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Protect Your Plumbing Business with Workers' Compensation in North Dakota

By SecureProQuote Editorial TeamUpdated June 29, 2026

Part of our guide to plumbers insurance in North Dakota.

A plumber in Grand Forks recently faced a $10,000 bill for an employee's on-the-job injury, which could have been covered by Workers' Compensation. In North Dakota, workers' compensation is generally required as soon as you hire your first employee. Without it, you risk paying out of pocket for medical bills and lost wages. Workers' Compensation pays for these expenses, ensuring your business remains afloat. The estimated premium for Workers' Compensation in North Dakota is between $55-$215/month.

Workers' Compensation cost for plumbers in North Dakota

$55$215/mo (est.)

Illustrative monthly workers comp estimate for a small plumber operation in North Dakota. Actual pricing depends on revenue, payroll, coverage limits, claims history, and carrier. Get a personalized quote to see your real price.

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What Workers' Compensation Covers for Plumbers in North Dakota

Workers' Compensation in North Dakota pays for medical bills and lost wages when employees are injured on the job, including those caused by extreme cold and blizzards. For example, if an employee slips on ice while fixing a frozen pipe in Fargo, Workers' Compensation would cover their medical expenses and lost wages. However, it does not cover damage to vehicles or equipment, which would be covered under a different policy, such as Commercial Auto or Tools & Equipment. Another example is if an employee is injured while working on a construction site in Bismarck, Workers' Compensation would cover their medical expenses and lost wages, but not the damage to the construction site or the cost of repairing or replacing equipment.

Do Plumbers in North Dakota Need Workers' Compensation?

In North Dakota, workers' compensation is generally required as soon as you hire your first employee. This means that if you have even one employee, you need to have Workers' Compensation to comply with state regulations. Without it, you risk paying out of pocket for medical bills and lost wages, which can be financially devastating. For instance, if you have an employee who is injured on the job and requires surgery, the medical bills alone could exceed $10,000. Workers' Compensation would cover these expenses, ensuring your business remains afloat. Furthermore, many general contractors and commercial property managers in North Dakota require plumbers to carry Workers' Compensation before they can work on a job site.

A Real Workers' Compensation Claim a Plumber Could Face

It was a routine job until an employee slipped on ice while fixing a frozen pipe in Minot. The employee suffered a broken ankle and was unable to work for several weeks. The medical bills totaled $8,000, and the employee's lost wages were $4,000. Workers' Compensation covered these expenses, ensuring the plumber did not have to pay out of pocket. The policy paid for the employee's medical bills and lost wages, allowing the plumber to focus on running their business. In this scenario, Workers' Compensation saved the plumber $12,000 in out-of-pocket expenses. The claim was handled efficiently, and the employee was able to return to work as soon as they were medically cleared.

What Workers' Compensation Costs for Plumbers in North Dakota

The estimated premium for Workers' Compensation in North Dakota is between $55-$215/month. The cost of Workers' Compensation is influenced by factors such as revenue, payroll, coverage limits, deductible, and claims history. For example, a plumber in Grand Forks with a high revenue and large payroll may pay more for Workers' Compensation than a smaller plumbing business in Fargo. Additionally, the state fund in North Dakota sets workers' compensation premiums, which can impact the cost for plumbers. To lower their premium, plumbers can implement safety protocols, provide training to employees, and maintain a clean claims history. By doing so, they can reduce their premium costs and ensure they have the necessary coverage to protect their business.

How to Get Workers' Compensation in North Dakota

To get Workers' Compensation in North Dakota, you will need to gather information about your business, including revenue, payroll, and coverage limits. You should also consider any contract requirements, such as being listed as an additional insured on a client's policy. When comparing quotes, make sure to ask about the deductible, coverage limits, and claims history. For example, if you are working on a construction site in Bismarck, you may need to have a higher coverage limit to ensure you are adequately protected. Have your business information ready, including revenue, payroll, and any contract limit requirements, and compare Workers' Compensation quotes to find the best option for your plumbing business.

Frequently asked questions

Will my Workers' Compensation premium jump after one claim?

Yes, it may. After a claim, your premium may increase due to the increased risk. However, this increase can be mitigated by implementing safety protocols and providing training to employees. Additionally, some insurance companies offer premium discounts for businesses with a clean claims history. They can also help you understand how the state fund in North Dakota sets workers' compensation premiums and how it may impact your business.

Can I get a COI same-day for a client?

Yes, you can. Many insurance companies offer same-day COIs for clients. However, this may depend on the complexity of the request and the insurance company's processing time. It's best to work with an insurance agent who can help you obtain a COI quickly and efficiently. They can also help you understand what information is required to obtain a COI and ensure you have all the necessary documents.

Does a sole proprietor need Workers' Compensation?

No, they do not. In North Dakota, sole proprietors are not required to have Workers' Compensation. However, if you have employees, you are required to have Workers' Compensation to comply with state regulations. As a sole proprietor, you may still want to consider having Workers' Compensation to protect yourself in case of an on-the-job injury. Additionally, if you plan to hire employees in the future, having Workers' Compensation in place can help you comply with state regulations and ensure a smooth transition.

What is not covered by Workers' Compensation?

Workers' Compensation does not cover damage to vehicles or equipment, which would be covered under a different policy, such as Commercial Auto or Tools & Equipment. Additionally, it does not cover intentional acts or injuries that occur outside of work. For example, if an employee is injured while driving a company vehicle, Workers' Compensation would not cover the damage to the vehicle, but Commercial Auto would. Working with an insurance agent can help you understand the differences between policies and ensure you have the necessary coverage.

Can I cancel my Workers' Compensation policy at any time?

Yes, you can. However, canceling your Workers' Compensation policy may result in a penalty or fee. Additionally, if you have employees, you may still be required to have Workers' Compensation to comply with state regulations. It's best to work with an insurance agent who can help you understand your options and find the best coverage for your business. They can also help you navigate the process of canceling a policy and ensure you are in compliance with state regulations.

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Other coverages plumbers in North Dakota should know

This article is for general educational purposes and is not insurance or legal advice. Coverage requirements and pricing in North Dakota change over time and vary by business. Verify current rules with the North Dakota Department of Insurance and a licensed agent before purchasing a policy.