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September 17, 2025
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Arkansas workers' compensation insurance: Your guide to requirements and getting a policy
If you’re an Arkansas employer looking to protect both your business and your team, you’re in the right place. At Beyond, we provide the essential information you need to understand how workers’ compensation works and how to stay compliant.
In Arkansas, workers’ compensation insurance (also known as workman’s comp) offers two-way protection. Employees receive medical care and partial wage replacement if they get injured or sick while on the job. At the same time, employers gain legal protection, as covered employees generally cannot sue their employer for job-related injuries or illnesses.
Employers with three or more employees must carry workers’ compensation insurance. Certain construction and contractor situations can require workers’ comp coverage even with fewer than three employees (for example, specific building/building repair work and certain contractor/subcontractor arrangements).
Yes. Arkansas law provides exceptions for:
Agricultural laborers
Real estate agents
Employees of charitable or religious organizations
Inmates
Domestic help
Workers covered exclusively under federal law (ex.: certain railroad or maritime workers)
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Self-employed individuals may be able to opt out or elect coverage depending on how the business is structured and documented. Arkansas also provides a Certificate of Non-Coverage process in certain situations.
If an employee is injured or becomes ill due to a work-related incident, workers’ compensation can provide:
Medical care
Wage replacement during recovery
Compensation for temporary or permanent disabilities
This support helps workers recover and return to work while easing the financial burden for both parties.
You can purchase a policy through a licensed private insurance carrier, agent, or broker. Additional options include:
Self-insurance, if approved by the Arkansas Workers’ Compensation Commission (AWCC)
Pooled self-insurance for eligible groups
Traditional Plans
Employers pay an upfront premium based on projected annual wages, followed by monthly or quarterly payments.
Pay-As-You-Go Plans
With Beyond’s pay-as-you-go model, premiums are calculated in real time based on actual payroll. This eliminates the need for large lump-sum payments and annual audits—making cash flow easier to manage.
