NEXT and The Hartford are the best for workers' comp insurance in Illinois, with NEXT having good customer service and coverage options. Illinois business owners can also consider Simply Business, which offers comparable quality and maintains competitive scores.
Workers' Comp Insurance in Illinois
NEXT tops our analysis of workers' comp insurance providers in Illinois, with an overall score of 4.61 out of 5.
Compare top Illinois workers' comp insurance providers and find your ideal coverage.
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Updated: September 10, 2025
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Key Takeaways
NEXT, The Hartford and Simply Business lead the pack as Illinois's top-rated workers' compensation insurance providers.
The best workers' comp provider for your Illinois business depends on your specific industry risks, number of employees, past claims and available budget.
To find the right workers' comp coverage in Illinois, compare quotes from multiple providers and review their industry expertise, claim handling records and coverage options.
Best Workers' Comp Insurance Companies in Illinois
| NEXT | 4.61 | 1 |
| The Hartford | 4.61 | 1 |
| Simply Business | 4.54 | 2 |
| Coverdash | 4.46 | 3 |
| biBerk | 4.44 | 4 |
| Nationwide | 4.43 | 5 |
| Progressive Commercial | 4.41 | 6 |
| Thimble | 4.40 | 7 |
| Hiscox | 4.39 | 8 |
| Chubb | 4.26 | 9 |
How Did We Determine These Rates and Rankings?
These rates are estimates based on MoneyGeek's analysis of small businesses with two employees across 79 major industries. Actual rates vary based on your business location, industry risk factors, claims history, coverage limits and individual insurer underwriting criteria. Contact insurers directly for personalized quotes.
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LEARN MORE ABOUT BUSINESS INSURANCE IN ILLINOIS
While workers' compensation is required in the state, your business might need additional insurance. Here are other types of coverage resources:
Best Illinois Workers’ Comp Insurance Reviews
NEXT and The Hartford emerge as the best workers' compensation insurance providers in Illinois, offering protection for business owners.
NEXT
Best Overall Provider
MoneyGeek Rating
4.6/ 5
4.4/5Affordability
4.7/5Customer Experience
4.8/5Coverage Options
Average monthly premium
$76Based on average costs for Illinois businessesOur survey: Claims process
3.9/5Rating from customer satisfaction surveyOur survey: Recommend to others
4.8/5Percentage of customers who would recommend NEXT
The Hartford
Runner-Up Best Provider
MoneyGeek Rating
4.6/ 5
4.6/5Affordability
4.6/5Customer Experience
4.7/5Coverage Options
Average monthly premium
$75Based on average costs across policy typesOur survey: Claims process
4.5/5Rating from customer satisfaction surveysOur survey: Recommend to others
4.5/5Percentage of customers who would recommend The Hartford
Cheapest Workers' Comp Insurance Companies in Illinois
Illinois businesses can get affordable workers' comp coverage from The Hartford at $75 monthly ($903 annually). NEXT and Thimble provide competitive alternatives at $76 and $77 per month, respectively. The table below shows costs from all companies we analyzed:
| The Hartford | $75 | $903 |
| NEXT | $76 | $907 |
| Thimble | $77 | $925 |
| Progressive Commercial | $77 | $928 |
| Simply Business | $78 | $936 |
| Hiscox | $79 | $944 |
| Coverdash | $80 | $957 |
| biBerk | $82 | $986 |
| Nationwide | $89 | $1,066 |
| Chubb | $93 | $1,116 |
How Did We Determine These Rates?
These rates are for small businesses with two employees across 79 major industries or business types and focus solely on workers’ comp policies. Your actual premium depends on where your business is located, what industry you're in, how many employees you have, and other factors insurers consider.
Average Cost of Workers’ Comp Insurance in Illinois
Workers' compensation insurance in Illinois costs businesses an average of $81 per month or $967 annually. Illinois's rates run about $7 higher than the national monthly average of $74. Your company's actual premium depends on several factors, including your industry's risk level, number of employees, total payroll and claims track record.
