Your workers' comp rates in the Cornhusker State depend on your industry and team size. Find answers to common coverage questions below.
Best Workers' Comp Insurance in Nebraska
With rates starting at $5 monthly, The Hartford, NEXT and Simply Business offer the cheapest and best workers' comp insurance in Nebraska.
Compare top Nebraska workers’ comp insurance providers and find your ideal coverage.
Select your industry
Select state
Updated: November 23, 2025
Advertising & Editorial Disclosure
Best Nebraska Workers' Comp Insurance: Fast Answers
What are the best and cheapest workers' comp insurance providers in Nebraska?
The Hartford offers the top cheap workers' compensation insurance in Nebraska. The following are the state's cheapest and best workers' comp insurance providers and their average monthly rates:
- The Hartford: $66
- NEXT: $65
- Simply Business: $67
- Coverdash: $69
- biBerk: $71
Is workers' comp insurance required in Nebraska?
Nebraska mandates workers' comp insurance for most employers with one or more employees. Exemptions include sole proprietors without employees, partners and some agricultural workers. Employers who fail to carry required coverage face penalties up to $500 per day, plus potential criminal charges and civil liability for workplace injuries.
How much does workers' comp insurance cost in Nebraska?
Workers' compensation insurance costs in Nebraska run $35 per employee monthly for a two-person business. Costs fluctuate based on your industry and payroll size. Low-risk businesses, such as speech therapy, pay around $3 per employee per month, while high-risk industries, like roofing, face costs of approximately $395 per employee each month.
How do you get workers' comp insurance in Nebraska?
You can get workers' comp coverage in Nebraska by:
- Purchasing from licensed private insurance companies operating in the state
- Buying coverage through the Nebraska assigned risk pool if standard market options aren't available
- Qualifying for self-insurance status if your business meets the state's strict financial requirements
Most employers compare multiple quotes online or work with brokers to secure affordable rates and ensure proper compliance.
What does Nebraska workers' comp insurance cover?
Workers' compensation in Nebraska covers:
- Medical expenses for work-related injuries and occupational illnesses
- Wage replacement benefits during recovery periods
- Permanent disability compensation for lasting impairments
- Survivor benefits for families when workplace fatalities occur
Best Workers' Comp Insurance Companies in Nebraska
The Hartford leads Nebraska's workers' comp insurance market with solid financial strength and comprehensive policy options that protect businesses from unexpected claims. NEXT and Simply Business round out the top three, offering reliable coverage solutions for Nebraska small business owners seeking quality protection.
| The Hartford | 4.61 | $66 | 2 | 3 |
| NEXT Insurance | 4.60 | $65 | 1 | 2 |
| Simply Business | 4.52 | $67 | 5 | 1 |
| Coverdash | 4.45 | $69 | 6 | 2 |
| biBERK | 4.42 | $71 | 2 | 5 |
| Nationwide | 4.42 | $76 | 2 | 4 |
| Progressive Commercial | 4.40 | $67 | 7 | 5 |
| Hiscox | 4.37 | $68 | 4 | 6 |
| Thimble | 4.35 | $66 | 8 | 5 |
| Chubb | 4.25 | $80 | 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 Nebraska
Select your industry and state to get a customized Nebraska workers' comp quote from your top provider match.
Industry
State
LEARN MORE ABOUT THE BEST BUSINESS INSURANCE IN NEBRASKA
Explore the best business insurance providers in Nebraska through our guides:
Best Nebraska Workers’ Comp Insurance Company Reviews
Review this detailed breakdown of our top picks for workers' comp insurance in Nebraska.
The Hartford
Best Workers' Comp Insurance in Nebraska
MoneyGeek Rating
4.6/ 5
4.6/5Affordability
4.6/5Customer Experience
4.7/5Coverage Points
Average Monthly Workers' Comp Premium
$66We analyzed thousands of workers' compensation quotes from insurers operating in Nebraska across 79 industriesWorkers' Comp Claims Processing Score
4.5/5 (1st)Rating based on customer satisfaction with claims handlingWorkers' Comp Customer Likelihood to Be Recommended to Others Score
4.5/5 (2nd)Likelihood customers would recommend The Hartford
NEXT
Best Nebraska 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
$65Average monthly workers' compensation premium for NEXT Insurance in NebraskaWorkers' Comp Digital Experience Score
4.8/5 (1st)Customer satisfaction rating for the digital experience NEXT providesWorkers' Comp Customer Likelihood to Be Recommended to Others Score
4.8/5 (1st)Percentage of customers who would recommend NEXT Insurance to others
Cheapest Workers' Comp Insurance Companies in Nebraska
NEXT offers the most affordable workers' compensation insurance in the state, priced at just $65 per month or $785 annually. This rate puts $4 back in your pocket each month compared to Nebraska's average of $70 monthly, representing a solid 6% savings.
