NEXT leads the field for workers' comp insurance in Virginia, standing out with excellent customer service and comprehensive coverage options. The Hartford and Simply Business offer equally reliable alternatives for Old Dominion business owners, with all three providers delivering comparable quality service.
Workers' Comp Insurance in Virginia
NEXT is Virginia's top workers' compensation insurance provider, with an overall score of 4.61 out of 5 based on our analysis.
Compare top Virginia 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 rank as Virginia's top workers' comp insurance providers based on overall performance scores.
Your industry risk level, number of employees, past claims and available budget determine which workers' comp provider fits your business needs.
Compare quotes from multiple providers, review their industry expertise and analyze their track records to find the right workers' comp coverage for your Virginia business.
Best Workers' Comp Insurance Companies in Virginia
| NEXT | 4.61 | 1 |
| The Hartford | 4.55 | 2 |
| Simply Business | 4.54 | 3 |
| Coverdash | 4.46 | 4 |
| biBERK | 4.44 | 5 |
| Nationwide | 4.43 | 6 |
| Progressive Commercial | 4.41 | 7 |
| Thimble | 4.40 | 8 |
| Hiscox | 4.38 | 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 VIRGINIA
To find comprehensive coverage beyond workers' comp, explore other types of coverage:
Best Virginia Workers’ Comp Insurance Reviews
NEXT and The Hartford emerge as the premier workers' compensation insurance providers in Virginia, offering superior coverage options for 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
$62We analyzed thousands of workers' compensation quotes from insurers operating in Virginia 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
4.4/5Affordability
4.6/5Customer Experience
4.7/5Coverage Options
Average monthly premium
$63Based on average costs for Virginia businessesOur survey: Claims process
4.5/5Based on our annual provider surveyRecommend to others
4.5/5Based on customer likelihood to recommend
Cheapest Workers' Comp Insurance Companies in Virginia
Virginia businesses can secure the most affordable workers' comp coverage through NEXT at $62 monthly ($750 annually). The Hartford and Simply Business offer competitive alternatives at $63 and $64 per month, respectively. The table below shows costs from all companies we analyzed:
| NEXT | $62 | $750 |
| The Hartford | $63 | $758 |
| Simply Business | $64 | $772 |
| Progressive Commercial | $64 | $773 |
| Thimble | $64 | $774 |
| Hiscox | $65 | $782 |
| Coverdash | $66 | $793 |
| biBERK | $69 | $822 |
| Nationwide | $74 | $882 |
| Chubb | $77 | $925 |
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 Virginia
Workers' compensation insurance in Virginia costs businesses an average of $67 per month or $803 annually. The Old Dominion State's rates run $7 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 claims history.
Average Cost of Workers' Comp in Virginia by Industry
In Virginia, workers' comp insurance costs vary dramatically by industry risk level. Speech therapists pay the lowest premiums at $5 per month, while roofing companies face the highest rates at $761 monthly. This significant difference reflects the varying workplace injury risks across industries.
| Accountants | $18 | $222 |
| Ad Agency | $14 | $172 |
| Auto Repair | $138 | $1,656 |
| Automotive | $106 | $1,273 |
| Bakery | $49 | $587 |
| Barber | $13 | $154 |
| Beauty Salon | $13 | $158 |
| Bounce House | $36 | $435 |
| Candle | $37 | $440 |
| Cannabis | $76 | $916 |
| Catering | $67 | $801 |
| Cleaning | $44 | $534 |
| Coffee Shop | $42 | $510 |
| Computer Programming | $26 | $308 |
| Computer Repair | $22 | $261 |
| Construction | $164 | $1,972 |
| Consulting | $27 | $330 |
| Contractor | $152 | $1,820 |
| Courier | $205 | $2,458 |
| DJ | $13 | $155 |
| Daycare | $12 | $146 |
| Dental | $10 | $123 |
| Dog Grooming | $59 | $706 |
| Drone | $24 | $292 |
| Ecommerce | $20 | $235 |
| Electrical | $52 | $630 |
| Engineering | $35 | $415 |
| Excavation | $97 | $1,168 |
| Florist | $55 | $662 |
| Food | $38 | $460 |
| Food Truck | $41 | $496 |
| Funeral Home | $24 | $293 |
| Gardening | $43 | $515 |
| HVAC | $57 | $684 |
| Handyman | $86 | $1,028 |
| Home-based | $9 | $109 |
| Hospitality | $63 | $761 |
| Janitorial | $44 | $530 |
| Jewelry | $27 | $329 |
| Junk Removal | $126 | $1,516 |
| Lawn/Landscaping | $34 | $412 |
| Lawyers | $48 | $578 |
| Manufacturing | $54 | $644 |
| Marine | $136 | $1,632 |
| Massage | $13 | $158 |
| Mortgage Broker | $13 | $152 |
| Moving | $236 | $2,828 |
| Nonprofit | $29 | $349 |
| Painting | $128 | $1,542 |
| Party Rental | $33 | $400 |
| Personal Training | $23 | $273 |
| Pest Control | $64 | $767 |
| Pet | $28 | $338 |
| Pharmacy | $6 | $70 |
| Photography | $15 | $186 |
| Physical Therapy | $6 | $76 |
| Plumbing | $59 | $703 |
| Pressure Washing | $77 | $923 |
| Real Estate | $27 | $328 |
| Restaurant | $58 | $691 |
| Retail | $32 | $384 |
| Roofing | $761 | $9,138 |
| Security | $47 | $570 |
| Snack Bars | $39 | $473 |
| Software | $24 | $289 |
| Spa/Wellness | $16 | $190 |
| Speech Therapist | $5 | $66 |
| Startup | $12 | $141 |
| Tech/IT | $25 | $297 |
| Transportation | $211 | $2,537 |
| Travel | $6 | $77 |
| Tree Service | $201 | $2,413 |
| Trucking | $247 | $2,961 |
| Tutoring | $9 | $109 |
| Veterinary | $18 | $214 |
| Wedding Planning | $26 | $308 |
| Welding | $105 | $1,265 |
| Wholesale | $36 | $438 |
| Window Cleaning | $190 | $2,275 |
How Much Workers' Comp Insurance Do I Need in Virginia?
