Bedford, NH
Workers Compensation Insurance

Workers comp policies in New Hampshire provide a defined set of benefits. Understanding what's included helps you explain the system to employees and manage claims more effectively.

Medical Expense Coverage and Disability Payments

Medical benefits cover all reasonable and necessary treatment related to a workplace injury. There's no deductible for the employee, and coverage includes hospital stays, surgery, prescriptions, physical therapy, and medical devices. The employer's carrier pays these costs directly.

Disability payments replace a portion of lost wages. Temporary total disability pays 60% of the employee's average weekly wage, subject to state maximums. Temporary partial disability applies when an employee can work in a reduced capacity. Permanent disability benefits are calculated based on the nature and extent of the impairment.

Vocational Rehabilitation and Death Benefits

If an injury prevents an employee from returning to their previous job, vocational rehabilitation services help them retrain for new work. This can include education, job placement assistance, and skills assessments. These benefits are often overlooked but can significantly reduce long-term claim costs by getting workers back to productive employment faster.

Death benefits provide compensation to the dependents of an employee killed in a workplace accident. This includes funeral expenses up to the statutory limit and ongoing payments to surviving spouses and children. No employer wants to think about this scenario, but having proper coverage ensures families are supported during the worst possible circumstances.

Prevention is always cheaper than claims. A structured safety program reduces injuries, lowers your mod rate, and demonstrates good faith to both the DOL and your carrier.

Creating a NH DOL Compliant Joint Loss Management Committee

New Hampshire requires employers with 15 or more employees to establish a Joint Loss Management Committee. This committee includes both management and employee representatives and meets at least quarterly to review workplace safety concerns, inspect facilities, and recommend improvements.

Even if you're under the 15-employee threshold, forming a safety committee voluntarily signals to your insurer that you take risk management seriously. Document your meetings, track action items, and follow through on recommendations. Carriers notice this, and it can influence your renewal terms favorably.

Developing Alternative Duty Programs for Injured Workers

Getting injured employees back to work in some capacity, even if it's modified duty, is one of the most effective cost-control strategies available. An employee sitting at home collecting disability benefits costs far more than one performing light administrative tasks or other accommodated work.

Build your alternative duty program before you need it. Identify tasks across your operation that could be performed with common restrictions like no lifting over 10 pounds, seated work only, or limited standing. Having these options documented and ready means you can present them to the treating physician immediately, which accelerates the return-to-work timeline and keeps claim costs contained.

Workers compensation insurance for Bedford employers isn't a commodity purchase where the lowest price wins. The right policy comes with responsive claims handling, accurate classification, and an insurer that understands New Hampshire's regulatory environment. A poorly structured policy can cost you far more in denied claims, audit surprises, and compliance headaches than the premium savings were ever worth.

Work with an agency that takes a consultative approach to your specific risks. Avery Insurance Agency builds tailored coverage portfolios that account for your industry, payroll structure, and growth plans, uncovering gaps that generic quotes miss entirely. If you haven't had your current policy reviewed in the past year, that's your next step. Reach out for a no-obligation consultation and find out whether your coverage actually matches your exposure.

Do I need workers comp if I only have one employee? Yes. New Hampshire has no minimum employee threshold. One employee, even part-time, triggers the requirement.

Can I buy workers comp from any insurance company? You need a carrier licensed to write workers compensation in New Hampshire. Not all national carriers are admitted in the state, so verify before purchasing.

Can I buy workers comp from any insurance company?You're still required to report the injury to the DOL within five days of learning about it, regardless of whether the employee wants to pursue benefits.

How often do premiums get audited? Most carriers conduct an annual payroll audit after each policy period. If your actual payroll differs from the estimate, you'll receive an adjustment, either a refund or an additional charge.

Are remote workers covered under my Bedford policy? Generally yes, if the injury arises out of and in the course of employment. Remote work injuries can be trickier to document, so clear remote work policies help protect both parties.