The Hartford comes in second place with competitive monthly rates of $66, while Thimble rounds out the top three affordable options at $66 per month. Both providers offer strong alternatives that still beat state averages.
The table below shows costs from all companies we analyzed.
| NEXT Insurance | $65 | $785 |
| The Hartford | $66 | $787 |
| Thimble | $66 | $796 |
| Simply Business | $67 | $808 |
| Progressive Commercial | $67 | $809 |
| Hiscox | $68 | $813 |
| Coverdash | $69 | $827 |
| biBERK | $71 | $850 |
| Nationwide | $76 | $917 |
| Chubb | $80 | $961 |
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 Nebraska by Industry
Thimble offers the cheapest workers' comp rates, starting at $103 monthly for automotive businesses. Thimble leads in 11 industries, including accountants, automotive and wholesale. The Hartford ranks second for affordability, winning in 14 industries like ad agency, auto repair and bakery sectors.
| Accountants | Thimble | $18 | $221 |
| Ad Agency | The Hartford | $14 | $169 |
| Bakery | The Hartford | $46 | $553 |
| Automotive | Thimble | $103 | $1,238 |
| Auto Repair | The Hartford | $133 | $1,592 |
| Barber | NEXT Insurance | $12 | $147 |
| Beauty Salon | The Hartford | $13 | $153 |
| Candle | NEXT Insurance | $35 | $419 |
| Bounce House | NEXT Insurance | $35 | $421 |
| Cannabis | Nationwide | $88 | $1,059 |
| Coffee Shop | Simply Business | $41 | $491 |
| Catering | Simply Business | $64 | $774 |
| Catering | NEXT Insurance | $64 | $774 |
| Cleaning | NEXT Insurance | $42 | $509 |
| Computer Programming | Thimble | $25 | $296 |
| Consulting | NEXT Insurance | $27 | $318 |
| Computer Repair | NEXT Insurance | $21 | $257 |
| Construction | The Hartford | $160 | $1,921 |
| Courier | Thimble | $198 | $2,378 |
| Contractor | NEXT Insurance | $146 | $1,752 |
| DJ | Simply Business | $12 | $147 |
| Daycare | The Hartford | $12 | $138 |
| Dental | NEXT Insurance | $10 | $118 |
| DJ | NEXT Insurance | $12 | $147 |
| Drone | Thimble | $24 | $284 |
| Dog Grooming | The Hartford | $56 | $676 |
| Ecommerce | Thimble | $19 | $229 |
| Electrical | NEXT Insurance | $49 | $594 |
| Excavation | Simply Business | $93 | $1,116 |
| Engineering | NEXT Insurance | $34 | $405 |
| Food Truck | Progressive Commercial | $40 | $476 |
| Florist | NEXT Insurance | $54 | $646 |
| Food | NEXT Insurance | $36 | $437 |
| Funeral Home | NEXT Insurance | $23 | $280 |
| Handyman | NEXT Insurance | $84 | $1,004 |
| Gardening | The Hartford | $41 | $492 |
| Hospitality | NEXT Insurance | $61 | $729 |
| Home-based | Thimble | $9 | $104 |
| Jewelry | NEXT Insurance | $26 | $318 |
| HVAC | The Hartford | $55 | $660 |
| Janitorial | The Hartford | $43 | $513 |
| Junk Removal | Progressive Commercial | $121 | $1,450 |
| Lawn/Landscaping | NEXT Insurance | $33 | $392 |
| Marine | NEXT Insurance | $131 | $1,566 |
| Lawyers | Progressive Commercial | $45 | $543 |
| Manufacturing | NEXT Insurance | $52 | $618 |
| Mortgage Broker | NEXT Insurance | $12 | $143 |
| Massage | NEXT Insurance | $12 | $148 |
| Nonprofit | Progressive Commercial | $29 | $343 |
| Moving | The Hartford | $230 | $2,764 |
| Painting | Thimble | $123 | $1,481 |
| Pet | Progressive Commercial | $27 | $320 |
| Party Rental | NEXT Insurance | $32 | $381 |
| Personal Training | NEXT Insurance | $22 | $261 |
| Pest Control | Thimble | $62 | $746 |
| Pharmacy | NEXT Insurance | $6 | $66 |
| Photography | NEXT Insurance | $15 | $178 |
| Plumbing | Simply Business | $57 | $689 |
| Physical Therapy | Simply Business | $6 | $73 |
| Real Estate | NEXT Insurance | $26 | $316 |
| Pressure Washing | Nationwide | $87 | $1,042 |
| Retail | NEXT Insurance | $31 | $371 |
| Restaurant | Progressive Commercial | $55 | $663 |
| Security | Thimble | $45 | $542 |
| Roofing | Nationwide | $858 | $10,297 |
| Snack Bars | The Hartford | $37 | $448 |