Average Cost of Workers' Comp in Illinois by Industry
In Illinois, workers' compensation insurance costs vary dramatically by industry risk level. Speech therapists pay the lowest premiums at $7 per month, while roofing companies face much higher rates at $915 monthly. This significant difference reflects the varying workplace injury risks across different professions.
| Accountants | $22 | $268 |
| Ad Agency | $18 | $211 |
| Auto Repair | $169 | $2,024 |
| Automotive | $128 | $1,536 |
| Bakery | $59 | $707 |
| Barber | $15 | $184 |
| Beauty Salon | $16 | $192 |
| Bounce House | $44 | $529 |
| Candle | $44 | $524 |
| Cannabis | $92 | $1,102 |
| Catering | $81 | $972 |
| Cleaning | $54 | $645 |
| Coffee Shop | $51 | $613 |
| Computer Programming | $31 | $373 |
| Computer Repair | $27 | $319 |
| Construction | $198 | $2,373 |
| Consulting | $33 | $398 |
| Contractor | $180 | $2,161 |
| Courier | $247 | $2,962 |
| DJ | $15 | $183 |
| Daycare | $15 | $175 |
| Dental | $12 | $148 |
| Dog Grooming | $71 | $850 |
| Drone | $29 | $349 |
| Ecommerce | $24 | $285 |
| Electrical | $63 | $754 |
| Engineering | $42 | $502 |
| Excavation | $118 | $1,417 |
| Florist | $67 | $804 |
| Food | $47 | $560 |
| Food Truck | $50 | $599 |
| Funeral Home | $29 | $354 |
| Gardening | $51 | $618 |
| HVAC | $69 | $824 |
| Handyman | $102 | $1,224 |
| Home-based | $11 | $132 |
| Hospitality | $75 | $904 |
| Janitorial | $54 | $642 |
| Jewelry | $33 | $398 |
| Junk Removal | $154 | $1,845 |
| Lawn/Landscaping | $41 | $497 |
| Lawyers | $58 | $696 |
| Manufacturing | $64 | $773 |
| Marine | $164 | $1,967 |
| Massage | $16 | $191 |
| Mortgage Broker | $15 | $181 |
| Moving | $284 | $3,405 |
| Nonprofit | $35 | $419 |
| Painting | $154 | $1,847 |
| Party Rental | $40 | $485 |
| Personal Training | $27 | $330 |
| Pest Control | $76 | $912 |
| Pet | $34 | $405 |
| Pharmacy | $7 | $85 |
| Photography | $19 | $224 |
| Physical Therapy | $7 | $89 |
| Plumbing | $70 | $843 |
| Pressure Washing | $91 | $1,093 |
| Real Estate | $33 | $391 |
| Restaurant | $70 | $835 |
| Retail | $38 | $459 |
| Roofing | $915 | $10,984 |
| Security | $57 | $684 |
| Snack Bars | $48 | $572 |
| Software | $29 | $347 |
| Spa/Wellness | $19 | $228 |
| Speech Therapist | $7 | $79 |
| Startup | $14 | $171 |
| Tech/IT | $30 | $358 |
| Transportation | $252 | $3,028 |
| Travel | $8 | $93 |
| Tree Service | $243 | $2,911 |
| Trucking | $297 | $3,567 |
| Tutoring | $11 | $134 |
| Veterinary | $21 | $257 |
| Wedding Planning | $31 | $377 |
| Welding | $128 | $1,535 |
| Wholesale | $44 | $525 |
| Window Cleaning | $228 | $2,740 |
How Much Workers' Comp Insurance Do I Need in Illinois?
Illinois requires almost all employers to carry workers' compensation insurance as soon as they hire their first employee. This mandatory coverage protects workers by paying medical expenses and lost wages if they get injured or sick due to their job. Coverage must begin the moment an employee starts working.
Businesses that fail to provide workers' comp coverage face daily penalties of at least $500, with fines potentially reaching $10,000. Illinois also treats willful non-compliance as a criminal offense, which could result in jail time. However, some categories are exempt from getting workers' compensation:
Sole Proprietors
Business owners operating alone without employees can choose to exclude themselves from workers' comp coverage, though maintaining coverage is recommended for protection
Independent Contractors
Workers who maintain control over their work methods, use their own tools, and have multiple clients typically qualify for exemption from workers' comp requirements
Real Estate Agents
Licensed real estate professionals working on commission basis are typically exempt when they have signed independent contractor agreements
Domestic Workers
Household employees working fewer than 40 hours per week or earning below the state threshold may be exempt from mandatory coverage
Corporate Officers
Executive officers owning at least 25% of company stock can opt out by filing an exemption form with proof of alternative health coverage
Agricultural Workers
Small farms with limited seasonal workers or family-only labor often qualify for exemption from mandatory workers' comp coverage
Religious Organizations
Members of religious organizations who have taken vows of poverty while working for their church may be exempt from coverage requirements
Professional Athletes
Professional athletes in certain sports leagues often operate under separate injury protection agreements instead of standard workers' comp coverage
How to Get the Best Workers' Comp Insurance in Illinois
Many providers offer coverage that protects your team while keeping business insurance costs in check. Compare quotes and coverages from several providers.
