New Hampshire workers comp.

When coverage is required

New Hampshire generally requires you to set up workers' comp before you hire employees. The state's employer guide stresses getting coverage in advance, not after an injury. Check any exception with the Department of Labor or your insurer. Look at your coverage again when you add workers or change how the work is done.

Owners, contractors, and exceptions

There are special rules for sole owners and some corporations or LLCs with only owners working. These are not a blanket exemption for every small company. Hiring someone who is not an owner can change what you must do. Check your subcontractors' coverage and any forms you must file, and ask your insurer which owners and workers the policy covers.

If an employee is injured

Workers should report injuries quickly. New Hampshire law requires you to report an injury within five days of learning about it, and send a copy to your insurer. If the worker is out more than three days, a follow-up report is required. Keep the first report and later work status updates together so your insurer can file what is needed without waiting for the worker to come back.

Operating without coverage

Under New Hampshire law (RSA 281-A:7), an employer without coverage can be fined up to $2,500, plus up to $100 per employee for each day without coverage, for up to one year. A person in charge of payroll who knowingly fails to insure can be personally responsible. The state can get a court order that stops the business from operating in New Hampshire. Purposely failing to get coverage is a class B felony.

How to arrange coverage

Buy a policy from a licensed insurer. If no insurer will cover you, there is a state backup plan for hard-to-place businesses. Ask your agent for the required WCP-1 workplace notice and instructions for reporting claims. Confirm the policy start date before your first hire, and post your insurer's emergency and regular reporting contacts where supervisors can find them.

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 New Hampshire’s official forms. Your insurer can often send a poster with your policy details already filled in.

• Employer information
• Employer's guide

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.

Waiting period

3 days. They are paid if the disability lasts more than 14 days, or if the worker returns to light duty within 5 days.

The Department of Labor sends new maximum and minimum rates to insurers every July 1.

• New Hampshire DOL: injured employee benefits

Check a contractor’s coverage

The New Hampshire Insurance Department explains how to check that a contractor has the right insurance.

• NH Insurance Department: verify your contractor's insurance

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.

• New Hampshire DOL: insurance FAQs

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.