Workers' comp rates in Massachusetts depend on your industry and team size. Find answers to common coverage questions below.
Best Workers' Comp Insurance in Massachusetts
With rates starting at $6 monthly, NEXT, The Hartford and Simply Business offer the cheapest and best workers' comp insurance in Massachusetts.
Compare top Massachusetts workers’ comp insurance providers and find your ideal coverage.
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Updated: November 23, 2025
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Best Massachusetts Workers' Comp Insurance: Fast Answers
What are the best and cheapest workers' comp insurance providers in Massachusetts?
NEXT offers the top cheap workers' compensation insurance in Massachusetts. The following are the state's cheapest and best workers' comp insurance providers and their average monthly rates:
- NEXT: $72
- The Hartford: $73
- Simply Business: $75
- Coverdash: $76
- biBerk: $78
Is workers' comp insurance required in Massachusetts?
Massachusetts mandates workers' comp insurance for all employers with employees, including part-time and seasonal workers. Sole proprietors, partners and corporate officers owning 25% or more can exclude themselves. Violations result in fines up to $1,500 per employee plus $250 daily penalties and potential criminal charges.
How much does workers' comp insurance cost in Massachusetts?
Workers' compensation insurance costs in Massachusetts run $462 per employee annually for a two-person business. Your actual premium depends on your industry and payroll size. Low-risk businesses like speech therapy pay around $38 per employee yearly, while high-risk industries such as roofing can cost $5,236 per employee annually.
How do you get workers' comp insurance in Massachusetts?
You can get workers' comp coverage in Massachusetts by:
- Purchasing from licensed private insurance companies operating in the state
- Buying through the assigned risk pool if standard coverage isn't available
- Qualifying for self-insurance if your business meets the state's financial requirements
Many business owners compare quotes online or through brokers to get the best rate and compliance support.
What does Massachusetts workers' comp insurance cover?
Workers' compensation in Massachusetts covers:
- Complete medical expenses for work-related injuries and occupational illnesses
- Weekly disability payments replacing lost income during recovery
- Permanent impairment benefits for lasting workplace injuries
- Survivor benefits for families when work-related incidents result in death
Best Workers' Comp Insurance Companies in Massachusetts
NEXT leads our research for workers' comp insurance in Massachusetts, delivering top-tier customer support and comprehensive coverage options that protect businesses thoroughly. The Hartford and Simply Business rank as excellent alternatives, both providing reliable protection for small business owners in the state.
| NEXT Insurance | 4.60 | $72 | 1 | 2 |
| The Hartford | 4.58 | $73 | 2 | 3 |
| Simply Business | 4.51 | $75 | 5 | 1 |
| Coverdash | 4.44 | $76 | 6 | 2 |
| biBERK | 4.42 | $78 | 2 | 5 |
| Nationwide | 4.41 | $85 | 2 | 4 |
| Progressive Commercial | 4.39 | $74 | 7 | 5 |
| Hiscox | 4.36 | $75 | 4 | 6 |
| Thimble | 4.35 | $74 | 8 | 5 |
| Chubb | 4.25 | $89 | 3 | 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 Massachusetts
Select your industry and state to get a customized Massachusetts workers' comp quote from your top provider match.
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LEARN MORE ABOUT THE BEST BUSINESS INSURANCE IN MASSACHUSETTS
Explore the best business insurance providers in Massachusetts through our guides:
Best Massachusetts Workers’ Comp Insurance Company Reviews
Review our detailed evaluations of the best workers' compensation insurance providers in Massachusetts:
NEXT
Best Workers' Comp Insurance in Massachusetts
MoneyGeek Rating
4.6/ 5
4.4/5Affordability
4.7/5Customer Experience
4.8/5Coverage Points
Average Monthly Workers' Comp Premium
$72Based on average costs across Massachusetts businessesWorkers' Comp Digital Experience Score
4.8/5 (1st)Rating based on an internal customer satisfaction surveyWorkers' Comp Customer Likelihood to Be Recommended to Others Score
4.8/5 (1st)Percentage of current customers who would recommend NEXT
The Hartford
Best Massachusetts Workers' Comp Insurance: Runner-Up
MoneyGeek Rating
4.6/ 5
4.5/5Affordability
4.6/5Customer Experience
4.7/5Coverage Points
Average Monthly Workers' Comp Premium
$73Based on average costs for Massachusetts businessesWorkers' Comp Claims Process Score
4.5/5 (1st)Rating from our annual provider surveyWorkers' 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 Massachusetts
NEXT offers Massachusetts' cheapest workers' comp insurance at just $72 monthly ($868 per year), putting $5 back in your pocket each month compared to the $77 average. That's a solid 6% savings annually.
