Workers' comp rates in Rhode Island depend on your industry and team size. Find answers to common coverage questions below.
Best Workers' Comp Insurance in Rhode Island
With rates starting at $6 monthly, ERGO NEXT, The Hartford and Simply Business offer the cheapest and best workers' comp insurance in Rhode Island.
Get matched to top Rhode Island workers’ comp insurance providers and find your ideal coverage.
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Updated: January 23, 2026
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Best Rhode Island Workers' Comp Insurance: Fast Answers
What are the best and cheapest workers' comp insurance providers in Rhode Island?
ERGO NEXT offers the top cheap workers' compensation insurance in Rhode Island. The following are the state's cheapest and best workers' comp insurance providers and their average monthly rates:
- ERGO NEXT: $75
- The Hartford: $77
- Simply Business: $78
- Coverdash: $80
- biBerk: $82
Is workers' comp insurance required in Rhode Island?
Rhode Island mandates workers' comp insurance for all employers with one or more employees, including part-time workers. Sole proprietors, partners and corporate officers owning 25% or more of the business can exempt themselves. Violations result in fines up to $100 per day per employee, plus potential criminal charges and civil penalties.
How much does workers' comp insurance cost in Rhode Island?
Rhode Island's workers' compensation insurance costs about $40 monthly per employee for a two-person business. Your actual costs depend on your industry and payroll size. The most affordable coverage goes to speech therapists at roughly $3 per employee monthly, while roofing contractors face the steepest rates at around $458 per employee monthly.
How do you get workers' comp insurance in Rhode Island?
You can get workers' comp coverage in Rhode Island by:
- Purchasing coverage from private insurance carriers licensed in Rhode Island
- Obtaining policies through the assigned risk pool when standard market options aren't available
- Self-insuring if your business meets the state's strict financial requirements
Many business owners compare quotes online or through brokers to get the best rate and compliance support.
What does Rhode Island workers' comp insurance cover?
Workers' compensation in Rhode Island covers:
- Medical expenses for workplace injuries and occupational illnesses
- Partial wage replacement during recovery periods
- Permanent disability benefits for lasting impairments
- Survivor benefits for families when work-related deaths occur
Best Workers' Comp Insurance Companies in Rhode Island
ERGO NEXT leads Rhode Island's workers' comp market with responsive customer support and comprehensive policy options that protect businesses thoroughly. The Hartford and Simply Business rank as strong second and third choices, offering reliable coverage solutions for Rhode Island small business owners.
| ERGO NEXT | 4.60 | $75 | 1 | 2 |
| The Hartford | 4.56 | $77 | 2 | 3 |
| Simply Business | 4.52 | $78 | 5 | 1 |
| Coverdash | 4.45 | $80 | 6 | 2 |
| biBERK | 4.43 | $82 | 2 | 5 |
| Nationwide | 4.42 | $89 | 2 | 4 |
| Progressive Commercial | 4.39 | $78 | 7 | 5 |
| Hiscox | 4.37 | $78 | 4 | 6 |
| Thimble | 4.35 | $77 | 8 | 5 |
| Chubb | 4.26 | $93 | 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 Rhode Island
Select your industry and state to get a customized Rhode Island workers' comp quote from your top provider match.
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LEARN MORE ABOUT THE BEST BUSINESS INSURANCE IN RHODE ISLAND
Explore the best business insurance providers in Rhode Island through our guides:
Best Rhode Island Workers’ Comp Insurance Company Reviews
Review our top picks for workers' comp insurance in Rhode Island:
ERGO NEXT
Best Workers' Comp Insurance in Rhode Island
MoneyGeek Rating
4.6/ 5
4.4/5Affordability
4.7/5Customer Experience
4.8/5Coverage Points
Average Monthly Workers' Comp Premium
$75We analyzed thousands of workers' compensation quotes from insurers operating in Rhode Island across 79 industriesWorkers' 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 current customers who would recommend ERGO NEXT
The Hartford
Best Rhode Island Workers' Comp Insurance: Runner-Up
MoneyGeek Rating
4.6/ 5
4.4/5Affordability
4.6/5Customer Experience
4.7/5Coverage Points
Average Monthly Workers' Comp Premium
$77Typical monthly cost for workers' compensation coverageWorkers' Comp Claims Process Score
4.5/5 (1st)Rating based on customer satisfaction with claims handlingWorkers' 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 Rhode Island
ERGO NEXT offers Rhode Island's cheapest workers' comp insurance at $75 monthly or $906 annually, saving you $5 per month compared to the state's $81 average. The Hartford and Thimble tie for second at $77 monthly. The table below shows costs from all companies we analyzed.
