Is workers' comp required in Ohio?

Yes, workers' compensation is mandatory for all employers in Ohio with one or more employees. The Ohio Bureau of Workers' Compensation (BWC) is the exclusive provider of this insurance in the state. This requirement ensures that employees are covered for work-related injuries and illnesses.

What are Ohio's commercial auto insurance minimums?

In Ohio, the minimum liability coverage for commercial auto insurance is $25,000 for bodily injury per person, $50,000 for bodily injury per accident, and $25,000 for property damage per accident. These limits are often expressed as 25/50/25. Businesses may choose to carry higher limits for greater protection.

How much does business insurance cost in Ohio?

The cost of business insurance in Ohio is not fixed and depends on several factors. These include the type of industry, the number of employees, the level of risk, and the specific types of coverage selected. For example, a construction company will likely have different insurance costs than a retail store in Ohio.

All Licensed States

OH — Licensed & ActiveUpdated Mar 2026

Commercial Insurance in Ohio.

A monopolistic workers' comp state. You need to know the rules.

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Ohio is one of only four monopolistic workers' compensation states — meaning you must purchase workers' comp through the Ohio Bureau of Workers' Compensation (BWC), not from a private carrier. This creates a unique insurance landscape that many out-of-state brokers don't understand. RISKX knows Ohio's system inside and out and helps businesses navigate BWC while building the rest of their coverage package through the private market.

Key Industries in Ohio

ManufacturingHealthcareAgricultureConstructionRetailTransportation

Workers' Compensation in Ohio: Required

Ohio is a monopolistic state — workers' comp must be purchased through the Ohio Bureau of Workers' Compensation (BWC). Private carriers cannot write workers' comp in Ohio. Employers must also carry employer's liability separately if they want that coverage.

Ohio Regulatory Notes

Workers' comp is monopolistic — must be purchased through Ohio BWC, not private insurers

Employer's liability (Part B of workers' comp) is NOT included in BWC policies — must be purchased separately as 'Stop Gap' coverage

Ohio has a group rating program that can significantly reduce BWC premiums for qualifying businesses

The state uses a merit rating system — your claims history directly impacts your premium

Workers' Comp Rate Details — Ohio

Index Rate

$0.68

per $100 payroll

National Rank

#47

of 51 jurisdictions

vs. Median

38%

below national median

Required At

1 employee

Low Cost State

Monopolistic State: Ohio requires employers to purchase workers' comp from the state fund. Private carriers cannot sell WC coverage here. You'll need separate employer's liability (stop-gap) coverage through RISKX.

•MONOPOLISTIC STATE — must purchase from Ohio Bureau of Workers' Compensation (BWC)
•Private carriers cannot sell WC in Ohio
•Employers must separately purchase employer's liability / stop-gap coverage
•BWC is the largest state-funded WC system in the U.S.

Penalty for non-compliance: Fines up to $10,000; employer liable for all claim costs; criminal charges possible

Rate data: Oregon DCBS 2024 Premium Rate Ranking Study. Index rates represent the median rate per $100 of payroll across all classification codes.