Workers' comp rates in Louisiana depend on your industry and team size. Find answers to common coverage questions below.
Best Workers' Comp Insurance in Louisiana
With rates starting at $6 monthly, NEXT, The Hartford and Simply Business offer the cheapest and best workers' comp insurance in Louisiana.
Compare top Louisiana workers’ comp insurance providers and find your ideal coverage.
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Updated: November 20, 2025
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Best Louisiana Workers' Comp Insurance: Fast Answers
What are the best and cheapest workers' comp insurance providers in Louisiana?
NEXT offers the top cheap workers' compensation insurance in Louisiana. The following are the state's cheapest and best workers' comp insurance providers and their average monthly rates:
- NEXT: $80
- The Hartford: $80
- Hiscox: $81
- Progressive: $82
- Simply Business: $83
Is workers' comp insurance required in Louisiana?
Louisiana mandates workers' comp insurance for most employers with one or more employees. Exemptions include sole proprietors without employees, domestic workers in private homes and certain agricultural workers. Non-compliant employers face penalties up to $1,000 per employee plus daily fines of $100 until coverage begins.
How much does workers' comp insurance cost in Louisiana?
Workers' compensation insurance costs in Louisiana run about $42 monthly per employee for a two-person business. Your premium depends on your industry and payroll size. Low-risk businesses like speech therapy pay around $3 per employee monthly, while high-risk industries such as roofing face costs near $474 monthly per employee.
How do you get workers' comp insurance in Louisiana?
You can get workers' comp coverage in Louisiana by:
- Purchasing coverage from licensed private insurance companies operating in Louisiana
- Obtaining policies through the state's assigned risk pool for hard-to-place businesses
- Qualifying for self-insurance status by meeting Louisiana's strict financial requirements
Many business owners compare quotes online or through brokers to get the best rate and compliance support.
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What does Louisiana workers' comp insurance cover?
Workers' compensation in Louisiana covers:
- Medical expenses for work-related injuries, from minor cuts at New Orleans construction sites to serious accidents in Baton Rouge factories
- Wage replacement benefits paying a portion of lost income during recovery periods
- Rehabilitation services helping injured workers return to their jobs or learn new skills
- Death benefits supporting families of workers who suffer fatal workplace incidents
Best Workers' Comp Insurance Companies in Louisiana
NEXT leads our research for workers' comp insurance in Louisiana with strong customer support and comprehensive policy options. The Hartford and Simply Business rank as strong second and third choices, providing medical coverage, wage replacement benefits and legal defense for Louisiana business owners.
| NEXT Insurance | 4.58 | $80 | 1 | 2 |
| The Hartford | 4.53 | $80 | 2 | 3 |
| Simply Business | 4.49 | $83 | 4 | 1 |
| biBERK | 4.44 | $85 | 2 | 4 |
| Coverdash | 4.43 | $85 | 5 | 2 |
| Hiscox | 4.37 | $81 | 3 | 5 |
| Progressive Commercial | 4.36 | $82 | 6 | 4 |
| Thimble | 4.35 | $81 | 7 | 4 |
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.
Get Matched to Top Workers' Comp Insurers in Louisiana
Select your industry and state to get a customized Louisiana workers' comp quote from your top provider match.
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LEARN MORE ABOUT THE BEST BUSINESS INSURANCE IN LOUISIANA
Explore the best business insurance providers in Louisiana through our guides:
Best Louisiana Workers’ Comp Insurance Company Reviews
We evaluated Louisiana's top workers' comp providers based on coverage options, pricing and customer service quality.