| Startup | NEXT Insurance | $12 | $138 |
| Software | NEXT Insurance | $23 | $280 |
| Spa/Wellness | Progressive Commercial | $15 | $181 |
| Speech Therapist | Progressive Commercial | $5 | $62 |
| Tech/IT | The Hartford | $24 | $282 |
| Travel | Progressive Commercial | $6 | $75 |
| Transportation | Simply Business | $200 | $2,394 |
| Trucking | NEXT Insurance | $237 | $2,845 |
| Tree Service | NEXT Insurance | $192 | $2,306 |
| Veterinary | NEXT Insurance | $17 | $202 |
| Tutoring | NEXT Insurance | $9 | $104 |
| Wedding Planning | Progressive Commercial | $24 | $292 |
| Window Cleaning | The Hartford | $182 | $2,185 |
| Welding | Simply Business | $106 | $1,267 |
| Wholesale | Thimble | $36 | $430 |
How Much Is Workers' Comp Insurance in Nebraska?
Nebraska workers' comp insurance costs $70 monthly ($835 annually), $4 less than the national average of $74. Industry costs vary, with speech therapists paying just $69 annually ($35 per employee) while roofers face $9,485 yearly premiums ($4,743 per employee).
| Accountants | $20 | $234 |
| Ad Agency | $15 | $179 |
| Auto Repair | $143 | $1,719 |
| Automotive | $110 | $1,325 |
| Bakery | $51 | $610 |
| Barber | $13 | $159 |
| Beauty Salon | $14 | $166 |
| Bounce House | $38 | $456 |
| Candle | $38 | $453 |
| Cannabis | $79 | $950 |
| Catering | $69 | $832 |
| Cleaning | $46 | $554 |
| Coffee Shop | $44 | $531 |
| Computer Programming | $26 | $318 |
| Computer Repair | $23 | $275 |
| Construction | $172 | $2,059 |
| Consulting | $29 | $344 |
| Contractor | $157 | $1,887 |
| Courier | $213 | $2,552 |
| DJ | $13 | $158 |
| Daycare | $13 | $152 |
| Dental | $11 | $128 |
| Dog Grooming | $62 | $740 |
| Drone | $26 | $306 |
| Ecommerce | $20 | $245 |
| Electrical | $54 | $653 |
| Engineering | $36 | $432 |
| Excavation | $101 | $1,208 |
| Florist | $58 | $691 |
| Food | $40 | $475 |
| Food Truck | $43 | $516 |
| Funeral Home | $25 | $303 |
| Gardening | $44 | $530 |
| HVAC | $59 | $711 |
| Handyman | $89 | $1,067 |
| Home-based | $9 | $114 |
| Hospitality | $66 | $791 |
| Janitorial | $46 | $548 |
| Jewelry | $28 | $341 |
| Junk Removal | $132 | $1,583 |
| Lawn/Landscaping | $35 | $426 |
| Lawyers | $50 | $595 |
| Manufacturing | $56 | $667 |
| Marine | $142 | $1,707 |
| Massage | $14 | $164 |
| Mortgage Broker | $13 | $158 |
| Moving | $248 | $2,978 |
| Nonprofit | $30 | $363 |
| Painting | $132 | $1,588 |
| Party Rental | $34 | $413 |
| Personal Training | $24 | $285 |
| Pest Control | $67 | $801 |
| Pet | $29 | $350 |
| Pharmacy | $6 | $72 |
| Photography | $16 | $194 |
| Physical Therapy | $7 | $78 |
| Plumbing | $61 | $734 |
| Pressure Washing | $80 | $958 |
| Real Estate | $28 | $341 |
| Restaurant | $60 | $716 |
| Retail | $33 | $400 |
| Roofing | $790 | $9,485 |
| Security | $50 | $594 |
| Snack Bars | $41 | $495 |
| Software | $25 | $302 |
| Spa/Wellness | $16 | $197 |
| Speech Therapist | $6 | $69 |
| Startup | $12 | $149 |
| Tech/IT | $26 | $308 |
| Transportation | $218 | $2,613 |
| Travel | $7 | $79 |
| Tree Service | $209 | $2,514 |
| Trucking | $256 | $3,078 |
| Tutoring | $10 | $114 |
| Veterinary | $19 | $223 |
| Wedding Planning | $27 | $320 |
| Welding | $112 | $1,344 |
| Wholesale | $38 | $457 |
| Window Cleaning | $197 | $2,361 |
Nebraska Workers' Comp Insurance Cost Factors
These cost factors affect workers' compensation insurance rates in Nebraska:
Rate Adjustment Authority
Nebraska operates as an NCCI state, which means insurance companies can adjust their filed rates by up to 25% through policy credits and debits. Your business can receive dramatically different quotes from insurers even when you have identical operations and payroll. Companies reward you with credits for maintaining strong safety programs and clean claims histories. Businesses with frequent injuries or poor workplace safety face debits that push premiums higher than standard rates.
