Your workers' comp rates in Mississippi depend on your industry and team size. Find answers to common coverage questions below.
Best Workers' Comp Insurance in Mississippi
With rates starting at $5 monthly, NEXT, The Hartford and Simply Business offer the cheapest and best workers' comp insurance in Mississippi.
Compare top Mississippi workers’ comp insurance providers and find your ideal coverage.
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Updated: November 24, 2025
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Best Mississippi Workers' Comp Insurance: Fast Answers
What are the best and cheapest workers' comp insurance providers in Mississippi?
NEXT offers the top cheap workers' compensation insurance in Mississippi. The following are the state's cheapest and best workers' comp insurance providers and their average monthly rates:
- NEXT: $69
- The Hartford: $70
- Simply Business: $71
- Coverdash: $73
- biBerk: $75
Is workers' comp insurance required in Mississippi?
Mississippi mandates workers' comp insurance for most employers with five or more employees. Exemptions include businesses with fewer than five workers, agricultural operations, domestic workers and certain independent contractors. Non-compliant employers face fines up to $1,000 per employee plus potential criminal charges and civil liability for workplace injuries.
How much does workers' comp insurance cost in Mississippi?
Workers' compensation insurance costs in Mississippi average $37 per employee monthly for a two-person business. Costs depend on your industry and payroll size. Speech therapists pay the least at $3 monthly per employee, while roofers face the highest costs at $418 per employee monthly.
How do you get workers' comp insurance in Mississippi?
You can get workers' comp coverage in Mississippi by:
- Purchasing policies from private insurance companies licensed in the state
- Joining group self-insurance programs with other qualifying employers
- Becoming individually self-insured if your business meets Mississippi's strict financial requirements
Many business owners compare quotes online or through brokers to get the best rate and compliance support.
What does Mississippi workers' comp insurance cover?
Workers' compensation in Mississippi covers:
- Medical expenses for work-related injuries and occupational illnesses
- Partial wage replacement during recovery periods
- Permanent disability compensation for lasting impairments
- Survivor benefits for families of workers killed on the job
Best Workers' Comp Insurance Companies in Mississippi
NEXT leads workers' comp insurance in Mississippi with top-rated customer support and comprehensive coverage options that protect businesses thoroughly. The Hartford and Simply Business rank as excellent alternatives, both delivering reliable protection for small business owners seeking quality workers' compensation coverage.
| NEXT Insurance | 4.61 | $69 | 1 | 2 |
| The Hartford | 4.54 | $70 | 2 | 3 |
| Simply Business | 4.53 | $71 | 5 | 1 |
| Coverdash | 4.46 | $73 | 6 | 2 |
| biBERK | 4.44 | $75 | 2 | 5 |
| Nationwide | 4.43 | $81 | 2 | 4 |
| Progressive Commercial | 4.41 | $71 | 7 | 5 |
| Thimble | 4.40 | $71 | 8 | 5 |
| Hiscox | 4.38 | $72 | 4 | 6 |
| Chubb | 4.27 | $85 | 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 Mississippi
Select your industry and state to get a customized Mississippi workers' comp quote from your top provider match.
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LEARN MORE ABOUT THE BEST BUSINESS INSURANCE IN MISSISSIPPI
Explore the best business insurance providers in Mississippi through our guides:
Best Mississippi Workers’ Comp Insurance Company Reviews
Here's our detailed analysis of the top workers' comp insurance providers in Mississippi:
NEXT
Best Workers' Comp Insurance in Mississippi
MoneyGeek Rating
4.6/ 5
4.4/5Affordability
4.7/5Customer Experience
4.8/5Coverage Points
Average Monthly Workers' Comp Premium
$69Based on average costs across Mississippi businessesWorkers' Comp Digital Experience Score
4.8/5 (1st)Rating based on customer 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 Mississippi Workers' Comp Insurance: Runner-Up
MoneyGeek Rating
4.5/ 5
4.4/5Affordability
4.6/5Customer Experience
4.7/5Coverage Points
Average Monthly Workers' Comp Premium
$70Based on average costs across similar businessesWorkers' Comp Claims Process Score
4.5/5 (1st)Rating from our annual customer satisfaction 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 Mississippi
NEXT delivers the most affordable workers' comp insurance in Mississippi at just $69 monthly or $832 per year. This rate sits 6% below the state average, putting $5 back in your pocket each month compared to typical coverage costs of $74 monthly.
