NEXT leads the field for workers' comp insurance in Tennessee, with exceptional customer service and comprehensive coverage options. Tennessee's business owners can also count on Simply Business and The Hartford as equally capable alternatives, as both providers maintain comparable quality ratings.
Workers' Comp Insurance in Tennessee
NEXT tops our analysis as the best workers' comp insurance provider in Tennessee with a 4.6 out of 5 overall score.
Compare top Tennessee 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 are the top workers' comp insurance providers in Tennessee based on overall performance scores.
Your business type, number of employees, previous claims and available budget will determine which Tennessee workers' comp provider fits your needs.
Request quotes from multiple providers, review their industry knowledge, check their service history and look at different coverage plans to find the right workers' comp insurance in Tennessee.
Best Workers' Comp Insurance Companies in Tennessee
| NEXT | 4.60 | 1 |
| The Hartford | 4.52 | 2 |
| Simply Business | 4.52 | 2 |
| Coverdash | 4.45 | 3 |
| biBERK | 4.43 | 4 |
| Nationwide | 4.43 | 4 |
| Progressive Commercial | 4.39 | 5 |
| Hiscox | 4.37 | 6 |
| Thimble | 4.35 | 7 |
| Chubb | 4.27 | 8 |
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 TENNESSEE
Tennessee businesses often need more than just workers' compensation insurance for complete protection. Explore these helpful resources about other types of coverage:
Best Tennessee Workers’ Comp Insurance Reviews
NEXT and The Hartford deliver the strongest workers' compensation insurance options for Tennessee business owners.
NEXT
Best Overall Provider
MoneyGeek Rating
4.6/ 5
4.4/5Affordability
4.7/5Customer Experience
4.8/5Coverage Options
Average Monthly Premium
$67We analyzed thousands of workers' compensation quotes from insurers operating in Tennessee 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
4.5/ 5
4.3/5Affordability
4.6/5Customer Experience
4.7/5Coverage Options
Average monthly premium
$68Typical monthly cost for The Hartford workers' compensation coverageOur survey: Claims process
3.7/5Rating based on customer satisfaction with claims handlingOur survey: Recommend to others
4.2/5Likelihood customers would recommend The Hartford to others
Cheapest Workers' Comp Insurance Companies in Tennessee
Tennessee businesses can secure cheap workers' comp coverage through NEXT for $67 monthly ($808 annually). The Hartford and Thimble offer alternatives, both at $68 per month. The table below shows costs from all companies we analyzed:
| NEXT | $67 | $808 |
| The Hartford | $68 | $813 |
| Thimble | $68 | $822 |
| Simply Business | $69 | $833 |
| Progressive Commercial | $69 | $833 |
| Hiscox | $70 | $838 |
| Coverdash | $71 | $851 |
| biBERK | $73 | $875 |
| Nationwide | $79 | $945 |
| Chubb | $83 | $991 |
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 Tennessee
Workers' compensation insurance in Tennessee costs businesses an average of $72 per month or $861 annually. Tennessee's rates run slightly below 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 past claims experience.
Average Cost of Workers' Comp in Tennessee by Industry
In Tennessee, workers' comp insurance costs vary by industry risk level. Speech therapists pay the lowest premiums at $6 monthly, while roofing businesses face substantially higher rates at $814 per month. This wide range reflects the different workplace injury risks across industries in Tennessee.
| Accountants | $20 | $236 |
| Ad Agency | $16 | $187 |
| Auto Repair | $149 | $1,783 |
| Automotive | $114 | $1,367 |
| Bakery | $52 | $625 |
| Barber | $14 | $164 |
| Beauty Salon | $14 | $171 |
| Bounce House | $40 | $476 |
| Candle | $39 | $471 |
| Cannabis | $82 | $983 |
| Catering | $72 | $859 |
| Cleaning | $47 | $567 |
| Coffee Shop | $46 | $549 |
| Computer Programming | $27 | $328 |
| Computer Repair | $23 | $282 |
| Construction | $176 | $2,114 |
| Consulting | $30 | $358 |
| Contractor | $160 | $1,924 |
| Courier | $219 | $2,630 |
| DJ | $14 | $163 |
| Daycare | $13 | $157 |
| Dental | $11 | $129 |
| Dog Grooming | $64 | $762 |
| Drone | $26 | $312 |
| Ecommerce | $21 | $254 |
| Electrical | $56 | $670 |
| Engineering | $37 | $445 |
| Excavation | $104 | $1,247 |
| Florist | $60 | $715 |
| Food | $42 | $498 |
| Food Truck | $45 | $536 |
| Funeral Home | $26 | $315 |
| Gardening | $45 | $544 |
| HVAC | $62 | $740 |
| Handyman | $92 | $1,100 |
| Home-based | $10 | $117 |
| Hospitality | $68 | $816 |
| Janitorial | $47 | $568 |
| Jewelry | $29 | $353 |
| Junk Removal | $137 | $1,646 |
| Lawn/Landscaping | $37 | $442 |
| Lawyers | $51 | $613 |
| Manufacturing | $58 | $693 |
| Marine | $148 | $1,776 |
| Massage | $14 | $170 |
| Mortgage Broker | $14 | $164 |
| Moving | $255 | $3,057 |
| Nonprofit | $31 | $373 |
| Painting | $138 | $1,654 |
| Party Rental | $36 | $426 |
| Personal Training | $25 | $297 |
| Pest Control | $68 | $820 |
| Pet | $30 | $360 |
| Pharmacy | $6 | $74 |
| Photography | $17 | $199 |
| Physical Therapy | $7 | $80 |
| Plumbing | $62 | $749 |
| Pressure Washing | $82 | $987 |
| Real Estate | $29 | $349 |
| Restaurant | $62 | $740 |
| Retail | $34 | $411 |
| Roofing | $814 | $9,763 |
| Security | $51 | $607 |
| Snack Bars | $42 | $509 |
| Software | $26 | $309 |
| Spa/Wellness | $17 | $203 |
| Speech Therapist | $6 | $70 |
| Startup | $13 | $154 |
| Tech/IT | $27 | $320 |
| Transportation | $225 | $2,703 |
| Travel | $7 | $82 |
| Tree Service | $216 | $2,593 |
| Trucking | $262 | $3,149 |
| Tutoring | $10 | $117 |
| Veterinary | $19 | $229 |
| Wedding Planning | $27 | $330 |
| Welding | $114 | $1,371 |
| Wholesale | $39 | $470 |
| Window Cleaning | $203 | $2,435 |
How Much Workers' Comp Insurance Do I Need in Tennessee?
