NEXT leads the field for workers' comp insurance in Pennsylvania, standing out with excellent customer service and comprehensive coverage options. Pennsylvania's business owners can also count on Simply Business and The Hartford as equally strong alternatives, as both providers offer comparable quality coverage.
Workers' Comp Insurance in Pennsylvania
NEXT tops our analysis as the best workers' comp insurance provider in Pennsylvania with a 4.6 out of 5 overall score.
Compare top Pennsylvania workers' comp insurance providers and find your ideal coverage.
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Updated: September 11, 2025
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Key Takeaways
NEXT, Simply Business and The Hartford lead the pack as Pennsylvania's top-rated workers' comp insurance providers.
Your business type, number of workers, past insurance claims and available budget will point you toward the right workers' comp provider in Pennsylvania.
To find quality workers' comp coverage in Pennsylvania, request multiple quotes, look into each company's business expertise, review their service history and compare what each policy covers.
Best Workers' Comp Insurance Companies in Pennsylvania
| NEXT | 4.60 | 1 |
| Simply Business | 4.52 | 2 |
| The Hartford | 4.52 | 2 |
| biBERK | 4.45 | 3 |
| Coverdash | 4.45 | 3 |
| Nationwide | 4.42 | 4 |
| Progressive Commercial | 4.39 | 5 |
| Hiscox | 4.39 | 5 |
| Thimble | 4.35 | 6 |
| Chubb | 4.27 | 7 |
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 PENNSYLVANIA
Pennsylvania business owners often need more than workers' compensation insurance. To help you understand your coverage options, we've gathered resources about other types of coverage:
Best Pennsylvania Workers’ Comp Insurance Reviews
NEXT and Simply Business lead the pack as Pennsylvania's premier workers' compensation insurance providers.
NEXT
Best Overall Provider
MoneyGeek Rating
4.6/ 5
4.4/5Affordability
4.7/5Customer Experience
4.8/5Coverage Options
Average monthly premium
$80Based on average costs across Pennsylvania businessesOur survey: Claims process
3.9/5Rating based on customer satisfaction with claims handlingOur survey: Recommend to others
4.8/5Percentage of customers who would recommend NEXT
Simply Business
Runner-Up Best Provider
MoneyGeek Rating
4.5/ 5
4.5/5Affordability
4.2/5Customer Experience
4.9/5Coverage Options
Average monthly premium
$82Based on average costs across Pennsylvania businessesOur survey: Claims process
4.5/5Rating from our independent customer satisfaction surveyRecommend to others
4.5/5Percentage of current customers who would recommend this provider
Cheapest Workers' Comp Insurance Companies in Pennsylvania
Pennsylvania businesses can secure cheap workers' comp coverage through NEXT for $80 monthly ($956 annually). Thimble and The Hartford provide comparable rates at $80 and $81 per month, respectively. The table below shows costs from all companies we analyzed:
| NEXT | $80 | $956 |
| Thimble | $80 | $964 |
| The Hartford | $81 | $968 |
| Hiscox | $81 | $969 |
| Progressive Commercial | $82 | $982 |
| Simply Business | $82 | $990 |
| Coverdash | $84 | $1,010 |
| biBERK | $85 | $1,021 |
| Nationwide | $94 | $1,129 |
| Chubb | $98 | $1,178 |
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 Pennsylvania
Workers' compensation insurance in Pennsylvania costs businesses an average of $85 per month or $1,017 annually. Pennsylvania's rates run $11 higher than the national monthly average of $74. Your business's actual premium depends on several factors, including industry risk level, number of employees, yearly payroll and past claims experience.
