Independent Contractors and Workers' Compensation

When it comes to employee benefits, the classification of employees based on their titles plays a major role. The subject has become even more complex recently with remote working being an integral part of a work environment.Independent contractors and workers’ compensation in most cases do not go hand in hand. Simply put, independent contractors are not eligible to receive workers’

Read more
Unlimited workmen liabilities covered starting just ₹1500*
workmen-compensation-policy

Get right expert advice

Hassle free policy

Speedy Claims

Fast-track your search with instant quotes from top insurers

Get quotes & protect your workers in 5 mins

Step 1/2
Covers Death & Disability
Covers Injury due to Accident
Covers Legal Expenses

Get quotes & protect your workers in 5 mins

Covers Death & Disability
Covers Injury due to Accident
Covers Legal Expenses
secure-icon We don't spam
Get Updates on WhatsApp
View Plans
By clicking on "" you agree to our Privacy Policy and Terms Of Use

Get quotes & protect your workers in 5 mins

Step 2/2
Get Updates on WhatsApp

Classification between Independent Contractors and Employees

To understand who is eligible to receive workers’ compensation and who is not, let us first understand the basic classification of workers. Typically, there are two types of workers who exist in an organization - full-time employees and independent contract-based employees like freelancers, consultants, etc. The difference between these two types goes beyond the mere title these employees hold.

Full-time employees of an organization are eligible for numerous benefits such as health benefits, pensions, leaves, etc. Along with the multiple benefits offered by the employer to its full-time employee, they are also eligible for workers’ compensation in case of an injury at the workplace. These benefits are usually not offered to contractual workers.

When it comes to independent contractors and workman compensation policy, they are not eligible for the same. As mentioned above, independent contractors are not eligible to receive benefits from employers until specified by the employer himself. Workers’ compensation is a part of an employee benefits program that refrains contractual workers to be a part of the same.

Workers Compensation Insurance

With the Workmen’s Compensation Act 1923, becoming a statutory obligation of the employer, Workers' Compensation Insurance came into being. This type of commercial insurance policy is also sometimes referred to as a workmen compensation policy or employee compensation policy.

This policy ensures that the frontline workers are adequately compensated for injuries caused on duty. Employees who are injured or disabled on the job are entitled to receive workers’ compensation. In case of the demise of the worker, the dependents are eligible to receive compensation. The compensation amount depends on various factors.

Workman’s comp insurance policy compensates employees if they are injured at the workplace. It also helps employers to cover legal costs if the employee presses any charges against the employer.

Independent Contractors & Workers’ Compensation Insurance

In the above content, we have understood who are considered independent contractors, their standing in workers’ compensation, and the meaning of workers’ compensation insurance. It's time to put all these pieces together and know if contractual workers can be covered under workers’ compensation insurance.

Most of the policies do not cover independent contractors under workers compensation insurance unless these workers are separately covered or any declaration is made. However, if an independent contractor is injured or disabled on the job, he has the right to press charges against the employer and take him to the court. If it is proved that the injury sustained is due to the carelessness or negligence of the employer, the employer will have to pay for the damages.

Conclusion

Insurance is a risk mitigation tool. In the case of workers comp, insurance acts as financial support for the employer. Since independent contractors are not covered under this insurance type, it is always a favourable decision to take up personal insurance policies to cover oneself from unprecedented losses. Also, if you are an independent contractor who employs other workers, buying a workmen's compensation policy for them should be considered as well.

 

Written By: PolicyBazaar - Updated: 11 August 2023
Workmen Compensation Insurance Articles
The Workmen’s Compensation Act, 1923, is a type of social security legislation that was enacted to make the...Read more
19 Nov 2020 by Policybazaar 39711 Views
Under the Workmen’s Compensation Act, compensation is offered to the workers and their dependents in case of...Read more
01 Apr 2020 by Policybazaar 22372 Views
Employee and worker safety is an integral part of the smooth functioning of the business. Worker’s safety is a...Read more
16 Nov 2022 by Policybazaar 4125 Views
In India, various insurance policies provide different kinds of cover to the employees of an organization. Being...Read more
05 May 2021 by Policybazaar 10228 Views
It is a known fact that a company's success depends on its employees. Each employee expects a secure job and gets...Read more
23 Aug 2022 by Policybazaar 2887 Views
Working in a restaurant can be a fast-paced and demanding job...Read more
24 Nov 2023 by Policybazaar 63 Views
The gig economy has transformed work, granting millions newfound...Read more
25 Oct 2023 by Policybazaar 161 Views
Workmen compensation is an insurance policy that provides...Read more
28 Apr 2023 by Policybazaar 694 Views
Worker's compensation insurance is very important. It provides...Read more
28 Apr 2023 by Policybazaar 978 Views
The Workmen's Compensation Act 1923, seeks to protect the...Read more
21 Apr 2023 by Policybazaar 826 Views
Policybazaar for Business - Workmen Compensation Insurance - Customer Reviews
View all
4.2/5
Based on 92 reviews
4.2
out of 5
Based on 92 reviews
8 users
68 users
16 users
0 users
0 users
4.3 June 28, 2023
Abha
Positive Experience
Thank you, PolicyBazaar, for providing such a positive experience and ensuring that well-being of my employees and business!
Lucknow
4 June 18, 2023
Shreaya
Provides Financial Security
I purchased Workmen Compensation Insurance from PolicyBazaar for my business owner looking to secure their employees' welfare and protect their business interests.Thankyou. Worth buying.
Hyderabad
3.8 June 08, 2023
Raman
Nice Purchase
I purchased Workmen compensation plan which turn out to be the good decision. Thanks PB.
Pune
4.3 May 26, 2023
Mayur
Multiple Benefits
I recommend purchasing Workmen Compensation Insurance from Policybazaar. Their user-friendly platform, diverse policy options, exceptional customer support and efficient claims processing make them stand out from the competition.Thanks. It was a good decision.
Delhi
4 May 21, 2023
Shivam
Great Plan
I recently bought Workmen Compensation Plan at policybazaar website which provides comprehensive coverage giving me peace of mind knowing that my employees are well protected in case of any unfortunate event.Thanks.
Pune
3.8 May 16, 2023
Vishal
Helpful Representatives
The team at PolicyBazaar were responsive, courteous, and extremely knowledgeable. I had a few questions regarding the coverage terms and the representatives were patient in addressing all my queries. Thanks.
Coimbatore
4 May 11, 2023
Aditya
Good Platformm
When it came to selcting the right Workmen Compensation Insurance, Policybazaar offered an impressive range of options from reputable insurers. I appreciated the comprehensive details avalable for each policy which helped me to take the better decisions. Thankyou.
Chennai
3.8 May 06, 2023
Dhiraj
Well Informed
I recently purchased Workmen Insurance plan from PolicyBazaar. The process was straightforward and I felt well-informed throughout, thanks to the clear and concise information provided.
Delhi
4.3 May 01, 2023
Abhiraj
Good Decision
I am absolutely delighted with the Workmen Compensation Insurance policy I purchased through Policybazaar. From start to finish, the entire experience has been nothing short of exceptional. I can confidently say that this is one of the best decisions I have made for my business.
Mumbai
3.8 April 30, 2023
Anam
Instant Protection Against Accidental Misshappening
I bought Workmen Compensation Plan from the Policy bazaar website online for our workers in my industry to get protetion aganst any Accidental miss happening caused to them. It offers amazing deals which provide them with medical coverage and help me to get instant protection against any loss. Thanks, PolicyBazaar.
Madurai