Oregon has a “voluntary competitive market” in which there are more than 400 companies approved to sell workers’ compensation insurance in Oregon. Resources available to you for locating workers’ compensation insurance companies include your insurance agent, the Internet, the Small Business Ombudsman, and the phone book Yellow Pages.

When looking for workers’ compensation insurance, you may want to contact the agent who handles your business, homeowner, or automobile insurance. Your agent may be able to place your workers’ compensation coverage with the same company, or write a “business package”that includes workers’ compensation coverage. Some insurers have special arrangements to provide workers’ compensation through business organizations or associations.

Another option is to call insurance companies that have small-business programs. A “short list” of such companies can be found on the Internet or you may call our department’s Small Business Ombudsman, (503) 378-4209.

All Oregon approved carriers can either volunteer or decline coverage. Because Oregon requires employers to carry workers’ compensation insurance on their subject workers, and insurers can decline coverage, there is another option available to employers. In Oregon there are insurers, most of whom also write policies in the voluntary market, that provide policies under the “Oregon Workers’ Compensation Insurance Plan.”

If an insurance company denies you workers’ compensation coverage, you may apply to the Oregon Workers’ Compensation Insurance Plan. The insurance plan is administered by the National Council on Compensation Insurance (NCCI). Call 1-800-622-4123 ext. 6240 for an application. Your insurance agent is required to help you complete the application.

If you have coverage with the Oregon Workers’ Compensation Insurance Plan, you may continue to pursue coverage with voluntary market insurers who may offer a lower rate. When you locate an insurer willing to provide coverage, you must give your current insurer 30 days written notice of intent to cancel. There will be no short-term cancellation penalty.