| ERGO NEXT | $75 | $906 |
| The Hartford | $77 | $926 |
| Thimble | $77 | $928 |
| Simply Business | $78 | $933 |
| Hiscox | $78 | $937 |
| Progressive Commercial | $78 | $938 |
| Coverdash | $80 | $957 |
| biBERK | $82 | $985 |
| Nationwide | $89 | $1,065 |
| Chubb | $93 | $1,117 |
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 Rhode Island by Industry
ERGO NEXT offers the most affordable workers' comp rates for speech therapists at just $6 monthly. ERGO NEXT leads pricing in 31 industries, including accountants, daycare and coffee shop businesses. The Hartford ranks second overall, offering competitive rates across 16 industries like bakery, consulting and HVAC businesses.
| Accountants | ERGO NEXT | $21 | $256 |
| Ad Agency | Thimble | $16 | $196 |
| Auto Repair | Thimble | $154 | $1,849 |
| Automotive | Thimble | $118 | $1,411 |
| Bakery | The Hartford | $54 | $648 |
| Barber | ERGO NEXT | $14 | $170 |
| Beauty Salon | Progressive Commercial | $15 | $180 |
| Bounce House | Thimble | $40 | $482 |
| Candle | The Hartford | $41 | $498 |
| Cannabis | ERGO NEXT | $86 | $1,038 |
| Catering | Nationwide | $88 | $1,056 |
| Cleaning | Thimble | $49 | $592 |
| Coffee Shop | ERGO NEXT | $48 | $571 |
| Computer Programming | Simply Business | $29 | $345 |
| Computer Repair | The Hartford | $25 | $294 |
| Construction | Progressive Commercial | $182 | $2,190 |
| Consulting | The Hartford | $31 | $375 |
| Contractor | Thimble | $171 | $2,054 |
| Courier | Hiscox | $233 | $2,800 |
| DJ | ERGO NEXT | $14 | $173 |
| Daycare | ERGO NEXT | $13 | $161 |
| Dental | Simply Business | $11 | $136 |
| Dog Grooming | Thimble | $67 | $805 |
| Drone | The Hartford | $27 | $326 |
| Ecommerce | The Hartford | $22 | $263 |
| Electrical | Thimble | $58 | $702 |
| Engineering | ERGO NEXT | $39 | $463 |
| Excavation | The Hartford | $111 | $1,329 |
| Florist | ERGO NEXT | $62 | $746 |
| Food | Thimble | $44 | $528 |
| Food Truck | ERGO NEXT | $46 | $557 |
| Funeral Home | Progressive Commercial | $28 | $330 |
| Gardening | Progressive Commercial | $48 | $570 |
| HVAC | The Hartford | $64 | $771 |
| Handyman | The Hartford | $95 | $1,144 |
| Home-based | Progressive Commercial | $10 | $120 |
| Hospitality | Chubb | $88 | $1,056 |
| Janitorial | ERGO NEXT | $49 | $590 |
| Jewelry | Thimble | $30 | $365 |
| Junk Removal | The Hartford | $143 | $1,718 |
| Lawn/Landscaping | The Hartford | $39 | $468 |
| Lawyers | ERGO NEXT | $54 | $647 |
| Manufacturing | ERGO NEXT | $58 | $699 |
| Marine | ERGO NEXT | $151 | $1,816 |
| Massage | The Hartford | $15 | $175 |
| Mortgage Broker | ERGO NEXT | $14 | $169 |
| Moving | ERGO NEXT | $260 | $3,115 |
| Nonprofit | Thimble | $32 | $382 |
| Painting | ERGO NEXT | $144 | $1,728 |
| Party Rental | Thimble | $38 | $451 |
| Personal Training | Hiscox | $26 | $312 |
| Pest Control | Nationwide | $85 | $1,018 |
| Pet | Simply Business | $32 | $385 |
| Pharmacy | ERGO NEXT | $6 | $77 |
| Photography | ERGO NEXT | $17 | $210 |
| Physical Therapy | Nationwide | $8 | $100 |
| Plumbing | ERGO NEXT | $66 | $793 |
| Pressure Washing | ERGO NEXT | $85 | $1,020 |
| Real Estate | ERGO NEXT | $31 | $366 |
| Restaurant | The Hartford | $65 | $776 |
| Retail | Progressive Commercial | $36 | $428 |
| Roofing | ERGO NEXT | $836 | $10,035 |
| Security | ERGO NEXT | $54 | $646 |
| Snack Bars | ERGO NEXT | $44 | $524 |
| Software | The Hartford | $27 | $322 |
| Spa/Wellness | ERGO NEXT | $17 | $209 |
| Speech Therapist | The Hartford | $6 | $74 |
| Startup | Thimble | $14 | $163 |
| Tech/IT | ERGO NEXT | $27 | $329 |
| Transportation | Simply Business | $235 | $2,822 |
| Travel | Nationwide | $9 | $104 |
| Tree Service | Thimble | $226 | $2,715 |
| Trucking | ERGO NEXT | $277 | $3,327 |
| Tutoring | The Hartford | $10 | $122 |
| Veterinary | ERGO NEXT | $20 | $241 |
| Wedding Planning | ERGO NEXT | $29 | $344 |
| Welding | ERGO NEXT | $117 | $1,404 |
| Wholesale | ERGO NEXT | $40 | $484 |
| Window Cleaning | Thimble | $214 | $2,567 |
How Much Is Workers' Comp Insurance in Rhode Island?
