Workers Compensation · Multi-state
Crews crossing state lines? Your comp has to follow them.
≈ 4 MIN READ · UPDATED
A Utah workers' comp policy doesn't automatically cover every job outside Utah. Some neighboring states accept Utah coverage for short jobs, some require their own policy, and one only sells coverage through its state fund. Here's how it works for Utah contractors, and what to sort out before the crew leaves.
How Utah coverage works outside Utah
Utah law extends coverage to Utah employees who work outside the state. The catch is the other state. Some have reciprocity agreements with Utah and accept Utah coverage for temporary work. Others may require you to carry coverage there too, even when Utah coverage also applies.
Where reciprocity exists, the Utah Labor Commission issues an extraterritorial certificate case by case. Each certificate covers no more than 6 months in a 12-month period, and never past your policy's end date.
Utah and neighboring states at a glance
| State | Utah coverage for temporary work? | Key limit |
|---|---|---|
| Utah (home) | n/a | Extraterritorial certificate: up to 6 months in any 12, not past your policy end date |
| Idaho | Yes, Utah is a reciprocal state | Certificate approved before work starts; 6-month certificates, one extension, 360 days max |
| Nevada | Not for licensed contractors | The temporary-work exemption doesn't apply to employees of a licensed contractor working under the license |
| Wyoming | Only with reciprocity, through the state fund | Monopolistic state; Wyoming recognizes home-state coverage only if the home state recognizes Wyoming's |
| Colorado | Yes, if reciprocal | Temporary means no more than 6 months of sustained work |
| Arizona | Yes, if reciprocal | Temporary means fewer than 90 continuous days in the prior 365 |
Sources: Idaho Industrial Commission, NRS 616B.600, Wyoming HB0010 (2018), C.R.S. 8-41-212, A.R.S. 23-904. Rules change; confirm with the state before work begins.
What decides which state's rules apply
- How long the job runs. "Temporary" means different things: under 90 continuous days in Arizona, up to 6 months in Colorado, up to 360 days in Idaho.
- Where the workers were hired and are based. Hiring locally in the other state, or opening a location there, usually ends the temporary exemption.
- Whether you're a licensed contractor. Nevada's temporary exemption doesn't apply to employees of licensed contractors working under their license.
- Whether the state runs a monopolistic fund. Wyoming coverage is only available through the state.
What to check on your policy
- Which states are listed. Item 3.A lists states where you're covered as if you were based there. Item 3.C lists other states where coverage can extend if you start work there.
- Monopolistic states. A private policy generally can't provide Wyoming workers' comp benefits. You'd need a Wyoming state fund account, plus stop-gap employer's liability on your policy.
- Certificates before the first day. Several states, including Idaho, need the extraterritorial certificate approved before work starts and won't backdate it.
- Payroll by state. Track hours and payroll per state. Your premium audit will ask for it.
Before your crew leaves Utah
- Tell us the state, the start date, how long the job runs, and how many workers are going.
- We check reciprocity and whether that state needs its own coverage.
- We request the extraterritorial certificate, or add the state to your policy, before work begins.
- We update your certificates of insurance so the GC or owner has what the contract requires.
Common questions
Does my Utah workers' comp policy cover my crew in another state?
Sometimes. Utah coverage extends to Utah employees working out of state, but the other state may also require its own coverage. It depends on the state, how long the job runs, and whether that state has reciprocity with Utah.
What is an extraterritorial certificate?
A certificate from the Utah Labor Commission telling another state that your Utah coverage extends there. Utah issues them case by case, for up to 6 months in a 12-month period and not past your policy's end date.
Can I use my Utah policy for a job in Nevada?
Often not, if you're a licensed contractor. Nevada's exemption for out-of-state employers working temporarily in Nevada doesn't apply to employees of licensed contractors working under their license. Plan for Nevada coverage before the job starts.
What about jobs in Wyoming?
Wyoming workers' comp is sold only through the state, so a private policy generally can't cover it. You may need a Wyoming state fund account, plus stop-gap employer's liability on your policy.
How long can my crew work in Idaho on Utah coverage?
Idaho approves certificates for 6 months, with one possible 6-month extension, and work past 360 days needs an Idaho policy. The certificate has to be approved before work starts.
What happens if I don't sort this out first?
An injured worker's claim may fall outside your coverage, and the other state can issue penalties. Call us before the job is signed, not after it starts.
This article is general information only and is not a quote, binder, or guarantee of coverage. Coverage is subject to the terms and conditions of your policy and must be reviewed by a licensed agent.