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Located in the heart of the American West, Idaho possesses a unique heritage and allure. With a rich agricultural history and scenic landscapes, the Gem State provides a captivating fusion of tradition and natural beauty.
Idaho's diverse economy creates prospects for businesses in various sectors to flourish. Ensuring reliable workers' compensation insurance is essential for protecting your business and its employees.
Workers' compensation is a state-mandated insurance program for employers with one or more employees. In Idaho, employers are required to have an active policy before hiring their first employee. Workers' compensation is designed to provide employees who suffer work-related injuries or illnesses with medical treatment and indemnity benefits.
Without workers’ compensation, the cost of a work-related injured or ill employee’s medical treatment could become the responsibility of your business.
The Idaho Industrial Commission administers the workers’ comp law in Idaho. The law requires employers with one or more employees to be covered by an active workers’ compensation insurance policy.
Businesses can obtain workers’ comp coverage through a partner like EverPeak Insurance. Alternatively, large companies that meet the state’s requirements may also apply to be self-insured.
Employees can verify online if their employer has coverage.
Policies include protection for full and part-time workers.
Some exemptions from workers’ comp in Idaho may include, for example:
Workers' compensation covers a range of work-related injuries and illnesses, including physical injuries resulting from an accident and occupational diseases that may develop over time due to job conditions.
Idaho workers’ comp insurance provides three types of benefits for work injuries:
The temporary total disability (TTD) benefit amount is 67% of the average weekly wage. The weekly benefit amount maximum is $1,388.96.
Find more information on Idaho’s workers’ compensation rates.
In the event of a work-related injury or illness:
Employees in Idaho should report their injury to their employer as soon as possible. Employees should disclose essential details, including the date, time, and location of the incident, as well as a description of the injury sustained.
The employee should immediately seek medical attention.
Once notified of the injury, employers should file a report of the accident with their workers' compensation insurance partner and to the Idaho Industrial Commission (via email or mail).
If the workers’ compensation claim is accepted, an injured employee may begin to receive workers’ compensation benefits, such as lost wages and medical benefits.
Following their recovery, a worker is expected to resume work safely. If an employee is unable to return to their previous position or any other type of work due to their work-related injury, they may be entitled to permanent total disability benefits.
In Idaho, the employer is expected to designate a medical provider for the employee. Employees can choose a provider if the employee has not been designated one by their employer.
To resolve a workers’ compensation claim dispute, an employee can file a complaint with the Idaho Industrial Commission.
Generally, employers in Idaho with one or more employees must carry workers' compensation insurance or qualify for self-insurance. Compliance with this requirement is essential to protect both the employer and employees.
When selecting a workers' compensation insurance provider, consider factors such as the provider's experience in the industry, financial stability, coverage options, claims process, customer service, and cost.
We recommend requesting multiple quotes and comparing the offerings before making a decision.
Covering your business and employees with a trusted insurance partner — like EverPeak — brings peace of mind so you can focus on your bottom line.
In Idaho, if an employee sustains an injury, and a business lacks active workers' compensation insurance at the time of the incident, the employer may personally assume responsibility for all benefits, including medical expenses and lost wages, as outlined in the Workers' Compensation Law. An uninsured employer could also face a penalty equal to 10% of the total medical and wage loss benefits, in addition to attorney fees if the injured worker seeks legal representation.
Additionally, employers operating without workers' compensation insurance may incur a penalty of either $2 per day per employee or $25 per day, whichever amount is greater. The workers' compensation law grants the Industrial Commission the authority to initiate legal action in district court to obtain an injunction prohibiting the employer from conducting business while in violation of the workers' compensation law.
Running a business without workers' compensation insurance is a misdemeanor under Idaho law, and employers may be subject to criminal penalties.
In most cases, policies bar employees in Idaho from suing their employers for work-related injuries or illnesses. The workers' compensation system provides an exclusive remedy, meaning that employees typically cannot file a lawsuit against their employers. Instead, they must pursue a workers' compensation claim to receive benefits for their injuries or illnesses.
Generally, a business’s workers’ compensation policy does not cover independent contractors in Idaho. Workers' compensation laws typically apply to employees rather than independent contractors.
However, it's important to note that the classification of a worker as an independent contractor or an employee can be complex, and misclassification can lead to legal disputes. If unsure whether an independent contractor should be treated as an employee, seek legal guidance.
Ideally, the incident should be reported immediately or within a few days of the occurrence. Prompt reporting helps ensure the necessary steps are taken to initiate the workers' compensation claims process.
Employees can verify online if their employer has coverage.