Workers' compensation insurance in Rhode Island runs $81 monthly or $969 annually, exceeding the national average of $74. Workers' comp insurance cost varies dramatically by profession, from $7 monthly ($4 per employee) for speech therapists to $915 monthly ($458 per employee) for roofing contractors.
| Accountants | $23 | $272 |
| Ad Agency | $18 | $211 |
| Auto Repair | $166 | $1,990 |
| Automotive | $128 | $1,538 |
| Bakery | $58 | $701 |
| Barber | $15 | $185 |
| Beauty Salon | $16 | $192 |
| Bounce House | $44 | $527 |
| Candle | $44 | $530 |
| Cannabis | $92 | $1,105 |
| Catering | $81 | $967 |
| Cleaning | $54 | $642 |
| Coffee Shop | $51 | $618 |
| Computer Programming | $31 | $373 |
| Computer Repair | $27 | $319 |
| Construction | $198 | $2,380 |
| Consulting | $33 | $401 |
| Contractor | $183 | $2,191 |
| Courier | $249 | $2,985 |
| DJ | $15 | $185 |
| Daycare | $15 | $177 |
| Dental | $12 | $147 |
| Dog Grooming | $72 | $862 |
| Drone | $29 | $353 |
| Ecommerce | $24 | $287 |
| Electrical | $63 | $760 |
| Engineering | $42 | $504 |
| Excavation | $118 | $1,419 |
| Florist | $67 | $801 |
| Food | $47 | $562 |
| Food Truck | $51 | $606 |
| Funeral Home | $30 | $354 |
| Gardening | $51 | $616 |
| HVAC | $69 | $830 |
| Handyman | $103 | $1,241 |
| Home-based | $11 | $131 |
| Hospitality | $76 | $915 |
| Janitorial | $53 | $641 |
| Jewelry | $33 | $394 |
| Junk Removal | $154 | $1,847 |
| Lawn/Landscaping | $41 | $497 |
| Lawyers | $58 | $700 |
| Manufacturing | $65 | $778 |
| Marine | $165 | $1,976 |
| Massage | $16 | $192 |
| Mortgage Broker | $15 | $183 |
| Moving | $285 | $3,422 |
| Nonprofit | $35 | $421 |
| Painting | $155 | $1,856 |
| Party Rental | $41 | $487 |
| Personal Training | $28 | $333 |
| Pest Control | $77 | $923 |
| Pet | $34 | $410 |
| Pharmacy | $7 | $84 |
| Photography | $19 | $224 |
| Physical Therapy | $8 | $90 |
| Plumbing | $71 | $847 |
| Pressure Washing | $91 | $1,093 |
| Real Estate | $33 | $395 |
| Restaurant | $70 | $838 |
| Retail | $38 | $457 |
| Roofing | $915 | $10,982 |
| Security | $57 | $689 |
| Snack Bars | $47 | $569 |
| Software | $29 | $344 |
| Spa/Wellness | $19 | $228 |
| Speech Therapist | $7 | $79 |
| Startup | $14 | $173 |
| Tech/IT | $30 | $359 |
| Transportation | $253 | $3,033 |
| Travel | $8 | $93 |
| Tree Service | $244 | $2,924 |
| Trucking | $297 | $3,562 |
| Tutoring | $11 | $132 |
| Veterinary | $22 | $258 |
| Wedding Planning | $31 | $373 |
| Welding | $128 | $1,531 |
| Wholesale | $44 | $532 |
| Window Cleaning | $229 | $2,751 |
Rhode Island Workers' Comp Insurance Cost Factors
Several cost factors influence workers' compensation insurance rates for Rhode Island businesses:
Beacon Mutual
The state legislature created Beacon Mutual Insurance Company in the early 1990s as a compensation fund backed by the state to function as the carrier of last resort for assigned-risk employers. Rates remain high in Rhode Island because of a lack of competition for coverage. Beacon Mutual serves as both a competitive carrier and assigned risk administrator, reducing competitive pressure on pricing and leaving small businesses with fewer carrier options and higher premiums.
