The Hartford leads Missouri's workers' comp insurance market, standing out for excellent coverage options and customer service. NEXT and Simply Business offer equally reliable protection, with NEXT performing nearly identically to our top pick.
Workers' Comp Insurance in Missouri
The Hartford tops our analysis as Missouri's top workers' comp insurance provider with an overall score of 4.6 out of 5.
Compare top Missouri workers' comp insurance providers and find your ideal coverage.
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Updated: September 10, 2025
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Key Takeaways
The Hartford, NEXT and Simply Business stand out as Missouri's top-rated workers' compensation insurance providers based on overall performance scores.
Your business type, number of employees, previous claims and available budget will determine which workers' comp provider fits your needs in Missouri.
To find the right workers' comp coverage in Missouri, request multiple quotes, check each provider's industry knowledge, review their service history and analyze coverage details.
Best Workers' Comp Insurance Companies in Missouri
| The Hartford | 4.60 | 1 |
| NEXT | 4.59 | 2 |
| Simply Business | 4.50 | 3 |
| Coverdash | 4.43 | 4 |
| biBERK | 4.42 | 5 |
| Nationwide | 4.42 | 5 |
| Progressive Commercial | 4.37 | 6 |
| Hiscox | 4.35 | 7 |
| Thimble | 4.35 | 7 |
| Chubb | 4.27 | 8 |
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.
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LEARN MORE ABOUT BUSINESS INSURANCE IN MISSOURI
Missouri businesses often need more than just workers' compensation insurance to stay fully protected. To ensure comprehensive coverage for your company, explore these valuable other types of coverage resources:
Best Missouri Workers’ Comp Insurance Reviews
The Hartford and NEXT lead the workers' compensation insurance market in Missouri with exceptional service and comprehensive coverage options.
The Hartford
Best Overall Provider
MoneyGeek Rating
4.6/ 5
4.5/5Affordability
4.6/5Customer Experience
4.7/5Coverage Options
Average Monthly Premium
$69We analyzed thousands of workers' compensation quotes from insurers operating in Missouri across 79 industriesOur Survey: Claims Process
4.5/5Our Survey: Recommend to Others
4.5/5
NEXT
Best for Coverage Availability
MoneyGeek Rating
4.6/ 5
4.4/5Affordability
4.7/5Customer Experience
4.8/5Coverage Options
Average monthly premium
$68Based on average costs across multiple business typesOur survey: Claims process
3.9/5Based on customer satisfaction survey dataOur survey: Recommend to others
4.8/5Percentage of customers who would recommend NEXT
Cheapest Workers' Comp Insurance Companies in Missouri
NEXT provides Missouri's most affordable workers' comp coverage at $68 monthly ($819 annually). The Hartford and Thimble offer competitive alternatives at $69 and $70 per month, respectively. The table below shows costs from all companies we analyzed:
| NEXT | $68 | $819 |
| The Hartford | $69 | $825 |
| Thimble | $70 | $839 |
| Simply Business | $70 | $840 |
| Progressive Commercial | $70 | $844 |
| Hiscox | $71 | $851 |
| Coverdash | $72 | $863 |
| biBERK | $74 | $889 |
| Nationwide | $80 | $960 |
| Chubb | $84 | $1,007 |
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 Missouri
Workers' compensation insurance in Missouri costs businesses an average of $73 per month or $874 annually. Missouri's rates run slightly below the national monthly average of $74. Your business's actual premium depends on several factors, including your industry's risk level, number of employees, annual payroll and claims history.
