Missouri workers' comp rates depend on your industry and team size. Find answers to common coverage questions below.
Best Workers' Comp Insurance in Missouri
With rates starting at $5 monthly, The Hartford, NEXT and Simply Business offer the cheapest and best workers' comp insurance in Missouri.
Compare top Missouri workers’ comp insurance providers and find your ideal coverage.
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Updated: November 23, 2025
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Best Missouri Workers' Comp Insurance: Fast Answers
What are the best and cheapest workers' comp insurance providers in Missouri?
The Hartford offers the top cheap workers' compensation insurance in Missouri. The following are the state's cheapest and best workers' comp insurance providers and their average monthly rates:
- The Hartford: $69
- NEXT: $68
- Simply Business: $70
- Coverdash: $72
- biBerk: $74
Is workers' comp insurance required in Missouri?
Missouri mandates workers' comp insurance for most employers with five or more employees. Sole proprietors, partners and businesses with fewer than five workers are generally exempt. Corporate officers can opt out with proper documentation. Non-compliance results in fines up to $1,000 plus $50 daily penalties and potential criminal charges.
How much does workers' comp insurance cost in Missouri?
Workers' compensation insurance costs in Missouri run $437 per year for each employee in a two-person business. Your premium depends on your specific industry and payroll size. The most affordable coverage is available to speech therapists at approximately $36 annually per employee, while roofers face the steepest rates at around $4,960 per employee each year.
How do you get workers' comp insurance in Missouri?
You can get workers' comp coverage in Missouri by:
- Purchasing policies from licensed private insurance companies operating in the state
- Working with insurance brokers who represent multiple carriers and can shop rates
- Buying directly from insurers online or through their local agents
Many business owners compare quotes online or through brokers to get the best rate and compliance support.
What does Missouri workers' comp insurance cover?
Workers' compensation in Missouri covers:Â
- Medical expenses for workplace injuries and occupational illnesses
- Wage replacement benefits covering two-thirds of average weekly earnings during recovery
- Permanent disability payments for lasting impairments from work accidents
- Death benefits providing financial support to surviving family members
Best Workers' Comp Insurance Companies in Missouri
The Hartford tops our research for workers' comp insurance in Missouri, offering rock-solid financial strength and comprehensive policy options. NEXT and Simply Business rank as excellent alternatives, providing reliable coverage solutions for Missouri small business owners.
| The Hartford | 4.60 | $69 | 2 | 3 |
| NEXT Insurance | 4.59 | $68 | 1 | 2 |
| Simply Business | 4.50 | $70 | 5 | 1 |
| Coverdash | 4.43 | $72 | 6 | 2 |
| biBERK | 4.42 | $74 | 2 | 5 |
| Nationwide | 4.42 | $80 | 2 | 4 |
| Progressive Commercial | 4.37 | $70 | 7 | 5 |
| Hiscox | 4.35 | $71 | 4 | 6 |
| Thimble | 4.35 | $70 | 8 | 5 |
| Chubb | 4.27 | $84 | 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 Missouri
Select your industry and state to get a customized Missouri workers' comp quote from your top provider match.
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LEARN MORE ABOUT THE BEST BUSINESS INSURANCE IN MISSOURI
Explore the best business insurance providers in Missouri through our guides:
Best Missouri Workers’ Comp Insurance Company Reviews
Review top workers' comp providers in Missouri to identify the best options for businesses.Â
The Hartford
Best Workers' Comp Insurance in Missouri
MoneyGeek Rating
4.6/ 5
4.5/5Affordability
4.6/5Customer Experience
4.7/5Coverage Points
Average Monthly Workers' Comp Premium
$69We analyzed thousands of workers' compensation quotes from insurers operating in Missouri across 79 industriesWorkers' Comp Claims Processing Score
4.5/5 (1st)Based on customer saatisfaction surveyWorkers' Comp Customer Likelihood to Be Recommended to Others Score
4.5/5 (2nd)Percentage of customers who would recommend The Hartford
NEXT
Best Missouri Workers' Comp Insurance: Runner Up
MoneyGeek Rating
4.6/ 5
4.4/5Affordability
4.7/5Customer Experience
4.8/5Coverage Points
Average Monthly Workers' Comp Premium
$68We analyzed thousands of workers' compensation quotes from insurers operating in Missouri across 79 industriesWorkers' Comp Digital Experience Score
4.8/5 (1st)Based on customer satisfaction survey dataWorkers' Comp Customer Likelihood to Be Recommended to Others Score
4.8/5 (1st)Percentage of customers who would recommend NEXT
Cheapest Workers' Comp Insurance Companies in Missouri
NEXT delivers the most affordable workers' comp insurance in Missouri at just $68 monthly or $819 per year. This puts $5 back in your pocket each month and saves you 6% compared to Missouri's average rates of $73 monthly and $874 annually.
