The Hartford is best workers' comp insurance provider in Maryland because of its coverage options and customer service. NEXT matches this standard in Maryland, while Simply Business offers another dependable choice for local business owners.
Workers' Comp Insurance in Maryland
The Hartford is Maryland's top workers' comp insurance provider, with an overall score of 4.63 out of 5, based on our analysis.
Compare top Maryland workers' comp insurance providers and find your ideal coverage.
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Updated: October 27, 2025
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Key Takeaways
The Hartford, NEXT and Simply Business stand out as Maryland's top-rated workers' compensation insurance providers.
Your business type, number of employees, previous claims and available budget will determine which workers' comp provider fits your needs in Maryland.
To find the best small business insurance for your workers' comp needs in Maryland, request multiple quotes, look into each provider's business expertise and review their service history.
Find Insurance for Your Business
Select your industry and state to get a customized quote.
Industry
State
Best Workers' Comp Insurance Companies in Maryland
| The Hartford | 4.63 | $67 |
| NEXT | 4.62 | $66 |
| Simply Business | 4.54 | $67 |
| Coverdash | 4.47 | $69 |
| biBerk | 4.44 | $72 |
| Nationwide | 4.43 | $77 |
| Progressive Commercial | 4.42 | $67 |
| Thimble | 4.40 | $67 |
| Hiscox | 4.39 | $69 |
| Chubb | 4.26 | $81 |
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 MARYLAND
Smart business owners in Maryland often need additional coverage. Here are valuable resources to help you explore other types of coverage:
Best Maryland Workers’ Comp Insurance Reviews
The Hartford and NEXT offer good coverage options for business owners in Maryland with workers' comp requirements.
The Hartford
Overall Best Provider
MoneyGeek Rating
4.6/ 5
4.4/5Affordability
4.7/5Customer Experience
4.8/5Coverage Options
Average monthly premium
$67Based on average costs for Maryland businessesOur survey: Claims process
4.5/5Based on customer satisfaction surveysOur survey: Recommend to others
4.5/5Based on likelihood to recommend to other businesses
NEXT
Runner-Up Best Provider
MoneyGeek Rating
4.6/ 5
4.4/5Affordability
4.7/5Customer Experience
4.8/5Coverage Options
Average monthly premium
$66Based on average costs for Maryland businessesOur survey: Claims process
3.9/5Rating from customer satisfaction surveyOur survey: Recommend to others
4.8/5Percentage of customers who would recommend NEXT
Cheapest Workers' Comp Insurance Companies in Maryland
Maryland businesses can secure the cheapest workers' comp insurance through NEXT for $66 monthly ($786 annually). The Hartford and Simply Business provide competitive alternatives at $67 per month each.
| NEXT | $66 | $786 |
| The Hartford | $67 | $800 |
| Simply Business | $67 | $803 |
| Progressive Commercial | $67 | $810 |
| Thimble | $68 | $810 |
| Hiscox | $69 | $822 |
| Coverdash | $69 | $832 |
| biBerk | $72 | $859 |
| Nationwide | $77 | $926 |
| Chubb | $81 | $970 |
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 Maryland
Workers' compensation insurance in Maryland costs business owners $70 per month ($842 annually), which runs $4 below the national monthly average of $74. Maryland's actual premiums vary for each business based on industry risk level, number of employees, total payroll and claims history.
Average Cost of Workers' Comp in Maryland by Industry
In Maryland, workers' comp insurance cost varies dramatically by industry risk level. Speech therapists pay the lowest premiums at $6 per month, while roofing companies pay much higher rates at $797 monthly. This significant difference reflects the varying workplace injury risks across industries in Maryland.