NEXT
Best Workers' Comp Insurance in Louisiana
MoneyGeek Rating
4.6/ 5
4.3/5Affordability
4.7/5Customer Experience
4.8/5Coverage Points
Average Monthly Workers' Comp Premium
$80Based on average costs for Louisiana businessesWorkers' Comp Digital Experience Score
4.8/5 (1st)Rating from MoneyGeek's provider satisfaction surveyWorkers' Comp Customer Likelihood to Be Recommended to Others Score
4.8/5 (1st)Percentage of customers who would recommend NEXT
The Hartford
Best Louisiana Workers' Comp Insurance Coverage Options
MoneyGeek Rating
4.5/ 5
4.4/5Affordability
4.6/5Customer Experience
4.7/5Coverage Points
Average Monthly Workers' Comp Premium
$80Based on average costs across multiple business typesWorkers' Comp Claims Process Score
4.5/5 (1st)Rating from customer satisfaction survey responsesWorkers' Comp Customer Likelihood to Be Recommended to Others Score
4.5/5 (2nd)Percentage of customers who would recommend The Hartford
Cheapest Workers' Comp Insurance Companies in Louisiana
NEXT delivers the most affordable workers' comp coverage in Louisiana at $80 monthly or $960 per year, saving $4 monthly compared to the state average of $84. The Hartford comes in second at $80 monthly ($965 yearly), while Thimble ranks third at $81 per month ($969 annually). The table below shows costs from all companies we analyzed.
| NEXT Insurance | $80 | $960 |
| The Hartford | $80 | $965 |
| Thimble | $81 | $969 |
| Hiscox | $81 | $977 |
| Progressive Commercial | $82 | $987 |
| Simply Business | $83 | $994 |
| Coverdash | $85 | $1,015 |
| biBERK | $85 | $1,020 |
| Chubb | $99 | $1,184 |
How Did We Determine These Rates?
These rates represent small businesses with two employees across 79 major industries and focus solely on workers' comp policies. Your actual premium depends on your business location, industry, employee count, claims history, coverage limits and other factors insurers consider.
Cheapest Workers' Comp in Louisiana by Industry
Thimble leads workers' comp affordability with rates starting at $10 monthly for home-based businesses. Thimble ranks cheapest across 24 industries, including bakery, wedding planning and window cleaning sectors. Other insurers rank second most affordable in 24 additional industries.
| Accountants | The Hartford | $22 | $265 |
| Ad Agency | The Hartford | $17 | $206 |
| Automotive | The Hartford | $124 | $1,492 |
| Bounce House | NEXT Insurance | $43 | $514 |
| Auto Repair | The Hartford | $165 | $1,979 |
| Bakery | NEXT Insurance | $57 | $686 |
| Barber | Thimble | $15 | $183 |
| Beauty Salon | The Hartford | $15 | $182 |
| Candle | Thimble | $42 | $499 |
| Catering | biBERK | $85 | $1,019 |
| Cannabis | Thimble | $88 | $1,053 |
| Coffee Shop | Thimble | $52 | $622 |
| Cleaning | NEXT Insurance | $52 | $629 |
| Computer Programming | Thimble | $30 | $359 |
| Consulting | Hiscox | $33 | $392 |
| Computer Repair | NEXT Insurance | $26 | $310 |
| Construction | NEXT Insurance | $195 | $2,345 |
| Courier | The Hartford | $240 | $2,883 |
| Contractor | Thimble | $179 | $2,151 |
| Dental | The Hartford | $12 | $142 |
| Daycare | Thimble | $14 | $170 |
| DJ | Hiscox | $15 | $184 |
| Dog Grooming | The Hartford | $69 | $832 |
| Ecommerce | The Hartford | $23 | $275 |
| Drone | Thimble | $29 | $348 |
| Electrical | Thimble | $62 | $745 |
| Excavation | NEXT Insurance | $113 | $1,355 |
| Engineering | The Hartford | $41 | $492 |
| Food | NEXT Insurance | $46 | $553 |
| Florist | The Hartford | $64 | $772 |
| Food Truck | Thimble | $48 | $574 |
| Gardening | The Hartford | $51 | $608 |
| Funeral Home | The Hartford | $28 | $342 |
| Home-based | Thimble | $10 | $125 |
| Handyman | Thimble | $100 | $1,195 |
