NEXT leads for workers' comp insurance in New Jersey, because of its customer service and comprehensive coverage options. New Jersey's small business owners can also count on The Hartford and Simply Business as equally strong alternatives, as both providers deliver comparable quality service.
Workers' Comp Insurance in New Jersey
NEXT is the top workers' compensation insurance provider in New Jersey, with an overall score of 4.6 out of 5 based on our analysis.
Compare top New Jersey workers' comp insurance providers and find your ideal coverage.
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Updated: September 11, 2025
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Key Takeaways
NEXT, The Hartford and Simply Business rank as the top workers' compensation insurance providers in New Jersey based on overall performance scores.
The best workers' comp provider for Garden State businesses varies based on specific factors including industry risk level, number of employees, previous claims and available budget.
Business owners should collect multiple quotes, evaluate each provider's industry expertise, review their claims handling history and analyze coverage details to find the right workers' comp insurance.
Best Workers' Comp Insurance Companies in New Jersey
| NEXT | 4.60 | 1 |
| The Hartford | 4.58 | 2 |
| Simply Business | 4.53 | 3 |
| Coverdash | 4.45 | 4 |
| biBERK | 4.43 | 5 |
| Nationwide | 4.42 | 6 |
| Progressive Commercial | 4.40 | 7 |
| Thimble | 4.40 | 7 |
| Hiscox | 4.38 | 8 |
| Chubb | 4.25 | 9 |
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.
LEARN MORE ABOUT BUSINESS INSURANCE IN NEW JERSEY
Beyond workers' compensation insurance, New Jersey businesses often need additional protection to fully safeguard their operations. To help you make informed decisions about your coverage needs, we've compiled essential resources about other types of coverage:
Best New Jersey Workers’ Comp Insurance Reviews
NEXT and The Hartford distinguish themselves as the premier workers' compensation insurance providers in New Jersey.
NEXT
Best Overall Provider
MoneyGeek Rating
4.6/ 5
4.4/5Affordability
4.7/5Customer Experience
4.8/5Coverage Options
Average monthly premium
$78Based on average costs for New Jersey businessesOur survey: Claims process
3.9/5Rating from MoneyGeek customer satisfaction surveyOur survey: Recommend to others
4.8/5Rating from MoneyGeek customer satisfaction survey
The Hartford
Runner-Up Best Provider
MoneyGeek Rating
4.6/ 5
4.5/5Affordability
4.6/5Customer Experience
4.7/5Coverage Options
Average monthly premium
$78Based on average costs for small business coverage in New JerseyOur survey: Claims process
4.5/5Rating from MoneyGeek's customer satisfaction surveyOur survey: Recommend to others
4.5/5Percentage of customers who would recommend The Hartford
Cheapest Workers' Comp Insurance Companies in New Jersey
In New Jersey, The Hartford provides the most affordable workers' compensation insurance at $78 monthly ($937 annually). NEXT and Thimble offer competitive rates at $78 and $79 per month respectively, with minimal price differences between all providers. The table below shows costs from all companies we analyzed:
| The Hartford | $78 | $937 |
| NEXT | $78 | $940 |
| Thimble | $79 | $952 |
| Simply Business | $80 | $961 |
| Hiscox | $81 | $968 |
| Progressive Commercial | $81 | $968 |
| Coverdash | $82 | $989 |
| biBERK | $85 | $1,015 |
| Nationwide | $92 | $1,106 |
| Chubb | $96 | $1,152 |
How Did We Determine These Rates?
These rates are for small businesses with two employees across 79 major industries or business types and focus solely on workers’ comp policies. Your actual premium depends on where your business is located, what industry you're in, how many employees you have, and other factors insurers consider.
Average Cost of Workers’ Comp Insurance in New Jersey
Workers' compensation insurance in New Jersey costs businesses an average of $83 per month or $999 annually. Garden State employers pay $9 more than the national monthly average of $74. Your specific premium depends on your industry's risk level, number of employees, annual payroll and previous claims history.
