How to Obtain Workers’ Compensation Insurance

There are multiple ways Tennessee employers may obtain workers' compensation coverage.  They include:

1. From an insurance agent or broker who is authorized write a workers’ compensation policies in Tennessee from one of the over 300 insurance companies that the Department of Commerce and Insurance has licensed to sell insurance in this state.
2. From the Assigned Risk Plan, you may qualify if you have been refused a policy by two or more insurance companies licensed and actively writing policies in Tennessee. There are around 10 companies writing policies in the Assigned Risk Plan. Employers denied workers' compensation, who already have other commercial insurance (like auto or liability), should contact their existing agent to see if they can find a participating insurer. Employers need two private insurance denials to qualify for the NCCI Assigned Risk Plan.
3. Through a group self-insurance pool, trust, Fund or Association approved by the Department of Commerce and Insurance. New members of these groups should send us a completed (Form I-8) “Notice of Acceptance of the Workers’ Compensation Act by Exempt Employers” which will identify which “Departments” or “Divisions” have chosen to be subject to the law. The Form I-8 clarifies that a specific “Department” or “Division” of a Governmental entity has chosen to become subject to the law. Separate form submissions should be provided for each department or division opting into the workers’ compensation law.
4. Through an single self-insurance application approved by the Department of Commerce and Insurance. Once approved, the Department of Commerce & Insurance will notify the Bureau of the entity’s approved status.