How to Handle Workers’ Comp for Multi-State Construction Crews

Managing workers’ comp for multi-state construction crews is no small task—especially in an industry as high-risk as construction. Between varying state laws, multiple job site hazards, and the mix of W2 employees and 1099 contractors, getting proper coverage that’s compliant, affordable, and fast isn’t something most brokerages are equipped to handle.

Construction companies face serious consequences if they don’t get this right. A single uncovered injury can mean massive out-of-pocket costs, legal liability, and halted projects. For businesses with workers spread across several states, the risks multiply quickly. The need for a comprehensive, flexible solution isn’t just a preference—it’s a necessity.

That’s where we come in. At NPN Brokers, we specialize in securing workers’ compensation insurance for high-risk construction companies, even those that have struggled to get coverage in the past. We understand that construction is fast-paced and high-pressure, which is why we move quickly to get our clients the protection they need. If your business has more than $10 million in annual payroll, we may also be able to help you insure both your W2 and 1099 workers—something most providers shy away from.

Let’s walk through the key challenges of multi-state workers’ comp in construction, and how we help solve them.

Why Construction Crews Face Unique Workers’ Comp Challenges

The construction industry is one of the most dangerous sectors in the country, consistently ranking at the top for workplace injuries and fatalities. According to the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA), nearly 1 in 5 worker deaths in the U.S. occur in construction. That level of risk makes workers’ compensation both essential and more complicated.

Construction sites are constantly changing environments. One day, workers may be framing a residential structure, and the next, they could be operating heavy machinery on a commercial project. These changes introduce new variables and hazards, increasing the chances of injury. Add in weather conditions, elevated work, and power tools, and the risk landscape becomes even more unpredictable.

For multi-state construction businesses, things get even trickier. Varying state regulations can create confusion over compliance. Workers traveling between states or working remotely from job sites often need special coverage considerations. Traditional carriers rarely have the bandwidth or experience to address these moving parts. That means many construction companies are left underinsured or improperly covered.

• Varying state regulations: Workers’ comp rules differ state by state—what’s required in Florida may not apply in Texas or California. Some states mandate certain forms, reporting requirements, or even base rates, which can complicate budgeting and compliance.
• Frequent movement of crews: Construction teams often work across multiple sites and jurisdictions, creating compliance headaches. If you send workers to another state for a project, your policy may not automatically extend to that jurisdiction.
• Mix of W2 and 1099 workers: Most insurance carriers will only insure W2 employees. Contractors typically aren’t covered under standard policies, even if they’re doing the same work as your full-time crew. That leaves a critical part of your workforce vulnerable and your business exposed.

These challenges make finding the right coverage difficult—unless you work with a brokerage that understands how to navigate them.

Multi-State Compliance Isn’t Optional

One of the most common pitfalls we see with construction businesses is assuming a single state-issued policy will suffice. It won’t. The moment your crew crosses state lines or starts work in a new jurisdiction, you could be non-compliant. That puts you at risk of state penalties, legal trouble, and uncovered claims.

Each state has its own workers’ compensation authority and guidelines. Some states require immediate reporting of new hires, while others require policy endorsements before work begins. Even payroll classifications can vary slightly, affecting how your premiums are calculated. If you’re not working with someone who understands these details, you could end up with gaps in coverage that come back to haunt you.

If your crews are working in multiple states, you need a policy—or policies—that are compliant with each of those state regulations. Failing to do so can result in fines, stop-work orders, and worse, denied claims if an employee gets injured. And if that employee is working on a high-risk site, the potential for major financial fallout is real.

At NPN Brokers, we understand the nuances of multi-state coverage. We’ll help you get insured in all 46 states where we operate, ensuring you’re compliant everywhere your teams work. We’ll also explain what each state requires and how to structure your policy to keep you both protected and efficient. Whether you’ve got projects across the Southeast or are expanding from California to New York, we’ll find a solution that works.

Covering Both W2 and 1099 Workers

Here’s where things really start to set us apart. If your business has more than $10 million in annual payroll, we may be able to get you a workers’ comp policy that covers both W2 employees and your 1099 independent contractors. Most carriers will simply tell you “no” or suggest that your contractors get their own policies, which can be an administrative nightmare.

1099 contractors often play just as critical a role on job sites as your W2 workers. In fact, many companies rely on them to fill skill gaps, scale quickly for large jobs, or bring in specialized labor. If you can’t insure this part of your workforce, your risk management strategy is incomplete.

