Workers' Compensation by state

Workers' compensation requirements in Missouri

Required

Direct answer

Does Missouri require workers' compensation insurance?

Yes. Missouri requires workers' compensation coverage once a business has five or more employees (construction one or more), under the Missouri Workers' Compensation Law. Missouri generally requires workers' compensation coverage once an employer has five or more employees, but construction-industry employers must carry coverage with one or more employees.

Reviewed by Cornerstone Staff28 years of financial services state licensing experienceLast verified July 29, 2026

How the mandate works

Missouri generally requires workers' compensation coverage once an employer has five or more employees, but construction-industry employers must carry coverage with one or more employees. Coverage is obtained from private insurers or an approved self-insurance program.

Coverage trigger: Five or more employees (construction one or more)
If you go without coverage: Knowingly failing to insure can be treated as fraud, exposing the employer to penalties up to three times the annual premium and possible criminal liability.

Notable exemptions

Exemptions are narrow and fact-specific; confirm your situation with the regulator or an agent before relying on one.

Non-construction employers with fewer than five employees
Certain farm labor and domestic servants in a private home
Some real estate agents and qualified corporate officers who elect out

Statutes and sources

Missouri Workers' Compensation Law

Mo. Rev. Stat. sect. 287.010 et seq.

Regulator: Missouri Division of Workers' Compensation . Last verified 2026-07-29 from the official source .

Related Missouri compliance pages

Insurance

Missouri cyber liability

Licensing and bonds

Missouri licensing, bond, and regulator directory

Get Missouri coverage handled

Share a few details and an agent will respond within one business day.

Request a quote Talk to an agent