The Hartford comes in second at $73 monthly, while Thimble rounds out the top three affordable options at $74 per month. Both providers offer competitive alternatives if you're shopping around.
The table below shows costs from all companies we analyzed.
| NEXT Insurance | $72 | $868 |
| The Hartford | $73 | $871 |
| Thimble | $74 | $888 |
| Progressive Commercial | $74 | $888 |
| Simply Business | $75 | $895 |
| Hiscox | $75 | $899 |
| Coverdash | $76 | $913 |
| biBERK | $78 | $941 |
| Nationwide | $85 | $1,019 |
| Chubb | $89 | $1,067 |
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 Massachusetts by Industry
Progressive Commercial offers the cheapest workers' comp rates at $104 monthly for excavation businesses. Progressive Commercial leads pricing in seven industries, including ad agencies, bakeries and excavation. The Hartford ranks second for affordability, winning 21 industries like accounting, veterinary and wedding planning sectors.
| Accountants | The Hartford | $19 | $234 |
| Ad Agency | Progressive Commercial | $16 | $188 |
| Auto Repair | Thimble | $148 | $1,775 |
| Automotive | NEXT Insurance | $114 | $1,370 |
| Bakery | Progressive Commercial | $52 | $627 |
| Beauty Salon | NEXT Insurance | $14 | $168 |
| Barber | Simply Business | $14 | $164 |
| Candle | The Hartford | $38 | $456 |
| Bounce House | NEXT Insurance | $39 | $462 |
| Catering | Nationwide | $84 | $1,011 |
| Cannabis | Thimble | $84 | $1,010 |
| Coffee Shop | NEXT Insurance | $45 | $535 |
| Cleaning | Progressive Commercial | $47 | $566 |
| Construction | Thimble | $175 | $2,097 |
| Computer Programming | Thimble | $27 | $325 |
| Computer Repair | NEXT Insurance | $23 | $278 |
| Consulting | NEXT Insurance | $29 | $352 |
| Courier | The Hartford | $216 | $2,595 |
| Contractor | The Hartford | $158 | $1,895 |
| Dental | The Hartford | $11 | $133 |
| Daycare | Simply Business | $13 | $155 |
| DJ | NEXT Insurance | $14 | $167 |
| Drone | Thimble | $26 | $317 |
| Dog Grooming | NEXT Insurance | $64 | $770 |
| Ecommerce | NEXT Insurance | $21 | $254 |
| Engineering | NEXT Insurance | $36 | $437 |
| Electrical | Simply Business | $56 | $673 |
| Electrical | NEXT Insurance | $56 | $673 |
| Florist | NEXT Insurance | $59 | $713 |
| Excavation | Progressive Commercial | $104 | $1,246 |
| Food | Progressive Commercial | $41 | $487 |
| Funeral Home | NEXT Insurance | $26 | $308 |
| Food Truck | NEXT Insurance | $45 | $541 |
| Gardening | NEXT Insurance | $47 | $560 |
| Home-based | NEXT Insurance | $10 | $119 |
| Handyman | The Hartford | $91 | $1,098 |
| Hospitality | Chubb | $84 | $1,008 |
| Janitorial | NEXT Insurance | $47 | $562 |
| HVAC | The Hartford | $61 | $729 |
| Junk Removal | Thimble | $137 | $1,648 |
| Jewelry | NEXT Insurance | $29 | $347 |
| Lawn/Landscaping | The Hartford | $37 | $442 |
| Manufacturing | The Hartford | $58 | $691 |
| Lawyers | The Hartford | $52 | $620 |
| Massage | NEXT Insurance | $14 | $168 |
| Marine | The Hartford | $147 | $1,766 |
| Moving | NEXT Insurance | $258 | $3,094 |
| Mortgage Broker | NEXT Insurance | $13 | $159 |
| Nonprofit | NEXT Insurance | $31 | $367 |
| Party Rental | Thimble | $36 | $433 |
| Painting | NEXT Insurance | $135 | $1,625 |
| Pest Control | Chubb | $85 | $1,018 |
| Personal Training | NEXT Insurance | $25 | $299 |
| Pharmacy | Thimble | $6 | $75 |
| Pet | NEXT Insurance | $30 | $365 |
| Pharmacy | Hiscox | $6 | $75 |
| Photography | Progressive Commercial | $17 | $198 |
| Physical Therapy | Chubb | $8 | $100 |
| Plumbing | NEXT Insurance | $63 | $756 |
| Real Estate | The Hartford | $29 | $347 |
| Pressure Washing | Hiscox | $84 | $1,006 |
| Retail | NEXT Insurance | $34 | $407 |
| Restaurant | NEXT Insurance | $61 | $737 |
| Roofing | Simply Business | $837 | $10,043 |
| Security | Thimble | $50 | $606 |
| Software | NEXT Insurance | $25 | $303 |