Average Cost of Workers' Comp in Missouri by Industry
In Missouri, workers' compensation insurance costs vary dramatically by industry. Speech therapists pay the lowest premiums at $6 monthly, while roofing companies face much higher rates at $827 monthly. This significant difference reflects the varying workplace injury risks across different business types.
| Accountants | $20 | $241 |
| Ad Agency | $16 | $189 |
| Auto Repair | $151 | $1,808 |
| Automotive | $117 | $1,398 |
| Bakery | $52 | $630 |
| Barber | $14 | $169 |
| Beauty Salon | $14 | $173 |
| Bounce House | $40 | $477 |
| Candle | $40 | $479 |
| Cannabis | $83 | $995 |
| Catering | $73 | $880 |
| Cleaning | $48 | $578 |
| Coffee Shop | $46 | $555 |
| Computer Programming | $28 | $335 |
| Computer Repair | $24 | $287 |
| Construction | $179 | $2,147 |
| Consulting | $30 | $358 |
| Contractor | $165 | $1,980 |
| Courier | $225 | $2,697 |
| DJ | $14 | $168 |
| Daycare | $13 | $159 |
| Dental | $11 | $132 |
| Dog Grooming | $64 | $768 |
| Drone | $27 | $320 |
| Ecommerce | $22 | $259 |
| Electrical | $57 | $684 |
| Engineering | $38 | $451 |
| Excavation | $106 | $1,271 |
| Florist | $60 | $716 |
| Food | $42 | $499 |
| Food Truck | $45 | $544 |
| Funeral Home | $27 | $320 |
| Gardening | $46 | $557 |
| HVAC | $61 | $738 |
| Handyman | $93 | $1,114 |
| Home-based | $10 | $120 |
| Hospitality | $69 | $825 |
| Janitorial | $48 | $577 |
| Jewelry | $30 | $355 |
| Junk Removal | $139 | $1,673 |
| Lawn/Landscaping | $38 | $451 |
| Lawyers | $52 | $629 |
| Manufacturing | $58 | $700 |
| Marine | $148 | $1,779 |
| Massage | $14 | $173 |
| Mortgage Broker | $14 | $166 |
| Moving | $257 | $3,088 |
| Nonprofit | $32 | $380 |
| Painting | $139 | $1,669 |
| Party Rental | $36 | $435 |
| Personal Training | $25 | $299 |
| Pest Control | $70 | $838 |
| Pet | $31 | $369 |
| Pharmacy | $6 | $75 |
| Photography | $17 | $203 |
| Physical Therapy | $7 | $82 |
| Plumbing | $63 | $757 |
| Pressure Washing | $83 | $1,001 |
| Real Estate | $30 | $356 |
| Restaurant | $62 | $747 |
| Retail | $35 | $415 |
| Roofing | $827 | $9,919 |
| Security | $52 | $619 |
| Snack Bars | $43 | $513 |
| Software | $26 | $313 |
| Spa/Wellness | $17 | $207 |
| Speech Therapist | $6 | $72 |
| Startup | $13 | $155 |
| Tech/IT | $27 | $319 |
| Transportation | $227 | $2,728 |
| Travel | $7 | $84 |
| Tree Service | $220 | $2,643 |
| Trucking | $266 | $3,188 |
| Tutoring | $10 | $118 |
| Veterinary | $19 | $231 |
| Wedding Planning | $28 | $339 |
| Welding | $116 | $1,395 |
| Wholesale | $40 | $477 |
| Window Cleaning | $206 | $2,472 |
How Much Workers' Comp Insurance Do I Need in Missouri?
In Missouri, businesses with five or more employees must carry workers' compensation insurance, while construction companies need coverage with just one employee. This insurance covers medical expenses and lost wages if workers get injured or become ill due to their job duties.
Businesses that fail to maintain required coverage face fines up to $50,000, and employers could face criminal charges for operating without insurance.
Sole proprietors
Business owners who work independently can opt out of workers' comp coverage for themselves while still needing to maintain it for any employees
Corporate officers
Executive officers owning at least 25% of company stock can exclude themselves by filing a written waiver with proof of alternative health coverage
Real estate agents
Licensed real estate professionals working on commission basis are typically exempt when operating as independent contractors
Domestic workers
Household employees working less than 40 hours per week or earning under $750 per quarter may be exempt from coverage requirements
Agricultural workers
Small farms with fewer than five regular employees or annual payroll under $20,000 can qualify for exemption from workers' comp requirements
Seasonal workers
Temporary employees working less than 13 weeks per year in non-hazardous roles may be exempt from mandatory coverage
Religious organizations
Members of religious organizations who have taken vows of poverty while working for their church or affiliated institution can qualify for exemption
Independent contractors
Workers who maintain control over their work methods and meet state criteria for contractor status are generally exempt from required coverage
How to Get the Best Workers' Comp Insurance in Missouri
Finding Missouri workers' compensation insurance doesn't have to be difficult or break your budget. Start by comparing rates from multiple providers and reviewing their business insurance costs.
