Workers' comp in Ohio, handled correctly
Ohio is a monopolistic state, so coverage comes from the Bureau of Workers' Compensation. We set it up, add the stop gap coverage the BWC leaves out, and help lower your rate.
How we approach workers' compensation
In Ohio, private insurers cannot sell workers' compensation. Employers buy it from the Ohio Bureau of Workers' Compensation. That surprises many new business owners, and it creates a gap: BWC policies do not include employer's liability, which covers lawsuits alleging an employer's intentional wrongdoing. Stop gap coverage fills it, and we add it to your general liability or umbrella.
We help new employers register, classify payroll correctly under NCCI manual codes, and enroll in BWC rebate and discount programs such as group rating and the Drug-Free Safety Program. If you have employees in Pennsylvania or Michigan, we write private workers' comp for those states too.
What a typical policy includes
Ohio BWC registration help
Account setup, payroll classification and first payment guidance.
Stop gap employer's liability
Covers employer intentional tort claims excluded by the BWC.
Other-states coverage
Private workers' comp for employees working in Pennsylvania, Michigan and beyond.
Group rating guidance
Introductions to group rating programs that can reduce premiums significantly.
Safety program support
Help documenting safety plans for BWC discount programs.
Certificate management
BWC certificates and stop gap proof sent to general contractors.
What affects your price
Carriers weigh these differently, which is exactly why comparing several of them pays off.
| Factor | Why it matters |
|---|---|
| Payroll by class code | Premiums are rated per $100 of payroll in each classification. |
| Experience modification | Your claims history compared to similar employers. |
| Program participation | Group rating, group retro and safety programs. |
| States of operation | Employees outside Ohio need private coverage. |
| Stop gap limit | $1 million is common and often required by contracts. |
From first call to coverage in about a day
Most personal policies can start within one business day. Commercial lines usually take three to five.
- 1
Tell us the basics
Five minutes online or on the phone. A photo of your current declarations page is plenty.
- 2
We shop the carriers
Your agent runs the same coverage across the carriers that write this line well.
- 3
Compare with an agent
A short call to walk through price, limits and the fine print that actually differs.
- 4
Bind and stay covered
We start coverage, send documents, and re-check it at every renewal.
Why clients buy workers' compensation through Ironbridge
Monopolistic state expertise
We explain exactly what the BWC covers and what it does not.
Contract compliance
GCs often require stop gap. We confirm it before the job starts.
Multi-state employers
Coordinated coverage when crews travel across state lines.
Claims guidance
We walk you through First Report of Injury filing and return-to-work steps.
Workers' compensation questions
More answers in our full FAQ, or call an agent at (216) 555-0117.
No. Ohio employers purchase coverage from the Ohio BWC unless they are approved to self-insure. Private carriers can provide stop gap and coverage for other states.
Employer's liability coverage that protects against lawsuits the BWC does not cover, particularly employer intentional tort claims. It is usually added to a general liability policy.
Owners without employees are not required to carry it but can elect coverage. Many general contractors require subcontractors to show BWC coverage.
Often paired with workers' compensation
Business owners policy
Property and general liability packaged for shops, offices, restaurants and contractors.
Commercial auto insurance
Vans, pickups and box trucks used for work, plus hired and non-owned auto liability.
Umbrella insurance
An extra $1 million to $5 million of liability above your home and auto policies.
Compare workers' compensation quotes today
One conversation, quotes from up to 14 carriers, and an agent who explains the trade-offs before you sign.
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