Average Cost of Workers' Comp in New Jersey by Industry
In New Jersey, workers' compensation insurance costs vary dramatically by industry risk level. Speech therapists pay New Jersey's lowest rates at $7 per month, while roofing businesses face the highest premiums at $937 monthly. This substantial difference reflects the varying workplace injury risks across industries.
| Accountants | $23 | $276 |
| Ad Agency | $18 | $216 |
| Auto Repair | $173 | $2,073 |
| Automotive | $134 | $1,608 |
| Bakery | $60 | $718 |
| Barber | $16 | $191 |
| Beauty Salon | $16 | $197 |
| Bounce House | $45 | $542 |
| Candle | $45 | $542 |
| Cannabis | $95 | $1,136 |
| Catering | $83 | $998 |
| Cleaning | $55 | $665 |
| Coffee Shop | $53 | $641 |
| Computer Programming | $32 | $386 |
| Computer Repair | $27 | $327 |
| Construction | $203 | $2,441 |
| Consulting | $34 | $409 |
| Contractor | $188 | $2,257 |
| Courier | $256 | $3,068 |
| DJ | $16 | $188 |
| Daycare | $15 | $181 |
| Dental | $13 | $151 |
| Dog Grooming | $74 | $889 |
| Drone | $31 | $366 |
| Ecommerce | $25 | $297 |
| Electrical | $65 | $781 |
| Engineering | $43 | $521 |
| Excavation | $121 | $1,451 |
| Florist | $69 | $833 |
| Food | $48 | $574 |
| Food Truck | $52 | $619 |
| Funeral Home | $30 | $361 |
| Gardening | $53 | $640 |
| HVAC | $71 | $851 |
| Handyman | $106 | $1,267 |
| Home-based | $11 | $137 |
| Hospitality | $79 | $948 |
| Janitorial | $55 | $661 |
| Jewelry | $34 | $410 |
| Junk Removal | $160 | $1,918 |
| Lawn/Landscaping | $43 | $510 |
| Lawyers | $59 | $714 |
| Manufacturing | $67 | $802 |
| Marine | $169 | $2,029 |
| Massage | $17 | $199 |
| Mortgage Broker | $16 | $186 |
| Moving | $297 | $3,568 |
| Nonprofit | $36 | $429 |
| Painting | $159 | $1,909 |
| Party Rental | $41 | $497 |
| Personal Training | $28 | $338 |
| Pest Control | $79 | $947 |
| Pet | $35 | $416 |
| Pharmacy | $7 | $86 |
| Photography | $19 | $230 |
| Physical Therapy | $8 | $93 |
| Plumbing | $73 | $878 |
| Pressure Washing | $95 | $1,140 |
| Real Estate | $34 | $405 |
| Restaurant | $72 | $862 |
| Retail | $40 | $477 |
| Roofing | $937 | $11,247 |
| Security | $59 | $708 |
| Snack Bars | $49 | $593 |
| Software | $30 | $358 |
| Spa/Wellness | $20 | $236 |
| Speech Therapist | $7 | $82 |
| Startup | $15 | $177 |
| Tech/IT | $31 | $373 |
| Transportation | $262 | $3,147 |
| Travel | $8 | $95 |
| Tree Service | $251 | $3,010 |
| Trucking | $305 | $3,655 |
| Tutoring | $11 | $136 |
| Veterinary | $22 | $267 |
| Wedding Planning | $32 | $385 |
| Welding | $132 | $1,582 |
| Wholesale | $45 | $544 |
| Window Cleaning | $238 | $2,858 |
How Much Workers' Comp Insurance Do I Need in New Jersey?
In New Jersey, businesses must carry workers' compensation insurance as soon as they hire their first employee. This coverage protects workers by paying medical expenses and lost wages if they get injured or sick due to their job.
Employers who fail to maintain proper coverage face fines up to $5,000 for the first 10 days of noncompliance and additional $5,000 penalties for each subsequent 10-day period. The state may also pursue criminal charges.