The Hartford comes in second at $69 monthly, while Thimble rounds out the top three with $70 per month. Both options keep you well below state averages.
The table below shows costs from all companies we analyzed.
| NEXT Insurance | $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 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 Missouri by Industry
NEXT offers the most affordable workers' comp rates, starting at just $11 monthly for dental practices. NEXT dominates pricing in 30 industries, excelling in the bakery, wholesale and retail sectors. Thimble ranks second for affordability, leading 16 industries, including ad agencies, auto repair and veterinary services.
| Ad Agency | Thimble | $15 | $175 |
| Accountants | Progressive Commercial | $19 | $227 |
| Automotive | Progressive Commercial | $110 | $1,316 |
| Beauty Salon | Simply Business | $13 | $160 |
| Auto Repair | Thimble | $137 | $1,643 |
| Bakery | NEXT Insurance | $48 | $576 |
| Barber | Progressive Commercial | $13 | $152 |
| Bounce House | NEXT Insurance | $36 | $437 |
| Cannabis | biBERK | $84 | $1,006 |
| Candle | The Hartford | $37 | $444 |
| Cleaning | Simply Business | $45 | $539 |
| Catering | Chubb | $84 | $1,008 |
| Coffee Shop | The Hartford | $42 | $510 |
| Computer Repair | NEXT Insurance | $22 | $264 |
| Computer Programming | NEXT Insurance | $26 | $314 |
| Contractor | NEXT Insurance | $154 | $1,847 |
| Construction | NEXT Insurance | $167 | $2,003 |
| Consulting | The Hartford | $27 | $330 |
| Courier | The Hartford | $204 | $2,453 |
| DJ | NEXT Insurance | $13 | $153 |
| Daycare | NEXT Insurance | $12 | $148 |
| Dental | NEXT Insurance | $10 | $121 |
| Drone | NEXT Insurance | $25 | $297 |
| Dog Grooming | Simply Business | $60 | $722 |
| Engineering | Thimble | $35 | $424 |
| Ecommerce | Simply Business | $20 | $242 |
| Electrical | The Hartford | $54 | $643 |
| Excavation | NEXT Insurance | $97 | $1,158 |
| Food | The Hartford | $38 | $453 |
| Florist | The Hartford | $55 | $660 |
| Funeral Home | Thimble | $24 | $293 |
| Food Truck | Progressive Commercial | $42 | $501 |
| Gardening | NEXT Insurance | $43 | $515 |
| Home-based | NEXT Insurance | $9 | $110 |
| Handyman | Thimble | $86 | $1,032 |
| Janitorial | Thimble | $44 | $527 |
| Hospitality | Thimble | $64 | $770 |
| HVAC | NEXT Insurance | $56 | $676 |
| Junk Removal | Thimble | $129 | $1,548 |
| Jewelry | The Hartford | $27 | $329 |
| Lawn/Landscaping | Progressive Commercial | $35 | $423 |
| Lawyers | Thimble | $48 | $574 |
| Marine | NEXT Insurance | $137 | $1,647 |
| Manufacturing | NEXT Insurance | $54 | $652 |
| Mortgage Broker | Progressive Commercial | $13 | $154 |
| Massage | NEXT Insurance | $13 | $160 |
| Nonprofit | NEXT Insurance | $29 | $351 |
| Moving | NEXT Insurance | $241 | $2,895 |
| Painting | NEXT Insurance | $129 | $1,551 |
| Personal Training | The Hartford | $23 | $280 |
| Party Rental | Progressive Commercial | $34 | $403 |
| Pest Control | NEXT Insurance | $64 | $767 |
| Pet | NEXT Insurance | $28 | $341 |
| Pharmacy | Progressive Commercial | $6 | $70 |
| Physical Therapy | Thimble | $6 | $74 |
| Photography | NEXT Insurance | $16 | $188 |
| Pressure Washing | biBERK | $85 | $1,016 |
| Plumbing | Thimble | $59 | $703 |
| Restaurant | The Hartford | $58 | $696 |
| Real Estate | The Hartford | $28 | $331 |
| Roofing | biBERK | $837 | $10,042 |
| Retail | Thimble | $32 | $384 |
| Security | Simply Business | $48 | $573 |
| Software | NEXT Insurance | $24 | $285 |
| Snack Bars | Thimble | $40 | $479 |
| Speech Therapist | NEXT Insurance | $5 | $66 |
| Spa/Wellness | The Hartford | $16 | $194 |
| Tech/IT | NEXT Insurance | $24 | $294 |
| Startup | NEXT Insurance | $12 | $142 |
| Transportation | NEXT Insurance | $210 | $2,517 |
| Tree Service | The Hartford | $207 | $2,483 |
| Travel | Progressive Commercial | $6 | $77 |
| Tutoring | Thimble | $9 | $111 |
| Trucking | NEXT Insurance | $242 | $2,909 |
| Veterinary | Thimble | $18 | $214 |
| Wedding Planning | The Hartford | $26 | $314 |
| Wholesale | NEXT Insurance | $36 | $433 |
| Welding | The Hartford | $108 | $1,298 |
| Window Cleaning | Thimble | $189 | $2,268 |
How Much Is Workers' Comp Insurance in Missouri?