| HVAC | NEXT Insurance | $67 | $805 |
| Hospitality | Thimble | $76 | $908 |
| Janitorial | The Hartford | $52 | $624 |
| Jewelry | Simply Business | $33 | $394 |
| Lawn/Landscaping | The Hartford | $41 | $490 |
| Junk Removal | The Hartford | $151 | $1,816 |
| Lawyers | NEXT Insurance | $56 | $673 |
| Moving | The Hartford | $273 | $3,274 |
| Manufacturing | The Hartford | $63 | $754 |
| Marine | The Hartford | $162 | $1,940 |
| Massage | Thimble | $15 | $182 |
| Mortgage Broker | The Hartford | $15 | $177 |
| Nonprofit | NEXT Insurance | $34 | $405 |
| Party Rental | Thimble | $39 | $472 |
| Painting | NEXT Insurance | $148 | $1,771 |
| Personal Training | NEXT Insurance | $27 | $323 |
| Pet | NEXT Insurance | $33 | $399 |
| Pest Control | NEXT Insurance | $75 | $897 |
| Pharmacy | Thimble | $7 | $83 |
| Photography | Thimble | $18 | $218 |
| Real Estate | The Hartford | $31 | $374 |
| Physical Therapy | Progressive Commercial | $7 | $90 |
| Plumbing | The Hartford | $68 | $819 |
| Pressure Washing | NEXT Insurance | $90 | $1,081 |
| Retail | The Hartford | $37 | $438 |
| Restaurant | Thimble | $68 | $821 |
| Security | Thimble | $55 | $661 |
| Roofing | Progressive Commercial | $899 | $10,786 |
| Software | Thimble | $28 | $341 |
| Snack Bars | Hiscox | $47 | $561 |
| Speech Therapist | Progressive Commercial | $6 | $77 |
| Spa/Wellness | Thimble | $18 | $219 |
| Startup | Thimble | $14 | $167 |
| Transportation | NEXT Insurance | $252 | $3,030 |
| Tech/IT | Thimble | $29 | $351 |
| Tree Service | Thimble | $237 | $2,850 |
| Travel | Hiscox | $8 | $91 |
| Tutoring | The Hartford | $11 | $132 |
| Trucking | Hiscox | $289 | $3,467 |
| Veterinary | Progressive Commercial | $22 | $258 |
| Welding | Simply Business | $127 | $1,524 |
| Wedding Planning | NEXT Insurance | $31 | $368 |
| Window Cleaning | NEXT Insurance | $227 | $2,722 |
| Wholesale | The Hartford | $42 | $509 |
How Much Is Workers' Comp Insurance in Louisiana?
Louisiana workers' comp insurance costs an average of $84 monthly ($1,008 annually), $10 above the national average of $74. Industry rates vary from $18 ($9 per employee) for ad agencies to $240 ($120 per employee) for window cleaning companies.
| Accountants | $23 | $277 |
| Ad Agency | $18 | $217 |
| Auto Repair | $174 | $2,083 |
| Automotive | $133 | $1,602 |
| Bakery | $61 | $737 |
| Barber | $16 | $194 |
| Beauty Salon | $16 | $197 |
| Bounce House | $46 | $551 |
| Candle | $46 | $546 |
| Cannabis | $95 | $1,136 |
| Catering | $84 | $1,003 |
| Cleaning | $56 | $670 |
| Coffee Shop | $54 | $652 |
| Computer Programming | $32 | $386 |
| Computer Repair | $27 | $330 |
| Construction | $208 | $2,501 |
| Consulting | $35 | $415 |
| Contractor | $188 | $2,262 |
| Courier | $257 | $3,083 |
| DJ | $16 | $194 |
| Daycare | $15 | $183 |
| Dental | $13 | $153 |
| Dog Grooming | $74 | $884 |
| Drone | $31 | $366 |
| Ecommerce | $25 | $295 |
| Electrical | $66 | $788 |
| Engineering | $44 | $524 |
| Excavation | $122 | $1,467 |
| Florist | $69 | $828 |
| Food | $49 | $584 |
| Food Truck | $52 | $621 |
| Funeral Home | $31 | $367 |
| Gardening | $54 | $645 |
| HVAC | $71 | $857 |
| Handyman | $107 | $1,282 |
| Home-based | $11 | $138 |
| Hospitality | $80 | $961 |
| Janitorial | $55 | $664 |
| Jewelry | $34 | $414 |
| Junk Removal | $160 | $1,920 |
| Lawn/Landscaping | $43 | $516 |
| Lawyers | $60 | $718 |
| Manufacturing | $67 | $804 |
| Marine | $172 | $2,066 |
| Massage | $17 | $198 |
| Mortgage Broker | $16 | $189 |
| Moving | $299 | $3,583 |
| Nonprofit | $36 | $436 |
| Painting | $161 | $1,934 |
| Party Rental | $42 | $508 |
| Personal Training | $29 | $344 |
| Pest Control | $80 | $961 |
