№ 04 · May 2026
beaconcover
Independent comparison desk
State regulatory desk

Small-business cover in New York.

In New York, workers’ comp is required at Required for virtually all employers with one or more employees (WCL §2 and §3)[S]New York workers' compensation threshold. Workers' compensation is broadly mandatory for employers under New York Workers' Compensation Law. New York City and other municipalities add local licensing for many trades. Employers must also provide separate disability benefits (DBL) coverage. Regulated by the New York Workers' Compensation Board.

Updated 2026-05-16 · Beaconcover editorial

The short answer: Business insurance in New York starts with workers' compensation, required at Required for virtually all employers with one or more employees (WCL §2 and §3), plus the general liability that most clients and licenses ask for before you can take a job.

§ 01
Workers' comp

What does New York require?

NY threshold

Required for virtually all employers with one or more employees (WCL §2 and §3)[C]New York workers' compensation threshold

Workers' compensation is broadly mandatory for employers under New York Workers' Compensation Law. New York City and other municipalities add local licensing for many trades. Employers must also provide separate disability benefits (DBL) coverage. Regulated by the New York Workers' Compensation Board.

§ 02
Licensing & bonding

What licensing and bonding does New York require?

  • Mandatory disability benefits (DBL) coverage is separate from workers' comp
  • NYC home-improvement contractors require a local license
§ 03
New York by trade

One page per trade × state.