Workers' compensation insurance in Winston-Salem
When someone on your team is hurt on the job, workers' compensation pays for their medical care and part of the wages they lose. For many businesses in Winston-Salem and Forsyth County, it's also a legal requirement and a condition of their contracts. At our office at 2120 Old Lexington Road, we explain in English or Spanish when you need it, how it's priced and what paperwork you'll be asked for, and we compare several companies for you. We're an independent agency: we don't sell you one insurer's policy.
What does a workers' comp policy pay?
- Medical care for work-related injuries and illnesses
- Part of the wages an employee loses while recovering
- Benefits for the family if a work accident is fatal
- Employer's liability if your business is sued over a workplace injury
Workers' comp protects your employees. Injuries to customers or other people are covered by general liability, a separate policy.
When is it required in North Carolina?
The North Carolina Industrial Commission explains that an employer with three or more employees generally must carry workers' comp, or qualify as self-insured. Two details surprise many owners:
- Corporate officers count. A corporation with two officers and one employee already has three employees and must have coverage.
- Radiation has no minimum. If an employee works with the use or presence of radiation, coverage is required even if that's your only employee.
The rules have exceptions and every business is different; a licensed agent will confirm what applies to you.
If you hire subcontractors
Under N.C. Gen. Stat. § 97-19, a contractor who sublets work without first getting the subcontractor's workers' comp certificate can be held responsible for injuries to that subcontractor's employees as if they were its own, even if the subcontractor has fewer than three employees. Protecting yourself is simple: get a current certificate before the work starts and keep it. We explain more in our workers' comp guide.
Businesses we insure
We help construction contractors, landscaping crews, cleaning companies and restaurants, among others:
- Contractors in Winston-Salem: roofers, framing and drywall, painters and concrete
- Landscaping and tree service
- Cleaning companies
- Restaurants
What we'll ask for a quote
- Your business's legal name, FEIN and the states where you work
- What each employee does, so the work is classified correctly
- Estimated annual payroll for each type of work
- Whether you use subcontractors and whether they carry their own insurance
- Your claims history for the last 3 to 5 years, if you have one
We serve you in Winston-Salem
At the Winston-Salem office you'll work with agents like Chino Ly and Monserrat García, who explain your policy and certificates in English or Spanish. We're open Monday to Friday, 9 AM to 5 PM, and also after hours and on Saturdays by appointment. See also our main workers' compensation page.
Frequently asked questions
How many employees before workers' comp is required?
Generally three or more, according to the North Carolina Industrial Commission. If any employee works with radiation, coverage is required regardless of how many employees you have.
Can I get insurance with an ITIN or a matrícula consular?
Yes. We work with clients who have an ITIN or a matrícula consular. Tell us what ID you have and a licensed agent will explain your options.
Do business owners count as employees?
In a corporation, executive officers count. For example, a corporation with two officers and one employee already has three employees and must have coverage.
What if a subcontractor has no insurance?
If you didn't get their workers' comp certificate before the work started, you can be held responsible for injuries to their employees as if they were your own (N.C. Gen. Stat. § 97-19). That's why you should always ask for it.
How is the cost of the policy calculated?
Mostly by the type of work each employee does and the estimated payroll for each type of work. That's why we ask for those details carefully: a wrong classification can lead to surprises at audit.
What's the difference between workers' comp and general liability?
Workers' comp protects your employees when they're hurt on the job. General liability protects you when someone outside the business, like a customer or a neighbor, is hurt or has property damaged by your work. Many businesses need both.
An employee got hurt. What should I do?
Get the employee medical care, report the injury to your insurance company as soon as possible and call us at 336.793.1505. We'll help you follow up on the claim.
Visit us in Winston-Salem
L&L Insurance — Winston-Salem
2120 Old Lexington Road
Winston-Salem, NC 27107
Mon–Fri 9:00 AM – 5:00 PM
After hours and Saturdays by appointment