NEXT leads the field for the best workers' comp insurance in Kentucky because of its customer service and comprehensive coverage options. The Hartford and Simply Business provide equally reliable alternatives for Kentucky business owners.
Workers' Comp Insurance in Kentucky
NEXT tops our analysis as the best workers' comp insurance provider in Kentucky with a 4.59 out of 5 overall score.
Compare top Kentucky workers’ comp insurance providers and find your ideal coverage.
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Updated: October 1, 2025
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Key Takeaways
NEXT, The Hartford and Simply Business stand out as Kentucky's top-rated workers' compensation insurance providers.
Your business type, number of employees, past claims and available budget determine which Kentucky workers' comp provider fits your needs best.
To find the right workers' comp coverage in Kentucky, compare multiple quotes and research each provider's industry expertise, reputation and coverage options.
Find Insurance for Your Business
Select your industry and state to get a customized quote.
Industry
State
Best Workers' Comp Insurance Companies in Kentucky
| NEXT Insurance | 4.60 | $64 |
| The Hartford | 4.59 | $66 |
| Simply Business | 4.52 | $66 |
| Coverdash | 4.45 | $68 |
| biBERK | 4.43 | $70 |
| Nationwide | 4.42 | $75 |
| Progressive Commercial | 4.40 | $66 |
| Hiscox | 4.37 | $67 |
| Thimble | 4.35 | $66 |
| Chubb | 4.25 | $79 |
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.
LEARN MORE ABOUT BUSINESS INSURANCE IN KENTUCKY
While workers' compensation is required in Kentucky, your business might need additional insurance. Here are other types of coverage:
Best Kentucky Workers’ Comp Insurance Reviews
NEXT and Simply Business are the top companies in Kentucky for small business owners with workers' comp requirements.
NEXT
Overall Best Provider
MoneyGeek Rating
4.6/ 5
4.4/5Affordability
4.7/5Customer Experience
4.8/5Coverage Options
Average monthly premium
$64Based on average costs across multiple business typesOur survey: Claims process
3.9/5Rating based on customer satisfaction with claims handlingOur survey: Recommend to others
4.8/5Percentage of customers who would recommend this provider
The Hartford
Runner-Up Best Provider
MoneyGeek Rating
4.6/ 5
4.5/5Affordability
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 independent customer satisfaction surveyOur survey: Recommend to others
4.5/5Percentage of customers who would recommend The Hartford
Cheapest Workers' Comp Insurance Companies in Kentucky
Kentucky businesses can secure cheap workers comp insurance through NEXT for $64 monthly ($771 annually). Thimble and The Hartford provide competitive alternatives at $66 per month each, with minimal difference in cost between all three providers. The table below shows costs from all companies we analyzed:
| NEXT Insurance | $64 | $771 |
| Thimble | $66 | $788 |
| The Hartford | $66 | $793 |
| Progressive Commercial | $66 | $795 |
| Simply Business | $66 | $796 |
| Hiscox | $67 | $801 |
| Coverdash | $68 | $815 |
| biBERK | $70 | $838 |
| Nationwide | $75 | $902 |
| Chubb | $79 | $948 |
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 Kentucky
Workers' compensation insurance in Kentucky costs businesses an average of $69 per month or $825 annually. Kentucky's rates run $5 below the national monthly average of $74. Your business's actual premium depends on several factors, including industry risk level, number of employees, yearly payroll and claims history.
