Delaware employers are getting another break on workers' compensation. Insurance Commissioner Trinidad Navarro says average costs will fall again starting Dec. 1, the 10th straight year of decreases (via Delaware Department of Insurance).
For businesses that buy coverage in the regular, or voluntary, market, average loss costs are expected to drop 3.99%. In the residual market, the insurer-of-last-resort pool for employers who can't find coverage elsewhere, average rates are expected to fall 4.11%. The changes were filed by the Delaware Compensation Rating Bureau, checked by independent actuaries and taken through a public hearing with the bureau and the state's Ratepayer Advocate.
Those are averages. The department says actual savings will vary by policy, so your number depends on your class codes, payroll and claims history. The release didn't break out changes for construction classifications.
This year's cut is smaller than last year's. In October 2025, the state announced an average 11.6% reduction in the voluntary market and 9.08% in the residual market, according to Delaware Public Media. At the time, Delaware LIVE reported that Delaware's rates were still about 6% above the national average, though the state had dropped to 23rd most expensive from 7th three years earlier.
Navarro said a decade of approved decreases helps "attract new companies and jobs to Delaware."
The bigger news for some employers may be a change to the state's Workplace Safety Program. The program gives premium discounts to businesses that pass annual safety inspections and carry out the recommended fixes. As of the end of 2025, 853 employers had saved an estimated $3.6 million through it, the department says.
Earlier legislative changes had cut into those savings after the rating bureau adopted a new experience rating plan. A new law, Senate Bill 248, restores the full discount, letting businesses reach maximum savings of up to 12%.
Rep. Ed Osienski said the law lets businesses save money by keeping a good safety program and "ensures that companies can reach maximum premium savings of 12%." Sen. Nicole Poore, the bill's lead sponsor, said it invests in safe workplaces and rewards responsible business practices.
Eligible businesses get notice seven months before their policy renewal date, and anyone interested can reach the program at safety@delaware.gov. The department says businesses that don't qualify can't see premium increases or sanctions because of it.
Why it matters for Contractors
A 4% average cut won't change your life, but on a construction payroll, comp is one of the biggest insurance bills you pay, so check your renewal against last year once the new loss costs kick in Dec. 1. Ask your agent whether your carrier's rates followed the bureau's numbers for your class codes.
The Workplace Safety Program is the piece worth acting on. If your shop has a real safety program, training records and a clean injury log, up to 12% off is real money. Not every small shop will qualify: the program's state regulation lists a minimum annual premium of $3,161 and requires a questionnaire covering your safety program, training, hazard controls and three years of injury data. If you're near that line, watch for the notice before renewal or email the program now.