The Hartford comes in second at $70 per month, while Thimble rounds out the top three most affordable options at $71 monthly. Both providers offer competitive alternatives that keep costs well below average rates.
The table below shows costs from all companies we analyzed.
| NEXT Insurance | $69 | $832 |
| The Hartford | $70 | $836 |
| Thimble | $71 | $851 |
| Progressive Commercial | $71 | $852 |
| Simply Business | $71 | $857 |
| Hiscox | $72 | $860 |
| Coverdash | $73 | $877 |
| biBERK | $75 | $903 |
| Nationwide | $81 | $975 |
| Chubb | $85 | $1,021 |
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 Mississippi by Industry
The Hartford offers the most affordable workers' comp rates for dental practices at just $10 monthly. The Hartford dominates 18 industries statewide, excelling in advertising, auto repair and wedding planning sectors with consistently competitive pricing across Mississippi.
| Ad Agency | The Hartford | $15 | $176 |
| Accountants | Thimble | $19 | $227 |
| Auto Repair | The Hartford | $142 | $1,704 |
| Automotive | Progressive Commercial | $108 | $1,293 |
| Barber | Thimble | $13 | $156 |
| Bakery | Simply Business | $49 | $591 |
| Barber | NEXT Insurance | $13 | $156 |
| Bounce House | Progressive Commercial | $38 | $451 |
| Beauty Salon | NEXT Insurance | $13 | $161 |
| Candle | NEXT Insurance | $37 | $445 |
| Catering | Chubb | $85 | $1,022 |
| Cannabis | Progressive Commercial | $84 | $1,010 |
| Computer Repair | NEXT Insurance | $22 | $265 |
| Cleaning | Thimble | $47 | $558 |
| Coffee Shop | The Hartford | $43 | $512 |
| Computer Programming | The Hartford | $26 | $310 |
| Construction | NEXT Insurance | $172 | $2,066 |
| Contractor | Thimble | $152 | $1,829 |
| Consulting | Thimble | $28 | $335 |
| Courier | NEXT Insurance | $210 | $2,515 |
| Daycare | NEXT Insurance | $13 | $150 |
| DJ | NEXT Insurance | $13 | $156 |
| Dental | The Hartford | $10 | $123 |
| Dog Grooming | Progressive Commercial | $61 | $735 |
| Drone | NEXT Insurance | $25 | $297 |
| Electrical | Thimble | $53 | $633 |
| Ecommerce | Progressive Commercial | $20 | $239 |
| Excavation | NEXT Insurance | $97 | $1,170 |
| Engineering | The Hartford | $36 | $435 |
| Food | NEXT Insurance | $40 | $475 |
| Florist | Thimble | $56 | $677 |
| Food Truck | Simply Business | $43 | $511 |
| Gardening | The Hartford | $43 | $518 |
| Funeral Home | The Hartford | $25 | $302 |
| Handyman | NEXT Insurance | $88 | $1,058 |
| Hospitality | NEXT Insurance | $63 | $756 |
| Home-based | NEXT Insurance | $9 | $110 |
| Janitorial | The Hartford | $45 | $544 |
| HVAC | NEXT Insurance | $59 | $704 |
| Lawn/Landscaping | NEXT Insurance | $34 | $412 |
| Jewelry | NEXT Insurance | $28 | $335 |
| Junk Removal | Simply Business | $132 | $1,581 |
| Lawyers | The Hartford | $49 | $588 |
| Marine | Progressive Commercial | $139 | $1,670 |
| Manufacturing | Simply Business | $55 | $666 |
| Mortgage Broker | Progressive Commercial | $13 | $151 |
| Massage | The Hartford | $13 | $161 |
| Nonprofit | NEXT Insurance | $30 | $361 |
| Moving | Thimble | $241 | $2,891 |
| Party Rental | NEXT Insurance | $35 | $422 |
| Painting | Simply Business | $128 | $1,540 |
| Personal Training | Simply Business | $24 | $282 |
| Pet | Thimble | $29 | $345 |
| Pest Control | NEXT Insurance | $65 | $781 |
| Photography | Thimble | $16 | $191 |
