The states in which you operate are listed on the declarations page of your policy. It's important to list these states in order to gain coverage in those states. If you have employees permanently assigned to other states, and that state is not listed on the declarations page, you have thirty days to correct this error before the company can deny claims.
Obviously, you want coverage in every state in which you work.
As construction companies become more regional, it becomes more important to communicate with your insurance company to assure that they are licensed in the state you're opening for business. Not all workers' compensation carriers are licensed in all the states. Don't assume your's is.
The location in which operations occur has an even more important impact on foriegn jobs. Employers' Liability excludes injuries and illnesses occuring outside the United States, its territories, or Canada.
Workers' compensation coverage does not exclude international workers. The requirement is that workers' compensation benefits are eligible under the state law.
Check with your agent to make sure all states of potential operation are listed on your workers' compensation policy, and that your carrier is licensed in all states in which you potentially will operate.
Have your agent familiarize you with the differences in workers' compensation rules for each state. Payroll calculation, loss reporting, rates, even benefits can vary amoung the states. Workers compensation is state regulated, and usually highly regulated. List your states of operation, and then allow the insurance company to handle all claims matters.
Make sure you can honor your duties in other states as a result of claims:
- Provide immediate medical care or other services required to the injured.
- Report the claim along with witnesses contact information in as much detail as is possible.
- Promptly provide the insurance company with all materials, legal papers, documents, requests related to the injury.
- Cooperate with the insurance company's investigation,settlement or defence of the suit.
- Do not interfere with the company right to subrogate.
- Do not make or commit to payments for any claim.