Montana workers' comp rates depend on your industry and team size. Find answers to common coverage questions below.
Best Workers' Comp Insurance in Montana
With rates starting at $6 monthly, NEXT, The Hartford and Simply Business offer the cheapest and best workers' comp insurance in Montana.
Get matched to top Montana workers’ comp insurance providers and find your ideal coverage.
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Updated: December 29, 2025
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Best Montana Workers' Comp Insurance: Fast Answers
What are the best and cheapest workers' comp insurance providers in Montana?
NEXT offers the top cheap workers' compensation insurance in Montana. The following are the state's cheapest and best workers' comp insurance providers and their average monthly rates:
- NEXT: $69
- The Hartford: $69
- Simply Business: $71
- Coverdash: $72
- biBerk: $75
Is workers' comp insurance required in Montana?
Montana requires workers' comp insurance for most employers with employees. Key exemptions include sole proprietors without employees, some agricultural workers and domestic workers in private homes. Non-compliant employers face penalties up to $1,000 per employee plus potential criminal charges and civil liability for workplace injuries.
How much does workers' comp insurance cost in Montana?
Workers' compensation insurance costs in Montana run about $878 annually for a two-person business, or roughly $439 per employee. Your actual costs depend on your industry and payroll. Speech therapists pay the least at $72 annually ($36 per employee), while roofers face the highest costs at $10,029 yearly ($5,015 per employee).
How do you get workers' comp insurance in Montana?
You can get workers' comp coverage in Montana by:
- Purchasing coverage from private insurance companies licensed in the state
- Buying through the Montana State Fund, the state's workers' comp provider
- Self-insuring if your business meets Montana's strict financial requirements
Many business owners compare quotes online or through brokers to get the best rate and compliance support.
What does Montana workers' comp insurance cover?
Workers’ compensation in Montana covers:
- Medical expenses for workplace injuries and occupational illnesses
- Wage replacement benefits during recovery periods
- Permanent disability compensation for lasting impairments
- Death benefits for families of workers killed on the job
Best Workers' Comp Insurance Companies in Montana
NEXT leads our analysis for workers' comp insurance in Montana, offering strong customer support and comprehensive coverage options. The Hartford and Simply Business rank as solid alternatives, providing reliable coverage for small business owners across the state.
| NEXT Insurance | 4.60 | $69 | 1 | 2 |
| The Hartford | 4.60 | $69 | 2 | 3 |
| Simply Business | 4.52 | $71 | 5 | 1 |
| Coverdash | 4.45 | $72 | 6 | 2 |
| biBERK | 4.43 | $75 | 2 | 5 |
| Nationwide | 4.42 | $81 | 2 | 4 |
| Progressive Commercial | 4.39 | $70 | 7 | 5 |
| Hiscox | 4.37 | $71 | 4 | 6 |
| Thimble | 4.35 | $70 | 8 | 5 |
| Chubb | 4.25 | $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 Montana
Select your industry and state to get a customized Montana workers' comp quote from your top provider match.
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LEARN MORE ABOUT THE BEST BUSINESS INSURANCE IN MONTANA
Explore the best business insurance providers in Montana through our guides:
Best Montana Workers’ Comp Insurance Company Reviews
Check our top picks for workers' comp insurance in Montana:
NEXT
Best Workers' Comp Insurance in Montana
MoneyGeek Rating
4.6/ 5
4.4/5Affordability
4.7/5Customer Experience
4.8/5Coverage Points
Average Monthly Workers' Comp Premium
$69We analyzed thousands of workers' compensation quotes from insurers operating in Montana across 79 industriesWorkers' 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 current customers who would recommend this provider
The Hartford
Best Montana Workers' Comp Insurance: Runner-Up
MoneyGeek Rating
4.6/ 5
4.5/5Affordability
4.6/5Customer Experience
4.7/5Coverage Points
Average Monthly Workers' Comp Premium
$69Based on our analysis of Montana workers' compensation insurance ratesWorkers' Comp Claims Process Score
4.5/5 (1st)Rating based on customer satisfaction with claims handling experienceWorkers' Comp Customer Likelihood to Be Recommended to Others Score
4.5/5 (2nd)Percentage of current customers who would recommend The Hartford
Cheapest Workers' Comp Insurance Companies in Montana
NEXT offers the most affordable workers' comp coverage in Montana at $69 monthly or $825 annually. This saves you $4 each month compared to the state average, representing 6% in savings for your business.