Corporate Officers
Executive officers owning at least 15% of corporate shares can waive coverage by filing proper documentation with the state board
Sole Proprietors
Business owners operating without employees qualify for exemption from mandatory coverage requirements
Independent Contractors
Workers who maintain control over their work methods and schedule may qualify as exempt independent contractors
Real Estate Agents
Licensed real estate professionals working solely on commission basis typically qualify for exemption
Professional Athletes
Athletes in certain professional sports leagues maintain separate injury coverage agreements outside standard workers' comp
Domestic Workers
Household employees working fewer than 20 hours per week generally qualify for exemption from coverage requirements
Remote Workers
Telecommuting employees based in other states may be exempt if covered under their primary work location policies
Volunteer Workers
Unpaid volunteers providing services to organizations typically fall outside mandatory coverage requirements
How to Get the Best Workers' Comp Insurance in New Jersey
Coverage options exist to protect your team and maintain reasonable business insurance costs. Take time to evaluate different providers' rates, examine their coverage details and claims handling.
- 1
Check coverage requirements
Most New Jersey businesses must carry workers' comp once they hire employees.
- 2
Prepare business documents
Collect accurate payroll records, employee count and job classifications before requesting quotes.
- 3
Get multiple insurance quotes
Contact at least three different insurance carriers for quotes.
- 4
Find industry-specific providers
Select insurers who understand your business sector's risks.
- 5
Review provider performance
Investigate each insurer's claim processing times and complaint history. Look for benefits like workplace safety programs or return-to-work assistance.
- 6
Understand policy details
Review coverage limits and exclusions carefully. Consider pay-as-you-go for payment.
- 7
Schedule annual reviews
Mark your calendar for yearly coverage evaluations since business operations can change over time.
New Jersey Workers’ Comp: Bottom Line
New Jersey business owners have access to several highly rated workers' compensation insurance providers. Our analysis shows NEXT, The Hartford and Simply Business lead the market in New Jersey. Consider getting quotes from these providers and compare their offerings based on your specific industry requirements, company size and financial parameters.
New Jersey Workers' Comp Insurance: FAQ
Understanding workers' comp insurance requirements and costs in New Jersey can be challenging for business owners to navigate. Find answers to your most common questions about coverage requirements, costs and compliance in New Jersey below.
Is workers' comp insurance required for all New Jersey businesses?
Yes, New Jersey law requires businesses with employees to carry workers' compensation insurance.
How much does workers' comp insurance cost in New Jersey?
The Hartford offers the most affordable workers' comp insurance in New Jersey at $78 per month ($937 annually).
What does workers' comp insurance cover in New Jersey?
New Jersey workers' compensation insurance covers medical treatment, temporary disability payments, and permanent disability benefits for work-related injuries or illnesses.
Which workers' comp insurance company is best in New Jersey?
NEXT leads New Jersey workers' comp providers with a 4.6 overall score, excelling in customer service (4.7) and coverage options (4.8). The Hartford follows at 4.58, known for strong affordability, while Simply Business (4.53) offers the best coverage variety with a 4.9 coverage score. Choose based on your priority: service quality, cost or coverage breadth.
What happens if I don't have workers' comp insurance in New Jersey?
Operating without workers' compensation insurance in New Jersey is illegal. Employers face fines for the first 10 days and up to $5,000 for each additional 10-day period.
Do sole proprietors need workers' comp insurance in New Jersey?
Sole proprietors in New Jersey aren't required to carry workers' compensation insurance for themselves.
How do I choose the right workers' comp insurance company in New Jersey?
Get quotes from at least three workers' comp insurance carriers in New Jersey. Select providers with experience in your specific industry and strong financial ratings.
How We Scored the Best Workers' Comp Insurance Companies in New Jersey
- Affordability (50%): Cost drives every small business insurance decision in New Jersey's expensive market. We compared monthly premiums across all companies, since even comprehensive policies won't help if you can't afford them.
- Customer experience (30%): When your employee gets hurt, you'll need an insurer that handles claims quickly and treats injured workers fairly. We used J.D. Power ratings, New Jersey Department of Insurance complaint data and independent reviews.
- Coverage options (15%): We evaluated each company's policy flexibility, add-on options and coverage limitations for specific New Jersey industries and regulatory requirements.
- Financial strength (5%): Premium savings don't matter if your insurer struggles financially. We checked AM Best ratings to ensure recommended carriers can deliver on their promises.
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.