Best Workers' Comp Insurance for Small Business
Workers' comp is mandatory in almost every state once you hire your first W-2 employee. Here are the best carriers for workers' comp in 2026.
The Hartford
Best for: Businesses with employees needing comprehensive coverage including workers' comp
Coverage: General Liability, BOP, Workers' Comp, Commercial Auto, Cyber
Typical GL cost: $60–$150/month
Typical BOP cost: $80–$250/month
AM Best rating: A+ (Superior)
Notable: One of the largest US commercial carriers — strong for workers' comp and multi-state operations
Next Insurance
Best for: Small businesses and independent contractors wanting instant online purchase
Coverage: General Liability, Professional Liability, Commercial Auto, Workers' Comp, BOP
Typical GL cost: $25–$80/month
Typical BOP cost: $50–$150/month
AM Best rating: A- (Excellent)
Notable: Digital-first, fully online purchase with same-day certificate of insurance
Progressive Commercial
Best for: Businesses needing commercial auto (especially trucking and fleets)
Coverage: Commercial Auto, General Liability, BOP, Workers' Comp
Typical GL cost: $60–$150/month
Typical BOP cost: Varies
AM Best rating: A+ (Superior)
Notable: The largest commercial auto insurer in the US — best pricing for fleets and trucking
Nationwide
Best for: Businesses wanting bundled business + personal insurance
Coverage: General Liability, BOP, Workers' Comp, Commercial Auto, Cyber
Typical GL cost: $60–$150/month
Typical BOP cost: $80–$250/month
AM Best rating: A+ (Superior)
Notable: Strong bundle discounts if you also have personal insurance (auto, home) with Nationwide
CoverWallet
Best for: Small businesses wanting broker service with digital experience
Coverage: General Liability, Workers' Comp, Commercial Auto, BOP, Cyber, E&O
Typical GL cost: $50–$120/month
Typical BOP cost: $70–$200/month
AM Best rating: A (Excellent) — backed by Aon
Notable: Digital broker backed by Aon — hybrid of online quoting and human advisor support
Side-by-side comparison
| Carrier | Best For | GL Cost | BOP Cost | AM Best |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| The Hartford | Businesses with employees needing comprehensive coverage including workers' comp | $60–$150/month | $80–$250/month | A+ (Superior) |
| Next Insurance | Small businesses and independent contractors wanting instant online purchase | $25–$80/month | $50–$150/month | A- (Excellent) |
| Progressive Commercial | Businesses needing commercial auto (especially trucking and fleets) | $60–$150/month | Varies | A+ (Superior) |
| Nationwide | Businesses wanting bundled business + personal insurance | $60–$150/month | $80–$250/month | A+ (Superior) |
| CoverWallet | Small businesses wanting broker service with digital experience | $50–$120/month | $70–$200/month | A (Excellent) — backed by Aon |
Which carrier should you choose?
For multi-state operations: The Hartford. For fast online coverage: Next Insurance. For trucking and commercial auto: Progressive Commercial. For bundled business + personal: Nationwide.
Rates for identical coverage vary 20–30% between carriers. Get quotes from at least 3 before deciding.
Estimate your cost first
Before comparing quotes, know what you should expect to pay. Use these free calculators to see benchmarks for your industry and revenue: