Your workers' comp rates in New Hampshire depend on your industry and team size. Find answers to common coverage questions below.
Best Workers' Comp Insurance in New Hampshire
With rates starting at $5 monthly, NEXT, The Hartford and Simply Business offer the cheapest and best workers' comp insurance in New Hampshire.
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Updated: November 24, 2025
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Best New Hampshire Workers' Comp Insurance: Fast Answers
What are the best and cheapest workers' comp insurance providers in New Hampshire?
NEXT offers the top cheap workers' compensation insurance in New Hampshire. 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: $74
Is workers' comp insurance required in New Hampshire?
New Hampshire mandates workers' comp insurance for most employers with employees. Key exemptions include sole proprietors without employees, independent contractors, domestic workers in private homes who work fewer than 40 hours weekly, and certain agricultural workers. Non-compliant employers face stop-work orders, fines up to $2,500 per employee, and personal liability for workplace injuries.
How much does workers' comp insurance cost in New Hampshire?
Workers' compensation insurance costs in New Hampshire run $37 monthly per employee for small businesses. Your actual premium depends on your industry and payroll size. Low-risk companies, such as speech therapy, pay around $3 per employee per month, while high-risk industries, like roofing, can cost $416 per employee each month.
How do you get workers' comp insurance in New Hampshire?
You can get workers' comp coverage in New Hampshire by:
- Purchasing policies from licensed private insurance carriers operating in the state
- Obtaining coverage through assigned risk pools when standard market options aren't accessible
- Qualifying for self-insurance status by meeting New Hampshire's strict financial and operational requirements
Many business owners compare quotes online or through brokers to get the best rate and compliance support.
What does New Hampshire workers' comp insurance cover?
Workers' compensation in New Hampshire covers:
- All medical expenses for workplace injuries, from Manchester construction accidents to Nashua manufacturing incidents
- Wage replacement benefits during recovery periods
- Permanent disability compensation for lasting impairments
- Survivor benefits for families when work-related fatalities occur
Best Workers' Comp Insurance Companies in New Hampshire
NEXT leads workers' comp insurance in New Hampshire with top-tier customer support and comprehensive policy options. The Hartford and Simply Business also provide excellent choices for Granite State business owners seeking reliable coverage.
| NEXT Insurance | 4.62 | $69 | 1 | 2 |
| The Hartford | 4.58 | $69 | 2 | 3 |
| Simply Business | 4.53 | $71 | 5 | 1 |
| Coverdash | 4.46 | $72 | 6 | 2 |
| biBERK | 4.44 | $74 | 2 | 5 |
| Nationwide | 4.44 | $80 | 2 | 4 |
| Progressive Commercial | 4.41 | $70 | 7 | 5 |
| Thimble | 4.40 | $70 | 8 | 5 |
| Hiscox | 4.38 | $71 | 4 | 6 |
| 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 New Hampshire
Select your industry and state to get a customized New Hampshire workers' comp quote from your top provider match.
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LEARN MORE ABOUT THE BEST BUSINESS INSURANCE IN NEW HAMPSHIRE
Explore the best business insurance providers in New Hampshire through our guides:
Best New Hampshire Workers’ Comp Insurance Company Reviews
We evaluated top workers' comp providers in the Granite State based on coverage options, rates and customer service.
NEXT
Best Workers' Comp Insurance in New Hampshire
MoneyGeek Rating
4.6/ 5
4.4/5Affordability
4.7/5Customer Experience
4.8/5Coverage Points
Average Monthly Worker's Comp Premium
$68Based on average costs for workers' compensation coverage in New HampshireWorkers' Comp Digital Experience Score
4.8/5 (1st)Rating based on independent customer satisfaction surveyWorker's Comp Customer Likelihood to Be Recommended to Others Score
4.8/5 (1st)Percentage of current customers who would recommend NEXT Insurance
The Hartford
Best New Hampshire Workers' Comp Insurance Coverage Options
MoneyGeek Rating
4.6/ 5
4.5/5Affordability
4.6/5Customer Experience
4.7/5Coverage Points
Average Monthly Worker's Comp Premium
$69We analyzed thousands of workers' compensation quotes from insurers operating in New Hampshire across 79 industriesWorker's Comp Claims Process Score
4.5/5 (1st)Rating from MoneyGeek customer satisfaction surveyWorker's Comp Customer Likelihood to Be Recommended to Others Score
4.5/5 (2nd)Percentage of customers who would recommend The Hartford
Cheapest Workers' Comp Insurance Companies in New Hampshire
NEXT offers the most affordable workers' comp insurance in New Hampshire at just $69 monthly or $822 per year. This rate sits 6% below the state average, putting $4 back in your pocket each month compared to typical coverage costs.
The Hartford and Progressive Commercial round out the top three cheapest options, with monthly premiums of $69 and $70, respectively. Both providers offer solid alternatives while keeping your costs well below average rates.
The table below shows costs from all companies we analyzed.
| NEXT Insurance | $69 | $822 |
| The Hartford | $69 | $831 |
| Progressive Commercial | $70 | $841 |
| Thimble | $70 | $845 |
| Simply Business | $71 | $848 |
| Hiscox | $71 | $857 |
| Coverdash | $72 | $868 |
| biBERK | $74 | $893 |
| Nationwide | $80 | $962 |
| Chubb | $84 | $1,011 |
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 New Hampshire by Industry
Simply Business delivers the most affordable workers' comp rates, starting at just $11 monthly for dental practices. Simply Business ranks cheapest across 6 industries, excelling in dental, accounting and bakery sectors. The Hartford takes second place for affordability, offering the best pricing in 19 industries including automotive, welding and wholesale businesses.
| Automotive | Progressive Commercial | $108 | $1,292 |
| Accountants | The Hartford | $19 | $230 |
| Ad Agency | Progressive Commercial | $15 | $177 |
| Auto Repair | NEXT Insurance | $139 | $1,669 |
| Barber | The Hartford | $13 | $152 |
| Bakery | The Hartford | $49 | $583 |
| Bounce House | Thimble | $37 | $447 |
| Beauty Salon | The Hartford | $13 | $156 |
| Candle | Thimble | $37 | $441 |
| Cannabis | biBERK | $85 | $1,025 |
| Cleaning | NEXT Insurance | $44 | $524 |
| Catering | Chubb | $84 | $1,012 |
| Computer Programming | NEXT Insurance | $26 | $307 |
| Coffee Shop | Thimble | $43 | $514 |
| Computer Repair | The Hartford | $22 | $265 |
| Consulting | Thimble | $28 | $333 |
| Construction | Progressive Commercial | $170 | $2,035 |
| Courier | NEXT Insurance | $209 | $2,503 |
| Contractor | NEXT Insurance | $154 | $1,845 |
| Daycare | NEXT Insurance | $12 | $146 |
| Dog Grooming | NEXT Insurance | $59 | $708 |
| Dental | Simply Business | $10 | $126 |
| DJ | NEXT Insurance | $13 | $153 |
| Ecommerce | NEXT Insurance | $20 | $236 |
| Drone | The Hartford | $24 | $293 |
| Engineering | The Hartford | $35 | $421 |
| Electrical | Thimble | $53 | $641 |
| Florist | NEXT Insurance | $57 | $678 |
| Excavation | Progressive Commercial | $100 | $1,195 |
| Florist | The Hartford | $57 | $678 |
| Food | Thimble | $38 | $456 |
| Food Truck | The Hartford | $41 | $492 |
| Handyman | NEXT Insurance | $86 | $1,030 |
| Funeral Home | Simply Business | $25 | $294 |
| Gardening | Progressive Commercial | $44 | $527 |
| Home-based | Progressive Commercial | $9 | $108 |
| HVAC | NEXT Insurance | $59 | $705 |
| Hospitality | Simply Business | $64 | $774 |
| Janitorial | Thimble | $44 | $533 |
| Jewelry | Thimble | $27 | $328 |
| Lawyers | NEXT Insurance | $49 | $586 |
| Junk Removal | NEXT Insurance | $126 | $1,516 |
| Lawn/Landscaping | The Hartford | $35 | $416 |
| Marine | NEXT Insurance | $141 | $1,692 |
| Manufacturing | Thimble | $53 | $635 |
| Mortgage Broker | The Hartford | $13 | $152 |
| Massage | NEXT Insurance | $13 | $161 |
| Moving | Simply Business | $242 | $2,907 |
| Painting | NEXT Insurance | $131 | $1,567 |
| Nonprofit | NEXT Insurance | $29 | $350 |
| Personal Training | NEXT Insurance | $23 | $273 |
| Party Rental | The Hartford | $34 | $409 |
| Pet | NEXT Insurance | $29 | $342 |
| Pest Control | The Hartford | $66 | $795 |
| Pharmacy | Thimble | $6 | $70 |
| Physical Therapy | NEXT Insurance | $6 | $76 |
| Photography | NEXT Insurance | $16 | $191 |
| Photography | Thimble | $16 | $191 |
| Photography | Hiscox | $16 | $191 |
| Plumbing | The Hartford | $58 | $694 |
| Pressure Washing | biBERK | $85 | $1,023 |
| Restaurant | NEXT Insurance | $59 | $709 |
| Real Estate | The Hartford | $28 | $333 |
| Security | Thimble | $48 | $581 |
| Retail | Progressive Commercial | $32 | $381 |
| Roofing | biBERK | $842 | $10,100 |
| Software | Simply Business | $24 | $288 |
| Snack Bars | NEXT Insurance | $40 | $479 |
| Speech Therapist | NEXT Insurance | $5 | $66 |
| Spa/Wellness | NEXT Insurance | $16 | $191 |
| Speech Therapist | The Hartford | $5 | $66 |
| Startup | Thimble | $12 | $147 |
| Transportation | The Hartford | $211 | $2,535 |
| Tech/IT | NEXT Insurance | $25 | $301 |
| Tree Service | Progressive Commercial | $202 | $2,424 |
| Travel | Simply Business | $7 | $79 |
| Tutoring | Thimble | $9 | $111 |
| Trucking | Progressive Commercial | $244 | $2,930 |
| Welding | The Hartford | $106 | $1,269 |
| Veterinary | NEXT Insurance | $18 | $220 |
| Wedding Planning | NEXT Insurance | $27 | $318 |
| Wholesale | The Hartford | $36 | $436 |
| Window Cleaning | NEXT Insurance | $191 | $2,297 |
How Much Is Workers' Comp Insurance in New Hampshire?
New Hampshire businesses pay roughly $73 monthly ($878 annually) for workers' comp insurance cost, slightly below the $74 national average. Industry rates vary dramatically, with speech therapists paying just $6 monthly ($3 per employee) while roofers face $832 monthly costs ($416 per employee).