| Accountants | $19 | $232 |
| Ad Agency | $15 | $182 |
| Auto Repair | $145 | $1,745 |
| Automotive | $112 | $1,342 |
| Bakery | $51 | $608 |
| Barber | $13 | $160 |
| Beauty Salon | $14 | $166 |
| Bounce House | $39 | $463 |
| Candle | $38 | $461 |
| Cannabis | $80 | $958 |
| Catering | $71 | $846 |
| Cleaning | $47 | $562 |
| Coffee Shop | $45 | $537 |
| Computer Programming | $27 | $322 |
| Computer Repair | $23 | $278 |
| Construction | $173 | $2,072 |
| Consulting | $29 | $345 |
| Contractor | $158 | $1,894 |
| Courier | $216 | $2,589 |
| DJ | $13 | $159 |
| Daycare | $13 | $153 |
| Dental | $11 | $127 |
| Dog Grooming | $62 | $747 |
| Drone | $26 | $307 |
| Ecommerce | $21 | $248 |
| Electrical | $55 | $656 |
| Engineering | $36 | $435 |
| Excavation | $102 | $1,220 |
| Florist | $59 | $702 |
| Food | $40 | $482 |
| Food Truck | $43 | $522 |
| Funeral Home | $26 | $307 |
| Gardening | $45 | $535 |
| HVAC | $60 | $716 |
| Handyman | $89 | $1,062 |
| Home-based | $10 | $115 |
| Hospitality | $66 | $789 |
| Janitorial | $46 | $556 |
| Jewelry | $29 | $347 |
| Junk Removal | $133 | $1,596 |
| Lawn/Landscaping | $36 | $427 |
| Lawyers | $50 | $601 |
| Manufacturing | $56 | $673 |
| Marine | $143 | $1,712 |
| Massage | $14 | $166 |
| Mortgage Broker | $13 | $160 |
| Moving | $249 | $2,989 |
| Nonprofit | $30 | $364 |
| Painting | $133 | $1,600 |
| Party Rental | $35 | $421 |
| Personal Training | $24 | $286 |
| Pest Control | $67 | $807 |
| Pet | $29 | $353 |
| Pharmacy | $6 | $73 |
| Photography | $16 | $196 |
| Physical Therapy | $7 | $79 |
| Plumbing | $61 | $733 |
| Pressure Washing | $80 | $966 |
| Real Estate | $29 | $342 |
| Restaurant | $61 | $727 |
| Retail | $33 | $401 |
| Roofing | $797 | $9,563 |
| Security | $50 | $602 |
| Snack Bars | $41 | $495 |
| Software | $25 | $304 |
| Spa/Wellness | $17 | $200 |
| Speech Therapist | $6 | $69 |
| Startup | $12 | $150 |
| Tech/IT | $26 | $310 |
| Transportation | $220 | $2,639 |
| Travel | $7 | $81 |
| Tree Service | $212 | $2,539 |
| Trucking | $257 | $3,088 |
| Tutoring | $10 | $115 |
| Veterinary | $18 | $222 |
| Wedding Planning | $27 | $329 |
| Welding | $111 | $1,337 |
| Wholesale | $38 | $459 |
| Window Cleaning | $198 | $2,381 |
How Much Workers' Comp Insurance Do I Need in Maryland?
In Maryland, businesses must get workers' compensation insurance as soon as they hire their first employee, whether full-time or part-time. This covers medical expenses and lost wages if workers get hurt or become ill due to their job duties.
Employers who fail to maintain proper workers' compensation coverage face fines up to $10,000 and potential criminal charges, unless they qualify for an exemption.
Sole proprietors
Self-employed business owners without employees can typically opt out of workers' comp coverage for themselves while maintaining required coverage for any future employees
Corporate officers
Executive officers owning at least 25% of company stock can elect to exclude themselves by filing a written waiver with their insurance carrier
Real estate agents
Licensed real estate professionals working on commission basis are generally exempt when operating under written independent contractor agreements
Domestic workers
Household employees working fewer than 40 hours per week or earning less than $500 per quarter may be exempt from mandatory coverage requirements
Agricultural workers
Small farms with limited seasonal workers or annual payroll under specified thresholds can qualify for exemption from mandatory coverage
Religious organizations
Members of recognized religious sects opposing insurance may seek exemption through proper documentation of their beliefs and alternative care provisions
Professional athletes
Athletes in certain professional sports leagues often operate under separate injury coverage systems outside standard workers' comp requirements
Temporary workers
Seasonal or casual laborers working fewer than 13 weeks per year may be exempt, though employers should verify specific duration requirements
How to Get the Best Workers' Comp Insurance in Maryland
While getting workers' comp insurance in Maryland might seem daunting, affordable coverage options are available to protect your team while keeping small business insurance cost in check. Start by comparing quotes from multiple providers and reviewing their coverage details and claims handling processes to get business insurance that fits your needs.