| Snack Bars | The Hartford | $43 | $514 |
| Speech Therapist | The Hartford | $6 | $69 |
| Spa/Wellness | NEXT Insurance | $17 | $203 |
| Tech/IT | The Hartford | $27 | $321 |
| Startup | Thimble | $13 | $150 |
| Travel | Chubb | $9 | $102 |
| Transportation | Progressive Commercial | $226 | $2,710 |
| Tree Service | The Hartford | $215 | $2,582 |
| Tutoring | The Hartford | $10 | $117 |
| Trucking | NEXT Insurance | $265 | $3,182 |
| Wedding Planning | The Hartford | $27 | $326 |
| Veterinary | The Hartford | $19 | $230 |
| Wholesale | The Hartford | $39 | $466 |
| Welding | Thimble | $114 | $1,371 |
| Window Cleaning | The Hartford | $200 | $2,403 |
How Much Is Workers' Comp Insurance in Massachusetts?
Massachusetts businesses pay approximately $77 monthly ($925 annually), roughly $3 above the national average. Industry costs vary, with speech therapists paying just $75 annually ($38 per employee) while roofers pay $10,471 yearly ($5,236 per employee).
| Accountants | $21 | $256 |
| Ad Agency | $17 | $200 |
| Auto Repair | $159 | $1,905 |
| Automotive | $123 | $1,475 |
| Bakery | $56 | $672 |
| Barber | $15 | $178 |
| Beauty Salon | $15 | $184 |
| Bounce House | $42 | $505 |
| Candle | $42 | $502 |
| Cannabis | $88 | $1,060 |
| Catering | $78 | $933 |
| Cleaning | $51 | $616 |
| Coffee Shop | $49 | $589 |
| Computer Programming | $29 | $352 |
| Computer Repair | $25 | $302 |
| Construction | $189 | $2,267 |
| Consulting | $32 | $380 |
| Contractor | $173 | $2,076 |
| Courier | $236 | $2,828 |
| DJ | $15 | $178 |
| Daycare | $14 | $169 |
| Dental | $12 | $141 |
| Dog Grooming | $69 | $825 |
| Drone | $28 | $337 |
| Ecommerce | $23 | $273 |
| Electrical | $60 | $722 |
| Engineering | $40 | $478 |
| Excavation | $112 | $1,340 |
| Florist | $64 | $768 |
| Food | $44 | $528 |
| Food Truck | $48 | $573 |
| Funeral Home | $28 | $334 |
| Gardening | $50 | $594 |
| HVAC | $65 | $786 |
| Handyman | $98 | $1,177 |
| Home-based | $11 | $127 |
| Hospitality | $72 | $869 |
| Janitorial | $51 | $617 |
| Jewelry | $31 | $376 |
| Junk Removal | $147 | $1,761 |
| Lawn/Landscaping | $39 | $474 |
| Lawyers | $56 | $667 |
| Manufacturing | $62 | $742 |
| Marine | $157 | $1,880 |
| Massage | $15 | $184 |
| Mortgage Broker | $14 | $174 |
| Moving | $276 | $3,314 |
| Nonprofit | $33 | $401 |
| Painting | $146 | $1,751 |
| Party Rental | $39 | $464 |
| Personal Training | $26 | $317 |
| Pest Control | $73 | $879 |
| Pet | $32 | $388 |
| Pharmacy | $7 | $80 |
| Photography | $18 | $214 |
| Physical Therapy | $7 | $86 |
| Plumbing | $67 | $810 |
| Pressure Washing | $88 | $1,052 |
| Real Estate | $31 | $376 |
| Restaurant | $67 | $802 |
| Retail | $36 | $436 |
| Roofing | $873 | $10,471 |
| Security | $55 | $657 |
| Snack Bars | $46 | $549 |
| Software | $27 | $329 |
| Spa/Wellness | $18 | $221 |
| Speech Therapist | $6 | $76 |
| Startup | $14 | $164 |
| Tech/IT | $29 | $346 |
| Transportation | $240 | $2,885 |
| Travel | $7 | $89 |
| Tree Service | $232 | $2,784 |
| Trucking | $283 | $3,399 |
| Tutoring | $11 | $127 |
| Veterinary | $21 | $248 |
| Wedding Planning | $30 | $356 |
| Welding | $122 | $1,468 |
| Wholesale | $42 | $502 |
| Window Cleaning | $220 | $2,643 |
Massachusetts Workers' Comp Insurance Cost Factors
These cost factors affect workers' compensation insurance rates in Massachusetts:
WCRIBMA Rating System
Your Massachusetts workers' comp rates come from a unique source: the Workers' Compensation Rating and Inspection Bureau of Massachusetts (WCRIBMA), an independent organization that's been setting rates since 1915. The state Commissioner of Insurance reviews WCRIBMA's annual proposals to ensure rates aren't excessive, inadequate or unfairly discriminatory. This oversight matters for your bottom line. In 2024, the Commissioner mandated a 14.6% rate decrease that saved Massachusetts employers millions.
