NEXT leads Iowa's workers' comp insurance market due to its customer service and comprehensive coverage options. The Hartford matches NEXT's overall excellence, while Simply Business offers Iowa business owners another dependable choice with similar quality ratings.
Workers' Comp Insurance in Iowa
NEXT is top in our analysis of Iowa's workers' comp insurance providers, with an overall score of 4.62 out of 5.
Compare top Iowa 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 stand out as Iowa's top-rated workers' compensation insurance providers based on our analysis.
Your business type, number of employees, past insurance claims and available budget will determine which workers' comp provider fits your needs.
To find the right workers' comp coverage in Iowa, request multiple quotes, check each provider's industry experience and compare their coverage options.
Best Workers' Comp Insurance Companies in Iowa
| NEXT | 4.62 | 1 |
| The Hartford | 4.62 | 1 |
| Simply Business | 4.54 | 2 |
| Coverdash | 4.47 | 3 |
| biBERK | 4.44 | 4 |
| Nationwide | 4.43 | 5 |
| Progressive Commercial | 4.41 | 6 |
| Thimble | 4.40 | 7 |
| Hiscox | 4.38 | 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 IOWA
Business owners in Iowa should consider protection beyond just workers' compensation insurance. While workers' comp provides essential coverage, your business might need additional safeguards. Here are helpful resources about other types of coverage to consider:
Best Iowa Workers’ Comp Insurance Reviews
NEXT and The Hartford emerge as the premier workers' compensation insurance providers in Iowa, offering exceptional coverage 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
$65We analyzed thousands of workers' compensation quotes from insurers operating in Iowa across 79 industriesOur Survey: Claims Process
3.9/5Our Survey: Recommend to Others
4.8/5
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
$66Based on average costs across multiple business typesOur survey: Claims process
4.5/5Rating from MoneyGeek's customer satisfaction surveyOur survey: Recommend to others
4.5/5Percentage of customers who would recommend this provider
Cheapest Workers' Comp Insurance Companies in Iowa
In Iowa, NEXT provides the most affordable workers' compensation insurance at $65 monthly ($785 annually). The Hartford and Thimble offer competitive rates at $66 and $67 per month, respectively. The table below shows costs from all companies we analyzed:
| NEXT | $65 | $785 |
| The Hartford | $66 | $791 |
| Thimble | $67 | $803 |
| Simply Business | $67 | $806 |
| Hiscox | $68 | $813 |
| Progressive Commercial | $68 | $815 |
| Coverdash | $69 | $829 |
| biBERK | $71 | $856 |
| Nationwide | $77 | $924 |
| Chubb | $81 | $967 |
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 Iowa
Workers' compensation insurance in Iowa costs businesses an average of $70 per month or $839 annually. Iowa's rates run $4 below the national monthly average of $74. Your business's actual premium depends on factors like industry risk level, number of employees, total payroll and claims history.
Average Cost of Workers' Comp in Iowa by Industry
In Iowa, workers' comp insurance costs vary based on industry risk levels. Monthly premiums range from $6 for speech therapists to $791 for roofing contractors. This substantial difference reflects the varying workplace injury risks across different professions in Iowa.
| Accountants | $19 | $232 |
| Ad Agency | $15 | $181 |
| Auto Repair | $144 | $1,730 |
| Automotive | $111 | $1,331 |
| Bakery | $51 | $610 |
| Barber | $13 | $160 |
| Beauty Salon | $14 | $166 |
| Bounce House | $38 | $452 |
| Candle | $39 | $464 |
| Cannabis | $80 | $955 |
| Catering | $70 | $841 |
| Cleaning | $46 | $555 |
| Coffee Shop | $45 | $538 |
| Computer Programming | $27 | $323 |
| Computer Repair | $23 | $275 |
| Construction | $172 | $2,059 |
| Consulting | $29 | $344 |
| Contractor | $157 | $1,880 |
| Courier | $216 | $2,588 |
| DJ | $13 | $160 |
| Daycare | $13 | $153 |
| Dental | $11 | $129 |
| Dog Grooming | $62 | $744 |
| Drone | $26 | $307 |
| Ecommerce | $21 | $249 |
| Electrical | $55 | $655 |
| Engineering | $36 | $433 |
| Excavation | $101 | $1,213 |
| Florist | $58 | $700 |
| Food | $40 | $480 |
| Food Truck | $44 | $523 |
| Funeral Home | $25 | $304 |
| Gardening | $45 | $536 |
| HVAC | $60 | $725 |
| Handyman | $89 | $1,071 |
| Home-based | $10 | $114 |
| Hospitality | $66 | $796 |
| Janitorial | $47 | $559 |
| Jewelry | $29 | $344 |
| Junk Removal | $135 | $1,620 |
| Lawn/Landscaping | $36 | $430 |
| Lawyers | $50 | $604 |
| Manufacturing | $56 | $669 |
| Marine | $143 | $1,711 |
| Massage | $14 | $165 |
| Mortgage Broker | $13 | $160 |
| Moving | $247 | $2,968 |
| Nonprofit | $30 | $364 |
| Painting | $132 | $1,587 |
| Party Rental | $35 | $420 |
| Personal Training | $24 | $287 |
| Pest Control | $66 | $797 |
| Pet | $29 | $354 |
| Pharmacy | $6 | $72 |
| Photography | $16 | $195 |
| Physical Therapy | $7 | $78 |
| Plumbing | $61 | $733 |
| Pressure Washing | $79 | $946 |
| Real Estate | $28 | $341 |
| Restaurant | $60 | $725 |
| Retail | $33 | $399 |
| Roofing | $791 | $9,498 |
| Security | $50 | $599 |
| Snack Bars | $41 | $494 |
| Software | $25 | $300 |
| Spa/Wellness | $16 | $198 |
| Speech Therapist | $6 | $69 |
| Startup | $12 | $148 |
| Tech/IT | $26 | $312 |
| Transportation | $219 | $2,634 |
| Travel | $7 | $80 |
| Tree Service | $210 | $2,520 |
| Trucking | $255 | $3,058 |
| Tutoring | $9 | $114 |
| Veterinary | $19 | $226 |
| Wedding Planning | $27 | $323 |
| Welding | $113 | $1,352 |
| Wholesale | $38 | $460 |
| Window Cleaning | $199 | $2,389 |
How Much Workers' Comp Insurance Do I Need in Iowa?
