NEXT is Louisiana’s best workers' compensation insurance provider, scoring 98 out of 100. Thimble and biBerk are strong runners-up you should also consider.
Cheapest Workers' Comp Insurance in Louisiana
Updated: June 5, 2025
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Key Takeaways
NEXT, Thimble, biBerk and The Hartford are the best cheap workers' comp insurance providers in Louisiana.
For most small businesses in Louisiana, workers' compensation coverage costs around $1,055 per year or $93 per month.
Workers' comp insurance is required in Louisiana for all companies with employees to cover expenses when employees sustain work-related injuries or illnesses.
Best Cheap Workers’ Comp Insurance Companies in Louisiana
| Next | 98 | $177 |
| Thimble | 88 | $317 |
| biBERK | 88 | $395 |
| The Hartford | 87 | $495 |
*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 regardless of business size
Highly rated customer service
Flexible coverage choices
cons
Slower quote times than competitors
COMPANY HIGHLIGHTS
NEXT is the best and most cost-effective workers' comp provider in Louisiana, with competitive rates starting at $177 per month. The company received an A- (Excellent) from AM Best for financial strength. NEXT offers 100% online quotes and coverage in about 10 minutes with instant access to certificates of insurance. Its technology-driven approach allows you to file claims anytime from anywhere online or through its mobile app, making it convenient for busy small business owners.
How Much Is Workers' Comp Insurance in Louisiana?
Depending on the size of your business in Louisiana, workers' comp rates range from $1,055 to $11,083 per year. However, this only represents software development companies. Your rates will vary widely depending on the number of employees, your industry's risk level, the work your employees do individually and your claims history.
| Businesses with five or less employees | $93 | $1,055 |
| Medium-size small businesses | $227 | $2,621 |
| Larger small businesses | $964 | $11,083 |
Factors That Impact Workers’ Compensation Costs in Louisiana
The cost of workers' compensation insurance varies for each business, depending on several factors that influence coverage costs:
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 more 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. Nationally, there were over 2.6 million recordable nonfatal cases in private industry.
Louisiana 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 Louisiana
Below are the best steps to help you 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 Louisiana?
All businesses in Louisiana are required to carry workers’ compensation insurance. Sole proprietors, partners and corporate officers who fully own a corporation can choose to be excluded from this insurance.
WORKERS’ COMP PENALTIES IN LOUISIANA
Employers in Louisiana must adhere to workers' compensation laws. Those who don't provide the necessary insurance face serious consequences, such as:
Civil Penalties:
- $250 fine per employee for first violation
- $500 fine per employee for subsequent violations
- Maximum total penalty of $10,000 per violation
Criminal Penalties:
- Up to one year in jail for willful failure to provide workers' compensation insurance
- Criminal charges for providing false information regarding workers' compensation coverage
- Criminal charges for providing false information to reduce insurance premiums
Business Operations:
- Injunction against doing business until a workers' compensation policy is obtained
- Court order requiring proof of compliance within 45 days
Financial Liability:
- Full responsibility for all medical costs and lost wages if workplace injury occurs during non-compliance
- Liability for the full cost of injured worker's benefits plus additional penalties
Additional Requirements:
- Prohibition against withholding premium payments from employee paychecks
What Does Workers’ Compensation Insurance Cover in Louisiana?
Workers' compensation insurance provides important benefits to employees with work-related injuries or illnesses. It covers medical care, disability benefits and lost wages, paying 66% of weekly wages according to Louisiana law. This helps protect employees and shields businesses from legal claims.
Best Workers' Compensation Insurance Louisiana: Bottom Line
In Louisiana, the best and most affordable workers' comp insurance providers are NEXT, Thimble and biBerk. While these companies are our recommendations, compare rates yourself and consult similar businesses in your industry to get the best deal.
Workers' Comp Insurance in Louisiana: FAQ
Below are answers to frequently asked questions about Louisiana workers' comp insurance from our MoneyGeek experts.
Which company has the best workers’ compensation insurance in Louisiana?
In Louisiana, NEXT provides the best workers’ compensation insurance, with extensive workers' compensation offerings and competitive rates starting at $177 per month. However, selecting the ideal insurance depends on factors like industry, workforce size and specific state mandates.
Does Louisiana require businesses to have workers’ compensation insurance?
In Louisiana, workers' comp insurance is required for businesses. Exceptions are available for sole proprietors, partners and corporate officers who fully own their company.
How much does workers’ compensation insurance cost in Louisiana?
In Louisiana, the average monthly cost for workers’ compensation insurance for small businesses with 20 employees is $227.
How We Rated Workers' Comp Insurance Companies in Louisiana
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
- U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics. "Employer-Reported Workplace Injuries and Illnesses – 2023." Accessed June 5, 2025.