NEXT is Nebraska’s best workers' compensation insurance provider, scoring 98 out of 100. The company offers a great mix of reliable customer service, very low workers' comp rates and an extensive coverage selection. The Hartford and Pie are strong runners-up that you should also consider.
Cheapest Workers' Comp Insurance in Nebraska
Updated: June 3, 2025
Advertising & Editorial Disclosure
Key Takeaways
NEXT, The Hartford, Pie, Thimble and biBerk are the best cheap workers' comp insurance providers in Nebraska.
Workers' compensation coverage costs an average of $776 per year or $68 per month for most small businesses in Nebraska.
Workers' comp insurance is required in Nebraska for all companies with employees to cover expenses when employees sustain injuries or illnesses during business activities.
Best Cheap Workers’ Comp Insurance Companies in Nebraska
| Next | 98 | $133 |
| The Hartford | 92 | $276 |
| Pie | 90 | $191 |
| Thimble | 90 | $237 |
| biBERK | 89 | $319 |
| Nationwide | 86 | $419 |
*Rates and scores are for software development businesses with small (five employees), medium (20 employees) and large (100 employees) operations, aggregated for an overall best recommendation.
NEXT: Best Overall
pros
Highly rated customer service overall
Lowest rates in Nebraska overall
Instant online quotes available
cons
Not the most affordable option in Nebraska for larger businesses
COMPANY HIGHLIGHTS
With an excellent 4.7/5 customer rating and 600,000+ clients across 1,300 business types, NEXT is Nebraska's top workers' comp provider. Its $133 monthly average is the lowest rate in Nebraska. Unique perks include instant certificate access and 24/7 chat support that allow you to have more speed and flexibility of coverage.
How Much Is Workers' Comp Insurance in Nebraska?
Depending on the size of your business in Nebraska, workers' comp rates range from $776 to $7,437 per year. However, this only represents software development companies. Your rates will vary widely depending on the number of employees, the risk of your industry, the work your employees do individually and your claims history.
| Larger small businesses | $640 | $7,437 |
| Businesses with five or less employees | $68 | $776 |
| Medium-size small businesses | $203 | $2,368 |
Factors That Impact Workers’ Compensation Costs in Nebraska
The cost of workers' compensation insurance varies for each business, depending on several factors that influence coverage costs, including business size, industry and location.
Payroll costs
Companies face workers' compensation premiums that scale with their workforce costs. Since rates are based on every $100 of payroll, businesses with higher employee wages automatically pay more than those with lower wage bills.
Number of employees
Insurance premiums typically rise for businesses as their employee count grows, since more workers create greater potential for workplace injuries.
Employee class code
A class code identifies the type of work employees do. This code sets the rate charged for every $100 of payroll. High-risk industries like construction, mining and manufacturing typically have higher rates than lower-risk fields such as consulting, accounting and software development.
Previous claims
Past workers' compensation claims create a risk profile that insurers use to calculate your current premium, meaning previous workplace injuries can continue affecting your costs for years. The frequency, severity and dollar amount of historical claims all factor into determining whether your rates increase above standard industry pricing.
Nebraska Workers' Comp Insurance: Buyer's Guide
Navigating business insurance is often a complicated task. We've broken down how to get the best workers' comp coverage, who needs it and what this type of policy covers to guide you.
How to Get the Best Workers' Comp Insurance in Nebraska
Below are the best steps to take to get the best workers' comp policy possible for your organization.
- 1
Learn about required coverages and options
Your workers' compensation needs are unique to your industry, company size and claims history, making it important to assess these factors before selecting a policy. Since state requirements and available options vary, research local regulations and speak with an insurance agent to find the optimal coverage level.
- 2
Research costs and providers
Research typical rates and providers that serve your industry to build a shortlist of companies worth contacting. Check if your state offers insurance programs or allows self-insurance, as these alternatives might work for your business.
- 3
Consult similar businesses
Connect with fellow business owners in your area to discuss their workers' compensation decisions. Their real-world experiences with different providers, coverage levels and claims processes can provide valuable perspective that goes beyond marketing materials and online reviews.
- 4
Compare multiple providers through different means
Find your optimal workers' compensation deal by gathering multiple quotes and comparing providers fairly across identical coverage terms. Mix your quote sources by combining online comparison sites with direct agent discussions, since different methods often reveal varying prices and options from the same companies.
Do You Need Workers’ Compensation Insurance in Nebraska?
Nebraska requires businesses to carry workers' compensation insurance. The only individuals who can choose exclusion are sole proprietors, partners and corporate officers who maintain complete ownership of their corporations.
WORKERS’ COMP PENALTIES IN NEBRASKA
Nebraska hits employers with steep penalties when they skip workers' compensation coverage. Here's what you're risking if you operate without it:
- Civil fines up to $1,000 per violation: Each day without coverage counts as a separate violation.
- Criminal penalties: Up to one year imprisonment, $1,000 fine or both.
- Business shutdown: Employers may be prohibited from doing business in Nebraska until compliance is secured.
- Personal liability for employee injuries: Employers can be sued by injured employees for damages and lose common law defenses.
- Daily accumulating violations: Each day of continued non-compliance constitutes a new $1,000 violation.
- Court action: Injured employees may sue for damages in district court without employer defenses.
What Does Workers’ Compensation Insurance Cover in Nebraska?
Workers' compensation insurance provides vital benefits to employees experiencing work-related injuries or illnesses. This coverage usually encompasses medical care, disability benefits and lost wages for affected workers, paying out 66% of weekly wages according to Nebraska law. This not only safeguards employees but also protects the business against potential legal claims associated with workplace injuries or illnesses.
Best Workers' Compensation Insurance Nebraska: Bottom Line
In Nebraska, the top three best and most affordable workers' comp insurance providers are NEXT, The Hartford and Pie. While these companies are our recommendations, compare rates yourself and consult similar businesses in your industry to get the best deal.
Workers' Comp Insurance in Nebraska: FAQ
Below are answers to frequently asked questions about Nebraska workers' comp insurance from our MoneyGeek experts.
Which company has the best workers’ compensation insurance in Nebraska?
NEXT is the best workers’ compensation insurance provider in Nebraska, with competitive pricing (at around $133 per month) and a strong customer satisfaction record. However, selecting the best insurance for your needs will depend on various aspects, including your industry, the size of your workforce and state requirements.
Does Nebraska require businesses to have workers’ compensation insurance?
Workers' compensation insurance is required for all Nebraska-based businesses. However, sole proprietors, partners and corporate officers who completely own their businesses may choose not to get coverage.
How much does workers’ compensation insurance cost in Nebraska?
In Nebraska, a medium-sized small business with around 20 employees typically incurs a monthly workers' compensation insurance expense of $203.
How We Rated Workers' Comp Insurance Companies in Nebraska
MoneyGeek calculated workers' compensation insurance rates using a software development business with five, 20 and 100 employees to represent various organization sizes.
Our scoring methodology included:
- Affordability (60%): Overall cost compared to other providers and different business profiles
- Customer experience (30%): Ratings from actual customers, J.D. Power studies, AM Best financial stability ratings and our team's experience with quote processes
- Coverage (10%): Additional options beyond standard offerings and breadth of industries served
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.
sources
- NEXT. "Customer Reviews." Accessed June 4, 2025.