NCCI Loss Cost System
Rhode Island partners with the National Council on Compensation Insurance (NCCI) to set loss costs, which are filed for approval by the Rhode Island Department of Business Regulation. A loss cost multiplier representing a workers' compensation insurer's business expenses is applied to the NCCI loss costs to determine the insurer's rate for each class code. Insurance companies may apply policy credits and debits up to 25% to adjust their filed rates, meaning two insurers can quote significantly different premiums for identical businesses based on safety programs, management experience and business narrative.
Mandatory Owner Payroll Minimums and Maximums
Officers and LLC Members who are not excluded from coverage must utilize a minimum annual payroll of $62,400 and a maximum payroll of $244,400 for the purpose of rating workers' comp premium on owners for 2024. Even if a corporate officer or LLC member pays themselves less than $62,400 annually, insurers must calculate premiums using the $62,400 minimum, inflating premiums for small business owners with modest salaries by approximately 56% on the owner portion of the premium.
2022 Workers' Compensation Benefit Reform
For injuries on or after January 1, 2022, an injured worker's weekly compensation rate equals 62% of average weekly wage. For injuries on or before December 31, 2021, an injured worker's weekly compensation rate equals 75% of spendable base wage. This legislative change reduced benefit payouts, meaning insurers pay less per claim. Lower claim costs put downward pressure on premium rates, though savings may take time to fully materialize as insurers adjust rate filings based on emerging claim data.
Recent NCCI Loss Cost Decrease
The filing recommends a 10.5% loss cost decrease in the voluntary market, effective August 1, 2024. Rhode Island's lost-time claims relative to premium decreased modestly in the latest couple policy years, and the state's average cost per lost-time claim has declined significantly. This reduction directly lowers the base rates insurers use to calculate premiums, with small business owners purchasing or renewing policies after August 1, 2024, benefiting from lower rates.
State-Mandated Medical Fee Schedules
The Director of the Department of Labor and Training establishes a medical fee schedule of rules and rates of reimbursement for workers' compensation medical services. Annually, the Division of Workers' Compensation publishes an adjustment rate for hospital charges for each hospital's charges for inpatient, ambulatory surgery and emergency room charges. These controlled medical costs directly impact insurers' claim expenses, with higher fee schedules pushing premiums up and lower schedules helping stabilize or reduce premiums.
How Much Workers' Comp Insurance Do I Need in Rhode Island?
Rhode Island law mandates workers' compensation insurance once you hire your first employee. Your policy covers all medical expenses without dollar limits, plus wage replacement at 62% of average weekly earnings (for injuries after January 1, 2022) and dependency benefits for families.
Skip required workers' compensation insurance and you face felony charges, $10,000 fines, two years imprisonment, and $1,000 daily penalties. Rhode Island's Department of Labor and Training can also close your business immediately. Small business owners should secure coverage before hiring to avoid these consequences.
Rhode Island Workers' Comp Insurance Exemptions
While you're often required to have coverage in Rhode Island, some business categories are exempt from workers' comp requirements:
- Sole proprietors and partners: If you run your business as a sole proprietor or partnership in Rhode Island, you're exempt from workers' comp requirements and can't buy coverage for yourself even if you want to.
- Partners: Self-employed partners in Rhode Island partnerships are exempt from workers' comp requirements and can't purchase coverage for themselves.
- Corporate officers appointed between January 1, 1999, and December 31, 2001: Rhode Island exempts officers appointed during this period who weren't previously employees, though you can elect coverage by filing Form DWC-11C with the Division of Workers' Compensation.
- Municipal employees: Your municipal workers are exempt unless your municipality chooses to provide coverage.
- Recent corporate officers and LLC members: Rhode Island requires corporate officers appointed after December 31, 2001, and LLC members to carry coverage, but you can opt out by filing Form DWC-11C.
- Independent contractors: Self-employed independent contractors working in Rhode Island are exempt but must file Notice of Designation as Independent Contractor Form DWC-11-IC annually with each hiring entity.
- Commission-based real estate professionals: Rhode Island exempts licensed real estate brokers, salespersons and appraisers when substantially all pay comes from sales or commissions rather than hourly wages.
- Domestic service, agricultural and casual workers: Rhode Island exempts domestic employees, agricultural workers and casual employees from coverage requirements.
