In North Carolina, workers’ comp pricing changes based on your line of work and team size. The sections below answer the coverage questions business owners ask most.
Best Workers' Comp Insurance in North Carolina
With rates starting at $5 monthly, ERGO NEXT, The Hartford and Simply Business offer the cheapest and best workers' comp insurance in North Carolina.
Get matched to top North Carolina workers’ comp insurance providers and find your ideal coverage.
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Updated: January 30, 2026
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Best North Carolina Workers' Comp Insurance: Fast Answers
What are the best and cheapest workers' comp insurance providers in North Carolina?
ERGO NEXT offers the top cheap workers' compensation insurance in North Carolina. The following are the state's cheapest and best workers' comp insurance providers and their average monthly rates:
- ERGO NEXT: $59
- The Hartford: $61
- Simply Business: $61
- Coverdash: $63
- biBerk: $65
Is workers' comp insurance required in North Carolina?
North Carolina mandates workers' compensation insurance for most employers with three or more employees, including part-time workers. Sole proprietors, partnerships and businesses with fewer than three employees are generally exempt. Non-compliant employers face stop-work orders, fines up to $100 per day per employee, and potential criminal charges for willful violations.
How much does workers' comp insurance cost in North Carolina?
In North Carolina, workers' compensation insurance costs about $32 monthly per employee for a typical two-person business. Your actual premium depends on your industry and payroll size. Speech therapists pay the least at roughly $3 per employee monthly, while roofing contractors face the highest costs at around $365 per employee each month.
How do you get workers' comp insurance in North Carolina?
You can get workers' comp coverage in North Carolina by:
- Purchasing from private insurance companies licensed to sell coverage in the state
- Buying through the North Carolina Rate Bureau's assigned risk pool for hard-to-insure businesses
- Qualifying for self-insurance if your company meets strict financial requirements
Many business owners compare quotes online or through brokers to get the best rate and compliance support.
What does North Carolina workers' comp insurance cover?
Workers' compensation in North Carolina covers:
- All medical expenses for job-related injuries and occupational illnesses
- Wage replacement benefits during recovery periods
- Permanent disability compensation for lasting impairments
- Death benefits for families of workers killed in workplace accidents
Best Workers' Comp Insurance Companies in North Carolina
ERGO NEXT leads our research for workers' comp insurance in North Carolina with excellent customer support and comprehensive policy options. The Hartford and Simply Business offer reliable coverage for small business owners.
| ERGO NEXT | 4.60 | $59 | 1 | 2 |
| The Hartford | 4.52 | $61 | 2 | 3 |
| Simply Business | 4.52 | $61 | 5 | 1 |
| Coverdash | 4.45 | $63 | 6 | 2 |
| biBERK | 4.42 | $65 | 2 | 5 |
| Nationwide | 4.40 | $70 | 2 | 4 |
| Progressive Commercial | 4.37 | $62 | 7 | 5 |
| Hiscox | 4.36 | $62 | 4 | 6 |
| Thimble | 4.35 | $61 | 8 | 5 |
| Chubb | 4.26 | $73 | 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 North Carolina
Select your industry and state to get a customized North Carolina workers' comp quote from your top provider match.
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LEARN MORE ABOUT THE BEST BUSINESS INSURANCE IN NORTH CAROLINA
Explore the best business insurance providers in North Carolina through our guides:
Best North Carolina Workers’ Comp Insurance Company Reviews
Here's a closer look at our top picks for workers' comp insurance in North Carolina:
ERGO NEXT
Best Workers' Comp Insurance in North Carolina
MoneyGeek Rating
4.6/ 5
4.4/5Affordability
4.7/5Customer Experience
4.8/5Coverage Points
Average Monthly Workers' Comp Premium
$59Based on average costs across business types in North CarolinaWorkers' Comp Digital Experience Score
4.8/5 (1st)Rating based on MoneyGeek's customer satisfaction surveyWorkers' Comp Customer Likelihood to Be Recommended to Others Score
4.8/5 (1st)Percentage of customers who would recommend ERGO NEXT
The Hartford
Best North Carolina Workers' Comp Insurance: Runner-Up
MoneyGeek Rating
4.5/ 5
4.3/5Affordability
4.6/5Customer Experience
4.7/5Coverage Points
Average Monthly Workers' Comp Premium
$61Typical monthly cost for workers' compensation coverage with The HartfordWorkers' Comp Claims Process Score
4.5/5 (1st)Rating based on MoneyGeek's customer satisfaction surveyWorkers' 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 North Carolina
ERGO NEXT delivers the most affordable workers' comp insurance in the Tar Heel State at just $59 monthly or $710 per year. This saves business owners $5 each month compared to the state average of $64, representing 8% in savings that adds up over time. The Hartford comes in second at $61 monthly, while Thimble rounds out the top three most budget-friendly options at $61 per month as well. The table below shows costs from all companies we analyzed.
