Workplace Safety Program improvements will help more companies stay safe and save money
Dover, DE (October 20, 2026) – Insurance Commissioner Trinidad Navarro announced today that workers’ compensation insurance rates will decrease for the tenth year in a row, effective December 1. For 2026, the voluntary market is expected to decrease average loss costs by 3.99%, while the residual market will see an average rate reduction of 4.11%. The announcement follows confirmation of the Delaware Compensation Rating Bureau (DCRB) filing by independent actuaries, as well as a public hearing with DCRB and the State’s Ratepayer Advocate. Actual savings will vary by policy.
This year’s filing comes just before Delaware has enacted Senate Bill 248. The legislation updates the Workplace Safety Program to ensure that employers can again access the full premium savings. Previous legislative changes inadvertently led to lower discounts after the DCRB filed a new Experience Rating Plan. Senate Bill 248 creates the ability for companies to achieve maximum premium savings of up to 12%, while maintaining overall program stability.
“I am pleased to announce that for a decade, we have been able to approve rate decreases which help attract new companies and jobs to Delaware,” said Insurance Commissioner Trinidad Navarro. “Delaware’s businesses used to pay some of the highest workers’ compensation premiums in the country. Thankfully, our employers continue to do their part by reducing risk, protecting employees, and creating safe and productive work environments.”
“I was happy to join Senator Poore on this bipartisan legislation, brought to us by the Delaware Department of Insurance,” said Representative Ed Osienski. “This legislation provides Delaware business owners the opportunity to save money by maintaining a good workplace safety program. By maintaining a safe workplace, a business will increase the workers’ compensation insurance credit they can access. This Act ensures that companies can reach maximum premium savings of 12%, while working toward an accident-free workplace.”
“Every Delaware worker deserves a safe and healthy workplace, and businesses that prioritize employee safety should be recognized for their efforts. Thanks to the advocacy of the Delaware Department of Insurance, Senate Bill 248 will encourage businesses to maintain a safe workplace and access workers compensation premium savings of up to 12%,” said Senator Nicole Poore, lead sponsor of SB 248. “This legislation invests in safe workplaces, rewards responsible business practices, and strengthens our commitment to protect every Delaware worker.”
Workers’ compensation insurance provides coverage when an employee is injured on the job. This can include medical care as well as wage replacement if the employee is unable to work due to their injury. Lower premiums do not change the amount of compensation an injured worker receives.
Rate reductions are one piece of the department’s efforts to support Delaware businesses. As of year-end 2025, 853 employers saved an estimated $3.6 million by participating in the Workplace Safety Program. Eligible businesses earn discounts by completing annual safety inspections and implementing recommended improvements.
Businesses eligible for the Workplace Safety Program are notified each year seven months prior to their renewal date. Organizations interested in participating may access questionnaires online and contact safety@delaware.gov to begin the process. Participation carries no downside, failure to qualify cannot be used as a basis for premium increases or sanctions by safety officials.
More information is available on the DCRB website.
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