Average Cost of Workers' Comp in Pennsylvania by Industry
In Pennsylvania, workers' compensation insurance costs vary dramatically by industry risk level. Monthly premiums range from $7 for speech therapists to $957 for roofing contractors, reflecting the significant difference in workplace injury risks between these professions.
| Accountants | $23 | $281 |
| Ad Agency | $18 | $218 |
| Auto Repair | $176 | $2,110 |
| Automotive | $136 | $1,631 |
| Bakery | $62 | $743 |
| Barber | $16 | $195 |
| Beauty Salon | $17 | $202 |
| Bounce House | $46 | $553 |
| Candle | $47 | $558 |
| Cannabis | $96 | $1,153 |
| Catering | $85 | $1,024 |
| Cleaning | $56 | $667 |
| Coffee Shop | $54 | $653 |
| Computer Programming | $33 | $392 |
| Computer Repair | $28 | $333 |
| Construction | $208 | $2,499 |
| Consulting | $35 | $420 |
| Contractor | $191 | $2,288 |
| Courier | $261 | $3,137 |
| DJ | $16 | $196 |
| Daycare | $15 | $185 |
| Dental | $13 | $156 |
| Dog Grooming | $75 | $899 |
| Drone | $31 | $371 |
| Ecommerce | $25 | $301 |
| Electrical | $66 | $795 |
| Engineering | $44 | $527 |
| Excavation | $124 | $1,493 |
| Florist | $71 | $846 |
| Food | $49 | $587 |
| Food Truck | $52 | $628 |
| Funeral Home | $31 | $375 |
| Gardening | $54 | $648 |
| HVAC | $73 | $871 |
| Handyman | $108 | $1,300 |
| Home-based | $12 | $140 |
| Hospitality | $80 | $961 |
| Janitorial | $56 | $675 |
| Jewelry | $35 | $415 |
| Junk Removal | $162 | $1,942 |
| Lawn/Landscaping | $43 | $522 |
| Lawyers | $61 | $735 |
| Manufacturing | $68 | $814 |
| Marine | $175 | $2,105 |
| Massage | $17 | $202 |
| Mortgage Broker | $16 | $192 |
| Moving | $300 | $3,603 |
| Nonprofit | $37 | $440 |
| Painting | $161 | $1,936 |
| Party Rental | $42 | $508 |
| Personal Training | $29 | $350 |
| Pest Control | $81 | $976 |
| Pet | $35 | $424 |
| Pharmacy | $7 | $88 |
| Photography | $20 | $236 |
| Physical Therapy | $8 | $95 |
| Plumbing | $74 | $886 |
| Pressure Washing | $96 | $1,156 |
| Real Estate | $35 | $416 |
| Restaurant | $73 | $872 |
| Retail | $40 | $482 |
| Roofing | $957 | $11,481 |
| Security | $60 | $726 |
| Snack Bars | $50 | $600 |
| Software | $30 | $363 |
| Spa/Wellness | $20 | $242 |
| Speech Therapist | $7 | $84 |
| Startup | $15 | $181 |
| Tech/IT | $32 | $379 |
| Transportation | $264 | $3,171 |
| Travel | $8 | $97 |
| Tree Service | $254 | $3,048 |
| Trucking | $310 | $3,720 |
| Tutoring | $12 | $138 |
| Veterinary | $22 | $270 |
| Wedding Planning | $33 | $391 |
| Welding | $135 | $1,615 |
| Wholesale | $46 | $549 |
| Window Cleaning | $239 | $2,869 |
How Much Workers' Comp Insurance Do I Need in Pennsylvania?
In Pennsylvania, nearly all employers must carry workers' compensation insurance as soon as they hire employees. This insurance covers medical expenses and lost wages if workers get injured or become ill due to their job duties.
Businesses that fail to maintain proper workers' comp coverage face fines up to $2,500 for each day without insurance, plus potential criminal charges.