Average Cost of Workers' Comp in Kentucky by Industry
In Kentucky, workers' comp insurance cost varies dramatically by industry risk level. Speech therapists pay Kentucky's lowest rates at $6 per month, while roofing businesses face the highest premiums at $781 monthly. This significant difference reflects the varying workplace injury risks across different professions.
| Accountants | $19 | $230 |
| Ad Agency | $15 | $178 |
| Auto Repair | $143 | $1,713 |
| Automotive | $109 | $1,306 |
| Bakery | $50 | $602 |
| Barber | $13 | $159 |
| Beauty Salon | $14 | $164 |
| Bounce House | $38 | $451 |
| Candle | $37 | $447 |
| Cannabis | $77 | $930 |
| Catering | $69 | $825 |
| Cleaning | $45 | $545 |
| Coffee Shop | $44 | $526 |
| Computer Programming | $26 | $314 |
| Computer Repair | $22 | $270 |
| Construction | $169 | $2,032 |
| Consulting | $28 | $338 |
| Contractor | $155 | $1,855 |
| Courier | $210 | $2,516 |
| DJ | $13 | $157 |
| Daycare | $12 | $150 |
| Dental | $11 | $126 |
| Dog Grooming | $60 | $721 |
| Drone | $25 | $303 |
| Ecommerce | $20 | $245 |
| Electrical | $54 | $647 |
| Engineering | $36 | $429 |
| Excavation | $100 | $1,201 |
| Florist | $57 | $678 |
| Food | $39 | $474 |
| Food Truck | $42 | $506 |
| Funeral Home | $25 | $301 |
| Gardening | $44 | $523 |
| HVAC | $59 | $708 |
| Handyman | $88 | $1,055 |
| Home-based | $9 | $112 |
| Hospitality | $65 | $778 |
| Janitorial | $46 | $549 |
| Jewelry | $28 | $338 |
| Junk Removal | $132 | $1,579 |
| Lawn/Landscaping | $35 | $422 |
| Lawyers | $49 | $590 |
| Manufacturing | $55 | $658 |
| Marine | $140 | $1,684 |
| Massage | $14 | $165 |
| Mortgage Broker | $13 | $155 |
| Moving | $246 | $2,947 |
| Nonprofit | $30 | $355 |
| Painting | $131 | $1,571 |
| Party Rental | $34 | $414 |
| Personal Training | $23 | $279 |
| Pest Control | $66 | $789 |
| Pet | $29 | $344 |
| Pharmacy | $6 | $71 |
| Photography | $16 | $191 |
| Physical Therapy | $6 | $77 |
| Plumbing | $60 | $715 |
| Pressure Washing | $78 | $936 |
| Real Estate | $28 | $336 |
| Restaurant | $59 | $707 |
| Retail | $33 | $390 |
| Roofing | $781 | $9,372 |
| Security | $49 | $587 |
| Snack Bars | $40 | $485 |
| Software | $25 | $297 |
| Spa/Wellness | $16 | $196 |
| Speech Therapist | $6 | $68 |
| Startup | $12 | $145 |
| Tech/IT | $26 | $306 |
| Transportation | $214 | $2,565 |
| Travel | $7 | $79 |
| Tree Service | $207 | $2,485 |
| Trucking | $252 | $3,030 |
| Tutoring | $9 | $113 |
| Veterinary | $18 | $218 |
| Wedding Planning | $27 | $322 |
| Welding | $110 | $1,321 |
| Wholesale | $38 | $452 |
| Window Cleaning | $194 | $2,331 |
How Much Workers' Comp Insurance Do I Need in Kentucky?
In Kentucky, businesses must get workers' compensation insurance as soon as they hire their first employee. This insurance covers medical expenses and lost wages if workers get hurt or sick because of their job.
Unless exempted from workers' comp coverage, employers who fail to maintain required coverage face fines up to $1,000 per employee for each day without insurance.
