NEXT leads the field for workers' comp insurance in Minnesota, offering excellent customer service and comprehensive coverage options. The Hartford and Simply Business offer equally reliable alternatives for Minnesota business owners, with The Hartford performing nearly identically to NEXT.
Workers' Comp Insurance in Minnesota
NEXT tops our analysis as the best workers' comp insurance provider in Minnesota with a 4.6 out of 5 overall score.
Compare top Minnesota workers' comp insurance providers and find your ideal coverage.
Select your industry
Select state
Updated: September 10, 2025
Advertising & Editorial Disclosure
Key Takeaways
NEXT, The Hartford and Simply Business rank as the top workers' comp insurance providers in Minnesota based on overall performance scores.
Your business type, number of workers, past insurance claims and available budget will determine which Minnesota workers' comp provider fits your needs.
To find the right workers' comp coverage in Minnesota, request quotes from multiple providers and compare their industry knowledge, service records and policy features.
Best Workers' Comp Insurance Companies in Minnesota
| NEXT | 4.60 | 1 |
| The Hartford | 4.59 | 2 |
| Simply Business | 4.52 | 3 |
| Coverdash | 4.45 | 4 |
| biBerk | 4.42 | 5 |
| Nationwide | 4.42 | 5 |
| Progressive Commercial | 4.40 | 6 |
| Hiscox | 4.37 | 7 |
| Thimble | 4.35 | 8 |
| Chubb | 4.25 | 9 |
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.
Find Insurance for Your Business
Select your industry and state to get a customized quote.
Select your industry
Select state
LEARN MORE ABOUT BUSINESS INSURANCE IN MINNESOTA
Beyond workers' compensation insurance, you may want to find other options. Here are valuable resources to help you explore other types of coverage:
Best Minnesota Workers’ Comp Insurance Reviews
NEXT and The Hartford rank highest for Minnesota's best workers' compensation insurance providers.
NEXT
Best Overall Provider
MoneyGeek Rating
4.6/ 5
4.4/5Affordability
4.7/5Customer Experience
4.8/5Coverage Options
Average Monthly Premium
$65We analyzed thousands of workers' compensation quotes from insurers operating in Minnesota across 79 industriesOur Survey: Claims Process
3.9/5Our Survey: Recommend to Others
4.8/5
The Hartford
Runner-Up Best Provider
MoneyGeek Rating
4.6/ 5
4.5/5Affordability
4.6/5Customer Experience
4.7/5Coverage Options
Average monthly premium
$66Based on average costs across business typesOur survey: Claims process
4.5/5Rating from customer satisfaction surveyOur survey: Recommend to others
4.5/5Percentage of customers who would recommend The Hartford
Cheapest Workers' Comp Insurance Companies in Minnesota
Minnesota businesses can get cheap workers' comp coverage through NEXT at $65 monthly ($776 annually). The Hartford and Thimble provide competitive alternatives at $66 and $67 per month, respectively. The table below shows costs from all companies we analyzed:
| NEXT | $65 | $776 |
| The Hartford | $66 | $786 |
| Thimble | $67 | $800 |
| Hiscox | $67 | $802 |
| Progressive Commercial | $67 | $805 |
| Simply Business | $67 | $807 |
| Coverdash | $68 | $816 |
| biBerk | $70 | $845 |
| Nationwide | $76 | $911 |
| Chubb | $79 | $953 |
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 Minnesota
Workers' compensation insurance in Minnesota costs businesses an average of $69 per month or $830 annually. Minnesota's rates run $5 below the national monthly average of $74. Your business's actual premium depends on industry risk level, number of employees, total payroll and claims track record.