| Pet | $35 | $425 |
| Pharmacy | $7 | $87 |
| Photography | $20 | $235 |
| Physical Therapy | $8 | $94 |
| Plumbing | $73 | $873 |
| Pressure Washing | $97 | $1,158 |
| Real Estate | $34 | $411 |
| Restaurant | $73 | $874 |
| Retail | $40 | $479 |
| Roofing | $948 | $11,377 |
| Security | $60 | $714 |
| Snack Bars | $50 | $600 |
| Software | $30 | $366 |
| Spa/Wellness | $20 | $237 |
| Speech Therapist | $7 | $81 |
| Startup | $15 | $178 |
| Tech/IT | $31 | $373 |
| Transportation | $264 | $3,173 |
| Travel | $8 | $97 |
| Tree Service | $251 | $3,017 |
| Trucking | $308 | $3,695 |
| Tutoring | $12 | $138 |
| Veterinary | $23 | $271 |
| Wedding Planning | $33 | $392 |
| Welding | $133 | $1,599 |
| Wholesale | $45 | $546 |
| Window Cleaning | $240 | $2,877 |
Louisiana Workers' Comp Insurance Cost Factors
These cost factors affect workers' compensation insurance rates in Louisiana:
Rate Decline Trend
Louisiana approved a 9% rate reduction in May 2024, continuing a two-decade decline with cumulative drops of 37% over five years and 66% over 20 years. Your business pays less today than competitors in most states, with Louisiana's average rate falling in the lower third nationally, making premiums more affordable simply by operating in Louisiana.
Unique Dividend Program (LWCC Policyholders)
LWCC's mutual insurance structure has returned $1.5 billion in dividends since 2006, distributing 160% of underwriting profits to policyholders. If you choose LWCC, annual dividend payments lower your effective premium cost, with long-term policyholders becoming fully vested and maximizing returns through this unique Louisiana benefit.
Gulf Coast Hurricane and Weather Risks
Louisiana experienced 27 tropical cyclone events from 1980 to 2024, with the annual average rising from 2.4 events over 45 years to 6.8 events in recent years. Businesses in coastal parishes like Cameron, Plaquemines or areas near New Orleans pay higher premiums than northern Louisiana operations because insurers price elevated hurricane and severe storm injury risks into coastal rates.
Maritime and Oil/Gas Industry Risks
Louisiana's maritime industry faces offshore oil and gas hazards, Mississippi River port operations and shipyard risks involving welding and heavy machinery. Fatal work injuries from exposure to harmful substances accounted for 24% of Louisiana workplace fatalities compared to 16% nationally, reflecting hazardous industry concentration that drives higher premiums for these sectors.
OMNET Medical Provider Network (LWCC Policyholders)
LWCC's statewide OMNET network comprises over 2,000 doctors, hospitals and providers across Louisiana, including rural areas. This specialized network helps injured workers return to work faster, reducing total claim costs. Lower claims costs translate to lower premiums for LWCC policyholders through managed care, prioritizing quick recovery outcomes.
Competitive Market Structure
Louisiana operates a competitive state fund where LWCC competes with 263 private insurance companies, with total market written premium estimated at $950 million. You can shop multiple carriers for the best rate, with competition driving LWCC to lower overall rates by 67.7% since 1992 and forcing other carriers to remain price-competitive.
Injury Frequency Decline
Lost-time claim frequency declined by 5% nationally in 2024, faster than the long-term average, while Louisiana's injury rates follow this trend. Lower frequency of workers' comp claims across industries helps keep Louisiana premiums affordable, though businesses in high-risk sectors still pay elevated rates based on their specific classification codes and claims history.