| Accountants | $20 | $244 |
| Ad Agency | $16 | $190 |
| Auto Repair | $152 | $1,820 |
| Automotive | $116 | $1,395 |
| Bakery | $53 | $638 |
| Barber | $14 | $167 |
| Beauty Salon | $14 | $173 |
| Bounce House | $40 | $480 |
| Candle | $40 | $479 |
| Cannabis | $83 | $1,002 |
| Catering | $73 | $876 |
| Cleaning | $48 | $581 |
| Coffee Shop | $46 | $558 |
| Computer Programming | $28 | $337 |
| Computer Repair | $24 | $288 |
| Construction | $180 | $2,159 |
| Consulting | $30 | $360 |
| Contractor | $165 | $1,974 |
| Courier | $227 | $2,720 |
| DJ | $14 | $169 |
| Daycare | $13 | $160 |
| Dental | $11 | $134 |
| Dog Grooming | $65 | $778 |
| Drone | $27 | $318 |
| Ecommerce | $22 | $259 |
| Electrical | $57 | $682 |
| Engineering | $38 | $455 |
| Excavation | $107 | $1,284 |
| Florist | $60 | $724 |
| Food | $42 | $504 |
| Food Truck | $45 | $545 |
| Funeral Home | $26 | $317 |
| Gardening | $46 | $556 |
| HVAC | $63 | $751 |
| Handyman | $93 | $1,112 |
| Home-based | $10 | $119 |
| Hospitality | $69 | $825 |
| Janitorial | $49 | $582 |
| Jewelry | $30 | $357 |
| Junk Removal | $140 | $1,681 |
| Lawn/Landscaping | $38 | $452 |
| Lawyers | $53 | $632 |
| Manufacturing | $58 | $698 |
| Marine | $149 | $1,793 |
| Massage | $14 | $174 |
| Mortgage Broker | $14 | $165 |
| Moving | $259 | $3,105 |
| Nonprofit | $31 | $377 |
| Painting | $139 | $1,672 |
| Party Rental | $37 | $440 |
| Personal Training | $25 | $297 |
| Pest Control | $70 | $841 |
| Pet | $31 | $367 |
| Pharmacy | $6 | $76 |
| Photography | $17 | $201 |
| Physical Therapy | $7 | $82 |
| Plumbing | $63 | $759 |
| Pressure Washing | $84 | $1,004 |
| Real Estate | $30 | $357 |
| Restaurant | $63 | $755 |
| Retail | $35 | $419 |
| Roofing | $832 | $9,985 |
| Security | $52 | $623 |
| Snack Bars | $43 | $516 |
| Software | $26 | $313 |
| Spa/Wellness | $17 | $209 |
| Speech Therapist | $6 | $71 |
| Startup | $13 | $157 |
| Tech/IT | $27 | $326 |
| Transportation | $227 | $2,724 |
| Travel | $7 | $84 |
| Tree Service | $220 | $2,642 |
| Trucking | $266 | $3,197 |
| Tutoring | $10 | $120 |
| Veterinary | $20 | $237 |
| Wedding Planning | $28 | $338 |
| Welding | $116 | $1,390 |
| Wholesale | $40 | $477 |
| Window Cleaning | $209 | $2,513 |
New Hampshire Workers' Comp Insurance Cost Factors
Several key factors determine your workers' compensation insurance costs in New Hampshire:
Second Injury Fund Eligibility
New Hampshire's Second Injury Fund protects you when hiring workers with pre-existing disabilities. If an employee with a documented prior condition gets hurt on the job and their combined impairments create greater disability, the fund reimburses your carrier. You'll pay 50% of costs after the first $10,000, then the fund covers 100% after two years of disability payments. This program removes the financial risk of hiring qualified workers with disabilities, potentially lowering your overall insurance costs when you properly document pre-existing conditions at hire.
Carrier Rate Adjustment Flexibility
New Hampshire insurers can adjust your base rates up or down by 25% based on your company's specific risk profile. This means identical businesses might pay vastly different premiums depending on their carrier choice. Strong safety programs, documented employee training, and proactive injury prevention earn you credits that reduce premiums by up to 25%. Poor safety records or inadequate risk controls trigger surcharges of the same magnitude. Shopping multiple carriers matters significantly in New Hampshire because of this flexibility.
Consecutive Years of Rate Reductions
New Hampshire workers' comp rates have dropped for 14 straight years, with total reductions exceeding 66% during this period. Rates decreased another 6.1% for 2026. This happens because workplace injuries across the state keep declining, even though individual claim costs rise. Fewer injuries statewide means lower overall risk for insurers, translating directly to lower premiums for your business. New Hampshire's rates now run about $1 below the national monthly average, giving you a cost advantage over businesses in most other states.
Job Modification Reimbursement Program
New Hampshire reimburses you for 50% of workplace modification costs up to $5,000 annually when you adapt jobs for injured workers. Installing ergonomic equipment or adjusting workspaces gets injured employees back faster, cutting your wage replacement costs substantially. A worker collecting 60% of wages while home for 12 weeks costs far more than someone returning to light duty after three weeks. These shorter claim durations improve your experience modification rate over time, reducing future premiums while the state helps cover your modification expenses.