The Hartford comes in as a close second at $69 per month, while Thimble rounds out the top three most budget-friendly options at $70 monthly. Both providers keep your premiums below the average costs across the state.
The table below shows costs from all companies we analyzed.
| NEXT Insurance | $69 | $825 |
| The Hartford | $69 | $827 |
| Thimble | $70 | $842 |
| Progressive Commercial | $70 | $846 |
| Hiscox | $71 | $848 |
| Simply Business | $71 | $851 |
| Coverdash | $72 | $866 |
| biBERK | $75 | $897 |
| Nationwide | $81 | $966 |
| Chubb | $84 | $1,012 |
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 Montana by Industry
Progressive Commercial offers the most affordable workers' comp coverage for dental practices at $11 monthly or $126 annually. The insurer leads in eight industries, including veterinary, window cleaning and dental sectors. The Hartford ranks second overall with the cheapest rates across 20 industries like automotive, bakery and auto repair businesses.
| Automotive | The Hartford | $104 | $1,253 |
| Accountants | Thimble | $19 | $228 |
| Ad Agency | NEXT Insurance | $15 | $175 |
| Auto Repair | The Hartford | $136 | $1,631 |
| Beauty Salon | The Hartford | $13 | $160 |
| Bakery | The Hartford | $49 | $582 |
| Barber | Thimble | $13 | $152 |
| Bounce House | Simply Business | $37 | $449 |
| Cannabis | biBERK | $86 | $1,028 |
| Candle | The Hartford | $36 | $437 |
| Cleaning | NEXT Insurance | $44 | $531 |
| Catering | Chubb | $84 | $1,012 |
| Computer Programming | Thimble | $26 | $317 |
| Coffee Shop | NEXT Insurance | $44 | $524 |
| Consulting | Thimble | $29 | $347 |
| Computer Repair | The Hartford | $22 | $264 |
| Construction | Thimble | $167 | $2,008 |
| Courier | Thimble | $209 | $2,505 |
| Contractor | NEXT Insurance | $152 | $1,823 |
| DJ | Thimble | $13 | $153 |
| Daycare | The Hartford | $12 | $143 |
| Dental | Progressive Commercial | $10 | $126 |
| Drone | Simply Business | $25 | $296 |
| Dog Grooming | NEXT Insurance | $60 | $717 |
| Electrical | Progressive Commercial | $52 | $630 |
| Ecommerce | The Hartford | $20 | $239 |
| Excavation | NEXT Insurance | $97 | $1,166 |
| Engineering | NEXT Insurance | $35 | $417 |
| Food | Thimble | $39 | $463 |
| Florist | NEXT Insurance | $55 | $658 |
| Funeral Home | The Hartford | $25 | $298 |
| Food Truck | NEXT Insurance | $43 | $511 |
| Handyman | NEXT Insurance | $89 | $1,066 |
| Gardening | NEXT Insurance | $44 | $527 |
| Home-based | Thimble | $9 | $111 |
| Janitorial | Thimble | $45 | $535 |
| Hospitality | The Hartford | $64 | $768 |
| HVAC | Thimble | $58 | $691 |
| Junk Removal | Thimble | $130 | $1,556 |
| Jewelry | NEXT Insurance | $28 | $334 |
| Lawn/Landscaping | Progressive Commercial | $34 | $412 |
| Manufacturing | Thimble | $53 | $639 |
| Lawyers | Thimble | $49 | $583 |
| Massage | NEXT Insurance | $13 | $160 |
| Marine | NEXT Insurance | $139 | $1,669 |
| Moving | Progressive Commercial | $240 | $2,880 |
| Mortgage Broker | NEXT Insurance | $13 | $156 |
| Painting | NEXT Insurance | $129 | $1,543 |
| Nonprofit | NEXT Insurance | $30 | $357 |
| Nonprofit | The Hartford | $30 | $357 |