Average Cost of Workers' Comp in Minnesota by Industry
In Minnesota, workers' compensation insurance costs vary dramatically by industry risk level. Speech therapists pay the lowest premiums at $6 monthly, while roofing businesses face the highest rates at $791 per month. This significant difference reflects the varying workplace injury risks across different professions in Minnesota.
| Accountants | $19 | $231 |
| Ad Agency | $15 | $179 |
| Auto Repair | $143 | $1,715 |
| Automotive | $109 | $1,314 |
| Bakery | $50 | $605 |
| Barber | $13 | $159 |
| Beauty Salon | $14 | $163 |
| Bounce House | $38 | $453 |
| Candle | $38 | $455 |
| Cannabis | $79 | $945 |
| Catering | $69 | $832 |
| Cleaning | $46 | $552 |
| Coffee Shop | $44 | $531 |
| Computer Programming | $27 | $318 |
| Computer Repair | $23 | $272 |
| Construction | $170 | $2,039 |
| Consulting | $28 | $342 |
| Contractor | $156 | $1,869 |
| Courier | $212 | $2,548 |
| DJ | $13 | $159 |
| Daycare | $13 | $152 |
| Dental | $11 | $126 |
| Dog Grooming | $61 | $728 |
| Drone | $25 | $300 |
| Ecommerce | $20 | $246 |
| Electrical | $54 | $643 |
| Engineering | $36 | $432 |
| Excavation | $100 | $1,202 |
| Florist | $58 | $693 |
| Food | $39 | $473 |
| Food Truck | $43 | $513 |
| Funeral Home | $25 | $305 |
| Gardening | $44 | $529 |
| HVAC | $59 | $708 |
| Handyman | $88 | $1,055 |
| Home-based | $9 | $112 |
| Hospitality | $65 | $784 |
| Janitorial | $46 | $548 |
| Jewelry | $28 | $339 |
| Junk Removal | $132 | $1,581 |
| Lawn/Landscaping | $35 | $421 |
| Lawyers | $49 | $589 |
| Manufacturing | $55 | $659 |
| Marine | $140 | $1,681 |
| Massage | $14 | $164 |
| Mortgage Broker | $13 | $157 |
| Moving | $246 | $2,952 |
| Nonprofit | $30 | $357 |
| Painting | $131 | $1,572 |
| Party Rental | $35 | $415 |
| Personal Training | $23 | $282 |
| Pest Control | $66 | $797 |
| Pet | $29 | $346 |
| Pharmacy | $6 | $72 |
| Photography | $16 | $192 |
| Physical Therapy | $6 | $77 |
| Plumbing | $60 | $720 |
| Pressure Washing | $79 | $946 |
| Real Estate | $28 | $339 |
| Restaurant | $59 | $711 |
| Retail | $33 | $394 |
| Roofing | $791 | $9,497 |
| Security | $49 | $582 |
| Snack Bars | $41 | $488 |
| Software | $25 | $297 |
| Spa/Wellness | $16 | $196 |
| Speech Therapist | $6 | $67 |
| Startup | $12 | $147 |
| Tech/IT | $25 | $306 |
| Transportation | $215 | $2,583 |
| Travel | $7 | $79 |
| Tree Service | $208 | $2,492 |
| Trucking | $252 | $3,029 |
| Tutoring | $9 | $114 |
| Veterinary | $18 | $220 |
| Wedding Planning | $27 | $321 |
| Welding | $111 | $1,334 |
| Wholesale | $38 | $454 |
| Window Cleaning | $198 | $2,374 |
How Much Workers' Comp Insurance Do I Need in Minnesota?
In Minnesota, employers must carry workers' compensation insurance as soon as they hire employees. This covers medical expenses and lost wages if workers get injured or sick because of their job.
Employers who fail to provide workers' compensation coverage face fines of up to $1,000 per employee for each week without insurance. The state may also pursue criminal charges.
Sole proprietors
Business owners operating alone can typically opt out of workers' comp coverage since they are not considered their own employees. A written waiver must be filed with the state.
Corporate officers
Executive officers owning at least 25% of company stock can exclude themselves from coverage by submitting a written notice to their insurance carrier.
Independent contractors
Workers who maintain control over their work methods and schedule while providing their own tools may qualify as independent contractors exempt from coverage.
Agricultural workers
Small farms with fewer than five regular employees or seasonal workers are typically exempt from mandatory workers' comp requirements.
Real estate agents
Licensed real estate agents working on commission are usually considered independent contractors and exempt from mandatory coverage.
Domestic workers
Household employees working fewer than 40 hours per week or earning less than $500 per quarter may be exempt from coverage requirements.
Religious organizations
Members of religious organizations who have taken vows of poverty while working for their church can be exempt from workers' comp coverage.
Professional athletes
Athletes in certain professional sports leagues often have separate injury coverage agreements and may be exempt from standard workers' comp requirements.
