NEXT is Kansas’s best workers' compensation insurance provider, scoring 98 out of 100. The company offers reliable customer service, competitive workers' comp rates and an extensive coverage selection. The Hartford and Nationwide are strong runners-up you should also consider.
Cheapest Workers' Comp Insurance in Kansas
Updated: June 18, 2025
Advertising & Editorial Disclosure
Key Takeaways
NEXT, The Hartford, Nationwide, biBerk and Thimble are the best cheap workers' comp insurance providers in Kansas.
Workers' compensation coverage costs an average of $672 per year or $59 per month for most small businesses in Kansas.
Workers' comp insurance is required in Kansas for all companies with employees to cover expenses when employees sustain injuries or illnesses related to work.
Best Cheap Workers’ Comp Insurance Companies in Kansas
| Next | 98 | $115 |
| The Hartford | 91 | $189 |
| Nationwide | 88 | $227 |
| biBERK | 86 | $248 |
| Thimble | 85 | $227 |
| Pie | 83 | $206 |
*Rates and scores are for software development businesses with small (five employees), medium (20 employees) and large (100 employees) operations.
NEXT: Best Overall
pros
Most affordable rates
Best customer service ratings
Fastest quote process
COMPANY HIGHLIGHTS
NEXT is Kansas's top workers' compensation insurance provider, offering coverage at the lowest monthly cost of $115. Its customer experience is also widely acclaimed, earning a 4.6 out of 5.0 rating from over 1,200 reviews. NEXT's online quoting system is one of the fastest among business insurance providers in our analysis.
How Much Is Workers' Comp Insurance in Kansas?
For businesses in Kansas, annual workers' comp rates can range from $672 to $5,886. However, this only represents software development companies. Your rates will vary widely depending on the number of employees, the risk of your industry, the work your employees do individually and your claims history.
| Larger small businesses | $506 | $5,886 |
| Businesses with five or less employees | $59 | $672 |
| Medium-size small businesses | $135 | $1,568 |
Factors That Impact Workers’ Compensation Costs in Kansas
The cost of workers' compensation insurance varies for each business, depending on several factors that influence coverage costs, including business type, location and payroll size.
Payroll costs
Businesses typically pay workers' compensation rates based on each $100 of payroll. A business with higher payroll costs pays a higher premium than one with lower payroll costs.
Number of employees
Companies with a large number of employees face a higher risk of employee injury, which can increase insurance premiums.
Employee class code
A class code identifies the type of work employees do. This code sets the rate charged for every $100 of payroll. High-risk industries like construction, mining and manufacturing typically have higher rates than lower-risk fields such as consulting, accounting and software development.
Previous claims
A history of workers' compensation claims can increase your premium. According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, Kansas reported 24,200 recordable nonfatal cases in private industry in 2023. Nationally, there were 2.6 million recordable nonfatal cases in private industry.
Kansas Workers' Comp Insurance: Buyer's Guide
Navigating business insurance is often a complicated task. We've broken down how to get the best workers' comp coverage, who needs it and what this type of policy covers to guide you.
How to Get the Best Workers' Comp Insurance in Kansas
Below are the best steps to get the best workers' comp policy for your organization.
- 1
Learn about required coverages and options
Research your state's regulations first, as requirements and options vary widely. The coverage you need depends on your industry, organization size and claims history. Talk to a business insurance agent about what's right for your company before buying to avoid getting too much or too little workers' comp insurance.
- 2
Research costs and providers
Research average costs and providers for your specific business to determine which companies to get quotes from. Also, consider state-provided options and whether self-insurance is possible in your state.
- 3
Consult similar businesses
Talk to other businesses in your community, especially those similar to yours. Ask about their experiences, needs and coverage choices to help make your decision.
- 4
Compare multiple providers through different means
Get multiple quotes and compare providers on equal terms to find the best deal. Prices vary depending on how you get quotes: by using online comparison sites or by speaking with an agent. Use different methods and contact various companies to gain a balanced view of what's best for your business.
Do You Need Workers’ Compensation Insurance in Kansas?
Kansas mandates workers' compensation coverage for all businesses operating in the state, regardless of company size or industry. However, sole proprietors, business partners and corporate officers with complete ownership of their corporation have the option to opt out of this insurance requirement. They can do this by filing the appropriate exclusion forms with state authorities.
WORKERS’ COMP PENALTIES IN KANSAS
Kansas employers who fail to comply with workers' compensation insurance requirements face significant legal consequences, including:
- Civil Penalties:
- Fine equal to twice the annual premium or $25,000, whichever is greater
- $250 penalty for each failure to report employee accidents within 28 days
- Business Operations:
- Mandatory business closure until proof of coverage is provided
What Does Workers’ Compensation Insurance Cover in Kansas?
Workers' compensation insurance provides vital benefits to employees experiencing work-related injuries or illnesses. This coverage usually encompasses medical care, disability benefits and lost wages for affected workers, paying out 67% of weekly wages according to Kansas law. This not only safeguards employees but also defends the business against potential legal claims associated with workplace injuries or illnesses.
Best Workers' Compensation Insurance Kansas: Bottom Line
In Kansas, the top workers' comp insurance providers are NEXT, The Hartford and Nationwide. While we stand by these choices, check rates yourself and consult with industry peers to ensure you land the best deal.
Workers' Comp Insurance in Kansas: FAQ
Below are answers to frequently asked questions about Kansas workers' comp insurance from our MoneyGeek experts:
Which company has the best workers’ compensation insurance in Kansas?
In Kansas, NEXT is the best workers’ compensation insurance provider, with competitive pricing (averaging $115 per month) and high customer satisfaction. However, the best insurance choice varies by industry, workforce size and state guidelines.
Does Kansas require businesses to have workers’ compensation insurance?
In Kansas, workers' compensation insurance is a legal requirement for businesses. However, sole proprietors, partners and fully owning corporate officers can waive this coverage.
How much does workers’ compensation insurance cost in Kansas?
In Kansas, medium-sized small businesses with around 20 employees generally incur a monthly workers' compensation insurance expense of $135.
How We Rated Workers' Comp Insurance Companies in Kansas
MoneyGeek calculated workers' compensation insurance rates using a software development business with five, 20 and 100 employees to represent various organization sizes.
Our scoring methodology included:
- Affordability (60%): Overall cost compared to other providers and different business profiles
- Customer experience (30%): Ratings from actual customers, J.D. Power studies, AM Best financial stability ratings and our team's experience with quote processes
- Coverage (10%): Additional options beyond standard offerings and breadth of industries served
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.
sources
- NEXT. "Customer Reviews." Accessed June 5, 2025.
- U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics. "Employer-Reported Workplace Injuries and Illnesses in Kansas — 2023." Accessed June 5, 2025.