- 1Check Maryland coverage requirements
Most businesses in Maryland must carry workers' comp once they hire employees.
- 2Collect business details
Prepare accurate payroll records, employee counts and job classifications before getting quotes for business insurance in Maryland.
- 3Get multiple insurance quotes
Contact at least three insurance providers for quotes to see which one has the cheapest business insurance. Rates in Maryland can vary between carriers.
- 4Find industry-specific experience
Select insurers who understand your industry's risks and local regulations. They're more likely to know what types of small business insurance coverage you need beyond workers' comp.
- 5Review provider performance
Investigate claim processing times and complaint histories. Look for workplace safety programs and injury prevention resources.
- 6Examine policy details
Review coverage limits and exclusions carefully. Consider pay-as-you-go for payments.
- 7Schedule annual reviews
Update your coverage yearly as your business changes.
Maryland Workers’ Comp: Bottom Line
Maryland businesses have several strong options for workers' compensation insurance. The Hartford, NEXT and Simply Business stand out as the leading providers in Maryland. Consider getting quotes from each company to find the best fit for your specific industry and business size.
Maryland Workers' Comp Insurance: FAQ
Is workers' comp insurance required for all Maryland businesses?
Maryland law requires businesses with one or more employees to carry workers' compensation insurance. Notable exemptions include sole proprietors, independent contractors and corporate officers who own at least 20% of company stock. Businesses that fail to maintain coverage face fines up to $10,000, potential criminal penalties and business closure orders.
How much does workers' comp insurance cost in Maryland?
NEXT offers Maryland workers' compensation insurance starting at $66 per month ($786 annually). Your final premium will depend on your business's risk level, number of employees, payroll size and claims history.
What does workers' comp insurance cover in Maryland?
Maryland 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. Coverage protects employers from lawsuits and applies to employees, while independent contractors need separate policies.
Which workers' comp insurance company is best in Maryland?
The Hartford leads Maryland workers' compensation insurance with a 4.63 overall score, excelling in coverage options and customer support. NEXT follows at 4.62, distinguished by superior customer service, while Simply Business (4.54) offers the most comprehensive coverage options. Choose based on what matters most: service quality, coverage breadth or overall value.
What happens if I don't have workers' comp insurance in Maryland?
Operating without workers' compensation insurance in Maryland is illegal. Employers face fines up to $10,000, potential criminal charges and business closure. The Maryland Workers' Compensation Commission enforces compliance and can order employers to pay all medical bills and lost wages for injured workers out of pocket.
Do sole proprietors need workers' comp insurance in Maryland?
No, sole proprietors in Maryland are exempt from workers' compensation requirements unless they work in specific high-risk industries like construction.
How do I choose the right workers' comp insurance company in Maryland?
Compare quotes from at least three workers' comp insurance providers in Maryland. Look for providers with expertise in your industry.
How We Scored the Best Workers' Comp Insurance Companies in Maryland
How we scored each provider:
We evaluated companies across four weighted categories that reflect what matters most when you're buying workers' comp coverage in Maryland:
- Affordability (50%): Monthly premium comparisons across all companies for common business profiles
- Customer Experience (30%): J.D. Power ratings, Maryland Department of Insurance complaint data, and independent reviews of claims handling
- Coverage Options (15%): Policy flexibility, available add-ons, and coverage limitations for Maryland-specific industries and regulatory requirements
- Financial Strength (5%): AM Best ratings, indicating the company's ability to pay claims long-term
Why these weights: Workers' comp premiums directly affect your operating costs in Maryland's expensive business environment, making affordability the dominant factor for companies managing tight margins. Customer experience carries substantial weight because when your employee gets injured, you need an insurer that processes claims quickly and treats injured workers fairly—delays and disputes create legal headaches and damage workplace morale in a state with strict employee protection laws.
Coverage options matter because Maryland's mix of Baltimore-area service industries, rural agriculture, and coastal maritime operations creates diverse risk profiles that require flexible policies tailored to your specific industry. Financial strength rounds out the evaluation, ensuring your insurer remains solvent and can pay claims when workplace injuries occur.
This methodology prioritizes real-world value for Maryland business owners who need affordable premiums from financially stable companies that handle claims efficiently and understand the state's strict workers' comp regulations and enforcement environment.
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.