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Workers' Compensation for Idaho Businesses
What are the legal requirements for workers’ comp insurance in Idaho?
For Idaho businesses who employ one or more full-time, part-time, seasonal, or occasional employees, the state of Idaho requires business owners to maintain a workers’ compensation insurance policy unless you are specifically exempt from the law. Business owners are required to have workers’ compensation insurance in place when the first employee is hired.
Operating a business in Idaho without workers’ compensation insurance is a misdemeanor under Idaho law, and can be costly for business owners. In the event of a work-related injury, Idaho business owners can be held personally liable for all benefits that would be provided to the worker under the state’s workers’ compensation law – including medical costs and wage loss. Also, an uninsured employer may be liable for a penalty of 10% of the amount of medical and wage loss benefits, as well as attorney fees if the injured employee is represented by an attorney. Business owners who operate without workers’ compensation insurance can also face fines of $2 per day per employee, or $25 per day, whichever is greater.
How does workers’ compensation insurance work in Idaho?
Workers’ compensation is no-fault insurance, which means it provides compensation for missed work, permanent injuries, and rehabilitation in the event an employee is injured on the job. Business owners are protected from paying costly medical bills and defending against lawsuits no matter who is at fault in an accident in the workplace.
What types of injuries are covered with workers’ comp insurance in Idaho?
Idaho state law determines what types of injuries are covered by workers’ compensation insurance, but there are general guidelines that can help you understand what typically qualifies for a workers’ comp claim.
These include:
- No intentional self-harm, harm that results from drug or alcohol use, or fighting.
- Must fall within the “course and scope” of employment. If you get into a fender bender on your way home from work after you’ve clocked out for the day, that’s unlikely to qualify.
- Long-term occupational injuries, including back strain from repetitive motion. When you think of work-related injuries, you probably think of one-time events — but damage can occur over a long period of time. As long as the injury or illness is clearly associated with the employee’s work responsibilities, it may be eligible.
Idaho Statistics*
*2017 business stats provided by the Bureau of Labor Statistics
304,700
number of Idahoans employed by small businesses
15,234
number of workplace injuries
13 billion
annual milk production, in pounds
309,000
acres of potato farms
7,900
depth, in feet, of Hell’s Canyon
Idaho Businesses We Cover with Workers' Comp Insurance

Food & Beverage
Bars, Bistros, Cafeterias/Buffets, Candy Stores, Caterers, Coffee Shops, Doughnut Shops, Fast Casual, Fast Food, Fine Dining, Health Supplement Stores, Juice Shops, Tea Houses, Taverns and Nightclubs
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Tech Services
Data Processing, Ecommerce, Hosting, Graphic Design, Network Installation/Repair, Office Machine Installation/Repair, Programming, Strategy & Management Consulting Services, and Software/Web Development (includes SOLOpreneuers!)
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Legal Services
Athlete/Actor/Entertainer Agents, Court Reporters, Lawyers & Attorneys at Law, Notaries and Transcription
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General Retail
Bakeries, Beer/Wine/Liquor Stores, Butcher/Meat Markets, Convenience Stores/Gas Stations, Discount Stores, Fish, Seafood, Fruit & Vegetable Markets, Grocery Stores, Laundromats, Pet Stores, Pharmacies/Drug Stores, Specialty Food Stores
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Educational Services
Computer Training, Cosmetology/Barber Schools, Exam Preparation/Tutoring, Fine Art Schools, Language Schools, Libraries/Archives, Management Training, Professional Training, & Translation/Interpretation Services
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Manufacturing
Microbreweries (less than 15,000 barrels produced per year) & Wine Making (no growing or production of grapes/fruit)
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Personal Services
Barber Shops/Salons, Cemeteries/Mausoleums, Crematoriums, Funeral Homes, Interior Design, Pet Kennels/Groomers, Photography/Photofinishing, Gyms, Nail Salons, Self-Storage, Tanning Salons, Tattoo/Piercing, and Wedding/Event Planners
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Clothing Retail
Bridal Stores, Clothing Stores, Dry Cleaners, Formal Wear/Costume Rentals, Luggage & Leather Goods Stores, Shoe Retail/Repair, and Tailor Shops
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Personal Product Retail
Art Galleries/Stores, Auto Parts, Beauty/Cosmetics, Bike Stores, Bookstores, Camera/Photo Supplies, Cell Phone Retail/Repair, Computer Stores, Jewelry Stores, Musical Instruments, Sporting Goods , Tobacco/Vaping & Video Games
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Medical Professions
Blood Banks, Dental Labs, Dentists/Orthodontists, GP/Medical Specialists, Kidney Dialysis Centers, Medical Diagnostics & Testing, and Veterinarians
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Architecture & Engineering Services
Architects & Drafting, Engineering, Surveyors, & Window Treatment Stores (we do not cover construction contractors or trucking companies)
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Financial Services
Accounting, Auditors, Banks/Credit Unions, Bookkeeping, Collection Agencies, Financial Advisors/Trust Companies, Mortgage & Loan Brokers, Payroll Services, Tax Preparation, Title & Title Insurance
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Scientific Services
Scientific Research & Development/Consulting, Technical Consulting, & Environmental Consulting
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Office, Home, & Garden
Hearing Aid Stores, Hobby/Craft/Art Stores, Gift/Novelty Stores, Florists, Floor Covering Stores, Mailing/Packaging Stores, Models/Toy/Games, Office Supplies, Optical Stores, Paint/Wallpaper Stores, Perfume Stores, Plumbing & Taxidermists
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Therapeutic Services
Acupuncture, Chiropractors, Mental Health Practitioners, and Physical & Occupational Therapy
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