| ERGO NEXT | $59 | $710 |
| The Hartford | $61 | $726 |
| Thimble | $61 | $730 |
| Simply Business | $61 | $735 |
| Progressive Commercial | $62 | $742 |
| Hiscox | $62 | $744 |
| Coverdash | $63 | $752 |
| biBERK | $65 | $778 |
| Nationwide | $70 | $845 |
| Chubb | $73 | $876 |
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 North Carolina by Industry
ERGO NEXT offers the most affordable workers' comp coverage, starting at just $10 monthly for startups. ERGO NEXT dominates 34 industries, excelling in accounting, advertising and bakery sectors. Thimble ranks second for affordability across 19 industries, delivering top rates for auto repair, veterinary and wholesale businesses.
| Accountants | ERGO NEXT | $16 | $194 |
| Barber | The Hartford | $11 | $136 |
| Ad Agency | ERGO NEXT | $13 | $154 |
| Automotive | The Hartford | $94 | $1,132 |
| Auto Repair | Thimble | $122 | $1,467 |
| Bakery | ERGO NEXT | $44 | $524 |
| Beauty Salon | Thimble | $12 | $139 |
| Candle | Thimble | $32 | $384 |
| Bounce House | Thimble | $32 | $378 |
| Catering | Simply Business | $59 | $708 |
| Cannabis | ERGO NEXT | $67 | $802 |
| Coffee Shop | ERGO NEXT | $37 | $443 |
| Cleaning | Progressive Commercial | $39 | $472 |
| Computer Programming | Thimble | $22 | $270 |
| Consulting | ERGO NEXT | $24 | $293 |
| Computer Repair | The Hartford | $20 | $235 |
| Construction | Thimble | $147 | $1,758 |
| Contractor | ERGO NEXT | $130 | $1,554 |
| Dental | Thimble | $9 | $109 |
| Courier | Simply Business | $179 | $2,147 |
| Daycare | The Hartford | $11 | $127 |
| Dog Grooming | Thimble | $52 | $628 |
| DJ | The Hartford | $11 | $137 |
| Electrical | The Hartford | $46 | $554 |
| Drone | ERGO NEXT | $21 | $256 |
| Ecommerce | The Hartford | $18 | $213 |
| Engineering | The Hartford | $30 | $363 |
| Florist | ERGO NEXT | $48 | $580 |
| Excavation | Thimble | $87 | $1,040 |
| Food | Thimble | $34 | $407 |
| Home-based | The Hartford | $8 | $100 |
| Food Truck | ERGO NEXT | $37 | $444 |
| Funeral Home | ERGO NEXT | $21 | $254 |
| Gardening | The Hartford | $38 | $457 |
| Handyman | Nationwide | $91 | $1,088 |
| HVAC | ERGO NEXT | $50 | $597 |
| Hospitality | ERGO NEXT | $56 | $667 |
| Jewelry | Simply Business | $24 | $290 |
| Janitorial | ERGO NEXT | $38 | $460 |
| Lawn/Landscaping | Simply Business | $30 | $362 |
| Junk Removal | ERGO NEXT | $112 | $1,345 |
| Manufacturing | Thimble | $47 | $563 |
| Lawyers | Simply Business | $42 | $506 |
| Marine | Thimble | $121 | $1,451 |
| Mortgage Broker | The Hartford | $11 | $134 |
| Massage | The Hartford | $12 | $140 |
| Nonprofit | Thimble | $26 | $308 |
| Moving | ERGO NEXT | $209 | $2,509 |
| Party Rental | Thimble | $30 | $358 |
| Painting | Thimble | $110 | $1,317 |
| Pest Control | ERGO NEXT | $57 | $683 |
| Personal Training | ERGO NEXT | $20 | $237 |
| Pharmacy | ERGO NEXT | $5 | $60 |
| Pet | ERGO NEXT | $25 | $299 |
| Physical Therapy | Thimble | $5 | $66 |
| Photography | ERGO NEXT | $14 | $166 |
| Pressure Washing | ERGO NEXT | $68 | $814 |
| Plumbing | ERGO NEXT | $52 | $628 |
| Restaurant | ERGO NEXT | $50 | $601 |
| Real Estate | Hiscox | $25 | $296 |
| Roofing | ERGO NEXT | $670 | $8,042 |
| Retail | Simply Business | $28 | $335 |
| Security | ERGO NEXT | $42 | $503 |
| Software | Simply Business | $22 | $260 |
| Snack Bars | ERGO NEXT | $34 | $407 |
| Speech Therapist | The Hartford | $5 | $57 |
| Spa/Wellness | ERGO NEXT | $14 | $168 |
| Travel | Thimble | $6 | $66 |
| Startup | ERGO NEXT | $10 | $122 |
| Tech/IT | The Hartford | $22 | $259 |
| Transportation | ERGO NEXT | $182 | $2,182 |
| Tree Service | ERGO NEXT | $179 | $2,146 |
| Veterinary | Thimble | $16 | $190 |
| Trucking | ERGO NEXT | $211 | $2,534 |
| Tutoring | Coverdash | $9 | $102 |
| Wedding Planning | ERGO NEXT | $22 | $267 |
| Wholesale | Thimble | $32 | $387 |
| Welding | ERGO NEXT | $92 | $1,100 |
| Window Cleaning | The Hartford | $167 | $2,008 |
How Much Is Workers' Comp Insurance in North Carolina?
