Most businesses in America carry workers' comp as it is required in every state except Texas, according to Embroker, which noted there are exceptions for sole proprietors and the self-employed. Depending on where the business is located, the penalty for not carrying workers' comp coverage can be severe. Embroker reported that noncompliance is a criminal offense in California, where the penalty often costs twice as much as the business would have paid in premiums or $1,500 per employee. Despite the stiff penalties, California employers continue trying to skirt the state's workers' comp requirements. Pennsylvania and New Jersey also consider noncompliance a criminal offense. Illinois employers that willingly fail to secure coverage can face a felony charge, while New York and Virginia issue fines as high as $50,000 for noncompliance. The above slideshow highlights the highest-rated workers' comp carriers, according to Forbes Advisor. For the rankings, Forbes Advisor based 90% of the scores the level of upheld complaints made to state insurance departments and collected by the National Association of Insurance Commissioners. The remaining 10% of the scores were based on the financial strength assigned to the company by AM Best. Related:

• The tech that could shape the future of workplace safety
• Deciphering the designation: The WCP
• Georgia appeals court weighs counting 'side hustle' as employment for workers' comp claimants