State-Mandated Rates
Massachusetts doesn't allow insurers to compete on price like most states. WCRIBMA sets the base rate for each job classification, and every insurer charges that same rate. You can't shop around for a lower base premium. What you can control: finding insurers who will apply credits based on your safety practices and business management. The main variable becomes which insurer accepts your business and what adjustments they make to your base rate.
Massachusetts Assigned Risk Pool (MWCARP)
If voluntary market insurers turn down your business due to poor claims history or high-risk operations, WCRIBMA assigns you to the Massachusetts Workers' Compensation Assigned Risk Pool (MWCARP). This residual market provides required coverage but costs significantly more, typically 30% to 50% higher than voluntary market rates. Good news: once your annual premium exceeds $5,000 and you improve your loss record, an experienced agent can often move you back to the voluntary market where discounts become available.
F-Classes
Massachusetts separates certain federally regulated industries into F-classes, primarily maritime workers covered under the U.S. Longshore and Harbor Workers' Compensation Act. WCRIBMA calculates these rates independently because federal law mandates different benefits than standard Massachusetts coverage. Since countrywide F-class data from the National Council on Compensation Insurance became unavailable, WCRIBMA now relies solely on Massachusetts experience, which can make these rates less responsive to national industry trends.
E-Mod Threshold
Massachusetts only applies experience modification rates (e-mods) to businesses paying at least $5,000 annually in workers' comp premiums. If your premium falls below this threshold, your claims history won't affect your rate. Above $5,000, your e-mod compares your actual losses to expected losses in your industry. An average safety record earns a 1.00 e-mod. More claims or severe losses push your e-mod above 1.00, increasing your premium accordingly.
How Much Workers' Comp Insurance Do I Need in Massachusetts?
Massachusetts law requires all employers, regardless of size, to carry workers' compensation insurance. You need coverage starting with your first employee, even part-time workers. The only exception: domestic employees working fewer than 16 hours weekly.
Your coverage amounts depend on total payroll and employee classifications using WCRIBMA codes, not the dollar limits you select. Massachusetts mandates unlimited medical coverage for work-related injuries and temporary disability benefits equal to 60% of average weekly wages for up to 156 weeks. Operating without the required workers' compensation coverage triggers $100 daily fines, potential criminal charges and a three-year debarment from public contracts.
Massachusetts Workers' Comp Insurance Exemptions
While you're required to have coverage in Massachusetts, some business categories are exempt from workers' comp requirements:
- Sole proprietors can skip coverage for themselves but must protect every employee on their payroll, even part-time workers.
- Partners in partnerships aren't required to buy coverage for themselves as self-employed individuals, though Massachusetts law requires them to cover all employees.
- LLC members can operate without personal coverage while ensuring all non-member employees have protection.
- LLP partners have the option to exclude themselves from coverage, but any employees who aren't partners need workers' comp insurance.
- Corporate officers holding at least 25% ownership can request an exemption by filing Form 153 with the Massachusetts Division of Industrial Accidents.
- Domestic workers employed fewer than 16 hours weekly fall outside Massachusetts workers' compensation requirements.
- Real estate agents working solely on commission don't need coverage when they have written agreements confirming their status as non-employees for federal tax purposes.
- Direct sales representatives selling consumer products on commission or buy-sell terms outside retail settings are exempt with proper written documentation of their non-employee status.
- Taxi drivers leasing their vehicles on a flat-fee basis unrelated to passenger fares don't require coverage when classified as non-employees under federal tax law.
- Professional athletes whose contracts guarantee wage payments during injury-related disabilities are exempt from Massachusetts workers' comp requirements.