| Party Rental | NEXT Insurance | $35 | $415 |
| Pharmacy | The Hartford | $6 | $72 |
| Personal Training | NEXT Insurance | $23 | $272 |
| Pest Control | The Hartford | $65 | $781 |
| Pet | Progressive Commercial | $28 | $338 |
| Physical Therapy | Simply Business | $6 | $76 |
| Photography | NEXT Insurance | $16 | $188 |
| Pressure Washing | biBERK | $85 | $1,016 |
| Plumbing | NEXT Insurance | $58 | $701 |
| Restaurant | NEXT Insurance | $57 | $689 |
| Real Estate | Progressive Commercial | $28 | $334 |
| Roofing | Simply Business | $834 | $10,006 |
| Retail | The Hartford | $32 | $383 |
| Security | NEXT Insurance | $47 | $568 |
| Software | NEXT Insurance | $24 | $285 |
| Snack Bars | NEXT Insurance | $40 | $477 |
| Speech Therapist | Thimble | $6 | $68 |
| Spa/Wellness | NEXT Insurance | $16 | $193 |
| Speech Therapist | NEXT Insurance | $6 | $68 |
| Tech/IT | NEXT Insurance | $25 | $296 |
| Startup | Thimble | $12 | $146 |
| Travel | Simply Business | $7 | $78 |
| Transportation | NEXT Insurance | $211 | $2,526 |
| Tutoring | The Hartford | $9 | $112 |
| Tree Service | The Hartford | $205 | $2,463 |
| Trucking | The Hartford | $249 | $2,992 |
| Veterinary | Progressive Commercial | $18 | $216 |
| Welding | The Hartford | $107 | $1,289 |
| Wedding Planning | The Hartford | $27 | $322 |
| Window Cleaning | Progressive Commercial | $194 | $2,325 |
| Wholesale | The Hartford | $37 | $444 |
How Much Is Workers' Comp Insurance in Montana?
Montana workers' comp insurance cost averages $73 monthly ($878 annually), slightly below the national average of $74. Industry rates vary dramatically, with speech therapists paying as little as $6 monthly ($3 per employee) while roofers face costs up to $836 monthly ($418 per employee).
| Accountants | $20 | $245 |
| Ad Agency | $16 | $189 |
| Auto Repair | $150 | $1,805 |
| Automotive | $116 | $1,398 |
| Bakery | $53 | $634 |
| Barber | $14 | $167 |
| Beauty Salon | $14 | $173 |
| Bounce House | $40 | $480 |
| Candle | $40 | $478 |
| Cannabis | $84 | $1,003 |
| Catering | $73 | $880 |
| Cleaning | $48 | $580 |
| Coffee Shop | $47 | $564 |
| Computer Programming | $28 | $339 |
| Computer Repair | $24 | $288 |
| Construction | $181 | $2,171 |
| Consulting | $30 | $366 |
| Contractor | $165 | $1,980 |
| Courier | $225 | $2,695 |
| DJ | $14 | $166 |
| Daycare | $13 | $159 |
| Dental | $11 | $133 |
| Dog Grooming | $65 | $778 |
| Drone | $26 | $318 |
| Ecommerce | $22 | $259 |
| Electrical | $57 | $683 |
| Engineering | $38 | $457 |
| Excavation | $107 | $1,278 |
| Florist | $61 | $731 |
| Food | $42 | $500 |
| Food Truck | $46 | $546 |
| Funeral Home | $27 | $321 |
| Gardening | $47 | $561 |
| HVAC | $63 | $754 |
| Handyman | $94 | $1,124 |
| Home-based | $10 | $119 |
| Hospitality | $69 | $830 |
| Janitorial | $48 | $576 |
| Jewelry | $30 | $360 |
| Junk Removal | $139 | $1,665 |
| Lawn/Landscaping | $37 | $445 |
| Lawyers | $52 | $624 |
| Manufacturing | $58 | $702 |
| Marine | $149 | $1,790 |
| Massage | $14 | $173 |
| Mortgage Broker | $14 | $165 |
| Moving | $257 | $3,088 |
| Nonprofit | $32 | $380 |
| Painting | $140 | $1,684 |
| Party Rental | $37 | $441 |