How to Get the Best Workers' Comp Insurance in Minnesota
Getting workers' comp coverage in Minnesota doesn't have to be overwhelming, and you can find protection that keeps business insurance costs reasonable. Take time to compare insurance rates from multiple providers, evaluate their coverage options and understand their claims handling process before making your choice.
- 1
Check coverage requirements
Minnesota law requires most businesses with employees to carry workers' compensation insurance. You need this even if you hire one employee.
- 2
Compile business details
Collect accurate payroll records, employee count and job classifications before asking for quotes.
- 3
Get multiple insurance quotes
Contact at least three different insurance providers for quotes.
- 4
Find industry-specific experience
Select insurers who understand your industry's unique risks and compliance requirements.
- 5
Review provider performance
Investigate each insurer's claim processing times and complaint history. Consider benefits like workplace safety programs or return-to-work assistance.
- 6
Examine policy details
Review coverage limits, exclusions and payment options carefully. Consider pay-as-you-go to manage cash flow.
- 7
Schedule annual reviews
Review coverage before renewal because business changes can mean you need a different coverage.
Minnesota Workers’ Comp: Bottom Line
Minnesota businesses have access to several strong workers' compensation insurance providers. Our analysis shows NEXT, The Hartford and Simply Business lead the pack in Minnesota. Consider getting quotes from multiple providers to find the best fit for your specific industry and company size.
Minnesota Workers' Comp Insurance: FAQ
Understanding workers' compensation insurance requirements in Minnesota can be complex for business owners. Find clear answers to your most pressing questions in our comprehensive FAQ guide below.
Is workers' comp insurance required for all Minnesota businesses?
Minnesota law requires most employers to carry workers' compensation insurance when they have employees. Sole proprietors, independent contractors and certain corporate officers can qualify for exemptions. Failing to provide coverage is a criminal offense punishable by up to $1,000 in fines per employee and potential jail time.
How much does workers' comp insurance cost in Minnesota?
NEXT offers the most affordable workers' compensation insurance in Minnesota at $65 per month ($776 annually). Your actual premium will depend on your industry risk level, number of employees, payroll size and claims history.
What does workers' comp insurance cover in Minnesota?
Minnesota workers' comp insurance covers medical expenses and lost wages for work-related injuries or illnesses. Benefits include hospital care, rehabilitation costs, and partial wage replacement during recovery. The coverage protects employers from lawsuits while applying to employees but not independent contractors.
Which workers' comp insurance company is best in Minnesota?
NEXT leads Minnesota's workers' comp providers with a 4.60 overall score, excelling in customer service (4.70) and comprehensive coverage options. The Hartford follows at 4.59, known for strong affordability, while Simply Business (4.52) offers the best coverage variety with a 4.90 coverage score. Choose based on your priority: service quality, cost or coverage options.
What happens if I don't have workers' comp insurance in Minnesota?
Operating without workers' compensation insurance in Minnesota is illegal. The Department of Labor and Industry can fine non-compliant employers up to $1,000 per employee per week, plus charge them with a gross misdemeanor. Employers also remain responsible for covering employee medical costs and lost wages, and their business may be shut down until coverage is obtained.
Do sole proprietors need workers' comp insurance in Minnesota?
Sole proprietors in Minnesota are generally exempt from workers' compensation requirements since they're not considered employees. Some contractors and high-risk industries must carry coverage.
How do I choose the right workers' comp insurance company in Minnesota?
Research multiple workers' compensation insurance providers in Minnesota and obtain at least three quotes.
How We Scored the Best Workers' Comp Insurance Companies in Minnesota
- Affordability (50%): Cost drives every small business insurance decision in Minnesota's expensive market. We compared monthly premiums across all companies, since even comprehensive policies won't help if you can't afford them.
- Customer experience (30%): When your employee gets hurt, you'll need an insurer that handles claims quickly and treats injured workers fairly. We used J.D. Power ratings, Minnesota Department of Insurance complaint data and independent reviews.
- Coverage options (15%): We evaluated each company's policy flexibility, add-on options and coverage limitations for specific Minnesota industries and regulatory requirements.
- Financial strength (5%): Premium savings don't matter if your insurer struggles financially. We checked AM Best ratings to ensure recommended carriers can deliver on their promises.
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.