- Maritime workers on interstate or foreign commerce vessels receive coverage through federal programs rather than Massachusetts workers' compensation.
- Independent contractors who satisfy Massachusetts's strict three-part ABC test don't need workers' compensation coverage.
FEDERAL WORKERS' COMP PROGRAMS OVERRIDE STATE REQUIREMENTS
Federal programs cover certain Massachusetts workers instead of state workers' compensation. Federal employees receive benefits through FECA, while railroad workers file claims under FELA. Massachusetts allows concurrent jurisdiction for maritime workers, meaning longshore and harbor employees can file under both federal and state programs. Independent contractors meeting the state's three-part ABC test don't need coverage since they're not classified as employees.
How to Get the Best Workers' Comp Insurance in Massachusetts
Here's how to get workers' comp insurance with the right provider at the best price.
- 1Determine if you need workers' comp coverage in Massachusetts
Collect your employee count, annual payroll totals and WCRIBMA classification codes before requesting quotes. Massachusetts uses its own rating system through the Workers' Compensation Rating and Inspection Bureau of Massachusetts, which assigns specific codes across roughly 700 industry categories.
Precision matters here. Wrong payroll figures or mismatched classification codes trigger expensive audit bills later or create coverage gaps when you file claims. Construction businesses in Massachusetts face additional complexity with the state's unique wage reporting standards that don't exist elsewhere.
- 2Gather your business information
Get quotes from at least three insurers to compare actual business insurance costs across Massachusetts providers. Request one quote from WCRIBMA's assigned risk pool, which serves as the fallback option for businesses unable to secure standard market coverage.
The assigned risk pool accepts employers with challenging loss histories or high-risk operations. Private carriers usually deliver better rates and stronger service for most small businesses, but shopping around reveals your true cost range. Massachusetts saw rates drop 12.9% in 2018, though your specific premium depends heavily on your industry and claims record.
- 3Request workers' comp quotes from multiple carriers
Focus on insurers who understand your business risks and Massachusetts classification codes rather than just advertising cheap business insurance. Restaurant owners need carriers familiar with food service hazards and state health regulations, while software companies benefit from insurers experienced with repetitive stress injuries common in office settings.
- 4Research providers with industry experience
Once you have quotes, focus on insurers who understand your business risks and classification codes beyond simply offering affordable business insurance rates. For example, construction companies should prioritize carriers specializing in high-risk industries and understand Cal/OSHA (Massachusetts's Occupational Safety and Health Administration) requirements over general business insurers.
- 5Evaluate your top provider options
Research each insurer's track record to find the best insurance for your business:
- Check claim response times, service quality and complaints logged with the Massachusetts Division of Insurance
- Verify strong AM Best financial ratings to ensure the carrier can pay claims for years ahead
- Look for safety resources, workplace assessments and return-to-work support that reduce injury costs and help employees recover faster
- Confirm experience with Massachusetts Department of Industrial Accidents requirements, since state-specific knowledge matters during claims and disputes
- 6Review and purchase your workers' compensation policy
Read your policy closely, noting coverage limits, exclusions and Massachusetts regulatory requirements. Choose payment options matching your cash flow, like pay-as-you-go workers' comp that calculates premiums from actual payroll instead of estimates. This structure benefits seasonal businesses or companies with variable staffing, eliminating large upfront payments and preventing year-end audit surprises.
- 7Reassess before annual renewal
Evaluate business changes before your policy renews. Review your employee headcount, assess filed claims and examine your experience modification rate from WCRIBMA, which adjusts premiums based on your loss history against comparable Massachusetts businesses.
Businesses shift constantly. New hires, location expansions or service changes all impact your coverage requirements and costs. Tell your insurer about operational updates to keep coverage accurate and avoid overpaying for unnecessary protection or discovering gaps when problems arise.
Best Massachusetts Workers' Compensation Insurance: Bottom Line
NEXT, The Hartford and Simply Business rank as Massachusetts' top workers' comp insurers. Research each company's service quality, maximize discounts and select coverage that fits your 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
- Commonwealth of Massachusetts. "Workers' Compensation Rating and Inspection Bureau of Massachusetts 2024 Filing for a 2025 General Rate Revision, Docket No. R2024.01 Decision and Order." Accessed December 7, 2025.
- Mass.gov. "Workers Compensation Insurance." Accessed December 7, 2025.
- Mass.gov. "Workers' Compensation Insurance Requirements." Accessed December 7, 2025.
- Massachusetts General Laws. "Chapter 152, Section 25C." Accessed December 7, 2025.
- WCRIBMA. "Residual Market." Accessed December 7, 2025.