Most brokerages won’t touch this. They either lack access to carriers that allow it, or they simply don’t understand how to underwrite policies that include contract labor. But at NPN Brokers, we specialize in high-risk and non-standard workers’ comp policies—including those with mixed payroll structures. We work with carriers who are flexible enough to write these policies and structure them properly to avoid compliance issues.

If your payroll is under $10 million, we can still get you coverage for your W2 employees quickly. And even if you’ve had claims in the past or are currently uninsured, we can help you find a path forward. Our goal is to get you covered with a policy that actually works for how your business operates.

Fast, Flexible, and No Red Tape

We know how frustrating the traditional workers’ comp process can be—especially for construction businesses juggling multiple states, crews, and deadlines. Between mountains of paperwork, long waiting periods, and rigid underwriting guidelines, it can take weeks to get coverage that may not even fit your needs.

That’s why we’ve built our process to be as fast and flexible as possible. We don’t believe you should have to jump through hoops to get protection for your workers. And we know you don’t have weeks to spare while projects are waiting to break ground.

Here’s what you can expect when you work with NPN Brokers:

• Quotes in minutes: Call or email us and we’ll get you a quote fast—often the same day. Our streamlined process allows us to collect the information we need quickly and get it into the hands of carriers who can respond just as fast.
• Coverage in as little as 24 hours: We move quickly so you can keep your crews on the job. If you’re starting a project tomorrow and need proof of insurance today, we can often make that happen.
• No audits, contracts, or deposits: Unlike traditional insurance providers, we don’t lock you into lengthy contracts or surprise you with audits and large upfront payments. You only pay for what you need with our Pay-As-You-Go model. That means you can scale coverage with your payroll and project volume without unnecessary financial strain.

This level of flexibility is ideal for construction companies whose payroll may vary seasonally or by project. You stay protected without being tied down. Whether your workforce grows in the summer or shrinks during the winter, your policy adjusts with you.

Already Had Claims or Been Dropped? We Can Still Help

If you’ve had past incidents, been denied coverage, or dropped by another provider, we know how frustrating it can be to get back on your feet. Some carriers see a history of claims and refuse to take on the risk, even when you’ve made improvements. But that doesn’t mean your business doesn’t deserve coverage.

At NPN Brokers, we specialize in high-risk industries like construction, so we work with insurance carriers that are willing to take on clients with prior claims or coverage gaps. We believe every business deserves access to affordable workers’ comp insurance, regardless of their past. Our goal is to help you get insured quickly and affordably—not to judge you based on your claims history.

Because we understand the realities of the job site, we’re able to explain your business to underwriters in ways that many general brokers can’t. We advocate for you, highlight the steps you’ve taken to improve safety, and find insurers who see the bigger picture. Our job is to help you find coverage that protects your business and your workers—no matter your history.

States We Work In

At NPN Brokers, we provide workers’ comp insurance in 46 states, making us a reliable partner for multi-state construction businesses. Whether you’re based in Florida and expanding outward, or managing crews across the Midwest and Northeast, we can find a solution that keeps you compliant and protected.

Different states have different regulations, rates, and reporting standards. Managing all of this on your own, especially while trying to run a construction business, is incredibly difficult. We eliminate that complexity by taking care of it for you. You tell us where you work, who your workers are, and how your payroll is structured, and we take care of the rest.

Don’t waste time piecing together multiple policies from different carriers. Let us coordinate everything under one umbrella, customized to fit your operations and your payroll structure. We’ll make sure you have the certificates, documentation, and compliance reporting required for each state you work in.

Why It Pays to Act Now

Construction work is already complicated—you don’t need the added stress of scrambling to find workers’ comp coverage when a new project pops up or a claim is filed. Getting ahead of it now ensures you’re ready to grow, scale, or pivot without exposing your business to unnecessary risk.

Too often, companies wait until the last minute to address workers’ comp, only to find themselves uninsurable or facing higher premiums. By partnering with NPN Brokers early, you can lock in better terms, simplify your compliance process, and avoid emergency situations that could delay your projects.

With NPN Brokers, you get a partner who understands the industry, specializes in high-risk cases, and works fast. You don’t need to shop around for months or wait on hold for approvals. Just give us a call, and we’ll take it from there. We’ll get you insured and keep you focused on what you do best—building.

Ready for a Quote?

If you’re running a multi-state construction business and need reliable workers’ comp coverage—even if you’ve had past claims, work with 1099 contractors, or have been declined elsewhere—NPN Brokers is here to help.

Give us a call at (561) 990-3022 or fill out our online quote request form to get started. We’ll get you a quote in minutes and can often get you coverage within 24 hours.