Who Needs Workers' Comp in Missouri?
Missouri requires employers with five or more employees to carry workers' compensation insurance under Missouri Revised Statutes Chapter 287. However, construction employers must carry coverage with one or more employees, regardless of business size. Employers in certain hazardous industries are also required to carry coverage regardless of employee count.
Penalties for Non-Compliance
Missouri penalties are among the steepest in the country. Fines can reach up to $50,000, and willful non-compliance is a criminal misdemeanor. The Missouri Division of Workers' Compensation can issue stop-work orders. Uninsured employers are liable for double the amount of compensation that would have been paid under a policy — a powerful financial deterrent.
How Missouri Rates Work
Missouri uses NCCI class codes and is a competitive rating state where carriers file their own rates with the Missouri Department of Commerce and Insurance. Missouri has moderate rates and a relatively employer-friendly regulatory environment. The state's central location and diversified economy contribute to stable pricing.
Common Missouri Class Codes
| Code | Description | Risk Level |
|---|---|---|
| 8810 | Clerical Office Employees | Low |
| 8742 | Outside Salespersons | Low |
| 9101 | Restaurant NOC | Medium |
| 7219 | Trucking NOC | Medium-High |
| 5403 | Carpentry NOC | Medium-High |
| 5606 | Contractors — General | Medium-High |
| 5551 | Roofing — All Kinds | High |