Workers' Compensation Policy Feature Checklist
What to confirm in a workers' compensation policy — what's standard, what's often limited, and what to add if needed — plus the gap most often missed.
Pull out your current workers' compensation policy and check the box next to each feature you can confirm it includes — anything unchecked is worth a quick conversation with your advisor.
Tick each feature you can confirm your policy includes — anything left unticked is a good question for your next policy review.
| Confirm? | Policy feature | What to confirm | Priority |
|---|---|---|---|
| Part One — Every State with Employees Listed | Confirm every state where employees live or work is listed in Item 3.A. | Standard | |
| Other States Coverage (Item 3.C) | Covers employees who travel or are temporarily assigned to other states. | Often limited | |
| Employer's Liability Limits | Default limits are often low ($100K / $500K / $100K) — raise them if an umbrella requires more. | Often limited | |
| Waiver of Subrogation | Often required by contracts — confirm it's endorsed (blanket or scheduled). | If needed | |
| Federal Coverages (USL&H, | Jones Act) Needed for work on or near navigable water or federal projects — excluded unless endorsed. | If needed | |
| Owners & Officers Included or Excluded | Confirm owners are covered or excluded as intended. | Often limited | |
| Correct Class Codes | Wrong class codes lead to large audit bills or disputed claims — review at each renewal. | Standard |
The gap most often missed in this coverage
The most commonly missed gap in this coverage is out-of-state employees. A policy that lists only the home state may not cover workers hired or injured elsewhere — and with medical and wage costs each rising 4% per claim in 2025, one uncovered injury can be costly. Employers should list every state with employees, add Other States coverage, and raise employer's liability limits to match their umbrella.
Send us the checklist and we'll review your workers' compensation coverage line by line, then market it across multiple carriers that compete for your account.
Related: Workers’ Compensation Insurance · Workers' Compensation Supplemental (apply) · All coverage checklists
Frequently asked questions
What should a workers' compensation policy include?
Standard features to confirm in a workers' compensation policy include Part One — Every State with Employees Listed, Correct Class Codes. This checklist also flags the features that are often limited or sublimited and the ones to add if needed, with a plain-English note on each.
Is this checklist insurance advice?
No. It is a free educational tool to help you have a more informed conversation with a licensed professional. It affords no coverage and is not insurance, legal, or financial advice — only your actual policy language governs what is and isn't covered.
Can Cory Washington & Co. review my workers' compensation coverage?
Yes. Share your checklist and we'll review your program line by line, market your account across multiple carriers, and explain the trade-offs in plain English. Cory Washington & Co. LLC is licensed in all 50 states.
This checklist is a free educational tool from Cory Washington & Co. to help you review your own coverage and have a more informed conversation with a licensed insurance professional. It is general information only — not insurance, legal, or financial advice, and not a recommendation to buy, change, or cancel any policy. Coverage terms, availability, limits, and requirements vary by policy, carrier, and state, and only the language in your actual policy governs what is and isn’t covered. Checking or leaving blank any item above does not indicate that you are adequately insured or under-insured. Using this checklist does not create a client, agency, or fiduciary relationship. Always consult a licensed professional about your specific situation.