What Virginia requires

Virginia generally requires coverage when a business regularly has more than two employees — and contractors should count subcontractor workers toward the threshold. Claims run through the Workers’ Compensation Commission with a 30-day notice rule and a hard two-year filing bar.

Industries we insure in Chesapeake

Chesapeake’s growth economy matches our programs:

• Landscaping & lawn care — a subdivision city’s standing demand
• Janitorial & cleaning — commercial services for the corridors
• Retail stores — Greenbrier and the corridor economy
• Auto repair shops — a commuter city’s essential trade
• Daycare centers — young-family neighborhoods’ essential service

Chesapeake workers’ comp rates

Virginia’s loss costs fell 7.7% effective April 1, 2026 — the sixth consecutive annual decrease. Our Virginia rates guide explains how to capture the trend.

Chesapeake rates on Virginia’s statewide loss costs, six years into decreases. For its trades and services, correct splits (field vs. clerical, maintenance vs. installation) are the local premium lever.

How we work for Chesapeake employers

• One application, a dozen A-rated carriers — including specialty markets that actively want your class of business
• Pay-as-you-go billing — premium follows your actual payroll instead of an annual estimate
• Same-day certificates — when a contract, lease, or license is waiting on proof of coverage
• Classification and mod reviews — the two levers that quietly decide what Chesapeake businesses overpay
• Ghost policies — for owner-only operations that just need compliant proof of coverage

Chesapeake workers’ comp FAQs

Do Chesapeake contractors need to count subs toward Virginia’s threshold?

Yes — Virginia counts subcontractor workers when determining whether coverage is required, a rule that surprises many Hampton Roads GCs. We confirm your status at quote.

What do Chesapeake landscapers pay?

Green-industry classes rate mid-to-upper table, with the maintenance/installation/tree-work splits driving the real number — Virginia’s falling loss costs help every year you re-shop.

Can you insure a business working across Hampton Roads cities?

Yes — one Virginia policy covers work throughout the state; multi-state adds (NC especially) are routine for border-crossing crews.

More Virginia resources

Workers’ comp in Virginia Beach · Workers’ comp in Norfolk · Workers’ comp in Newport News · Virginia guide · Virginia rates · Virginia forms