Nevada workers comp.

When coverage is required

Nevada generally requires workers' comp once you have one employee, unless the law excludes the worker. Check worker status, owner coverage, and any exemption with your insurer or Nevada's Workers' Compensation Section before you rely on an exception.

If an employee is injured

Workers should report injuries quickly, generally in writing on Form C-1 within seven days after the accident. Form C-1 does not start a claim on its own. Form C-4 is the claim form and the first treatment report. You must fill out Form C-3 and file it with your insurer within six working days after you get the C-4. Follow the state's current form instructions, and remember that the worker's notice and your report are separate steps.

Owners and contracted labor

Before you rely on a Nevada exclusion, ask your insurer to review your business type, working owners, and anyone doing contracted work. Keep any opt-out or exemption papers with your policy. On a construction project, get current proof of coverage from subcontractors and have your insurer review the setup before work starts. An owner opting out of their own coverage does not exclude anyone else.

Operating without coverage

Nevada's employer guide lists a fine of up to $15,000 for operating without required coverage, plus premium penalties and a possible order to close until you get insurance. You must pay all costs of a work injury yourself. If a worker is badly hurt or killed, you can face criminal charges. Post the required D-1 poster, and the D-22 poster if you have tipped employees. Be ready to show proof of coverage within 24 hours at a temporary work site.

Arranging and maintaining coverage

Use Nevada's employer guide to compare insurance and approved self-insurance. Ask your agent to confirm all your Nevada work, the policy dates, how owners are treated, and your claims contact. Keep Form C-1 where workers can get it. Make sure someone can receive the C-4 and fill out the C-3 even when the usual manager is out.

Preparing your business

Keep proof of coverage, make injury report forms easy to find, and set up a way to send reports to your insurer. Review the official employer guide and forms below with your insurance agent.

Benefits and return-to-work planning

A work injury can lead to medical care, time off work, a lasting disability, or benefits for family members if a worker dies. Who qualifies, waiting periods, how wages are figured, and benefit limits all depend on state law and the facts of the claim. Ask your insurer which benefits it is looking at and what records it needs. Go by the doctor's work limits, not your own guess about what the worker can do. If you can offer lighter work, describe the duties and hours clearly and plan it with the doctor and your insurer.

Preparing an accurate cost estimate

Gather payroll by job and location, a description of each type of work, details on working owners, subcontractor records, and your past claims. Ask the insurer to confirm your job classes, how the rate is figured, any experience modifier, the minimum premium, fees, and audit terms. This site's calculator uses a base rate that you enter. It does not give a state-approved rate or a real quote. Compare offers using the same numbers, and track staff and work changes during the year so the final audit is easier.

Forms, posters, and notices

These links go straight to Nevada’s official forms. Your insurer can often send a poster with your policy details already filled in.

• Form C-3, Employer's Report of Industrial Injury
• All forms and worksheets

Weekly benefit limits

These limits cap the wage replacement checks an injured worker can get. Medical care is paid separately. Limits change every year, so check the source for the latest figures.

Maximum

$5,691.79 a month

Applies to

Starting July 1, 2026

Nevada sets its limit by the month, not the week.

• Nevada DIR: FY27 maximum compensation

Check a contractor’s coverage

The agency does not offer a public coverage search we could confirm. Ask the contractor for a certificate of insurance, then call the insurer listed on it to confirm the policy is active and covers this state.

How to request and check a certificate of insurance

Owner exemptions and elections

Owner choices are usually made through your insurance policy. Ask your insurer which owners are included or left out, and get the answer in writing.

• Nevada DIR: employer brochure

Frequently asked questions

Your next steps

• Count your employees, check owner rules, and list every place people work.
• Ask a licensed insurance agent to review your business.
• Keep proof of coverage and set up a way to report injuries.