| Pharmacy | The Hartford | $6 | $72 |
| Pharmacy | Progressive Commercial | $6 | $72 |
| Physical Therapy | NEXT Insurance | $6 | $76 |
| Pressure Washing | Coverdash | $84 | $1,005 |
| Plumbing | NEXT Insurance | $60 | $720 |
| Restaurant | NEXT Insurance | $60 | $715 |
| Real Estate | NEXT Insurance | $28 | $334 |
| Roofing | Coverdash | $836 | $10,026 |
| Retail | NEXT Insurance | $33 | $395 |
| Snack Bars | NEXT Insurance | $42 | $500 |
| Security | NEXT Insurance | $49 | $582 |
| Software | Simply Business | $25 | $297 |
| Speech Therapist | The Hartford | $5 | $65 |
| Spa/Wellness | NEXT Insurance | $16 | $196 |
| Tree Service | The Hartford | $206 | $2,477 |
| Startup | NEXT Insurance | $12 | $148 |
| Tech/IT | NEXT Insurance | $26 | $308 |
| Transportation | Simply Business | $218 | $2,614 |
| Travel | NEXT Insurance | $7 | $78 |
| Wedding Planning | The Hartford | $26 | $311 |
| Trucking | The Hartford | $243 | $2,920 |
| Tutoring | NEXT Insurance | $9 | $111 |
| Veterinary | NEXT Insurance | $18 | $216 |
| Wholesale | The Hartford | $38 | $451 |
| Welding | The Hartford | $108 | $1,290 |
| Window Cleaning | NEXT Insurance | $196 | $2,349 |
How Much Is Workers' Comp Insurance in Mississippi?
Mississippi workers' comp insurance cost runs $74 monthly ($886 annually), slightly above the national average of $74. Industry rates range from $6 monthly ($3 per employee) for speech therapists to $836 monthly ($418 per employee) for roofers.
| Accountants | $21 | $246 |
| Ad Agency | $16 | $191 |
| Auto Repair | $153 | $1,836 |
| Automotive | $117 | $1,408 |
| Bakery | $53 | $638 |
| Barber | $14 | $168 |
| Beauty Salon | $15 | $175 |
| Bounce House | $40 | $486 |
| Candle | $40 | $484 |
| Cannabis | $84 | $1,011 |
| Catering | $74 | $886 |
| Cleaning | $49 | $591 |
| Coffee Shop | $47 | $561 |
| Computer Programming | $28 | $337 |
| Computer Repair | $24 | $289 |
| Construction | $183 | $2,200 |
| Consulting | $30 | $366 |
| Contractor | $165 | $1,985 |
| Courier | $228 | $2,735 |
| DJ | $14 | $168 |
| Daycare | $13 | $162 |
| Dental | $11 | $134 |
| Dog Grooming | $65 | $785 |
| Drone | $27 | $324 |
| Ecommerce | $22 | $260 |
| Electrical | $58 | $690 |
| Engineering | $39 | $463 |
| Excavation | $107 | $1,279 |
| Florist | $61 | $729 |
| Food | $43 | $511 |
| Food Truck | $46 | $547 |
| Funeral Home | $27 | $322 |
| Gardening | $47 | $562 |
| HVAC | $63 | $753 |
| Handyman | $94 | $1,131 |
| Home-based | $10 | $121 |
| Hospitality | $70 | $835 |
| Janitorial | $49 | $592 |
| Jewelry | $30 | $362 |
| Junk Removal | $141 | $1,696 |
| Lawn/Landscaping | $38 | $454 |
| Lawyers | $53 | $638 |
| Manufacturing | $59 | $714 |
| Marine | $151 | $1,808 |
| Massage | $15 | $176 |
| Mortgage Broker | $14 | $167 |
| Moving | $262 | $3,140 |
| Nonprofit | $32 | $386 |
| Painting | $139 | $1,665 |
| Party Rental | $38 | $450 |
| Personal Training | $25 | $301 |
| Pest Control | $70 | $845 |
| Pet | $31 | $372 |
| Pharmacy | $6 | $76 |
| Photography | $17 | $205 |
| Physical Therapy | $7 | $83 |
| Plumbing | $65 | $779 |
| Pressure Washing | $83 | $1,002 |
| Real Estate | $30 | $364 |
| Restaurant | $64 | $767 |
| Retail | $35 | $423 |
| Roofing | $836 | $10,029 |
| Security | $53 | $630 |
| Snack Bars | $44 | $530 |
| Software | $27 | $320 |
| Spa/Wellness | $18 | $211 |
| Speech Therapist | $6 | $72 |
| Startup | $13 | $158 |