| Personal Training | $25 | $298 |
| Pest Control | $70 | $834 |
| Pet | $30 | $364 |
| Pharmacy | $6 | $77 |
| Photography | $17 | $203 |
| Physical Therapy | $7 | $82 |
| Plumbing | $63 | $761 |
| Pressure Washing | $83 | $990 |
| Real Estate | $30 | $357 |
| Restaurant | $62 | $745 |
| Retail | $35 | $417 |
| Roofing | $836 | $10,029 |
| Security | $52 | $619 |
| Snack Bars | $43 | $519 |
| Software | $26 | $313 |
| Spa/Wellness | $17 | $208 |
| Speech Therapist | $6 | $72 |
| Startup | $13 | $157 |
| Tech/IT | $27 | $328 |
| Transportation | $228 | $2,738 |
| Travel | $7 | $83 |
| Tree Service | $218 | $2,621 |
| Trucking | $269 | $3,224 |
| Tutoring | $10 | $120 |
| Veterinary | $19 | $233 |
| Wedding Planning | $28 | $341 |
| Welding | $117 | $1,399 |
| Wholesale | $40 | $477 |
| Window Cleaning | $209 | $2,504 |
Montana Workers' Comp Insurance Cost Factors
These cost factors affect workers' compensation insurance rates in Montana:
Montana State Fund 5-Tier Rating System
Montana State Fund sorts businesses into five rating tiers based on their claims experience. If your business has few accidents, you'll land in a lower tier with better rates. More claims push you into higher, more expensive tiers. If your annual premium falls under $1,500, you automatically start in Tier four or five, the most expensive categories. Your clean safety record won't help lower your tier placement, putting very small operations at a pricing disadvantage compared to larger Montana employers.
Scheduled Rate Modifier
Montana State Fund looks beyond your basic claims history when setting your final premium. The insurer evaluates your safety programs, whether your crews work at job sites you don't control, any pattern of preventable accidents, your track record with previous insurers and whether you're new to workers' comp coverage. Strong safety practices earn you rate reductions, while off-site work or preventable incidents may increase your costs. This modifier identifies risk factors that standard experience ratings may overlook.
Construction Industry Special Requirements
Construction companies operating in Montana must provide coverage for all workers, whether living in-state or out-of-state, with Montana-based policies. You can't use workers' comp from other states except Wyoming, Idaho, South Dakota and Utah under recent reciprocity agreements. Montana's unique benefit structure means insurers price coverage based on the actual claims costs here, rather than what you might pay in neighboring states. For construction businesses operating across state lines, this means higher premiums than multi-state policies would cost.
Ghost Policy Prohibition
Some states let businesses buy ghost policies (certificates proving coverage exists without actual insurance benefits). Montana banned this practice. You can't purchase a cheap certificate to satisfy contract requirements while avoiding real premium costs. Every Montana business needs legitimate coverage with actual benefits and corresponding premiums. This prohibition protects workers but eliminates a budget workaround available to businesses in other states.