Sole Proprietor and Partner Rating Payroll
Nebraska sets a fixed payroll amount of $53,500 for sole proprietors and partners who choose coverage in 2024, no matter what you earn. This fixed rate helps you save money if your income exceeds this threshold, since insurers calculate your premium on $53,500 rather than your higher actual earnings. However, if you earn considerably less, you'll pay premiums calculated on this standardized amount, making coverage more expensive than it would be in states that use actual wages.
Loss Cost Multiplier Range
Nebraska permits insurance companies to use loss cost multipliers ranging from 1.00 to 1.80, combined with 40% pricing flexibility. This multiplier shows how much insurers add to base rates for operating costs and profit. A multiplier of 1.00 charges just the base rate, while 1.80 tacks on 80% more. Consider a small business with $100,000 in payroll and a base rate of $2.00 per $100 of payroll. The premium difference between the lowest and highest multipliers reaches $1,600 annually, which explains why comparing quotes from multiple Nebraska insurers matters so much.
Workers' Compensation Court Structure
Nebraska's Workers' Compensation Court includes seven judges the governor appoints, who then face retention votes after three years and every six years. This specialized court's consistent application of workers' comp law helps insurers predict claim costs more accurately, allowing them to offer competitive rates. When the court resolves disputes efficiently and produces predictable rulings, claims close faster and cost less. Insurance companies factor these lower claim expenses into their pricing, which benefits your bottom line.
How Much Workers' Comp Insurance Do I Need in Nebraska?
Nebraska law requires workers' compensation insurance for all employers with one or more employees in their regular trade, business, profession or vocation. You don't pick coverage limits like other insurance. Your policy must provide full medical, surgical and hospital services with no dollar limits. Temporary disability benefits pay two-thirds of average weekly wage, capped at $1,130 weekly as of January 1, 2025.
Failing to maintain required workers' compensation coverage brings penalties up to $1,000 per violation, with each day counting separately. Criminal charges can result in imprisonment for up to one year, a $1,000 fine, or both, plus prohibition from doing business in Nebraska.
Nebraska Workers' Comp Insurance Exemptions
You're required to have coverage in Nebraska, but some business categories are exempt from workers' comp requirements:
- Sole proprietors and self-employed individuals: If you run your own business as a sole proprietor or are self-employed, you're not required to cover yourself. You can opt in by filing paperwork with your insurance company, which may make sense if you want financial protection for on-the-job injuries.
- Partners: Share ownership with business partners? You're excluded from coverage but can elect to be included if you're actively engaged in running the business.
- LLC members: As an LLC owner actively running your business, you're excluded from coverage but can elect to be included if you want the same protection your employees receive.
- Corporate officers with 25%+ ownership: Own at least a quarter of your corporation? Nebraska doesn't consider you an employee, so you're automatically exempt unless you choose coverage.
- Nonprofit executive officers earning under $1,000: If you're an executive officer of a nonprofit earning $1,000 or less annually, you're exempt unless you opt in.
- Independent contractors: Workers you classify as independent contractors don't need coverage, though Nebraska courts use a 10-factor test to determine if someone truly qualifies as an independent contractor rather than an employee.