| Tech/IT | $28 | $330 |
| Transportation | $231 | $2,768 |
| Travel | $7 | $84 |
| Tree Service | $224 | $2,693 |
| Trucking | $269 | $3,232 |
| Tutoring | $10 | $121 |
| Veterinary | $20 | $236 |
| Wedding Planning | $28 | $339 |
| Welding | $118 | $1,412 |
| Wholesale | $40 | $481 |
| Window Cleaning | $212 | $2,538 |
Mississippi Workers' Comp Insurance Cost Factors
These cost factors affect workers' compensation insurance rates in Mississippi:
Drug-Free Workplace Premium Discount
Mississippi offers a state-mandated 5% workers' comp premium reduction for employers who implement compliant drug-free workplace programs, including written policies, employee education, and supervisor training. For a business paying $10,000 annually, this saves $500. Insurers reward these programs because drug and alcohol screening reduces workplace accident frequency and severity, directly lowering your claims likelihood and premiums.
Insurer Rate Flexibility
Mississippi allows insurers to apply credits or surcharges up to 25% based on individual risk profiles, creating significant rate variations between carriers. Businesses with excellent safety records can receive discounts up to 25% below base rates, while poor claims history results in surcharges. This flexibility makes shopping between carriers crucial, as one insurer might apply a 15% credit while another offers only 5% for identical businesses.
Mississippi Workers' Compensation Commission Benefit Levels
Mississippi caps wage replacement benefits at $711 per week, notably lower than many states, which directly reduces insurer payout obligations and translates to lower premiums. Since insurers calculate premiums based on potential claim costs, Mississippi's lower benefit caps mean reduced financial exposure per claim. This helps explain why Mississippi's average rate of $1.09 per $100 of payroll remains below many other states.
No Waiting Period or Minimum Earnings Requirement
Mississippi employees receive workers' comp benefits immediately upon starting their job with no waiting period or salary minimums, meaning insurers face exposure from day one. This immediate coverage requirement ensures your premium accurately reflects your full workforce risk from the start, preventing coverage gaps that could leave you personally liable, particularly important for businesses with high turnover like restaurants or retail.
2012 Amendment
Mississippi's 2012 amendment bars employee recovery if intoxication or illegal drug use caused the injury, with employers able to require post-accident testing. This employer-friendly provision gives insurers legal defenses to deny substance-related claims, reducing overall payout obligations. The law also allows proportional compensation reduction for pre-existing injuries, keeping Mississippi's premiums lower than states without such employer protections.
Medical Cannabis Law Impact on Drug-Free Workplace Status
Mississippi's employer-friendly medical cannabis law allows you to maintain the 5% drug-free workplace discount, discipline employees for workplace use, and deny workers' comp benefits for positive post-accident cannabis tests despite legalization. This legislative protection preserves your premium discount and maintains financial incentives for workplace safety programs without the complications other states face when legalizing medical cannabis.