How Much Workers' Comp Insurance Do I Need in Louisiana?
Louisiana law requires workers' compensation insurance if you have even one employee, including part-time, seasonal and temporary workers. Your policy must cover all eligible employees based on your total payroll and industry classification code. Your insurer calculates coverage amounts automatically using these factors, so you don't select specific dollar limits like other insurance types.
Failing to carry required workers' compensation coverage results in civil penalties up to $250 per employee for a first offense and $500 per employee for subsequent offenses, with a maximum of $10,000 for all related violations. Willfully misrepresenting that you have coverage can result in imprisonment for one to 10 years, fines up to $250 per day, or both. Beyond state penalties, you'll be personally liable for all medical expenses and lost wages if an uninsured employee suffers a work-related injury.
Louisiana Workers' Comp Insurance Exemptions
Some business categories are exempt from workers' comp requirements:
- Domestic employees: Workers employed by private residential householders in connection with private homes are exempt from workers' compensation requirements.
- Agricultural workers: Private unincorporated farm employees are exempt when individual earnings stay at $1,000 or less annually and combined farm payroll doesn't exceed $2,500.
- Musicians and performers: Entertainers working under performance contracts don't require coverage.
- Aerial applicators: Airplane crews performing dusting or spraying operations are exempt.
- Real estate professionals: Licensed Louisiana real estate brokers and salespeople working under a licensed broker are excluded from coverage requirements.
- Nonprofit volunteers: Uncompensated officers and directors of certain nonprofit organizations are exempt, as are most volunteer workers.
- Oil and gas workers: Workers performing services related to mineral exploration, development, production or transportation are exempt.
- Sole proprietors: A sole proprietor operating without employees, leased workers, borrowed employees, part-time staff, unpaid volunteers or subcontractors doesn't need coverage.
- Partnerships: Two-owner partnerships with no employees qualify for exemption.
- Corporate officers: Officers owning at least 10% of the company can opt out by submitting written notice to the insurer.
- LLC members: Members with at least 10% ownership interest can choose to exclude themselves from coverage.
- Independent contractors: Self-employed independent contractors running a business without employees don't need workers' compensation insurance.
- Federal Law Exemptions:
- Railroad workers: Employees covered under the Federal Employer's Liability Act receive protection through separate federal legislation rather than state workers' compensation.
- Maritime workers: Workers covered by the Longshoremen's and Harbor Workers' Compensation Act or the Jones Act are exempt from Louisiana requirements.
FEDERAL WORKERS' COMP PROGRAMS OVERRIDE STATE REQUIREMENTS
Louisiana small business owners are exempt from covering federal employees at their locations. These workers receive benefits through the Federal Employees' Compensation Act (FECA), not your state policy. Railroad and maritime workers receive coverage through separate federal programs (FELA and the Longshore Act) administered by the U.S. Department of Labor. Independent contractors and most volunteers aren't classified as employees under Louisiana law and fall outside your coverage requirements.
How to Get the Best Workers' Comp Insurance in Louisiana
Here's how to get workers' comp insurance with the right provider at the best price.
- 1Determine if you need workers' comp coverage in Louisiana
Check whether your business falls under Louisiana's coverage requirements. A solo web developer operating as a sole proprietor doesn't need a policy, but hiring even one employee triggers the mandate. Louisiana enforces strict employee classification rules, and workers you treat as independent contractors might legally qualify as employees under state law. The Louisiana Workforce Commission scrutinizes these classifications closely, so verify your worker status before assuming you're exempt.
- 2Gather your business information
You'll need your employee count, annual payroll figures and Louisiana-specific classification codes for accurate quotes. Louisiana follows the National Council on Compensation Insurance (NCCI) system, which assigns risk classifications based on the type of work your employees perform.
Get these numbers right from the start. Incorrect payroll figures or wrong classification codes can trigger costly audit adjustments later or leave you without coverage when filing a claim. Construction businesses should pay extra attention since different trades carry different risk classifications and premium rates.
