US Insurance Guide

Virginia Workers' Compensation Insurance

Virginia generally requires workers' compensation insurance for employers with three or more employees. Thresholds, rates context, and official sources.

Last reviewed
Jurisdiction
Virginia
Sources reviewed
Virginia Workers' Compensation Commission, US Insurance Guide

Overview

Workers' compensation provides benefits for work-related injuries and illnesses. In Virginia, it is state-mandated for many employers.

See our workers' compensation explainer and Virginia business insurance guide for details.

Coverage Options to Consider

Workers' comp is not optional for qualifying employers — coverage is obtained from a Virginia-licensed carrier, approved self-insurance, or registered PEO.

It covers employee medical treatment and wage replacement; it does not replace general liability or commercial auto.

State Requirements & Regulations

Threshold: Employers who regularly employ more than two employees (3+) must carry coverage. Part-time, seasonal, and subcontractor employees performing the same trade may count.

No waivers for qualifying employers. Virginia-specific coverage is required for work performed in Virginia.

Administered by the Virginia Workers' Compensation Commission.

Compare: Maryland and D.C. require coverage at 1+ employee — important if you operate across the DMV.

Factors That May Affect Your Premium

Payroll, employee job classifications (risk codes), claims history (experience mod), and industry type drive workers' comp premiums. Rates are filed with the state; the Commission does not set premiums.

Frequently Asked Questions

When is workers' compensation required in Virginia?
When an employer regularly employs more than two part-time or full-time employees — meaning three or more.
Can Virginia employees waive workers' comp?
No. For employers who meet the threshold, coverage is mandatory and employees cannot be excluded.
Do subcontractors count toward the employee threshold?
Yes — subcontractor employees performing the same trade or fulfilling a contract may count when determining whether you meet the 3+ employee threshold.
Who administers Virginia workers' compensation?
The Virginia Workers' Compensation Commission oversees compliance, claims, and employer requirements.

Sources & References

Public insurance case files

Insurance in the real world

Public records and regulatory reports can show how insurance rules affect actual consumers. These files are not customer testimonials.

Virginia · Public record

Virginia SCC Bureau of Insurance

Why Virginia’s insurance regulator tells consumers to verify AI-generated insurance information

The Virginia State Corporation Commission’s Bureau of Insurance warns that AI tools can often provide incorrect information about insurance because they may misread policies, correspondence, websites, and state insurance laws. The Bureau asks consumers to verify AI-generated answers with reliable sources.

Virginia State Corporation Commission, Bureau of Insurance

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