- 1
Check Missouri coverage requirements
Most Missouri businesses with five or more employees must carry workers' comp insurance. Construction companies need coverage even with just one employee.
- 2
Collect business documentation
Prepare accurate payroll records, employee counts, and job classifications. Having correct information helps avoid audit issues and ensures proper coverage levels.
- 3
Get multiple insurance quotes
Contact at least three insurance carriers for quotes. Missouri rates can vary between providers, so comparing options helps secure better rates.
- 4
Find industry specific expertise
Look at insurers who understand your industry's risks in Missouri.
- 5
Review provider credentials
Check each insurer's claim processing speed and complaint history. Look for workplace safety programs and injury prevention resources.
- 6
Examine policy details
Review coverage limits and exclusions. Consider pay-as-you-go structures for payment options that match your cash flow needs.
- 7
Schedule annual coverage review
Review your coverage yearly as business changes affect premium costs.
Missouri Workers’ Comp: Bottom Line
Missouri business owners have access to several strong workers' compensation insurance providers. The Hartford, NEXT and Simply Business stand out as the top-rated carriers in Missouri. Consider getting quotes from each provider to find the best match for your industry type, company size and budget requirements.
Missouri Workers' Comp Insurance: FAQ
Find answers to your most common questions in our comprehensive FAQ guide below.
Is workers' comp insurance required for all Missouri businesses?
Missouri law requires businesses with five or more employees to carry workers' compensation insurance. Sole proprietors, independent contractors and certain corporate officers are exempt from this requirement. Companies that fail to maintain coverage face penalties up to $50,000 and potential criminal charges, including jail time for knowingly uninsured employers.
How much does workers' comp insurance cost in Missouri?
NEXT offers the lowest-priced workers' comp insurance in Missouri at $68 per month ($819 annually). Your specific premium will vary based on your industry's risk level, number of employees, payroll size and claims history.
What does workers' comp insurance cover in Missouri?
Missouri workers' comp insurance covers medical expenses and lost wages for work-related injuries or illnesses. Benefits include doctor visits, hospital care, medications, and rehabilitation costs. The insurance also provides employers with liability protection from workplace injury lawsuits. Coverage applies only to employees, not independent contractors.
Which workers' comp insurance company is best in Missouri?
The Hartford leads Missouri workers' comp providers with a 4.60 overall score, excelling in coverage options and reliable customer service. NEXT follows at 4.59, featuring the highest customer service rating, while Simply Business (4.50) offers the most comprehensive coverage options. Choose based on whether you prioritize service quality, coverage breadth or overall value.
What happens if I don't have workers' comp insurance in Missouri?
Operating without workers' compensation insurance in Missouri is illegal for most employers with five or more employees. Violations can result in fines of up to $50,000 and potential criminal charges. The Missouri Division of Workers' Compensation enforces compliance and can stop business operations. Employers are also directly liable for employee medical costs and lost wages.
Do sole proprietors need workers' comp insurance in Missouri?
Sole proprietors in Missouri are exempt from workers' compensation requirements since they're not considered employees. However, certain contractors and high-risk industries must carry coverage by law. Many sole proprietors opt to purchase workers' comp voluntarily for financial protection against work-related injuries.
How do I choose the right workers' comp insurance company in Missouri?
Start by getting quotes from at least three Missouri workers' comp insurance providers. Look for carriers with solid experience in your industry sector and check their financial strength ratings. Compare their claims handling processes, review customer satisfaction scores and verify their complaint records with the Missouri Department of Insurance.
How We Scored the Best Workers' Comp Insurance Companies in Missouri
- Affordability (50%): Cost drives every small business insurance decision in Missouri'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, Missouri 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 Missouri 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.