Should a 1099 independent contractor have occupational accident?

By: Tina Angelone

June 26, 2024

Workers Compensation and Occupational Accident are two distinct types of coverage, although they both relate to workplace accidents or injuries.  A quick chart helps identify similarities and differences.

Workers Compensation

Occupational Accident

Covers employees

Covers independent contractors

Provides coverage for an accidental injury in the course of work or work-related illness

Provides coverage for an accidental injury in the course of work

Mandatory in most states

Not typically mandated by law

Benefits and limits specified by state law

Flexible options for benefits and limits

Employer pays the policy premium

Options allow contractors or company to pay premium

Should independent contractors have Occupational Accident Insurance? Absolutely.  Without it these 1099 independent contractors may not have any coverage for an on-the-job injury.  Occupational Accident Insurance can provide peace of mind. If an independent contractor is injured while working, Occupational Accident Insurance can provide coverage for medical expenses, payments to their family, and replacing lost income.

Help prepare your clients from financial exposure and recommend Occupational Accident Insurance for their 1099 workers.

This article is provided for general informational purposes only and does not constitute or is not intended to replace legal or risk management advice. If there is a discrepancy between the information provided here and the policy, the policy will govern. Intact hereby disclaims any and all liability arising the information contained herein.

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Intact Insurance Specialty Solutions is the marketing brand for the insurance company subsidiaries of Intact Insurance Group USA LLC. Coverages may be underwritten by one of the following insurance companies: Atlantic Specialty Insurance Company, a New York insurer; Homeland Insurance Company of New York, a New York insurer; Homeland Insurance Company of Delaware, a Delaware insurer; OBI America Insurance Company, a Pennsylvania insurer; or OBI National Insurance Company, a Pennsylvania insurer. Each of these insurers maintains its principal place of business at 605 Highway 169 N, Plymouth, MN 55441. This material is intended as a general description of certain types of insurance coverages and services. Coverages and availability vary by state; exclusions and deductibles may apply. Please refer to your insurance policy or consult with your independent insurance advisor for information about coverages, terms and conditions. Some coverage may be written by a surplus lines insurer through a licensed surplus lines broker. Surplus lines insurers do not generally participate in state guaranty funds and insureds are therefore not protected by such funds.