Missouri's workers' comp insurance cost averages $73 monthly ($874 annually), slightly below the national average of $74. Industry rates vary, with speech therapists paying as little as $6 monthly ($3 per employee) while roofers face costs up to $827 monthly ($414 per employee).
| 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 |
Missouri Workers' Comp Insurance Cost Factors
These cost factors affect workers' compensation insurance rates in Missouri:
2025 Rate Reduction Trend
Your workers' comp premiums dropped 5.3% on January 1, 2025. Missouri saw declining medical and wage replacement costs per lost-time claim, which means insurers paid out less money last year. When claim costs fall statewide, carriers lower the rates they charge your business. This marks the fourth straight year Missouri rates decreased, creating sustained savings rather than a one-time dip.
Second Injury Fund Surcharges
Missouri caps the Second Injury Fund surcharge at 3%, with an additional 3% supplemental surcharge possible. You pay up to 6% of your premium into this state fund that covers workers with pre-existing disabilities who suffer new job injuries. This mandatory charge appears on every Missouri policy, adding fixed costs that don't exist in states without Second Injury Funds.
Administrative Costs Built Into Premiums
Missouri stacks multiple fees onto your base premium: an administrative tax, an administrative surcharge, a Second Injury Fund surcharge and a supplemental surcharge. These charges fund state operations for claims processing and regulatory oversight. Expect these mandatory fees to add 5% to 10% to your base rate. You can't negotiate or reduce them through safety programs.
Maximum Weekly Benefit Rates
Missouri's maximum weekly benefit for temporary total disability, permanent total disability and death rose to $1,280.84 for July 2025 through June 2026. The maximum for permanent partial disability increased to $670.92. Higher benefit caps mean insurers pay more on serious claims involving lost wages. Carriers adjust your premiums to cover these increased payouts when workers earn higher salaries.
Declining Lost-Time Claims Frequency
Missouri workplaces became safer, with fewer employees missing work due to injuries. Lost-time claims cost the most because they combine medical bills with wage replacement. When claim frequency drops statewide, insurers reduce base rates for your industry classification code. This improvement shows Missouri employers invested in safety programs that produced measurable results.
How Much Workers' Comp Insurance Do I Need in Missouri?
Missouri law requires coverage once you hire your fifth employee. Construction businesses need required workers' compensation insurance starting with their first worker. Your policy must cover all employees: full-time, part-time, seasonal and temporary staff all count toward this threshold.
Your premium reflects your total annual payroll and industry risk level. Skip coverage and you'll face class A misdemeanor charges plus penalties reaching three times what you'd pay for actual insurance or $50,000, whichever costs more.
Missouri Workers' Comp Insurance Exemptions
While you're required to have coverage in Missouri, some business categories are exempt from workers' comp requirements:
- Fewer than five employees: Your small business doesn't need workers' comp coverage until you hire your fifth employee, giving you flexibility as you grow.
- Construction businesses: If you work in construction, you need coverage as soon as you hire your first employee (though you're exempt if you operate solo)
- Sole proprietors and self-employed business owners: You're not required to cover yourself, but buying a policy protects you from out-of-pocket medical costs if you get injured on the job.
- Business partners: Partnership members aren't automatically covered but can add themselves to the policy if they want financial protection.
- LLC members: Missouri automatically includes you in coverage, but you can opt out by submitting a written rejection form to your insurance carrier.
- Small corporations: If your corporation has two or fewer owner-employees and no other staff, you can file for exemption with the Missouri Division of Workers' Compensation.
- Direct sellers and commercial truck owner-operators: Independent contractors who sell products directly to consumers or own and operate their trucks don't need coverage.
- Sports officials for youth programs: Referees, adjudicators and officials working amateur youth or interscholastic events are exempt when the event sponsor doesn't employ them.
- Family members in partnerships: You can exclude close relatives working for sole proprietors or partners, though they still count toward your five-employee threshold.
- Railroad, postal and maritime workers: Federal law covers these employees through separate workers' comp programs instead of Missouri requirements.
- Farm and agricultural employees: Workers in farming operations are exempt from Missouri's mandatory coverage rules.