450-Week Benefit Duration Maximum
Mississippi caps cash disability benefits at 450 weeks (8.65 years), limiting insurers' long-term financial exposure even for catastrophic permanent disabilities. While medical benefits continue as needed, wage replacement benefits eventually end, reducing the present value of potential claim costs compared to states with lifetime durations. This defined liability endpoint allows insurers to offer lower premium rates than states with unlimited benefit durations.
How Much Workers' Comp Insurance Do I Need in Mississippi?
Mississippi law requires workers' compensation insurance for employers with five or more regularly employed workers. If you have fewer than five employees, coverage is optional. Your policy must provide statutory benefits including full medical coverage with no dollar limits and disability payments of up to two-thirds of the employee's average weekly wage for up to 450 weeks.
Failing to maintain required workers' compensation coverage is a misdemeanor punishable by fines up to $1,000, imprisonment for up to one year, or both. The Mississippi Workers' Compensation Commission can also assess civil penalties up to $10,000. Coverage amounts are based on your annual payroll and industry classification code.
Mississippi Workers' Comp Insurance Exemptions
While you're required to have coverage in Mississippi, some business categories are exempt from workers' comp requirements:
- Businesses with fewer than 5 employees: Mississippi doesn't require workers' comp coverage until you have five regularly employed workers, making it easier for small operations to manage costs.
- Farmers and farm laborers: Agricultural operations are exempt from coverage requirements, though this exemption doesn't apply if you're commercially processing agricultural products.
- Domestic servants in private homes: Household employees like housekeepers, nannies and caregivers don't require workers' comp coverage.
- Independent contractors: Your independent contractor relationships typically don't require coverage, though employees of subcontractors receive special protection under Mississippi law.
- Sole proprietors: Business owners operating without employees aren't required to carry workers' comp for themselves.
- Partners in partnerships: Partnership owners can operate without covering themselves under workers' comp requirements.
- Self-employed individuals: If you're self-employed without employees, Mississippi doesn't mandate workers' comp coverage for your own protection.
- LLC members: Mississippi treats LLC members the same as sole proprietors and partners for workers' comp purposes, based on a 2011 Workers' Compensation Commission ruling.
- Corporate officers owning 15% or more: You can elect to exempt yourself from coverage if you own at least 15% of your corporation's stock and sign a written agreement.
- Nonprofit employees (fraternal, charitable, religious or cultural): Workers at nonprofit organizations in these categories are exempt unless the organization voluntarily provides coverage.
- Federal employees: Federal workers fall under federal compensation programs rather than Mississippi's state system.
- Maritime and certain transportation workers: These workers are covered by federal laws instead of Mississippi workers' comp requirements.
- Volunteers: Unpaid volunteers generally don't require workers' comp coverage.
FEDERAL WORKERS' COMP PROGRAMS OVERRIDE STATE REQUIREMENTS
Mississippi business owners don't need state workers' comp for employees covered by federal programs. Federal civilian employees fall under the Federal Employees' Compensation Act. Railroad workers are covered by the Federal Employers' Liability Act. Maritime workers at Mississippi ports like Ingalls Shipyard in Pascagoula fall under the Longshore and Harbor Workers' Compensation Act. Self-employed individuals and independent contractors aren't employees under Mississippi law, so they don't require coverage.
How to Get the Best Workers' Comp Insurance in Mississippi
Finding the right workers' comp coverage means matching your business risks to specific protection levels. Here's how to get workers' comp insurance with the right provider at the best price.
- 1Determine if you need workers' comp coverage in Mississippi
Mississippi requires coverage once you have five regularly employed workers. Check whether exemptions apply to your business structure before shopping for policies. A sole proprietor running a consulting business doesn't need coverage, but hiring your fifth employee triggers the mandate. Mississippi exempts farmers, domestic workers and nonprofit organization employees unless you voluntarily provide coverage. Corporate officers owning 15% or more can opt out with written documentation.