Sole proprietors
Business owners operating alone can typically opt out of workers' comp coverage since they are considered self-employed rather than employees
Independent contractors
Workers who maintain control over their work methods and schedule while providing services to multiple clients may qualify for exemption
Corporate officers
Executive officers owning at least 25% of company shares can choose to exclude themselves from coverage requirements
LLC members
Managing members of limited liability companies can elect to waive coverage if they maintain separate health insurance
Seasonal workers
Employees working less than 13 weeks per year in non-hazardous seasonal roles may be exempt from coverage requirements
Real estate agents
Licensed real estate professionals working on commission basis typically qualify as independent contractors exempt from coverage
Professional athletes
Professional sports players often maintain separate injury coverage and may be exempt from standard workers' comp requirements
Remote workers
Employees working exclusively from home in low-risk roles may qualify for exemption if they meet specific criteria and file proper documentation
How to Get the Best Workers' Comp Insurance in Pennsylvania
While Pennsylvania workers' compensation insurance requirements may seem complex, affordable coverage options are available to protect your team while keeping business insurance costs in check. Get started by comparing rates from multiple providers, examining their coverage details and evaluating their claims handling processes to find the right fit for your business.
- 1
Check coverage requirements
Most Pennsylvania businesses must carry workers' comp insurance when employing staff. Even hiring one part-time worker triggers this requirement
- 2
Collect business data
Prepare accurate payroll records, employee counts and job classifications before requesting quotes.
- 3
Get multiple insurance quotes
Contact at least three insurance carriers for quotes. Insurance rates in Pennsylvania can vary between providers
- 4
Find industry-specific experience
Select insurers who understand your industry risks and Pennsylvania safety regulations.
- 5
Review provider performance
Check each insurer's claim processing speed and complaint history. Look for added benefits like workplace safety programs and injury prevention resources
- 6
Examine policy details
Review coverage limits and payment options carefully.
- 7
Schedule annual reviews
Update your coverage yearly as business conditions change.
Pennsylvania Workers’ Comp: Bottom Line
Pennsylvania offers several strong options for workers' compensation insurance. Our analysis shows NEXT, Simply Business and The Hartford lead the pack in Pennsylvania. Consider getting quotes from these providers and compare their offerings based on your specific industry requirements, company size and financial considerations.
Pennsylvania Workers' Comp Insurance: FAQ
Find clear answers to your most common questions in our comprehensive FAQ guide below.
Is workers' comp insurance required for all Pennsylvania businesses?
Pennsylvania law requires businesses with employees to carry workers' compensation insurance. Key exemptions include sole proprietors without employees, federal workers, railroad workers and domestic workers.
How much does workers' comp insurance cost in Pennsylvania?
NEXT offers the lowest-priced workers' compensation insurance in Pennsylvania at $80 per month ($956 annually). Your specific premium will depend on your industry risk level, number of employees, payroll size and claims history.
What does workers' comp insurance cover in Pennsylvania?
Pennsylvania workers' comp insurance covers medical expenses and lost wages for work-related injuries or illnesses. Benefits include unlimited medical care, partial wage replacement during recovery and death benefits for surviving dependents. Coverage protects employers from lawsuits but excludes independent contractors.
Which workers' comp insurance company is best in Pennsylvania?
NEXT leads Pennsylvania workers' comp providers with a 4.60 rating, excelling in customer service (4.70) and comprehensive coverage options (4.80). Simply Business follows at 4.52, offering the broadest coverage selection (4.90), while The Hartford (4.52) stands out for reliable customer support. Choose based on whether service quality, coverage breadth or industry expertise matters most to you.
What happens if I don't have workers' comp insurance in Pennsylvania?
Operating without workers' compensation insurance in Pennsylvania is illegal and carries severe penalties. Employers face fines, potential criminal charges and business closure.
Do sole proprietors need workers' comp insurance in Pennsylvania?
Sole proprietors in Pennsylvania typically don't need workers' compensation insurance since they're not considered employees.
How do I choose the right workers' comp insurance company in Pennsylvania?
Get quotes from at least three Pennsylvania workers' comp insurance providers to compare rates and coverage. Select carriers with expertise in your specific industry and check their financial strength ratings. Review their claims handling process, customer satisfaction scores and complaint records with the Pennsylvania Insurance Department before making your decision.
How We Scored the Best Workers' Comp Insurance Companies in Pennsylvania
- Affordability (50%): Cost drives every small business insurance decision in Pennsylvania'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, Pennsylvania 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 Pennsylvania 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.