Workers Comp in Monopolistic States: ND, OH, WA, WY (2026)
Operating in one of the four monopolistic states? Here is exactly what you need to do — and how to get your other coverages from private carriers. Updated October 2026.
By clicking, you agree to Insurance Pro Agencies' Terms of Use and Privacy Policy, and authorize Insurance Pro Agencies, Inc and its affiliated carrier partners to contact you using the information you provide during the quoting process. Consent is not a condition of obtaining a quote.
Backed by Munich Re. 750,000+ businesses insured. Get your certificate of insurance instantly.
What Is a Monopolistic Workers Comp State?
In most states, you can purchase workers compensation insurance from any of dozens of private carriers competing on price and service. In four states, the government has made this illegal — they run the only authorized workers comp fund, and private carriers cannot sell WC policies there.
This is a common source of confusion for business owners operating in multiple states, or for those relocating to or expanding into one of these four states. The key takeaway: workers comp goes to the state fund; everything else (GL, BOP, commercial auto) still comes from private carriers like ERGO NEXT.
The Four Monopolistic States: How to Comply
North Dakota
State Fund: ND Workforce Safety & Insurance (WSI)
Website: workforcesafety.com
Register by: Before hiring your first employee
All employers with ND employees must register, including out-of-state employers sending workers to ND
Ohio
State Fund: Ohio Bureau of Workers Compensation (BWC)
Website: bwc.ohio.gov
Register by: Before hiring; coverage is retroactive from first hire date
Pay-as-you-go option available; large employers may self-insure; Ohio also has a competitive state fund model
Washington
State Fund: WA Department of Labor & Industries (L&I)
Website: lni.wa.gov
Register by: Before hiring; report and pay quarterly
L&I assesses premiums quarterly based on actual payroll; rates vary by risk classification
Wyoming
State Fund: WY Department of Workforce Services (DWS)
Website: wyomingworkforce.org
Register by: Before starting operations in WY
Premiums based on payroll and industry class; out-of-state employers need separate registration
What You Still Need From Private Carriers
Even in monopolistic states, all your other business insurance comes from private carriers. Here is what ERGO NEXT can provide:
General Liability
Required for contractor licenses, clients, and commercial leases — regardless of which state you are in.
Commercial Property / BOP
Covers your business equipment, inventory, and physical assets. Not affected by monopolistic WC laws.
Commercial Auto
Covers vehicles used for business. State WC funds do not cover commercial auto — this always comes from private carriers.
Get Your GL and Other Coverage Today
ERGO NEXT covers GL, BOP, and commercial auto in all 50 states including monopolistic WC states.
By clicking, you agree to Insurance Pro Agencies' Terms of Use and Privacy Policy, and authorize Insurance Pro Agencies, Inc and its affiliated carrier partners to contact you using the information you provide during the quoting process. Consent is not a condition of obtaining a quote.