Workers' comp insurance cost in North Carolina averages $64 monthly ($764 annually), falling below the national average of $74. Industry rates vary from $5 ($32 per employee) for speech therapists to $730 ($365 per employee) for roofers.
| Accountants | $18 | $214 |
| Ad Agency | $14 | $167 |
| Auto Repair | $131 | $1,571 |
| Automotive | $101 | $1,215 |
| Bakery | $46 | $554 |
| Barber | $12 | $147 |
| Beauty Salon | $13 | $152 |
| Bounce House | $35 | $414 |
| Candle | $35 | $417 |
| Cannabis | $73 | $875 |
| Catering | $64 | $764 |
| Cleaning | $42 | $502 |
| Coffee Shop | $40 | $482 |
| Computer Programming | $24 | $292 |
| Computer Repair | $21 | $253 |
| Construction | $157 | $1,883 |
| Consulting | $26 | $315 |
| Contractor | $142 | $1,706 |
| Courier | $193 | $2,320 |
| DJ | $12 | $147 |
| Daycare | $11 | $138 |
| Dental | $10 | $117 |
| Dog Grooming | $56 | $675 |
| Drone | $23 | $277 |
| Ecommerce | $19 | $227 |
| Electrical | $49 | $591 |
| Engineering | $33 | $396 |
| Excavation | $93 | $1,117 |
| Florist | $52 | $628 |
| Food | $36 | $437 |
| Food Truck | $40 | $475 |
| Funeral Home | $23 | $277 |
| Gardening | $40 | $483 |
| HVAC | $55 | $659 |
| Handyman | $81 | $970 |
| Home-based | $9 | $105 |
| Hospitality | $60 | $725 |
| Janitorial | $42 | $504 |
| Jewelry | $26 | $312 |
| Junk Removal | $122 | $1,468 |
| Lawn/Landscaping | $33 | $392 |
| Lawyers | $46 | $549 |
| Manufacturing | $50 | $606 |
| Marine | $130 | $1,566 |
| Massage | $13 | $152 |
| Mortgage Broker | $12 | $145 |
| Moving | $225 | $2,698 |
| Nonprofit | $28 | $331 |
| Painting | $121 | $1,456 |
| Party Rental | $32 | $384 |
| Personal Training | $22 | $262 |
| Pest Control | $61 | $735 |
| Pet | $27 | $322 |
| Pharmacy | $5 | $66 |
| Photography | $15 | $177 |
| Physical Therapy | $6 | $71 |
| Plumbing | $56 | $671 |
| Pressure Washing | $73 | $870 |
| Real Estate | $26 | $314 |
| Restaurant | $55 | $655 |
| Retail | $30 | $362 |
| Roofing | $730 | $8,762 |
| Security | $45 | $545 |
| Snack Bars | $38 | $455 |
| Software | $23 | $275 |
| Spa/Wellness | $15 | $181 |
| Speech Therapist | $5 | $63 |
| Startup | $11 | $136 |
| Tech/IT | $24 | $283 |
| Transportation | $197 | $2,363 |
| Travel | $6 | $73 |
| Tree Service | $191 | $2,295 |
| Trucking | $231 | $2,775 |
| Tutoring | $9 | $105 |
| Veterinary | $17 | $202 |
| Wedding Planning | $25 | $296 |
| Welding | $100 | $1,203 |
| Wholesale | $34 | $413 |
| Window Cleaning | $179 | $2,145 |
North Carolina Workers' Comp Insurance Cost Factors
These cost factors affect workers' compensation insurance rates in North Carolina:
Up to 25% Rate Variation Between Carriers
North Carolina insurers can apply policy credits and debits up to 25% to adjust their filed rates. A landscaping company with $200,000 in payroll might pay $4,000 with one carrier and $5,000 with another for identical coverage. Each insurer evaluates your business differently based on their claims experience and risk appetite, rewarding businesses that shop multiple carriers.