Managed Care Program Adoption
New Hampshire's managed care networks connect injured workers with occupational health specialists who understand workplace injuries. These doctors follow standardized treatment protocols and typically approve light-duty work restrictions instead of blanket "off work" orders. Network pricing is pre-negotiated, preventing excessive medical billing that drives up claim costs. Policies with managed care provisions show 15-30% lower claim expenses compared to open networks. Lower medical costs and shorter disability periods directly improve your experience modification score, reducing your future premiums.
Alternative Work Requirement for Larger Employers
New Hampshire requires businesses with six or more employees to create temporary alternative work programs for injured workers. Meeting this requirement saves you money because workers' comp pays 60% of lost wages when employees can't work, but pays nothing when they perform modified duties. You'll pay their full wages, but they remain productive contributors instead of staying home. Effective return-to-work programs improve your experience modification rate by 10-20% over three years, translating to thousands in annual premium savings.
Out-of-State Work Coverage Enforcement
New Hampshire recently started enforcing requirements that employers list the state on their workers' comp policies when any employee performs work there. Your premium calculations use New Hampshire's class codes and rates for payroll earned in the state, which may differ from your home state's costs. Since New Hampshire's rates run below the national average, allocating more payroll here versus higher-cost states can reduce your overall premium. Work with your agent to ensure Item 3A lists all states where your employees work, avoiding penalties of $2,500 plus $100 per employee daily.
How Much Workers' Comp Insurance Do I Need in New Hampshire?
New Hampshire requires workers' compensation coverage as soon as you hire your first employee. Your coverage amount depends on your total payroll and employee job classifications, not arbitrary limits you choose.
Your policy must provide unlimited medical coverage for work-related injuries, temporary disability benefits at 60% of average weekly wages, and permanent disability benefits based on injury severity. New Hampshire law mandates specific benefit levels under RSA 281-A:5. Your premium calculates based on your industry classification codes and total insured payroll.
New Hampshire Workers' Comp Insurance Exemptions
While you're often required to have coverage in New Hampshire, some business categories are exempt from workers' comp requirements:
- Up to three corporate officers or LLC members: Your corporation or LLC can exclude up to three executive officers or members from coverage, though you'll need to file this exclusion properly with the state. This exemption vanishes if these officers work on construction sites.
- New Hampshire National Guard members on state active duty: National Guard members performing state active duty automatically receive coverage under New Hampshire's workers' comp system.
- Officially designated New Hampshire Citizen Corps volunteers: If your political subdivision officially designates volunteers for Citizen Corps local council programs, they're covered under state law.
- Residential placement service providers: People providing services as part of residential placements for individuals with developmental, acquired or emotional disabilities don't count as employees under New Hampshire law.
- Sole proprietor and self-employed partners: You don't need coverage for yourself as a sole proprietor or partner, though you can choose to add it. Your employees need coverage from day one.
- Independent contractor with proper documentation: An independent contractor isn't presumed to be your employee if they have their own federal employer ID number and control when and how they perform their work.
- Direct sellers and mortgage originators: Direct sellers who work in homes or outside permanent retail stores and earn money based on sales rather than hours worked aren't presumed to be employees. This includes mortgage originators.
- Licensed real estate professionals: Real estate brokers, agents and appraisers whose pay ties directly to their sales or completed work rather than hours worked aren't presumed to be employees.
- Inmates, unpaid volunteers, and court-ordered workers: Correctional facility inmates working without significant pay, volunteers receiving no meaningful compensation and people performing court-ordered community service don't require coverage.