- 1
Check coverage requirements
Illinois law requires most businesses with employees to carry workers' compensation insurance.
- 2
Collect business details
Prepare accurate payroll records, employee count and job classifications before asking for quotes.
- 3
Get multiple insurance quotes
Contact at least three insurance carriers for quotes.
- 4
Find industry-specific experience
Choose insurers who understand your business's risks.
- 5
Compare provider services
Review each insurer's benefits, claim processing speed and complaint history.
- 6
Review policy details
Review all coverage limits and exclusions. Consider pay-as-you-go payment options.
- 7
Schedule annual reviews
Review your coverage yearly as business changes affect your insurance needs.
Illinois Workers’ Comp: Bottom Line
Illinois businesses have access to several strong workers' compensation insurance providers. Our analysis shows NEXT, The Hartford and Simply Business leading the market with exceptional service and coverage options. Consider getting quotes from these providers to find the best match for your industry type, company size and financial requirements.
Illinois Workers' Comp Insurance: FAQ
Understanding workers' comp insurance requirements and costs in Illinois can be challenging for business owners to navigate. Find clear answers to your most pressing questions in our comprehensive FAQ guide below.
Is workers' comp insurance required for all Illinois businesses?
Illinois law requires businesses with employees to carry workers' compensation insurance. Key exemptions include sole proprietors, business partners and corporate officers who own at least 20% of company shares. Noncompliant employers face fines up to $500 per day, potential criminal charges and work-stop orders that can halt business operations.
How much does workers' comp insurance cost in Illinois?
The Hartford offers the lowest workers' comp rates in Illinois at $75 per month ($903 annually). Your actual premium will depend on your industry risk level, number of employees, payroll size and claims history.
What does workers' comp insurance cover in Illinois?
Illinois workers' comp insurance covers medical expenses and lost wages for job-related injuries or illnesses. Benefits include necessary treatments, rehabilitation, disability payments and death benefits. The coverage protects employers from lawsuits and applies to employees but not independent contractors unless separately insured.
Which workers' comp insurance company is best in Illinois?
NEXT and The Hartford lead Illinois workers' comp providers, both scoring 4.61 overall. NEXT excels in customer service (4.70), while The Hartford offers strong affordability (4.56). Simply Business ranks third with 4.54, featuring the best coverage options (4.90). Choose based on your priority: service quality, cost efficiency or coverage breadth.
What happens if I don't have workers' comp insurance in Illinois?
Operating without workers' compensation insurance in Illinois is illegal. Employers face fines of $500 per day, criminal charges and business closure. The Illinois Workers' Compensation Commission enforces compliance and can issue work-stop orders. Companies must also pay employee medical costs and lost wages out of pocket if workplace injuries occur.
Do sole proprietors need workers' comp insurance in Illinois?
Sole proprietors in Illinois are exempt from workers' compensation requirements since they're not considered employees.
How do I choose the right workers' comp insurance company in Illinois?
Get quotes from at least three workers' comp insurance providers in Illinois to compare coverage and rates. Look for carriers with expertise in your industry and check their financial strength ratings. Review their claims handling process, customer satisfaction scores and complaint records with the Illinois Department of Insurance before making your choice.
How We Scored the Best Workers' Comp Insurance Companies in Illinois
- Affordability (50%): Cost drives every small business insurance decision in Illinois's expensive market. We compared monthly premiums across all companies, since even comprehensive policies won't help if you can't afford them.
- Customer experience (30%): When your employee gets hurt, you'll need an insurer that handles claims quickly and treats injured workers fairly. We used J.D. Power ratings, Illinois Department of Insurance complaint data and independent reviews.
- Coverage options (15%): We evaluated each company's policy flexibility, add-on options and coverage limitations for specific Illinois industries and regulatory requirements.
- Financial strength (5%): Premium savings don't matter if your insurer struggles financially. We checked AM Best ratings to ensure recommended carriers can deliver on their promises.
About Mark Fitzpatrick
Mark Fitzpatrick, a Licensed Property and Casualty Insurance Producer, is MoneyGeek's resident Personal Finance Expert. With over five years of experience analyzing the insurance market, he conducts original research and creates tailored content for all types of buyers. His insights have been featured in publications like CNBC, NBC News and Mashable.
Fitzpatrick holds a master’s degree in economics and international relations from Johns Hopkins University and a bachelor’s degree from Boston College. He's also a five-time Jeopardy champion!
Passionate about economics and insurance, he aims to promote transparency in financial topics and empower others to make confident money decisions.