Workers comp rates and rules in Maine
Maine has 0 workers comp class codes with filed rates, a maximum weekly benefit of $1,000 (66.67% of average weekly wage), and a statute of limitations of 2 years. Verified 2026-05-08.
Class code rate comparison
The top 0 workers comp class codes filed in Maine, sorted from cheapest to most expensive per $100 of payroll. Cross-state percentile shows where each code sits versus the same code in other states.
| State | Occupation | Code | Rate per $100 | vs peers | Source |
|---|
Bottom quartile (cheap) Mid Top quartile (expensive) This state
Maine coverage rules & benefits
Coverage threshold
Employers with one or more employees are required to carry workers' compensation insurance.
Max weekly benefit
$1,000 (66.67% of average weekly wage), effective 2024.
TTD weeks
260 weeks of temporary total disability benefits.
Death benefit
Up to $500,000 in fatal-claim death benefits to dependents.
Statute of limitations
2 years from injury date to file the claim.
1099 contractor treatment
As of October 25, 2023, an individual who wants to create a rebuttable presumption of independent contractor status may file a statement - Independent Contractor Statement (Form WCB-267), with the Board. The Board will no longer review or approve Predetermination Applications (WCB-266).
Owner exclusion
Allowed. Sole proprietor self-coverage: optional. LLC member self-coverage: optional.
State fund
Maine Employers Mutual Insurance Company (MEMIC) is the state-administered carrier.
Estimate your premium in Maine
Pre-filled to Maine. Pick your industry and payroll to see a real premium range from filed rates.
Estimate your workers comp premium
Pick your industry, state, and annual payroll. Range comes from real rate filings.
Filing & compliance in Maine
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Step 1, Confirm coverage threshold
Employers with one or more employees are required to carry workers' compensation insurance.
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Step 2, Determine class code
Your premium uses the NCCI class code that best matches your operation. The wrong class code can cost 4-10x more or get reclassified at audit.
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Step 3, Get a quote (or use the state fund)
Maine Employers Mutual Insurance Company (MEMIC) is one option; private carriers like Travelers, Hartford, and Liberty Mutual also write coverage in Maine. Schedule credits up to 25% are typical for low-loss accounts.
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Step 4, Track payroll & subcontractors
A principal contractor is liable for injuries to employees of an uninsured subcontractor. Keep certificates of insurance for every sub.
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Step 5, Annual audit
Carriers audit payroll Typically within 90-120 days of policy expiration.. Have payroll segregated by class code, job descriptions on file, and overtime properly excluded from rated payroll.
Maine workers comp FAQs
Who has to carry workers compensation insurance in Maine?
Employers with one or more employees are required to carry workers' compensation insurance.
What is the maximum weekly workers comp benefit in Maine?
The current maximum weekly benefit in Maine is $1,000 (effective 2024). Benefits are typically 66.67% of the average weekly wage, capped at the state maximum.
How long do I have to file a workers comp claim in Maine?
The statute of limitations for filing a workers compensation claim in Maine is 2 years from the date of injury. Notice to the employer is typically required within 30 days.
Are 1099 contractors covered by workers comp in Maine?
As of October 25, 2023, an individual who wants to create a rebuttable presumption of independent contractor status may file a statement - Independent Contractor Statement (Form WCB-267), with the Board. The Board will no longer review or approve Predetermination Applications (WCB-266).
Can business owners exclude themselves from workers comp coverage in Maine?
Yes, Maine allows business owners (sole proprietors, partners, LLC members, corporate officers) to exclude themselves from coverage by filing the appropriate election form. Sole-proprietor self-coverage is not required; LLC member self-coverage is not required.
What is the penalty for not carrying workers comp in Maine?
Penalties include fines, stop-work orders, and the employer is directly liable for all benefits.
When does my workers comp carrier audit my payroll in Maine?
Maine typically requires a payroll audit Typically within 90-120 days of policy expiration.. Final premium is reconciled to actual payroll, and class code allocation can shift based on the audit findings. Keep payroll segregated by class code and have job-duty documentation ready.
Am I liable for subcontractors' workers comp in Maine?
A principal contractor is liable for injuries to employees of an uninsured subcontractor.