In Virginia, businesses with three or more employees must carry workers' compensation insurance. This coverage protects both employers and workers by paying medical expenses and lost wages when employees are injured or become ill due to their job.
Most employers who fail to maintain required coverage face civil penalties up to $5,000 per violation and potential criminal charges as a Class 1 misdemeanor.
Sole proprietors
Business owners operating as sole proprietors can typically choose whether to carry workers' comp coverage for themselves. Coverage remains mandatory for any employees.
Corporate officers
Executive officers owning at least 25% of company stock can opt out of coverage by filing an exemption form with proper documentation of alternative health insurance.
Real estate agents
Licensed real estate professionals working on commission are usually considered independent contractors and exempt from mandatory coverage requirements.
Domestic workers
Household employees working fewer than 40 hours per week or earning below the state threshold may be exempt from coverage requirements.
Agricultural workers
Small farms with limited seasonal workers or annual payroll below state minimums often qualify for exemption from mandatory coverage.
Independent contractors
Workers who meet state criteria for independent contractor status through control of their work methods and business operations can operate without coverage.
Religious organizations
Members of religious organizations who have taken vows of poverty while working for their church or affiliated institution may be exempt from coverage.
Limited liability members
Managing members of LLCs can typically exclude themselves from workers' comp coverage when they own at least 10% of the company.
How to Get the Best Workers' Comp Insurance in Virginia
While workers' compensation insurance in Virginia requires careful consideration, affordable coverage options exist to protect your team and maintain reasonable business insurance costs. Start by comparing rates from multiple providers and evaluating their coverage options and claims handling processes to find the right fit for your business.
- 1
Check Virginia coverage requirements
Virginia state law requires workers' compensation insurance for most businesses with three or more employees.
- 2
Collect business documentation
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-specific expertise
Select insurers who understand your industry's unique risks and compliance requirements.
- 5
Review provider performance
Check each insurer's claim processing times and complaint history with the Virginia Bureau of Insurance. Consider workplace safety programs or return-to-work assistance.
- 6
Examine policy details
Review coverage limits, exclusions and payment options carefully. Consider pay-as-you-go structures for better cash flow management.
- 7
Schedule annual coverage review
Review coverage each year because changes in payroll, employee count or claims history can affect your business needs.
Virginia Workers’ Comp: Bottom Line
Virginia businesses have access to several strong workers' compensation insurance providers. Our analysis shows NEXT, The Hartford and Simply Business lead the market for quality coverage. Consider getting quotes from these carriers to find the best fit for your industry type, company size and financial requirements.
Virginia Workers' Comp Insurance: FAQ
Understanding workers' comp insurance requirements and costs in Virginia often presents challenges for business owners. Find clear answers to your most pressing questions in our comprehensive FAQ section below.
Is workers' comp insurance required for all Virginia businesses?
Virginia law requires businesses with three or more employees to carry workers' compensation insurance. Exemptions include sole proprietors, independent contractors and certain real estate agents.
How much does workers' comp insurance cost in Virginia?
NEXT offers the most affordable workers' compensation insurance in Virginia at $62 per month ($750 annually). Your actual premium will vary based on your industry risk level, number of employees, payroll size and claims history.
What does workers' comp insurance cover in Virginia?
Virginia workers' comp insurance covers medical expenses and partial wage replacement for work-related injuries or illnesses. Benefits include necessary treatments, rehabilitation, and disability payments.
Which workers' comp insurance company is best in Virginia?
NEXT leads Virginia's workers' comp providers with a 4.61 overall score, excelling in customer service (4.70) and coverage options (4.80). The Hartford follows at 4.55, known for consistent service quality, while Simply Business scores 4.54 and offers the most comprehensive coverage choices (4.90). Choose based on whether you value service quality, reliability or coverage breadth.
What happens if I don't have workers' comp insurance in Virginia?
Operating without workers' compensation insurance in Virginia is illegal for businesses with three or more employees. Violations can result in fines, criminal charges and business closure.
Do sole proprietors need workers' comp insurance in Virginia?
Sole proprietors in Virginia are exempt from mandatory workers' compensation insurance since they aren't considered employees. However, some contractors and high-risk industries must carry coverage by law. Many sole proprietors opt to purchase voluntary coverage to protect against work-related injuries and income loss.
How do I choose the right workers' comp insurance company in Virginia?
Get quotes from at least three workers' compensation insurance providers in Virginia to compare rates and coverage. Select carriers with proven experience in your industry sector. Review each company's claims handling process, financial strength ratings and complaint records with the Virginia Bureau of Insurance before making your decision.
How We Scored the Best Workers' Comp Insurance Companies in Virginia
- Affordability (50%): Cost drives every small business insurance decision in Virginia'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, Virginia 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 Virginia 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.