Owner Payroll Minimums and Maximums
Sole proprietors and partners who add themselves to their workers' comp policy face set payroll amounts for premium calculations. Montana uses a minimum of $10,800 and maximum of $80,704 for 2024. Pay yourself $5,000 annually? Your premium still calculates as if you earned $10,800. This floor raises costs for part-time owners and very small operations. The ceiling caps premiums for high-earning owners, preventing excessive charges on six-figure salaries.
Premium Surcharges
Your Montana workers' comp bill includes regulatory assessment surcharges that fund the state's oversight system. These fees support the Employment Standards Division, contractor registration programs, and independent contractor certification processes. Montana recalculates surcharge rates every April for implementation each July 1st. You'll see these charges as separate line items on your policy, representing costs specific to Montana's regulatory infrastructure that businesses in other states may not pay.
How Much Workers' Comp Insurance Do I Need in Montana?
Montana law requires workers' compensation insurance as soon as you hire your first employee. Your premiums depend on your total payroll and industry risk level. The state mandates comprehensive medical coverage without dollar limits, wage replacement at two-thirds of your employee's average weekly pay during recovery and benefits for permanent disabilities.
Running your Montana business without the required workers' compensation insurance puts you at serious financial risk. You'll face penalties of at least $200 or double the amount of your premiums, whichever is higher. You become personally responsible for covering all medical bills and lost wages if a worker gets injured on the job.
Montana Workers' Comp Insurance Exemptions
Some business categories in Montana are exempt from workers' comp requirements:
- Sole proprietors, partners and LLC members: Self-employed business owners and working partners can buy coverage voluntarily but aren't required to carry it.
- Corporate officers and managers: Officers who own at least 10% of the company, don't receive pay for their duties or handle only household employment tasks are exempt.
- Independent contractors with exemption certificates: Independent contractors holding a valid ICEC from Montana don't need coverage.
- Household and domestic employees: Workers like housekeepers, nannies and yard maintenance staff employed in private homes are exempt.
- Family members and spouses: Dependent family members you claim on federal taxes and qualifying spouses don't require coverage.
- Companionship and respite care providers: Caregivers for elderly or disabled individuals hired directly by family members are exempt.
- Commission-only salespeople: Real estate agents, insurance salespeople and securities brokers paid purely by commission without guaranteed earnings are exempt.
- Direct sellers: Independent sellers working under federal direct seller tax provisions don't need coverage.
- Petroleum land professionals: Professionals who negotiate mineral rights under written contracts are exempt.
- Ditch company officers: Officers managing Montana's irrigation and water district companies are exempt.
- Cosmetologists and barbers: Licensed beauty and barbering professionals are exempt from coverage requirements.
- Athletes and sports officials: Contact sport athletes (football, hockey, rugby, wrestling, boxing) and amateur event officials like referees and umpires are exempt.
- Musicians and performers: Musicians working under written performance contracts don't need coverage.
- Jockeys and horse racing workers: Licensed jockeys during races and trainers at licensed meets are exempt.
- Newspaper carriers and freelance journalists: Independent newspaper delivery workers and freelance writers paid per piece are exempt with written acknowledgment.
- Ministers and religious order members: Ordained ministers and members of religious orders performing church-related duties are exempt.
- Aid or sustenance workers: People working only for food, shelter, or basic necessities rather than wages are exempt.
- Federal employees and interstate railroad workers: Workers covered under federal programs or railroad employees in interstate commerce are exempt (railroad construction workers still need coverage).
- Tribal employment: Workers employed by tribal members or tribal-owned businesses operating solely on reservation land are exempt.
- Casual employees: Workers performing jobs outside your normal business operations are exempt.
FEDERAL WORKERS' COMP PROGRAMS OVERRIDE STATE REQUIREMENTS
You don't need Montana workers' compensation coverage for employees protected under federal programs like FECA (federal government workers), FELA (railroad employees) or the Longshore and Harbor Workers' Compensation Act (maritime workers). These federal systems replace state requirements entirely.
