Sources reviewed October 27, 2026 · Confirm current rules with the agency
North Dakota is a monopolistic state, so required coverage comes from the state, not a private insurer. How monopolistic workers comp states work
When coverage is required
North Dakota generally requires coverage before employees start work. Workforce Safety & Insurance (WSI) is the only place to get required coverage. A private workers' comp policy from another state does not replace a North Dakota WSI account. Check exceptions and out-of-state work with WSI before you send workers into the state.
Owners, contractors, and exceptions
Some owners and other people who are left out by law can choose to be covered. Federal jobs and other excluded work have their own rules. Ask WSI whether each working owner or family member must be included and when a choice takes effect. One person's choice does not decide coverage for the rest of the business.
If an employee is injured
Tell workers to report injuries quickly and use WSI's claim process. Collect the injury details, work location, wages, treatment information, and any time missed. Ask WSI what you need to do after a worker files and how to send later updates. Keep the claim contact and reporting steps where supervisors at every job site can find them.
Operating without coverage
If you have employees but no WSI account, you are uninsured. You must pay premium for the time you were uninsured, plus penalties and interest. You may also have to pay the full cost of any claim from that time, and injured workers can sue you. WSI can order you to stop operating. Breaking that order brings a $10,000 penalty plus $100 per day. A general contractor can be responsible for the unpaid premium of an uninsured subcontractor.
How to arrange coverage
Apply directly through WSI, and use its employer tools to manage coverage and report payroll. Tell WSI about work in other states and ask what other coverage you need there. For budgeting, use the rates and job classes WSI gives you, not a private insurer's quote for another state. Confirm your account is active before covered work begins.
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 North Dakota’s official forms. Your insurer can often send a poster with your policy details already filled in.
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
- $1,614 a week
- Minimum
- $775 a week
- Applies to
- Starting July 1, 2026
Check a contractor’s coverage
WSI is North Dakota's only workers' comp insurer and offers an employer search.
Owner exemptions and elections
WSI offers optional coverage for some owners and others the law leaves out. Ask WSI which coverage type fits each working owner.
Frequently asked questions
Is workers' comp required in North Dakota?
Yes. Employers must secure coverage before employees start work, and in North Dakota that coverage comes only from Workforce Safety & Insurance (WSI). A private policy from another state does not replace a WSI account.
Do business owners need workers' comp in North Dakota?
Many owners and other excluded people can choose to be covered through WSI. Ask WSI who must be included and when a choice takes effect, because one person's choice does not decide coverage for everyone else.
How long does an employee have to report a work injury in North Dakota?
Employees should report injuries to the employer quickly and file a claim with WSI. The employer then answers WSI's questions about the incident, wages, and time away from work.
What happens if a North Dakota business doesn't have workers' comp?
An uninsured employer owes premium for the uninsured period plus penalties and interest, and can be held responsible for the full cost of any claim from that period. WSI can issue a cease-and-desist order; violating it costs $10,000 plus $100 per day.
How do I get workers' comp insurance in North Dakota?
Apply directly to WSI and report payroll through its employer services. Work in other states needs separate coverage, so tell WSI about any out-of-state operations.
How much does workers' comp cost in North Dakota?
North Dakota premiums are set by Workforce Safety & Insurance, using its own job classes and rates instead of quotes from private insurers. Ask the agency for your job class and rate, then use your payroll to estimate the cost.
Your next steps
Official sources & further reading
North Dakota WSI: coverage requirementsNorth Dakota WSI: employer questionsNorth Dakota WSI: employer services and claimsNorth Dakota WSI: failure to secure coverageThis summary is for learning, not legal advice. Exceptions and changes may apply. If anything here differs from the official agency or the law, they are what count.