Small-business cover in Ohio.
Workers’ comp threshold in Ohio: Required for all employers with one or more employees (monopolistic state fund — must purchase from Ohio BWC, not private carriers)[S].
Updated 2026-05-16 · Beaconcover editorialThe short answer: In Ohio, workers' compensation is required for all employers with one or more employees (monopolistic state fund — must purchase from Ohio BWC, not private carriers). Most clients and licenses also ask for general liability before you can take a job.
What does Ohio require?
Required for all employers with one or more employees (monopolistic state fund — must purchase from Ohio BWC, not private carriers)[C]
Ohio is a monopolistic workers' comp state — coverage is purchased through the Ohio Bureau of Workers' Compensation (state fund), not private carriers. All employers with one or more employees must register with BWC and pay premiums. Private policies handle other lines. Stop-gap endorsements available for employer's liability. Regulated by the Ohio Bureau of Workers' Compensation.
What licensing and bonding does Ohio require?
- Workers' comp must be obtained via the BWC state fund (not bundled with private carriers)
- Employer's liability is typically handled via a separate stop-gap endorsement