Workers’ Comp Insurance – Maryland

Workers' Compensation Insurance in Maryland

Maryland has one of the strictest workers' compensation laws in the country — coverage is required starting with your very first employee. Trans-Atlantic Commercial Insurance has spent over 35 years helping Maryland business owners get compliant, properly-priced workers' comp coverage, whether you're just hiring your first team member or managing an established workforce.

Call 703-674-0299 or request a free quote below to get started.

Does My Maryland Business Need Workers' Comp Insurance?

Unlike many states that exempt small employers, Maryland requires workers' compensation coverage the moment you have one or more employees — full-time, part-time, seasonal, or temporary. This includes:

  • Full-time and part-time staff
  • Seasonal and temporary workers
  • Remote employees based in Maryland
  • Corporate officers and LLC managers providing services to the entity, in most cases
is-workers-comp-insurance-mandatory-in-maryland

Limited exceptions exist for:

  • Sole proprietors and business partners (though voluntary coverage is available)
  • Independent contractors, properly classified
  • Agricultural employers with fewer than three employees or an annual payroll under $15,000

Because Maryland's threshold is so low, many new business owners are caught off guard — especially those relocating from states with higher employee-count exemptions. If you've hired even one person, it's worth confirming your compliance today.

Not sure if your business is covered correctly? Our licensed Maryland agents can review your situation and tell you exactly what's required — no obligation.

What Happens If You Don't Carry Required Coverage?

The Maryland Workers' Compensation Commission (MWCC) enforces this requirement through its Uninsured Employers' Fund. Employers who fail to carry required coverage can face:

  • Civil penalties reported as high as $25,000 per violation
  • Personal liability for corporate officers in some cases
  • Continued exposure through the state's Uninsured Employers' Fund, which pays injured workers directly and then pursues reimbursement from the uninsured employer
  • Potential criminal charges for continued non-compliance

Employers must also report workplace injuries to the MWCC within 10 days, and claims generally must be filed by the employee within a set window after the accident — so timely, accurate coverage and reporting matter as much as simply having a policy.

What Does Maryland Workers' Comp Cover?

A Maryland workers' compensation policy covers:

  • Medical expenses for a work-related injury or illness
  • Partial wage replacement — typically up to two-thirds of lost wages — during recovery
  • Disability benefits for temporary or permanent injuries
  • Death benefits for dependents in the event of a fatal workplace accident
  • Employer's liability protection, which helps cover legal costs if an employee sues over a workplace injury

Maryland operates on a no-fault basis: an injured employee doesn't need to prove employer negligence to receive benefits, and in exchange, employees generally cannot sue their employer separately for the same injury.

A Note on Remote and Commuting Employees

If you employ remote workers based in Maryland, they're generally covered for injuries that occur while working — but Maryland's "coming and going rule" typically excludes standard commutes to and from a job site. If your business has a hybrid or remote workforce, this is worth discussing directly with your agent, since coverage nuances here trip up a lot of employers.

Workers' Comp for Maryland Contractors and Subcontractors

Maryland construction and trade businesses face particular scrutiny around classification — simply calling someone a 1099 contractor doesn't exempt you if the actual working relationship functions like employment. Misclassification can leave you exposed to penalties and leave injured workers without the benefits they're entitled to. We regularly help Maryland contractors:

  • Get certificates of insurance quickly for bid and contract deadlines
  • Review worker classifications to avoid compliance gaps
  • Structure coverage across multiple job sites and crews

Industries We Cover in Maryland

  • General contractors and specialty trades
  • Trucking and transportation
  • Healthcare practices
  • Professional services firms
  • Non-profits
  • Manufacturing and warehousing
  • Medical Offices
  • Law Offices
  • Retail Operations
  • And More!

Why Work With Trans-Atlantic for Maryland Workers' Comp

  • 35+ years of experience helping business owners navigate commercial insurance
  • Licensed broker access to multiple top-rated carriers, so you're not limited to a single insurer's rates
  • Local, personal service — you'll work directly with a licensed agent who understands Maryland's low-threshold requirements
  • Fast certificates of insurance for bid deadlines and contract requirements

What Clients Say

Frequently Asked Questions

Get Your Maryland Workers' Comp Quote Today

Maryland's low coverage threshold means most businesses with any staff need a policy in place. Contact Trans-Atlantic Commercial Insurance today for a free workers' compensation quote tailored to your Maryland business.

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