Understand workers’ compensation insurance

Learn about workers’ compensation insurance in QuickBooks Online. Find out if you need it, how to get it, and how to manage workers’ comp automatically with Pay As You Go.

Workers’ comp insurance protects you in case one of your employees is injured on the job. If an accident happens, workers’ comp covers medical bills, lost wages and legal expenses. You’re also protected from lawsuits from employees who are injured while working.

Visit our workers’ comp information page for more in-depth information about workers’ comp.

Do I need workers’ comp insurance?

In 49 states (all but Texas), most employers are required to have workers’ comp insurance. Take our quiz to find out if your business is required to have workers’ comp

How does it work in QuickBooks Online?

Once your workers’ comp policy is active, each time you run payroll, your payroll data is used to calculate your exact premium. Pay As You Go is integrated into QuickBooks Online Payroll. It helps automate workers’ comp premiums so you never miss a deadline. 

Premiums:

With Pay As You Go, the exact premium cost of your workers’ comp policy is calculated based on your actual payroll data. That amount is then automatically withdrawn from your bank account and sent directly to your insurance provider. Unlike traditional workers’ comp policies, there’s no large premium due up front, and you avoid late fees, saving you time and money.

Fees:

There’s a $5 monthly service fee for Pay As You Go if you're using Core payroll (in addition to your regular monthly payroll service fees). The fee is waived if you’re using Assisted Desktop, Premium, and Elite payroll.

How do I get a quote or sign up?

1. Sign in to your QuickBooks Online account.
2. Go to Payroll, then select Workers' comp (Take me there).
3. Depending on where you are in the process, you can start a quote or manage your settings from here.

You can also manage workers' comp manually if you don’t have a policy purchased through a QuickBooks insurance partner. 

Need help?

We have a dedicated team to help you with any questions or concerns you might have. Just call 866-210-3661.