biBerk is Massachusetts’s best workers' compensation insurance provider, scoring 98 out of 100. The company offers a great mix of reliable customer service, very low workers' comp rates and an extensive coverage selection. Nationwide and Thimble are strong runners-up that you should also consider.
Cheapest Workers' Comp Insurance in Massachusetts
Updated: June 3, 2025
Advertising & Editorial Disclosure
Key Takeaways
biBerk, Nationwide, Thimble and The Hartford are the best cheap workers' comp insurance providers in Massachusetts.
For most small businesses in Massachusetts, workers' compensation coverage costs around $650 per year or $58 per month.
Workers' comp insurance is required in Massachusetts for all companies with employees to cover expenses when employees sustain injuries or illnesses during business activities.
Best Cheap Workers’ Comp Insurance Companies in Massachusetts
| biBERK | 98 | $222 |
| Nationwide | 94 | $229 |
| The Hartford | 87 | $250 |
| Thimble | 84 | $242 |
*Rates and scores are for software development businesses with small (five employees), medium (20 employees) and large (100 employees) operations, aggregated for an overall best recommendation.
Best Cheap Massachusetts Workers' Comp Insurance by Business Size
For small businesses with fewer than five employees, The Hartford is the cheapest workers' compensation provider. It is also the cheapest provider for medium-sized small businesses. biBerk is the cheapest company for large small businesses. Review the table below for the companies' rates for small, medium and large small businesses.
| The Hartford | Businesses with five or less employees | $52 |
| The Hartford | Medium-size small businesses | $120 |
| biBERK | Larger small businesses | $530 |
biBerk: Best Overall
pros
Lowest rates for larger small businesses
High customer ratings
Long history in the business insurance industry (75+ years)
cons
Not the most affordable option for smaller businesses
COMPANY HIGHLIGHTS
While not the cheapest provider for all businesses, biBerk is the best overall workers' comp insurer, with rates of around $222 per month across all small business sizes. The company also has an impressive customer reputation, earning a 4.5 out of 5.0 on Trustpilot. Its buying process is also smooth, with quote times averaging under 90 seconds, the second lowest in our study.
How Much Is Workers' Comp Insurance in Massachusetts?
For businesses in Massachusetts, workers' comp rates range from $650 to $6,456 per year. However, this only represents software development companies. Your rates will vary widely depending on the number of employees, the risk of your industry, the work your employees do individually and your claims history.
| Businesses with five or less employees | $58 | $650 |
| Medium-size small businesses | $128 | $1,466 |
| Larger small businesses | $556 | $6,456 |
Factors That Impact Workers’ Compensation Costs in Massachusetts
The cost of workers' compensation insurance varies for each business, depending on several factors that influence coverage costs, including business size, industry and location.
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 a large number of 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.
Massachusetts 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 Massachusetts
Below are the best steps to take to get the best workers' comp policy possible 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 the most balanced view of what's best for your business.
Do You Need Workers’ Compensation Insurance in Massachusetts?
All businesses in Massachusetts 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 MASSACHUSETTS
Employers in Massachusetts must follow workers' comp laws. If they don't, they could face serious penalties, such as:
- Stop Work Orders:
- Stop Work Order (SWO) issued by the Department of Industrial Accidents' Office of Investigations
- Business must close immediately and remain closed until proof of coverage is provided and fines are paid
- Daily Fines:
- Minimum $100 per day fine beginning on the date the stop work order is issued
- Fines increase to $250 per day if the business appeals the stop work order
- Fines accrue daily (including weekends and holidays) until insurance coverage starts and fines are paid
- Criminal Penalties:
- Up to one year in prison for criminal charges
- Up to $1,500 fine upon criminal conviction
- Business Operations:
- Employers can be barred from receiving public contracts for up to three years
- Loss of ability to compete for public contracts such as government services
What Does Workers’ Compensation Insurance Cover in Massachusetts?
Workers' compensation insurance provides vital benefits to employees experiencing work-related injuries or illnesses. This coverage usually encompasses medical care, disability benefits and lost wages for affected workers, paying out 60% of weekly wages according to Massachusetts law. This not only safeguards employees but also protects the business against potential legal claims associated with workplace injuries or illnesses.
Best Workers' Compensation Insurance Massachusetts: Bottom Line
In Massachusetts, the top three workers' comp insurance providers are biBerk, Nationwide and Thimble. 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 Massachusetts: FAQ
Below are answers to frequently asked questions about Massachusetts workers' comp insurance from our MoneyGeek experts.
Which company has the best workers’ compensation insurance in Massachusetts?
biBerk provides the best workers’ compensation insurance in Massachusetts, with competitive pricing (averaging around $120 per month) and a low complaint index. Selecting the best insurance for your needs will depend on various aspects, including your industry, the size of your workforce and state requirements.
Which company has the cheapest workers’ compensation insurance in Massachusetts?
The Hartford offers the cheapest workers' comp insurance for businesses with five or fewer employees. For medium-sized small businesses, The Hartford also provides the most cost-effective rates. Large small businesses will find biBerk to be the most affordable option.
Does Massachusetts require businesses to have workers’ compensation insurance?
Massachusetts mandates that every business carry workers' compensation insurance, with certain exceptions for sole proprietors, partners and fully owning corporate officers.
How much does workers’ compensation insurance cost in Massachusetts?
In Massachusetts, the average monthly cost for workers' compensation for medium-sized small businesses is $128.
How We Rated Workers' Comp Insurance Companies in Massachusetts
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
- Trustpilot. "biBerk Business Insurance Reviews." Accessed June 4, 2025.