- Household employees: Domestic workers like housekeepers, nannies and caregivers in private homes don't require coverage.
- Real estate professionals: Agents and brokers working as independent contractors on commission-only arrangements are exempt.
- Nonprofit volunteers: Unpaid volunteers working for tax-exempt organizations under IRS sections 501(c)(3) or 501(c)(19) don't need coverage.
FEDERAL WORKERS' COMP PROGRAMS OVERRIDE STATE REQUIREMENTS
Missouri doesn't require you to cover employees protected by federal programs. Federal workers receive benefits through FECA, railroad employees through FELA, and maritime workers through the Longshore and Harbor Workers' Compensation Act. Independent contractors and unpaid nonprofit volunteers also fall outside Missouri's mandatory coverage rules, though courts can reclassify contractors as statutory employees based on working conditions.
How to Get the Best Workers' Comp Insurance in Missouri
Explore how to get workers' comp insurance with the right provider at the best price.
- 1Determine if you need workers' comp coverage in Missouri
Check whether Missouri's exemptions apply to your business. A sole proprietor running a consulting firm doesn't need coverage, but hiring your first employee changes that (construction businesses need coverage with just one employee). Missouri counts everyone toward your five-employee threshold, whether they're full-time, part-time, seasonal or temporary.
- 2Gather your business information
Collect your employee count, annual payroll figures and industry classification codes. Missouri uses NCCI classification codes, and owner payroll has a minimum calculation of $54,700 for 2025.
Get these numbers right. Wrong payroll figures or misclassified workers create audit surprises or leave you without coverage when you need it most. Construction businesses should verify classifications carefully since Missouri's one-employee rule kicks in immediately for your industry.
- 3Request workers' comp quotes from multiple carriers
Contact at least three insurers to compare your options and understand business insurance costs. Include Missouri Employers Mutual (MEM) in your search. The state created this carrier for small businesses, and MEM now handles more Missouri workers' comp policies than any other insurer.
Private carriers compete with MEM's rates, so shopping around finds you better deals. Different insurers specialize in different industries, affecting both your premium and claims experience. Multiple quotes give you real negotiating power.
- 4Research providers with industry experience
Look past cheap business insurance rates to find insurers who know Missouri's workers' comp system. Check whether they have experience with your industry's risks and the Missouri Division of Workers' Compensation procedures.
Construction companies want carriers familiar with Missouri's strict construction rules. Service businesses need insurers who understand office classifications and lower-risk operations. The right industry expertise means smoother claims and better support when problems pop up.
- 5Evaluate your top provider options
Compare your finalists on more than just price to find the best insurance for your business:
- Review financial stability ratings and complaint records with the Missouri Department of Insurance
- Check claim processing speed and customer service hours
- Ask about safety programs, return-to-work support and injury prevention resources
- Confirm experience with Missouri's assigned risk pool if you have a challenging claims history
- 6Review and purchase your workers' compensation policy
Read your policy carefully, noting coverage limits, exclusions and renewal terms under Missouri law. Choose a payment structure that fits your cash flow. For example, pay-as-you-go workers' comp programs base payments on actual payroll rather than requiring large deposits upfront.
Seasonal businesses and companies with variable payrolls save money with flexible payment options. Make sure your policy includes all mandatory Missouri coverages and ask about optional protections for your specific operations.
- 7Reassess before annual renewal
Review changes to your business each year before renewal. Update your employee count, examine filed claims and check your experience modification rate from NCCI.
New hires, expanded operations or service changes affect your premium. Tell your insurer about these shifts to keep your coverage accurate. Missouri's workers' comp market conditions change rates even when you haven't filed claims, so comparing quotes annually keeps your costs down.
Best Missouri Workers' Compensation Insurance: Bottom Line
The Hartford, NEXT and Simply Business rank as Missouri's top workers' comp insurers. Businesses should 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
- Insurance Journal. "Missouri to See Reduction in Workers' Comp Rates in 2025." Accessed December 26, 2025.
- Missouri Department of Commerce and Insurance. "Missouri DCI Announces Reduction of Workers' Compensation Rates for Employers in 2025." Accessed December 26, 2025.
- Missouri Department of Labor and Industrial Relations. "Second Injury Fund Surcharge." Accessed December 26, 2025.
- Missouri Department of Labor and Industrial Relations. "Who is Required to Carry Workers' Compensation Insurance Coverage?." Accessed December 26, 2025.
- Missouri Revisor of Statutes. "Section 287.128 - Unlawful Acts, Penalties." Accessed December 26, 2025.
- Missouri Revisor of Statutes. "Section 287.280 - Employer's Entire Liability to be Covered." Accessed December 26, 2025.