FEDERAL WORKERS' COMP PROGRAMS OVERRIDE STATE REQUIREMENTS
Some workers in New Hampshire get coverage through federal programs rather than state workers' comp. Federal employees receive benefits under the Federal Employees' Compensation Act, while railroad workers in interstate commerce fall under the Federal Employers' Liability Act. Maritime workers like longshoremen operating on New Hampshire's navigable waters get coverage through the Longshore and Harbor Workers' Compensation Act. These federal programs take precedence over New Hampshire's system.
How to Get the Best Workers' Comp Insurance in New Hampshire
Getting workers' comp insurance means finding the right provider that balances comprehensive coverage with affordable rates for your specific business needs.
- 1Determine if you need workers' comp coverage in New Hampshire
Start by checking if exemptions apply to your business. A sole proprietor plumber working alone doesn't need coverage, but adding even one employee makes it mandatory. New Hampshire strictly enforces employee classification rules. Workers you consider independent contractors might legally qualify as employees, which means you need coverage for them or risk serious penalties.
- 2Gather your business information
Collect your total annual payroll, employee count and industry classification codes before requesting quotes. New Hampshire assigns each business a class code that determines your base insurance rate.
Accurate numbers matter here. Underestimate your payroll and the year-end audit hits you with a big bill. Use the wrong class code and you might find your policy won't cover a legitimate claim. Construction companies face extra complexity since New Hampshire counts corporate officers as employees when they work on construction sites.
- 3Request workers' comp quotes from multiple carriers
Get quotes from at least three different insurers to understand the real cost of your coverage. New Hampshire has dozens of licensed carriers competing for business, which means rates vary widely even for identical companies.
Your neighbor's landscaping business might pay $2,500 annually with one carrier but only $1,800 with another for the same coverage. These differences add up fast across your whole payroll.
- 4Research providers with industry experience
Look beyond just finding cheap business insurance rates. You want carriers who know your industry's specific risks. A restaurant benefits from an insurer experienced with kitchen burns and customer slip-and-fall claims. A construction company needs a carrier familiar with ladder accidents and OSHA compliance.
- 5Evaluate your top provider options
Compare service quality and claims handling to identify the best insurance for your business:
- Check complaint ratios with New Hampshire's Department of Labor and read customer reviews
- Verify the carrier has strong medical provider networks in your area
- Ask how quickly they process claims and whether you get a dedicated adjuster
- Look for extras like safety training programs and return-to-work assistance that cut your long-term costs
- 6Review and purchase your workers' compensation policy
Read your policy documents before signing. Pay attention to coverage exclusions and New Hampshire requirements. Choose a payment plan that fits your cash flow. Pay-as-you-go workers' comp lets you pay premiums based on actual payroll instead of estimates, which helps seasonal businesses and companies with variable staffing.
- 7Reassess before annual renewal
Review your coverage annually before renewal. Look at whether your employee count changed, any claims you filed and if your payroll projections still make sense.
Businesses change constantly. You might hire more people, expand your services or move to a larger space. Tell your insurer about these changes so you're not stuck with coverage gaps or paying for protection you don't need.
Best New Hampshire Workers' Compensation Insurance: Bottom Line
NEXT, The Hartford and Simply Business lead New Hampshire's workers' comp rankings. 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. "New Hampshire Approves 6.1% Workers' Comp Rate Cut for 2026." Accessed December 12, 2025.
- New Hampshire Department of Labor. "Cost Containment." Accessed December 12, 2025.
- New Hampshire Department of Labor. "Workers' Compensation Fact Sheet." Accessed December 12, 2025.
- New Hampshire Department of Labor. "Workers' Compensation Insurance FAQs." Accessed December 12, 2025.
- New Hampshire General Court. "RSA 281-A:5 Securing Payment of Compensation." Accessed December 12, 2025.
- New Hampshire Insurance Department. "New Hampshire Experiences 13th Annual Rate Reduction in Workers' Compensation Market for 2025." Accessed December 12, 2025.
- New Hampshire Insurance Department. "Workers' Compensation." Accessed December 12, 2025.
- New Hampshire Revised Statutes. "Section 281-A:54 Payment for Second Injuries From Special Fund." Accessed December 12, 2025.