- 2Gather your business information
You'll need your employee count, annual payroll figures and industry classification codes for accurate quotes. Mississippi uses the National Council on Compensation Insurance (NCCI) classification system to determine rates based on your business type and risk level.
Get these numbers right from the start. Wrong payroll figures or classification codes lead to audit adjustments and unexpected bills. Your insurer will verify your information annually, and misclassifications can leave you without coverage when you file a claim. Construction businesses face particular scrutiny since injury rates run higher in these industries.
- 3Request workers' comp quotes from multiple carriers
Compare quotes from at least three insurers to understand your business insurance costs. Mississippi's competitive market includes national carriers, regional insurers and specialty providers serving specific industries.
Shopping around matters because rates vary between carriers for identical coverage. One insurer might specialize in your industry and offer better rates, while another charges more because they view your business as higher risk. Request quotes with the same coverage limits so you can accurately compare the cost of your coverage across providers.
- 4Research providers with industry experience
Look beyond cheap business insurance rates to find insurers who understand your specific business risks. Construction companies benefit from carriers experienced with high-risk operations and Mississippi Workers' Compensation Commission requirements. Medical practices need insurers familiar with healthcare exposures. Manufacturing operations require carriers who understand equipment-related claims.
Industry experience matters when you file claims. Insurers specializing in your field process claims faster because they understand the risks you face. They also provide better loss control services and safety resources tailored to your operations rather than generic business guidance.
- 5Evaluate your top provider options
Research each insurer's track record to find the best business insurance for your Mississippi operation:
- Check claim processing speed, customer service quality and complaint records with the Mississippi Insurance Department
- Verify the insurer's financial stability ratings from AM Best or Standard & Poor's to confirm they can pay claims
- Ask about return-to-work programs and safety consultation services that reduce your long-term costs
- Review the insurer's experience handling Mississippi Workers' Compensation Commission disputes and appeals
- Confirm they offer medical provider networks that can lower treatment costs while maintaining quality care
- 6Review and purchase your workers' compensation policy
Read your policy terms carefully before signing. Focus on coverage limits, exclusions and renewal conditions that apply to Mississippi businesses. Understand your deductible options and how they affect your premium.
Choose payment structures that match your cash flow. Pay-as-you-go workers' comp links premiums directly to your actual payroll rather than requiring large upfront payments based on estimates. This option works well for seasonal businesses or companies with fluctuating payrolls. Mississippi businesses can also explore monthly payment plans that spread costs throughout the year.
- 7Reassess before annual renewal
Review your policy before it renews each year. Check whether your employee count changed, evaluate any claims you filed and examine your experience modification rate (EMR). Your EMR directly affects your premium, with scores below 1.0 earning discounts and scores above 1.0 increasing costs.
Business changes impact your coverage needs and costs. Adding employees, expanding operations or changing your services can shift your risk profile. Notify your insurer about these changes to maintain proper coverage. A clean claims history over several years can qualify you for lower rates, while multiple claims may increase your premiums at renewal.
Best Mississippi Workers' Compensation Insurance: Bottom Line
NEXT, The Hartford and Simply Business lead workers' comp insurance options in Mississippi. 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
- Mississippi Code. "Section 71-3-5 - Application." Accessed December 14, 2025.
- Mississippi Code. "Section 71-3-83 - Civil and Criminal Penalties for Failure to Secure Payment of Compensation." Accessed December 14, 2025.
- Mississippi Code. "Title 71, Chapter 3 - Workers' Compensation." Accessed December 14, 2025.
- Mississippi Workers' Compensation Commission. "Mississippi Workers' Compensation Commission." Accessed December 14, 2025.
- The Mississippi Bar. "Workers' Compensation Laws." Accessed December 14, 2025.
- U.S. Social Security Administration. "Chart of States' Maximum Workers' Compensation (WC) Benefits." Accessed December 14, 2025.