Sole proprietors
Self-employed business owners without employees can typically opt out of workers' comp coverage for themselves while maintaining personal health insurance
Corporate officers
Executive officers owning at least 25% of company stock can exclude themselves by filing a written waiver with the state workers' comp board
Independent contractors
Workers who maintain control over their work methods and schedule while providing their own tools and equipment are true independent contractors and usually qualify for exemption
Domestic workers
Household employees working fewer than 40 hours per week or earning below state threshold amounts may be exempt from mandatory coverage
Agricultural workers
Small farms with limited seasonal workers or family members often qualify for exemption from standard workers' comp requirements
Real estate agents
Licensed real estate professionals working on commission basis typically qualify as independent contractors exempt from coverage
Professional athletes
Athletes in certain professional sports leagues may be covered under separate injury protection agreements instead of standard workers' comp
Remote workers
Telecommuting employees working exclusively from home in other states may have different coverage requirements based on their location
How to Get the Best Workers' Comp Insurance in Kentucky
You need to go through several steps to get business insurance in Kentucky. Affordable workers' comp options are available to maintain the cost of insurance for small business.
- 1
Check Kentucky coverage requirements
Most Kentucky businesses must carry workers' comp insurance when hiring their first employee.
- 2
Collect business data
Prepare accurate payroll records, employee count and detailed job classifications before gathering quotes for business insurance in Kentucky.
- 3
Get multiple insurance quotes
Contact at least three different insurance carriers to see where you can get affordable business insurance.
- 4
Find industry-specific expertise
Select insurers who understand your industry's unique risks and Kentucky safety regulations. They'll give excellent advice about small business insurance coverage types you need beyond workers' comp.
- 5
Review provider performance
Evaluate each insurer's claim processing speed and complaint history. Consider additional benefits like workplace safety programs and injury prevention resources.
- 6
Examine policy details
Review coverage limits and exclusions carefully. Consider flexible payment options, including pay-as-you-go workers' comp.
- 7
Schedule annual coverage review
Mark your calendar for yearly policy evaluations.
Kentucky Workers’ Comp: Bottom Line
Kentucky businesses have access to several excellent workers' compensation insurance providers. Our analysis shows NEXT Insurance, The Hartford and Simply Business lead the market in Kentucky. Consider getting quotes from these providers and compare their offerings based on your specific industry needs and company size.
Kentucky Workers' Comp Insurance: FAQ
Understanding workers' comp insurance requirements and costs in Kentucky often leaves business owners with questions about compliance and coverage. Find clear answers to the most common questions about workers' comp insurance in Kentucky below.
Is workers' comp insurance required for all Kentucky businesses?
Kentucky law requires most employers with one or more employees to carry workers' compensation insurance. Sole proprietors, partners and LLC members can opt out of coverage for themselves. Farm workers and some domestic workers are exempt.
How much does workers' comp insurance cost in Kentucky?
NEXT offers the lowest workers' comp insurance rates in Kentucky at $64 per month ($771 annually). Your final premium will depend on your business's industry risk level, payroll size, employee count and claims history.
What does workers' comp insurance cover in Kentucky?
Kentucky workers' comp insurance covers medical expenses and lost wages for work-related injuries or illnesses. Benefits include unlimited medical care, temporary disability payments and permanent disability compensation. The insurance protects employers from lawsuits, while covering employees but not independent contractors.
Which workers' comp insurance company is best in Kentucky?
NEXT Insurance leads Kentucky's workers' comp providers with a 4.60 overall score, excelling in customer service (4.7) and coverage options (4.8). The Hartford follows at 4.59, known for affordability, while Simply Business scores 4.52 and offers the best coverage variety (4.0).
What happens if I don't have workers' comp insurance in Kentucky?
Operating without workers' compensation insurance in Kentucky is illegal. Employers face fines up to $1,000 per employee per day, potential criminal charges and business closure. The Kentucky Department of Workers' Claims enforces compliance.
Do sole proprietors need workers' comp insurance in Kentucky?
No, sole proprietors in Kentucky are exempt from workers' compensation requirements. They are not thought of as employees.
How do I choose the right workers' comp insurance company in Kentucky?
Start by getting quotes from at least three workers' compensation insurance providers. Look for carriers with proven experience in your industry.
How We Scored the Best Workers' Comp Insurance Companies in Kentucky
- Affordability (50%): Cost drives every small business insurance decision in Kentucky'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, Kentucky 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 Kentucky 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.