Railroad construction workers need state coverage even though other railroad employees work under FELA. Independent contractors holding valid Montana exemption certificates and unpaid volunteers also fall outside state coverage requirements.
How to Get the Best Workers' Comp Insurance in Montana
Getting workers' comp insurance with the right provider at the best price means matching coverage types to your industry's specific risks.
- 1Determine if you need workers' comp coverage in Montana
Montana requires workers' compensation insurance the moment you hire your first employee. Check the state's exemption list to determine if your business structure qualifies for an exemption. Solo consultants don't need coverage, but hiring an assistant triggers the requirement immediately.
Montana takes a strict approach to worker classification. Even if you pay contractors as 1099s, the state might classify them as employees who need coverage. Verify your classification against Montana's standards before assuming it's correct.
- 2Gather your business information
Gather three pieces of information before requesting quotes: current employee count, total annual payroll and industry classification codes. Montana follows the National Council on Compensation Insurance (NCCI) system, which sets rates based on industry risk.
Wrong payroll figures can result in surprise bills during audits or leave you underinsured when filing a claim. Construction businesses in Montana are subject to detailed classification requirements; verify your codes carefully.
- 3Request workers' comp quotes from multiple carriers
Compare quotes from at least three insurers to understand the cost of your coverage. Include Montana State Fund in your search, since this state-operated carrier serves as the insurer of last resort for Montana businesses.
Montana State Fund often sets pricing benchmarks that private insurers follow. The state fund guarantees coverage availability, though private carriers frequently offer more competitive rates. Compare coverage terms and premium costs across all options.
- 4Research providers with industry experience
Look beyond cheap business insurance rates to find carriers who understand your specific industry risks. Montana businesses in the construction, agriculture or natural resources sectors should prioritize insurers experienced in high-risk sectors who understand state safety regulations and industry-specific hazards.
- 5Evaluate your top provider options
Review each insurer's track record to determine who offers the best business insurance:
- Check claim processing speed, customer service ratings and complaint records with the Montana Commissioner of Securities and Insurance
- Verify the carrier's network of medical providers across Montana's rural areas
- Ask about safety consultation programs and return-to-work services that lower long-term costs
- Confirm the insurer handles Montana's injury reporting requirements and works efficiently with the state's workers' compensation court system
- 6Review and purchase your workers' compensation policy
Read your policy documents carefully, paying attention to coverage limits, exclusions and Montana-specific provisions. Select a payment structure that matches your business cash flow. Seasonal Montana businesses should ask about pay-as-you-go workers' comp options that adjust premiums based on actual payroll rather than estimates.
- 7Reassess before annual renewal
Review coverage before each renewal period. Check whether your employee count, payroll or business operations changed during the policy year. Your experience modification rate affects premiums, so discuss workplace safety improvements with your insurer.
Montana's workers' compensation costs fluctuate with state market conditions. Rate changes affect all businesses, regardless of their claim history, so budget for potential premium adjustments at renewal, even with a perfect safety record.
Best Montana Workers' Compensation Insurance: Bottom Line
NEXT, The Hartford and Simply Business rank as Montana'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. He has analyzed the insurance market for over five years, conducting original research for insurance shoppers. His insights have been featured in 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
- Archive of the Montana Legislature. "Montana State Fund Workers' Compensation Premium Assessment." Accessed December 30, 2025.
- Montana Code Annotated. "Workers' Compensation Act." Accessed December 30, 2025.
- Montana Department of Labor and Industry. "Extra Territorial." Accessed December 30, 2025.
- Montana Department of Labor and Industry. "Insurance Compliance." Accessed December 30, 2025.
- Montana Department of Labor and Industry. "Requirements for Independent Contractor Exemption Certificates." Accessed December 30, 2025.
- Montana State Fund. "Who is Covered." Accessed December 30, 2025.