NEXT leads the field for workers' comp insurance in Rhode Island, standing out with exceptional customer service and comprehensive coverage options. The Hartford and Simply Business offer equally strong alternatives for Rhode Island business owners, with all three providers delivering remarkably similar levels of quality service.
Workers' Comp Insurance in Rhode Island
NEXT tops our analysis as the best workers' comp insurance provider in Rhode Island with a 4.6 out of 5 overall score.
Compare top Rhode Island 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 lead Rhode Island's workers' comp insurance market with the highest overall scores.
Your business type, number of workers, past insurance claims and available funds determine which workers' comp provider fits best in Rhode Island.
Compare insurance quotes, review each provider's business expertise, check their service records and examine coverage details to find the right workers' comp insurance in Rhode Island.
Best Workers' Comp Insurance Companies in Rhode Island
| NEXT | 4.60 | 1 |
| The Hartford | 4.56 | 2 |
| Simply Business | 4.52 | 3 |
| Coverdash | 4.45 | 4 |
| biBERK | 4.43 | 5 |
| Nationwide | 4.42 | 6 |
| Progressive Commercial | 4.39 | 7 |
| Hiscox | 4.37 | 8 |
| Thimble | 4.35 | 9 |
| Chubb | 4.26 | 10 |
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 RHODE ISLAND
Rhode Island businesses often need more than just workers' compensation insurance. Here are valuable resources to help you explore other types of coverage:
Best Rhode Island Workers’ Comp Insurance Reviews
NEXT and The Hartford lead the pack as Rhode Island's premier workers' compensation insurance providers.
NEXT
Overall Best Provider
MoneyGeek Rating
4.6/ 5
4.4/5Affordability
4.7/5Customer Experience
4.8/5Coverage Options
Average Monthly Premium
$75We analyzed thousands of workers' compensation quotes from insurers operating in Rhode Island across 79 industriesOur Survey: Claims Process
3.9/5Rating based on customer satisfaction with claims handlingOur Survey: Recommend to Others
4.8/5Likelihood customers would recommend this provider
The Hartford
Runner-Up Best Provider
MoneyGeek Rating
4.6/ 5
4.4/5Affordability
4.6/5Customer Experience
4.7/5Coverage Options
Average monthly premium
$77Typical monthly cost for workers' compensation coverageOur survey: Claims process
4.5/5Rating based on customer satisfaction with claims handlingOur survey: Recommend to others
4.5/5Percentage of customers who would recommend this provider
Cheapest Workers' Comp Insurance Companies in Rhode Island
NEXT provides Rhode Island's most affordable workers' comp coverage at $75 monthly ($906 annually). The Hartford and Thimble offer competitive rates at $77 per month each. With minimal price differences, Rhode Island business owners have multiple budget-friendly options. The table below shows costs from all companies we analyzed:
| 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 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 Rhode Island
Workers' compensation insurance in Rhode Island costs businesses an average of $81 per month or $969 annually. Rhode Island's rates run $7 above the national monthly average of $74. Your business's actual premium depends on several factors, including your industry's risk level, number of employees, annual payroll and claims history.
Average Cost of Workers' Comp in Rhode Island by Industry
In Rhode Island, workers' compensation insurance costs vary by industry risk level. Monthly premiums range from $7 for speech therapists to $915 for roofing contractors. This substantial difference reflects the varying workplace injury risks across different professions.
| 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 |
How Much Workers' Comp Insurance Do I Need in Rhode Island?
Rhode Island requires all employers with one or more employees to carry workers' compensation insurance. This coverage helps protect businesses while ensuring workers receive medical care and wage replacement if they suffer job-related injuries or illnesses.