In Tennessee, businesses with five or more employees must carry workers' compensation insurance, while construction and coal mining companies need coverage regardless of size. This insurance covers medical expenses and lost wages if workers are injured or become ill due to their job.
Companies that fail to provide required coverage face civil penalties up to $1,000 per day and potential criminal charges as a Class C misdemeanor.
Sole proprietors
Business owners who work independently can 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 elect to exclude themselves by filing a written waiver.
Independent contractors
Workers who maintain control over their work methods and schedule typically qualify as independent contractors exempt from coverage requirements.
Domestic workers
Household employees working fewer than 40 hours per week or earning less than $750 per quarter may be exempt from coverage requirements.
Agricultural workers
Small farms with limited seasonal workers or family members often qualify for exemption from mandatory coverage rules.
Real estate agents
Licensed real estate professionals working on commission basis generally qualify as independent contractors exempt from coverage.
Professional athletes
Athletes in certain professional sports leagues may be covered under separate injury protection agreements rather than standard workers' comp.
Remote workers
Telecommuting employees working exclusively from home may have modified coverage requirements depending on state regulations.
How to Get the Best Workers' Comp Insurance in Tennessee
While securing workers' comp insurance in Tennessee might seem daunting, affordable coverage options are available to protect your team while keeping business insurance costs in check. Take time to compare insurance rates from multiple providers and evaluate their coverage options and claims handling processes before making your choice.
- 1
Check coverage requirements
Tennessee law requires most businesses with five or more employees to carry workers' comp insurance. Construction and coal mining companies must have coverage even with just one employee.
- 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 different insurance carriers licensed in Tennessee. Rates can vary between providers.
- 4
Find industry-specific expertise
Select insurers with experience in your business sector. This makes sure of proper risk assessment and compliance with Tennessee safety regulations.
- 5
Compare provider services
Review each insurer's claim processing speed and complaint history with the Tennessee Department of Insurance.
- 6
Review policy details
Examine coverage limits and payment options, including pay-as-you-go.
- 7
Schedule annual reviews
Review your coverage yearly as business changes affect your needs. Updates to payroll, staff size, or claims history can impact your premiums.
Tennessee Workers’ Comp: Bottom Line
Tennessee businesses have access to several highly rated workers' compensation insurance providers. Our analysis shows NEXT, Simply Business and The Hartford lead the pack in Tennessee. Consider getting quotes from these providers and compare their offerings based on your specific industry needs, company size and financial requirements.
Tennessee Workers' Comp Insurance: FAQ
Understanding workers' comp insurance requirements and costs in Tennessee often presents challenges for business owners. Here are answers to the most common questions to help simplify your coverage decisions.
Is workers' comp insurance required for all Tennessee businesses?
Tennessee law requires businesses with five or more employees to carry workers' compensation insurance. Sole proprietors, independent contractors and real estate agents operating as LLC members are exempt. Construction companies must have coverage regardless of size.
How much does workers' comp insurance cost in Tennessee?
NEXT offers the lowest-priced workers' compensation insurance in Tennessee at $67 per month ($808 annually). Your specific premium will vary based on your industry risk level, number of employees, payroll size and claims history.
What does workers' comp insurance cover in Tennessee?
Tennessee workers' comp insurance covers medical expenses and partial wage replacement for work-related injuries or illnesses. Benefits include hospital care, rehabilitation costs and temporary disability payments. The coverage protects employers from lawsuits, while applying to employees but not independent contractors.
Which workers' comp insurance company is best in Tennessee?
NEXT leads Tennessee workers' compensation insurance with a 4.60 overall score, excelling in customer service (4.70) and coverage options (4.80). Simply Business follows at 4.52, offering the most comprehensive coverage choices, while The Hartford (4.52) stands out for reliable customer support. Choose based on whether service quality, coverage variety or industry expertise matters most to your business.
What happens if I don't have workers' comp insurance in Tennessee?
Operating without workers' compensation insurance in Tennessee is illegal for businesses with five or more employees. Violations can result in fines, potential criminal charges and business closure. The Tennessee Bureau of Workers' Compensation enforces compliance and investigates violations.
Do sole proprietors need workers' comp insurance in Tennessee?
Sole proprietors in Tennessee are exempt from workers' compensation requirements since they are not considered employees.
How do I choose the right workers' comp insurance company in Tennessee?
Start by obtaining quotes from at least three workers' compensation insurance carriers in Tennessee. Look for providers with specific experience in your industry sector. Evaluate their claims handling process, customer satisfaction scores and complaint records with the Tennessee Department of Insurance. Consider their financial strength ratings and responsiveness to policyholder needs.
How We Scored the Best Workers' Comp Insurance Companies in Tennessee
- Affordability (50%): Cost drives every small business insurance decision in Tennessee'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, Tennessee 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 Tennessee 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.