In Iowa, most employers must carry workers' compensation insurance as soon as they hire employees. This insurance covers medical expenses and lost wages if workers get injured or become ill due to their job. Iowa requires coverage regardless of whether employees are full-time or part-time.
Businesses that fail to maintain required workers' comp coverage face fines up to $1,000 per day of violation. The state may also pursue criminal charges against employers who willfully disregard these requirements. However, some categories are exempt from getting workers' compensation:
Sole proprietors
Business owners operating alone can typically opt out of coverage since they are not considered employees of their own company. Must maintain separate health insurance coverage.
Corporate officers
Executive officers owning at least 25% of company stock can elect to exclude themselves by filing a written waiver with proper documentation.
Independent contractors
Workers who maintain control over their work methods and schedule while providing their own tools and equipment generally qualify as exempt contractors.
Real estate agents
Licensed real estate professionals working on commission basis are typically exempt when operating under independent contractor agreements.
Domestic workers
Household employees working fewer than 40 hours per week or earning below state threshold amounts may be exempt from coverage requirements.
Agricultural workers
Small farm operations with limited seasonal workers or family members often qualify for exemption based on payroll size and worker count.
Religious organizations
Members of religious orders performing duties for their organization are generally exempt from mandatory coverage requirements.
Casual laborers
Workers hired for temporary, non-regular work lasting less than 10 consecutive work days may be exempt from coverage mandates.
How to Get the Best Workers' Comp Insurance in Iowa
Getting workers' compensation insurance in Iowa might feel complex, but you can keep reasonable business insurance costs. Take time to compare insurance rates from multiple providers.
- 1
Check coverage requirements
Most businesses in Iowa must carry workers' comp insurance when they hire employees.
- 2
Collect business details
Prepare accurate payroll records, employee count and job classifications before requesting quotes.
- 3
Get multiple insurance quotes
Contact at least three different insurance providers for quotes.
- 4
Find industry-specific experience
Select insurers who understand your industry's specific risks and compliance requirements.
- 5
Review provider performance
Investigate each insurer's claim processing times and complaint history. Check for other benefits.
- 6
Understand 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.
Iowa Workers’ Comp: Bottom Line
Iowa businesses have access to several outstanding workers' compensation insurance providers. Our analysis shows NEXT, The Hartford and Simply Business lead the pack in serving Iowa companies. Consider getting quotes from these providers to find the best fit for your specific industry, company size and financial requirements.
Iowa Workers' Comp Insurance: FAQ
Understanding workers' comp insurance requirements and costs in Iowa can be challenging for business owners to navigate. Here are answers to the most common questions to help you make informed decisions about coverage.
Is workers' comp insurance required for all Iowa businesses?
Iowa law requires most employers to carry workers' compensation insurance if they have employees.
How much does workers' comp insurance cost in Iowa?
NEXT offers the lowest-priced workers' comp insurance in Iowa at $65 per month ($785 annually).
What does workers' comp insurance cover in Iowa?
Iowa workers' compensation insurance covers medical expenses and lost wages for work-related injuries or illnesses. Benefits include hospital care, rehabilitation, disability payments and death benefits.
Which workers' comp insurance company is best in Iowa?
NEXT and The Hartford lead Iowa's workers' comp market, both scoring 4.62 overall. NEXT excels in customer service (4.7), while The Hartford offers superior affordability (4.58).
What happens if I don't have workers' comp insurance in Iowa?
Businesses that don't have workers' compensation insurance in Iowa are illegal for most employers. Violations can result in fines up to $1,000 per day and criminal charges.
Do sole proprietors need workers' comp insurance in Iowa?
Sole proprietors in Iowa are exempt from workers' compensation requirements.
How do I choose the right workers' comp insurance company in Iowa?
Compare quotes from at least three workers' compensation insurance providers in Iowa to find competitive rates. Look for carriers with experience in your specific industry and a strong track record of handling claims. Review customer satisfaction ratings and complaint records through the Iowa Insurance Division before making your selection.
How We Scored the Best Workers' Comp Insurance Companies in Iowa
- Affordability (50%): Cost drives every small business insurance decision in Iowa'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, Iowa 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 Iowa 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.