West Virginia used to mandate that employers purchase workers compensation insurance directly from the state for specific types of operations. The state is currently in transition from monopolistic to private insurers. Effective January 1, 2006 the state’s workers compensation insurance administer was privatized. Its new name is BrickStreet Insurance. West Virginia employers are now required to purchase their work comp insurance from BrickStreet. In 2008 private insurance carriers will be allowed to enter West Virginia to begin selling workers compensation insurance in competition with BrickStreet. At that time employers will be allowed to do business with any work comp insurance company authorized to do conduct business in West Virgina. Follow this link to Brickstreet

Monopolistic States do not allow employers to purchase workers compensation insurance from private insurance companies. Instead the state sets up its own work comp insurance program. They establish rates, issue coverage, and administer claims in methods similar to private insurance companies.

Caution: Out of state employers with employees in a monopolistic state must contact that state to arrange workers compensation insurance coverage for those employees. The employer’s home state workers compensation insurance policy will not and can not extend coverage into monopolistic states.

West Virginia Industry Links:

West Virginia Division of Labor

Professional Insurance Agents of West Virginia

West Virginia Department of Insurance