- 3Request workers' comp quotes from multiple carriers
Compare quotes from at least three insurers to understand your options. Include the Louisiana Workers' Compensation Corporation (LWCC) in your comparison, as this state-authorized carrier serves as an alternative to private insurers.
LWCC operates as a mutual insurance company and often provides competitive pricing, especially for businesses that private carriers consider higher risk. Shopping around helps you see the full range of business insurance costs available in Louisiana's market. Private insurers may offer lower rates for low-risk businesses, while LWCC might work better if you operate in construction or other high-hazard industries.
- 4Research providers with industry experience
Beyond finding affordable business insurance rates, look for carriers who understand Louisiana's workers' comp system and your industry's specific risks. Construction companies benefit from insurers experienced with high-risk trades and Louisiana Workforce Commission requirements, while office-based businesses need carriers familiar with lower-risk classifications.
- 5Evaluate your top provider options
Compare each insurer's service quality and Louisiana-specific expertise to find the best insurance for your business:
- Review claim processing speed, customer service ratings and complaint records filed with the Louisiana Department of Insurance.
- Verify the insurer's network of approved medical providers in Louisiana, as staying in-network helps control medical costs.
- Ask about safety consultation services, return-to-work programs and experience with Louisiana's workers' comp dispute resolution process through the Office of Workers' Compensation Administration.
- Check whether the carrier offers specialized support for Louisiana regulations, including experience with cumulative trauma claims and occupational disease cases common in your industry.
- 6Review and purchase your workers' compensation policy
Read your policy terms carefully, focusing on coverage limits, exclusions and Louisiana-specific provisions. Consider pay-as-you-go workers comp if your payroll fluctuates seasonally, as this option adjusts premiums based on actual payroll rather than estimates. Louisiana employers with variable staffing find this approach manages cash flow better than traditional annual premium payments with year-end audits.
- 7Reassess before annual renewal
Review your business changes before renewal time. Check your employee count, examine any claims you filed and assess your experience modification rate (EMR), which Louisiana insurers calculate based on your claims history.
Your business evolves throughout the year. You might have hired additional employees, expanded operations or improved workplace safety. Share these updates with your insurer to ensure accurate coverage and pricing. Even businesses without recent claims may see rate adjustments as Louisiana's workers' comp market responds to statewide trends affecting all employers.
Best Louisiana Workers' Compensation Insurance: Bottom Line
NEXT, The Hartford and Simply Business lead Louisiana's workers' comp market. Research each company's service quality, compare discounts, and select coverage that matches your business risks, employee needs and budget.
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!
He writes about economics and insurance, breaking down complex topics so people know what they're buying.
sources
- Louisiana Department of Insurance. "12-28-23 Workers' Compensation Rates Down 9% in 2024." Accessed November 22, 2025.
- Louisiana State Legislature. "Louisiana Revised Statutes § 23:1170 - Penalty for Failure to Secure Workers' Compensation Insurance; Assessment and Collection." Accessed November 22, 2025.
- Louisiana State Legislature. "Louisiana Revised Statutes § 23:1172.1 - Willful Misrepresentation by Employer; Aiding or Abetting; Criminal Penalties; Civil Immunity." Accessed November 22, 2025.
- Louisiana Workforce Commission. "FAQ - Workers' Compensation - Coverage for Employers." Accessed November 22, 2025.
- Louisiana Workforce Commission. "FAQ - Workers' Compensation - Rights and Responsibilities for Workers' Compensation." Accessed November 22, 2025.
- Louisiana Workers' Compensation Corporation. "Dividend Program." Accessed November 22, 2025.
- Louisiana Workers' Compensation Corporation. "LWCC Announces 5.6% Overall Rate Reduction for 2024." Accessed November 22, 2025.
- Louisiana Workers' Compensation Corporation. "OMNET Provider Network." Accessed November 22, 2025.
- National Council on Compensation Insurance. "2025 State of the Line Guide." Accessed November 22, 2025.
- NOAA National Centers for Environmental Information. "Billion-Dollar Weather and Climate Disasters: Louisiana Summary." Accessed November 22, 2025.
- U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics. "Fatal Work Injuries in Louisiana — 2023." Accessed November 22, 2025.