Oregon has a voluntary competitive market comprised of more than 300 companies licensed to sell workers compensation insurance.  Most of these companies sell their product though independent agents.

If you are refused voluntary coverage by one or more of these insurance companies, you may obtain coverage through the Oregon Workers' Compensation Insurance Plan or what is commonly known as the assigned risk plan.

There are currently 3 companies who are servicing carriers for the assigned risk plan. These companies are SAIF, LM Insurance Company and Travelers Insurance.

Before you can apply to the pool, you must first be turned down by one company for Workers Compensation coverage. We first suggest that if you have any other form of insurance (even automobile coverage or homeowners) that you first contact the insurance agent who sold you those coverages. Often, that agent will be able to place your coverage in a group for whom he writes. This is to your advantage since you have an established credit history with the agent. Sometimes you may be able to get them to write a "business package," which can also include workers compensation coverage.

If you get turned down by one insurer you may apply directly to the Assigned Risk Plan by calling the NCCI at 800-622-4123. You may apply by phone by selecting the "Assigned Risk" option on the recording. Ask them to fax you an application, or you may request them to take your application over the phone. Any insurance agent can help you complete the faxed application. You can also access the application online at www.ncci.com.

If your current coverage is in the assigned risk plan, you may at any time pursue coverage elsewhere in the "voluntary market". If you find an insurer outside of the risk pool that is willing to take your coverage, you must give 30 days written notice to your current insurer in the risk pool of your intent to cancel your Risk Pool policy. You will be subject to minimum premium for the period of time your policy was in force but you will suffer no short-rate cancellation penalty for breaking the insurance contract before it expired.

If you have any questions please call the Small Business Ombudsman for Workers' Compensation, 503-378-4209. We may be able to suggest some insurance markets and/or insurance agents that serve certain industry niches. The Yellow pages is also a helpful resource as well as the internet.