Your workers' comp rates in West Virginia depend heavily on your industry and team size. Find answers to common coverage questions below.
Best Workers' Comp Insurance in West Virginia
With rates starting at $6 monthly, NEXT, The Hartford and Simply Business offer the cheapest and best workers' comp insurance in West Virginia.
Compare top West Virginia workers’ comp insurance providers and find your ideal coverage.
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Updated: November 24, 2025
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Best West Virginia Workers' Comp Insurance: Fast Answers
What are the best and cheapest workers' comp insurance providers in West Virginia?
NEXT offers the top cheap workers' compensation insurance in West Virginia. The following are the state's cheapest and best workers' comp insurance providers and their average monthly rates:
- NEXT: $72
- The Hartford: $73
- Simply Business: $74
- Coverdash: $76
- biBerk: $79
Is workers' comp insurance required in West Virginia?
West Virginia mandates workers' comp insurance for all employers with three or more employees, including part-time workers. Sole proprietors, partners and businesses with fewer than three employees are exempt. Non-compliance results in fines up to $5,000 plus daily penalties of $100 until coverage begins.
How much does workers' comp insurance cost in West Virginia?
West Virginia's workers' compensation insurance costs about $39 monthly per employee for small businesses. Costs fluctuate significantly based on your industry and payroll size. Speech therapists pay the least at $3 per employee monthly, while roofers face the highest costs at $439 per employee monthly.
How do you get workers' comp insurance in West Virginia?
You can get workers' comp coverage in West Virginia by:
- Purchasing coverage from private insurance companies licensed in the state
- Buying through the state's assigned risk pool for hard-to-place businesses
- Self-insuring if your company meets West Virginia's strict financial requirements
Many business owners compare quotes online or through brokers to get the best rate and compliance support.
What does West Virginia workers' comp insurance cover?
Workers' compensation in West Virginia covers:
- Complete medical expenses for work-related injuries and occupational illnesses
- Partial wage replacement during recovery periods
- Permanent disability compensation for lasting impairments
- Survivor benefits for families of workers killed on the job
Best Workers' Comp Insurance Companies in West Virginia
NEXT leads our research for workers' comp insurance in West Virginia, delivering top-tier customer support and comprehensive policy options. The Hartford and Simply Business rank as excellent alternatives, both providing reliable coverage solutions for local small business owners.
| NEXT Insurance | 4.59 | $72 | 1 | 2 |
| The Hartford | 4.53 | $73 | 2 | 3 |
| Simply Business | 4.50 | $74 | 5 | 1 |
| Coverdash | 4.43 | $76 | 6 | 2 |
| biBERK | 4.42 | $79 | 2 | 5 |
| Nationwide | 4.41 | $85 | 2 | 4 |
| Progressive Commercial | 4.37 | $75 | 7 | 5 |
| Hiscox | 4.35 | $75 | 4 | 6 |
| Thimble | 4.35 | $74 | 8 | 5 |
| Chubb | 4.26 | $89 | 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 West Virginia
Select your industry and state to get a customized West Virginia workers' comp quote from your top provider match.
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LEARN MORE ABOUT THE BEST BUSINESS INSURANCE IN WEST VIRGINIA
Explore the best business insurance providers in West Virginia through our guides:
Best West Virginia Workers’ Comp Insurance Company Reviews
Review our top picks for workers' comp insurance in West Virginia:
NEXT
Best Workers' Comp Insurance in West Virginia
MoneyGeek Rating
4.6/ 5
4.4/5Affordability
4.7/5Customer Experience
4.8/5Coverage Points
Average Monthly Workers' Comp Premium
$72We analyzed thousands of workers' compensation quotes from insurers operating in West Virginia 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 NEXT
The Hartford
Best West Virginia Workers' Comp Insurance: Runner-Up
MoneyGeek Rating
4.5/ 5
4.4/5Affordability
4.6/5Customer Experience
4.7/5Coverage Points
Average Monthly Workers' Comp Premium
$73We analyzed thousands of workers' compensation quotes from insurers operating in West Virginia across 79 industriesWorkers' Comp Claims Process Score
4.5/5 (1st)Rating based on MoneyGeek's customer satisfaction surveyWorkers' 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 West Virginia
NEXT delivers the most affordable workers' comp insurance in West Virginia at $72 monthly ($861 annually), putting $5 back in your pocket each month compared to the state average. That's a solid 7% savings for West Virginia business owners. The Hartford comes in second at $73 per month, while Thimble rounds out the top three cheapest options at $74 monthly. The table below shows costs from all companies we analyzed.
| NEXT Insurance | $72 | $861 |
| The Hartford | $73 | $871 |
| Thimble | $74 | $884 |
| Simply Business | $74 | $892 |
| Progressive Commercial | $75 | $894 |
| Hiscox | $75 | $896 |
| Coverdash | $76 | $914 |
| biBERK | $79 | $943 |
| Nationwide | $85 | $1,022 |
| Chubb | $89 | $1,067 |
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 West Virginia by Industry
Thimble offers the most affordable workers' comp coverage, with rates starting at $104 monthly for excavation businesses. Thimble leads pricing in 15 industries, excelling in wedding planning, welding and veterinary services. The Hartford ranks second for affordability across 22 industries, delivering top value for ad agencies, bakeries and wholesale operations.
| Accountants | NEXT Insurance | $20 | $236 |
| Ad Agency | The Hartford | $16 | $191 |
| Bakery | The Hartford | $51 | $615 |
| Automotive | NEXT Insurance | $114 | $1,364 |
| Auto Repair | NEXT Insurance | $144 | $1,731 |
| Barber | The Hartford | $14 | $163 |
| Bounce House | The Hartford | $39 | $473 |
| Beauty Salon | Simply Business | $14 | $172 |
| Cannabis | The Hartford | $84 | $1,002 |
| Candle | Progressive Commercial | $39 | $471 |
| Catering | Nationwide | $85 | $1,022 |
| Coffee Shop | Thimble | $45 | $542 |
| Cleaning | NEXT Insurance | $47 | $564 |
| Construction | The Hartford | $175 | $2,095 |
| Computer Programming | Thimble | $27 | $329 |
| Computer Repair | The Hartford | $23 | $277 |
| Contractor | The Hartford | $163 | $1,954 |
| Consulting | Thimble | $29 | $344 |
| