The best worker's compensation insurance provider in Oregon, according to our MoneyGeek study is NEXT, with an overall score of 96 out of 100. However, Pie and Thimble are also great options. Each offers offersreliable customer service, very low workers' comp rates, and a large coverage selection. Learn more about the best worker's compensation insurance in our comprehensive guide.
Cheapest Workers' Comp Insurance in Oregon
Updated: June 20, 2025
Advertising & Editorial Disclosure
Key Takeaways
NEXT, Pie, biBerk, Nationwide and Thimble are the best cheap workers' comp insurance providers in Oregon.
Workers compensation coverage costs an average of $792 per year or $66 per month for most small businesses in Oregon.
Workers' comp insurance is required in Oregon for all companies with employees to cover expenses from employees sustaining injuries or illnesses during business activities.
Best Cheap Workers’ Comp Insurance Companies in Oregon
| NEXT | 96 | $113 |
| Pie | 94 | $70 |
| biBerk | 88 | $287 |
| Nationwide | 88 | $271 |
| The Hartford | 87 | $304 |
| Thimble | 86 | $212 |
*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
Affordable rates
Great customer reputation
Flexible customer service hours
cons
Not the cheapest option in Oregon
COMPANY HIGHLIGHTS
Rated 4.7 out of 5 by customers, NEXT provides great service for workers' comp coverage for over 600,000 clients and 1,300 types of businesses, the broadest availability in our study. You can also instantly access your certificate and get 24/7 chat support which makes it easy to get support and prove coverage to your state. While not the most affordable provider, the company still offers the 2nd lowest rates in Oregon.
How Much Is Workers' Comp Insurance in Oregon?
Depending on the size of your Oregon business, workers' comp rates vary anywhere from $750 to $7,375 per year. However, this only represents software development companies, and your rates will vary widely depending on number of employees, the risk of your industry, the work your employees do individually, and your claims history.
| Larger small businesses | $637 | $7,375 |
| Businesses with five or less employees | $66 | $750 |
| Medium-size small businesses | $136 | $1,569 |
Factors That Impact Workers’ Compensation Costs in Oregon
The cost of workers' compensation insurance varies for each business, depending on several factors that influence coverage costs including the following: business size, industry risk, and claims history.
Payroll costs
Businesses typically pay workers' compensation rates based on each $100 of payroll. A business with higher payroll costs pays a higher premium than one with lower payroll costs.
Number of employees
Companies with a large number of employees face a higher risk of employee injury, which can increase insurance premiums.
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
A history of workers' compensation claims can increase your premium while less claims makes costs cheaper.
Oregon Workers' Comp Insurance: Buyer's Guide
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 Oregon
Below we detail the best steps to take to ensure you get the best workers' comp policy possible for your organization.
- 1
Learn about required coverages and options
Research your state's regulations first, as requirements and options vary widely. The coverage you need depends on your industry, organization size and claims history. Talk to a business insurance agent about what's right for your company before buying to avoid getting too much or too little workers' comp insurance.
- 2
Research costs and providers
Research average costs and providers for your specific business to determine which companies to get quotes from. Also, consider state-provided options and whether self-insurance is possible in your state.
- 3
Consult similar businesses
Talk to other businesses in your community, especially those similar to yours. Ask about their experiences, needs and coverage choices to help inform your decision more personally.
- 4
Compare multiple providers through different means
Get multiple quotes and compare providers equally to find the best deal. Prices vary depending on whether you use online comparison sites versus speaking with an agent.
Do You Need Workers’ Compensation Insurance in Oregon?
All businesses in the state are required to carry workers’ compensation insurance. Sole proprietors, partners and corporate officers who fully own a corporation can choose to be excluded from this insurance.
WORKERS’ COMP PENALTIES IN OREGON
Employers in Oregon must have workers' compensation insurance. Here's what could happen if they break the law:
- First offense penalty - twice premium amount - Penalty of twice the amount of premium employer should have paid for insurance, with minimum of $1,000.
- Daily penalties for continued non-compliance - $250 per day for continued operation without insurance coverage.
- No limit on daily penalties - Additional penalties of $250 per day without a limit for ongoing noncompliance.
- Forced compliance - Repeated offenses can lead to forced compliance.
- Possible jail time - Going without coverage for extended periods could lead to serious sanctions, including jail.
- Personal liability for all injury costs - Employers liable for workplace injuries and illnesses, including medical bills and lost wages.
- Non-dischargeable debt - By Oregon law, debt for worker benefits cannot be reduced by bankruptcy.
- Potential benefits liability exceeding $100,000 - Uninsured employers required to provide same benefits as policy would have provided, which can total upward of $100,000.
- Employee lawsuit exposure - Injured workers may sue employers in court for injuries, resulting in additional costs beyond workers' comp benefits.
- Loss of exclusive remedy protection - Without coverage, employers cannot rely on exclusive remedy of workers' compensation to protect against lawsuits.
- Corporate piercing liability - Charges become liens that pierce corporate structure and pass through to individual officers and directors as personal liability.
What Does Workers’ Compensation Insurance Cover in Oregon?
Workers' compensation insurance provides vital benefits to employees experiencing work-related injuries or illnesses. This coverage includes medical care, disability benefits, and lost wages, paying out 66% of weekly wages according to Oregon law. This protects employees and the business against potential legal claims associated with workplace injuries.
Best Workers' Compensation Insurance Oregon: Bottom Line
The top three best and cheapest workers' comp insurance providers in Oregon are NEXT, Pie and Thimble. While these companies are our recommendations, we urge you to compare rates for yourself and consult similar businesses in your industry to get the best deal.
Workers' Comp Insurance in Oregon: FAQ
Below are answers to frequently asked questions about Oregon workers' comp insurance from our MoneyGeek experts.
Which company has the best workers’ compensation insurance in Oregon?
In Oregon, Pie surpasses its competition thanks to its competitive pricing (averaging around $70 per month) and low complaint index. However, selecting the best insurance for your needs will depend on various aspects, including your industry, the size of your workforce and particular state requirements.
Which company has the cheapest workers’ compensation insurance in Oregon?
Nationwide is the most cost-effective workers' comp insurance provider in Oregon for businesses with 5 or fewer employees. For medium-sized small businesses, Pie offers the cheapest premiums. Thimble provides the most affordable solutions for larger small businesses.
Does Oregon require businesses to have workers’ compensation insurance?
Yes, Oregon mandates workers' compensation insurance for all businesses, with limited exceptions for certain owner-operators.
In Oregon, workers' compensation insurance is compulsory for all businesses. Still, sole proprietors, partners, and corporate officers who own their companies can choose not to participate.
How much does workers’ compensation insurance cost in Oregon?
In Oregon, medium-sized small businesses with around 20 employees often incur a workers' compensation insurance expense of roughly $136 monthly.
How We Rated Workers' Comp Insurance Companies in Oregon
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.
- SAIF. "Workers Compensation Insurance for Oregon." Accessed June 4, 2025.