North Dakota Contractor Insurance Requirements
North Dakota operates a monopolistic state workers' compensation fund — the only state where employers are legally required to purchase WC through the state's Workforce Safety and Insurance (WSI) agency rather than private carriers. This means no private WC policies exist in North Dakota, and all COIs listing WC must reference WSI. The state requires WC for all employers with one or more employees.
North Dakota COI Requirements at a Glance
The following table summarizes the minimum insurance requirements for contractors operating in North Dakota. Commercial property managers often require limits above state minimums.
| Coverage Type | Minimum / Status |
|---|---|
| General Liability (per occurrence) | $300,000 |
| General Liability (aggregate) | $600,000 |
| Workers' Compensation | Mandatory 1+ employees |
| Umbrella / Excess Liability | Commonly Required on Large Projects Common minimum: $1,000,000 |
| Additional Insured Endorsement | Commonly Required |
| Waiver of Subrogation | Less Common |
Coverage Notes
GL: North Dakota contractor licensing requires $300K minimum. Commercial property managers typically require $1M/$2M.
WC: N.D.C.C. § 65-04-01 requires WC through the state's monopolistic fund (WSI). No private WC carriers are permitted in North Dakota. All employers with 1+ employees must subscribe to WSI.
Umbrella: Required on state agency and energy sector contracts. The Bakken oil fields drive high umbrella limits for energy contractors.
Additional Insured: Standard on commercial property management contracts.
Waiver of Subrogation: Less common in North Dakota than in larger states. State fund WC has specific subrogation rules.
North Dakota-Specific Laws & Regulations
These laws directly affect how contractor insurance requirements are structured in North Dakota. Property managers should be familiar with these statutes when reviewing vendor COIs.
N.D.C.C. § 65-04-01 (Workforce Safety and Insurance)
North Dakota is a monopolistic WC state. All employers must subscribe to WSI. No private WC policies are permitted. This is the most distinctive insurance feature of North Dakota.
North Dakota COI Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions from property managers and contractors about insurance requirements in North Dakota.
Do contractors in North Dakota need workers' compensation?
Yes. North Dakota requires all employers with one or more employees to carry workers' compensation through the state's monopolistic Workforce Safety and Insurance (WSI) fund. Private WC carriers are not permitted in North Dakota.
What is North Dakota WSI and how does it affect contractor COIs?
WSI (Workforce Safety and Insurance) is North Dakota's state-run WC insurer — the only WC provider permitted in the state. When reviewing North Dakota contractor COIs, the WC carrier should always be listed as 'Workforce Safety & Insurance' or 'WSI.' Any COI listing a private WC carrier for North Dakota work is non-compliant.
What are the minimum GL requirements for North Dakota contractors?
North Dakota contractor licensing requires at least $300,000 per occurrence GL. Commercial property managers typically require $1M/$2M GL. Energy sector projects in the Bakken region often require $2M–$5M umbrella.
What should I look for on a North Dakota COI?
Verify GL limits, that WC is listed with WSI as the carrier (not a private insurer), additional insured endorsement, and valid contractor license. The WSI policy number can be verified directly with the state.
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