- Police, firefighters and federal employees: Rhode Island police and firefighters receive coverage under separate state programs, while federal employees working in Rhode Island get coverage through federal programs.
FEDERAL WORKERS' COMP PROGRAMS OVERRIDE STATE REQUIREMENTS
Your Rhode Island business doesn't cover federal employees under standard workers' comp. Federal workers receive benefits through FECA, while railroad employees use FELA. Independent contractors must file form DWC-11-IC with Rhode Island's Department of Labor and Training, exempting them from your coverage. You also don't cover volunteers, police officers, firefighters or maritime workers. Watch out, though: if contractors work only for you under your supervision, Rhode Island may reclassify them as employees requiring coverage.
How to Get the Best Workers' Comp Insurance in Rhode Island
Here's how to get workers' comp insurance with the right provider at the best price.
- 1Determine if you need workers' comp coverage in Rhode Island
Rhode Island requires coverage if you have one or more employees. Sole proprietors and partners are exempt and can't buy coverage for themselves even if they want to. Corporate officers and LLC members need coverage. Independent contractors must file form DWC-11-IC with the Department of Labor and Training. Here's the catch: if contractors work exclusively for you under your direction, Rhode Island may reclassify them as employees who need coverage.
- 2Gather your business information
You'll need employee count, annual payroll and NCCI classification codes for accurate quotes. Rhode Island uses the National Council on Compensation Insurance system. Get these numbers right. Wrong payroll or classification codes mean surprise audit bills later or discovering you're not covered when filing a claim. Insurers can adjust their filed rates by up to 25% with policy credits and debits, so accurate information directly affects what you pay.
- 3Request workers' comp quotes from multiple carriers
Get quotes from at least three insurers to compare business insurance costs. Include Beacon Mutual Insurance Company in your quotes. Beacon serves as Rhode Island's state fund and assigned risk carrier for businesses that can't get coverage elsewhere. Rhode Island ranks as the 11th most expensive state for workers' comp, with rates about 28% above the national average. Private insurers compete with Beacon Mutual, so shopping around helps you find the best cost of your coverage.
- 4Research providers with industry experience
Look beyond just cheap business insurance rates. Focus on insurers who understand your specific business risks and classification codes. Construction companies benefit from carriers specializing in high-risk industries. Office-based businesses typically qualify for lower rates since clerical work carries minimal risk. Your experience modification rate won't affect your premium until you reach $5,000 in annual costs, so most small businesses start without this factor influencing their rates.
- 5Evaluate your top provider options
Compare each insurer's track record to find the best business insurance for your needs:
- Check claim processing times, customer service ratings and complaint history with Rhode Island's Department of Business Regulation Insurance Division.
- Confirm the insurer understands Rhode Island's workers' comp system, including the state's 62% wage replacement rate for injuries after January 1, 2022.
- Ask about return-to-work programs and safety consultations that reduce future claims.
- Choose carriers with strong AM Best financial ratings to ensure they pay claims when needed.
- 6Review and purchase your workers' compensation policy
Read policy terms carefully, paying attention to coverage limits, exclusions and renewal conditions specific to Rhode Island regulations. Pick payment options that match your cash flow needs. Rhode Island allows pay-as-you-go workers' comp structures for seasonal businesses or those with variable payroll. This approach charges premiums based on actual payroll rather than estimates, keeping upfront costs low and preventing big audit surprises.
- 7Reassess before annual renewal
Review how your business changed before your policy renews. Check your employee count, examine any claims you filed and evaluate your experience modification rate calculated by NCCI. Things change fast in business. You might have added staff or shifted to safer work. Share these updates with your insurer to avoid paying too much or having insufficient coverage. Your EMR stays with you when switching carriers, so strong safety records deliver long-term savings by keeping rates down.
Best Rhode Island Workers' Compensation Insurance: Bottom Line
ERGO NEXT, The Hartford and Simply Business rank as Rhode Island's top workers' compensation insurers. What's ideal for you depends on your business risks and the needs of your employees. Businesses should 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
- CGA Connecticut General Assembly. "CT State Employee Workers' Compensation and Rhode Island's Workers' Compensation Fund." Accessed January 28, 2026.
- National Council on Compensation Insurance. "Summary of the Proposed Rhode Island Workers Compensation." Accessed January 28, 2026.
- Rhode Island Department of Labor and Training. "Basic Questions about Workers' Compensation." Accessed January 28, 2026.
- Rhode Island Department of Labor and Training. "Medical Fees & Hospital Rates." Accessed January 28, 2026.
- Rhode Island General Assembly. "General Laws of Rhode Island Chapter 28-33." Accessed January 28, 2026.