Annual Maximum Compensation Rate Increases
North Carolina's maximum weekly compensation rate increased from $1,254 in 2023 to $1,380 in 2025 and will reach $1,446 in 2026, set annually by the North Carolina Industrial Commission based on inflation. Insurers build these higher benefit costs into everyone's premiums through annual rate increases of 3-4%, making workers' comp one of the few business expenses that rises automatically.
Rising Medical Treatment Costs
Medical costs are expected to rise by 27% for claims not treated within seven days in 2025, while the number of doctors specializing in workers' comp has dropped 4% since 2017. Delayed treatment leads to complicated injuries requiring surgery and extended recovery. Businesses establishing immediate injury reporting protocols can sometimes negotiate lower rates by minimizing delayed treatment costs.
NCRB-Managed Experience Rating System
The North Carolina Rate Bureau manages classification codes, sets experience modification factors for employers, and collects all data for the state. A roofing company with one $25,000 claim might see its EMR jump to 1.35, increasing its $8,000 premium to $10,800. North Carolina isolates your state experience, so claims in other states won't impact your North Carolina EMR.
Worker Classification Rules
North Carolina states that employers aren't relieved of liability by calling employees "independent contractors," even with Form 1099s. If you subcontract to someone without workers' comp insurance, you're liable for their employees' injuries. Construction contractors hiring uninsured subcontractors with $150,000 payroll face $27,000 in additional premium. Maintaining certificates of insurance from all subcontractors prevents these audit surprises.
Stable Five-Year Rate Trend
Prices have remained relatively stable over the past five years in North Carolina, ranking 27th nationally for median workers' comp rates. This NCRB oversight prevents dramatic swings seen in volatile states. A restaurant paying $3,500 annually can budget $3,600-$3,700 for next year, adjusting primarily for payroll changes rather than worrying about double-digit rate hikes.
How Much Workers' Comp Insurance Do I Need in North Carolina?
North Carolina law requires workers' compensation coverage for businesses with three or more employees, including corporations, sole proprietorships, LLCs and partnerships. Your policy must provide full medical treatment with no deductible and wage replacement at two-thirds of average weekly wages, up to the state's annual maximum.
Required workers' compensation coverage also extends to subcontractor employees if they lack their own insurance. Sole proprietors, LLC members and partners aren't automatically counted as employees but can opt in for coverage.
North Carolina Workers' Comp Insurance Exemptions
North Carolina requires most businesses to carry workers’ compensation insurance, but state law exempts certain types of employers and workers from coverage requirements:
- Businesses with Fewer Than Three Employees: Businesses that regularly employ fewer than three workers do not need workers’ comp coverage. North Carolina is one of the few states that sets the requirement above one employee.
- Agricultural Employers with Fewer Than 10 Workers: Farms with fewer than 10 full-time, nonseasonal agricultural workers qualify for an exemption under state law.
- Individual Sawmill and Logging Operations: Individual sawmill or logging businesses with fewer than 10 employees may qualify for an exemption if operations last fewer than 60 days within any six-month period.
- Sole Proprietors: Sole proprietors are not counted as employees by default, though they may choose to purchase coverage for themselves.
- Self-Employed LLC Members and Partners: Self-employed individuals who are LLC members or business partners are not counted as employees by default, but they can choose to carry workers’ compensation coverage.
- Independent Contractors: Independent contractors generally fall outside workers’ comp requirements, although North Carolina evaluates the actual working relationship rather than job titles alone.
- Corporate Officers: Corporate officers may opt out of coverage, but the state still counts them when determining whether a business meets the three-employee threshold.
- Executive Officers of Nonprofit Corporations: Executive officers, directors, and committee members of nonprofit organizations may be excluded if they meet specific conditions under state law.
- Domestic Servants: Household employees hired directly by a homeowner are exempt from workers’ compensation requirements.
- Casual Employees: Workers hired casually and outside the employer’s usual business activities don't require coverage.
- Federal Government Employees: Federal workers in North Carolina receive coverage under the Federal Employees’ Compensation Act instead of state workers’ comp laws.
- Certain Railroad Employees: Some railroad workers fall under federal coverage rather than North Carolina’s workers’ compensation system.
- Sellers of Agricultural Products on Commission: Individuals who sell agricultural products on commission for producers may qualify for an exemption when the producer prepares the goods for sale.