- Agricultural workers: Run a farm or ranch? You're exempt if you only employ family members. If you hire non-family workers, you're still exempt until you have 10 or more full-time employees working each day for 13 weeks in a year. Once you hit that threshold, coverage kicks in 30 days later.
- Household domestic workers: Housekeepers, nannies and similar household employees are exempt, though you can choose to cover them if you want.
- Volunteers: People volunteering their time for your organization don't need coverage under Nebraska law.
FEDERAL WORKERS' COMP PROGRAMS OVERRIDE STATE REQUIREMENTS
Some workers in Nebraska don't fall under the state's workers' comp system. Federal employees receive benefits through FECA, while railroad workers get coverage under FELA. Maritime workers use the Longshore and Harbor Workers' Compensation Act. Independent contractors and unpaid volunteers also stay outside Nebraska's requirements since they're not classified as employees. Nebraska uses a 10-factor test to determine true independent contractor status, so proper worker classification matters for your business.
How to Get the Best Workers' Comp Insurance in Nebraska
Getting workers' comp insurance with the right provider at the best price means choosing coverage that fits your specific business needs.
- 1Determine if you need workers' comp coverage in Nebraska
Check if your business structure or worker types qualify for exemptions. A solo accountant working from home doesn't need coverage, but adding one employee triggers Nebraska's requirement. The state uses a 10-factor test to classify independent contractors, so some workers you treat as 1099 contractors may legally need coverage.
- 2Gather your business information
Pull together your employee count, annual payroll and classification codes for accurate quotes. Nebraska assigns industry-specific class codes that directly affect your premium rates.
Getting these numbers right matters. Incorrect payroll estimates or wrong work codes create audit surprises and unexpected bills down the road. Farm and ranch owners need to pay extra attention since Nebraska's agricultural exemption depends on whether you employ family members only or hire outside workers.
- 3Request workers' comp quotes from multiple carriers
Get quotes from at least three insurers to compare the cost of your coverage. Nebraska doesn't operate a state fund, so you'll choose between private insurance companies or the assigned risk pool that Travelers manages.
The assigned risk pool accepts high-risk businesses that private insurers won't cover. Expect higher rates here, so explore all your private market options first.
- 4Research providers with industry experience
Look beyond just cheap business insurance rates to find insurers who understand your specific risks. Agricultural businesses benefit from carriers familiar with Nebraska's seasonal workforce patterns and farm exemption rules. Construction companies need insurers experienced with high-risk classifications and jobsite safety requirements.
- 5Evaluate your top provider options
Compare each insurer's track record to identify the best insurance for your business:
- Review claim processing speed, service quality and complaint history with the Nebraska Department of Insurance.
- Verify the insurer holds an active Nebraska license, since the state doesn't accept out-of-state coverage.
- Ask about safety training and return-to-work programs that can lower your future premiums.
- Confirm experience with Nebraska Workers' Compensation Court procedures for claim disputes.
- 6Review and purchase your workers' compensation policy
Read policy terms closely, focusing on coverage limits, exclusions and Nebraska-specific requirements. Choose payment options that fit your business rhythm, like pay-as-you-go workers' comp if you have seasonal employees or fluctuating payroll common in farming and construction.
- 7Reassess before annual renewal
Look at how your business changed over the past year before renewal. Count your current employees, review filed claims and check your experience modification rate.
Businesses change. You might have hired more staff, shifted your services or strengthened your safety practices. Share these updates with your insurer to keep your coverage accurate and avoid overpaying.
Best Nebraska Workers' Compensation Insurance: Bottom Line
The Hartford, NEXT and Simply Business rank as Nebraska's top workers' comp insurers. 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
- Nebraska Department of Insurance. "Property and Casualty." Accessed December 15, 2025.
- Nebraska Department of Insurance. "Workers' Compensation FAQs." Accessed December 15, 2025.
- Nebraska Legislature. "Nebraska Revised Statutes § 48-106." Accessed December 15, 2025.
- Nebraska Legislature. "Nebraska Revised Statutes § 48-120." Accessed December 15, 2025.
- Nebraska Legislature. "Nebraska Revised Statutes § 48-121." Accessed December 15, 2025.
- Nebraska Legislature. "Nebraska Revised Statutes § 48-145.01." Accessed December 15, 2025.
- Nebraska Workers' Compensation Court. "Benefit Rates." Accessed December 15, 2025.
- Nebraska Workers' Compensation Court. "Employer Frequently Asked Questions." Accessed December 15, 2025.