On February 11, 2026, TDCI published that workers’ compensation insurance premiums will decline for most Tennessee businesses in 2026 for the 13th consecutive year — the headline on the department’s news release.
The mechanics sit in Dec. 23, 2025 orders signed by Commissioner Carter Lawrence: a 1.1% percent decrease in the assigned risk rate level, and a 2% percent overall loss cost decrease for the voluntary market beginning March 1, 2026, on new and renewal policies. TDCI says the latest decrease will likely lead to lower insurance premiums for 2026, while individual bills still turn on class codes, experience, and carrier loss-cost multipliers.
Seasons change. So should your coverage. For a free personal policy review, call 865-263-1400 or visit asigtn.com/get-a-quote/.
By All Seasons Insurance Group — informational only; no coverage or eligibility promise.
| Item | Figure from TDCI news release |
|---|---|
| Consecutive-year streak | 13th consecutive year (2026) |
| Assigned risk rate level | 1.1% percent decrease |
| Voluntary market loss cost | 2% percent overall decrease |
| Effective for new and renewal | March 1, 2026 |
| Orders signed | Dec. 23, 2025 |
Commissioner Lawrence tied the loss-cost move to safer workplaces and fewer on-the-job injuries. Governor Bill Lee separately welcomed the premium-relief announcement for Tennessee businesses. Neither comment replaces the need to read your own renewal worksheet.
East Tennessee employers shopping a March renewal should ask the carrier how the approved loss-cost change and any loss-cost multiplier interact on the quote. Bring last year’s declarations so class codes line up before you compare dollars.
What did TDCI announce on February 11, 2026?
TDCI announced that workers’ compensation insurance premiums will decline for most Tennessee businesses in 2026 for the 13th consecutive year.
What assigned-risk decrease did Commissioner Lawrence approve?
On Dec. 23, 2025, Commissioner Carter Lawrence signed orders approving a 1.1% percent decrease in the assigned risk rate level for the voluntary-market timeline beginning March 1, 2026, on new and renewal policies.
What voluntary-market loss-cost decrease was approved?
The same Dec. 23, 2025 orders approved a 2% percent overall loss cost decrease for the voluntary market beginning March 1, 2026, on new and renewal policies.
Does a loss-cost decrease guarantee every employer’s premium falls?
TDCI says the latest rate decrease will likely lead to a decrease in insurance premiums for 2026. Individual bills still depend on classification, experience, and carrier multipliers — this article does not promise a specific payroll savings.
What workplace trend did Commissioner Lawrence cite?
Commissioner Lawrence said safer workplaces where Tennessee workers are receiving fewer injuries on the job are helping contribute to the latest loss cost reduction.
Who else commented on the announcement?
Governor Bill Lee said the administration is proud to announce the latest rate decrease for workers’ compensation insurance premiums in Tennessee.
Is this the same as workers’ compensation coverage verification?
No. This article restates TDCI’s February 11, 2026 rate-decrease news release. Coverage verification and certificate questions are separate consumer tools.
How can East Tennessee employers get a policy review?
Call 865-263-1400 or visit asigtn.com/get-a-quote/. Bring your current workers’ compensation declarations and experience-mod worksheet if you have them.