FEDERAL WORKERS' COMP PROGRAMS OVERRIDE STATE REQUIREMENTS
Federal employees working in North Carolina receive benefits through the Federal Employees' Compensation Act (FECA), not state workers' comp. Railroad workers fall under the Federal Employers' Liability Act (FELA). Maritime workers near North Carolina's navigable waters are covered by the Longshore and Harbor Workers' Compensation Act. Independent contractors, self-employed individuals and unpaid volunteers aren't classified as employees under North Carolina law, so they're excluded from state coverage requirements.
How to Get the Best Workers' Comp Insurance in North Carolina
Here's how to get workers' comp insurance with the right provider at the best price.
- 1Determine if you need workers' comp coverage in North Carolina
Check whether your business qualifies for a workers’ comp exemption. A sole proprietor running a consulting business may not need coverage, but that changes as soon as you hire an employee. North Carolina evaluates the actual working relationship, not job titles alone, so workers classified as independent contractors may still count as employees who require coverage.
- 2Gather your business information
Prepare your employee count, estimated annual payroll, and NCCI classification codes before requesting quotes. North Carolina follows the NCCI system, which includes hundreds of industry classifications overseen by the North Carolina Rate Bureau.
Incorrect payroll figures or misclassified job codes often trigger premium audits or uncovered claims later. Insurers in North Carolina can apply credits and discounts of up to 25%, so accurate information improves both pricing and eligibility.
- 3Request workers' comp quotes from multiple carriers
Request quotes from at least three insurers to compare coverage options and pricing. North Carolina licenses hundreds of workers’ comp carriers, and each one prices policies differently based on its risk guidelines.
Competition among private insurers directly influences business insurance costs, with variations in premiums, service levels, and underwriting rules. Businesses that meet financial requirements may pursue self-insurance through the North Carolina Department of Insurance or join a self-insurance fund that spreads risk across members.
Companies with higher risk profiles may need coverage through the state’s assigned risk pool, which the North Carolina Rate Bureau administers.
- 4Research providers with industry experience
Once you collect quotes, prioritize insurers that understand your industry risks and classification codes, not just those advertising cheap business insurance rates. Construction companies often need carriers experienced with higher-risk job sites, while tech firms tend to benefit from insurers familiar with office-based operations and lower injury exposure.
- 5Evaluate your top provider options
Review each insurer’s track record to determine which offers the best business insurance for your needs:
- Review claim handling timelines, service quality, and complaint records with the North Carolina Department of Insurance.
- Confirm financial strength ratings and experience managing claims within your industry.
- Ask about return-to-work programs, safety support, and loss control services.
- Check whether the carrier offers injury management programs that support faster employee recovery.
- 6Review and purchase your workers' compensation policy
Read the policy carefully and pay close attention to coverage limits, exclusions, and renewal terms tied to North Carolina requirements. Select a payment structure that matches your cash flow, such as pay-as-you-go options that calculate premiums from actual payroll instead of large upfront deposits.
- 7Reassess before annual renewal
Review your policy before renewal to account for changes in staffing, payroll, or claims activity. Check your experience modification rate and confirm it reflects your current operations.
Business conditions change quickly. You may have added employees, expanded services, or reduced risk through safety improvements. Updating your insurer keeps coverage aligned with your business and avoids unnecessary costs.
North Carolina’s competitive rating environment also gives you the flexibility to look for better pricing as carriers adjust rates based on loss trends and industry performance.
Best North Carolina Workers' Compensation Insurance: Bottom Line
ERGO NEXT, The Hartford and Simply Business lead North Carolina's workers' comp market. 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
- National Council on Compensation Insurance (NCCI). "2025 State of the Line Guide." Accessed February 7, 2026.
- National Council on Compensation Insurance (NCCI). "Medical Inflation Insights - July 2025." Accessed February 7, 2026.
- North Carolina Department of Insurance. "Workers' Compensation." Accessed February 7, 2026.
- North Carolina General Assembly. "North Carolina General Statutes Chapter 58. Insurance § 58-36-1." Accessed February 7, 2026.
- North Carolina General Assembly. "North Carolina General Statutes Chapter 58. Insurance § 58-36-30." Accessed February 7, 2026.
- North Carolina Industrial Commission. "N.C. Industrial Commission Maximum Weekly Compensation Rates from 1982 Through 2025." Accessed February 7, 2026.
- North Carolina Industrial Commission. "NC Industrial Commission Information for Employers." Accessed February 7, 2026.
- North Carolina Rate Bureau. "Workers Compensation." Accessed February 7, 2026.