracking to reduce audit and claim exposure

Claims in Virginia: how it works

1. Employee reports injury/illness to the employer promptly.
2. Employer provides a compliant panel of physicians; employee selects a treating doctor.
3. Report the claim to your program immediately; required filings proceed per VWC timelines (e.g., First Report/EDI).
4. If compensable, benefits are administered per Virginia law.

Official guidance: Virginia Workers’ Compensation Commission (VWC).

Virginia Workers’ Compensation Commission — workcomp.virginia.gov

Virginia Workers’ Comp FAQs

Ready to get covered?

From Virginia Beach, Norfolk, and Chesapeake to Richmond, Arlington, and Roanoke—WorkComp Options makes Virginia workers’ comp simple. One application. Multiple options. Expert support.