Businesses operating without required coverage face fines up to $1,000 for each day of noncompliance, and company officers could face misdemeanor charges. However, some categories are exempt from obtaining workers' compensation:
Sole proprietors
Business owners who work independently can choose to opt out of workers' comp coverage for themselves while still maintaining it for any employees
Corporate officers
Executive officers owning at least 25% of company stock may exclude themselves by filing a written waiver with proof of alternative health coverage
Real estate agents
Licensed real estate professionals working on commission basis typically qualify as independent contractors exempt from mandatory coverage
Seasonal workers
Agricultural workers employed for less than 13 weeks per year or casual laborers earning under $500 per quarter may be exempt from coverage requirements
Domestic workers
Household employees working fewer than 16 hours weekly or earning less than $1,000 per quarter can be excluded from coverage
Religious organizations
Members of religious organizations who have taken vows of poverty may qualify for exemption when working for their religious order
Professional athletes
Athletes in certain professional sports leagues operate under separate injury coverage agreements outside standard workers' comp requirements
Small farms
Agricultural operations with fewer than five regular employees or annual payroll under $20,000 can qualify for exemption from mandatory coverage
How to Get the Best Workers' Comp Insurance in Rhode Island
While navigating workers' comp insurance in Rhode Island might feel complex, affordable coverage options are available to protect your team while managing business insurance costs. Get started by comparing quotes from multiple providers, examining their coverage options and understanding their claims handling processes to find the right fit for your business.
- 1
Check coverage requirements
Rhode Island law requires most businesses with employees to carry workers' compensation insurance.
- 2
Collect business details
Prepare accurate payroll records, employee counts and job classifications before requesting quotes.
- 3
Get multiple insurance quotes
Contact at least three different insurance carriers for quotes.
- 4
Find industry-savvy providers
Select insurers who understand your specific industry risks and local regulations. For example, construction companies need carriers familiar with Rhode Island safety codes.
- 5
Review provider performance
Check each insurer's claim response times and complaint history. Look for added benefits like workplace safety programs or return-to-work assistance.
- 6
Examine policy details
Review coverage limits and exclusions. Consider pay-as-you-go structures for better cash flow management, especially if your business needs seasonal staffing.
- 7
Schedule annual reviews
Mark your calendar for yearly coverage reviews.
Rhode Island Workers’ Comp: Bottom Line
Rhode Island businesses have access to several strong workers' compensation insurance providers. Our analysis shows NEXT, The Hartford and Simply Business lead the market as top-rated carriers in Rhode Island. Consider getting quotes from these providers and compare their offerings based on your specific industry needs, company size and available budget.
Rhode Island Workers' Comp Insurance: FAQ
Understanding workers' compensation insurance requirements and costs in Rhode Island can be complex for business owners. Here are straightforward answers to the most common questions about coverage in Rhode Island.
Is workers' comp insurance required for all Rhode Island businesses?
Rhode Island law requires workers' compensation insurance for all businesses with employees. Sole proprietors, independent contractors and corporate officers who own at least 5% of company stock can opt out.
How much does workers' comp insurance cost in Rhode Island?
NEXT offers the lowest-cost workers' comp insurance in Rhode Island at $75 per month ($906 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 Rhode Island?
Rhode Island workers' compensation insurance covers medical expenses, lost wages and rehabilitation costs for job-related injuries or illnesses. Benefits include temporary or permanent disability payments and death benefits. The insurance also protects employers from lawsuits. Coverage applies to employees but not independent contractors.
Which workers' comp insurance company is best in Rhode Island?
NEXT leads Rhode Island workers' comp providers with a 4.60 overall score, excelling in customer service (4.70) and coverage options (4.80). The Hartford follows at 4.56, known for consistent service quality, while Simply Business (4.52) stands out for its extensive coverage options (4.90). Choose based on whether you prioritize service quality, stability or coverage breadth.
What happens if I don't have workers' comp insurance in Rhode Island?
Operating without workers' compensation insurance in Rhode Island is illegal. Employers face fines, criminal penalties and potential business closure. The Rhode Island Department of Labor and Training enforces compliance, and employers without coverage must pay employee medical bills and lost wages directly if workplace injuries occur.
Do sole proprietors need workers' comp insurance in Rhode Island?
Sole proprietors in Rhode Island typically don't need workers' compensation insurance since they're not considered employees.
How do I choose the right workers' comp insurance company in Rhode Island?
Get quotes from at least three Rhode Island workers' comp insurance providers to compare rates and coverage options. Look for carriers with experience in your specific industry sector.
How We Scored the Best Workers' Comp Insurance Companies in Rhode Island
- Affordability (50%): Cost drives every small business insurance decision in Rhode Island'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, Rhode Island 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 Rhode Island 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.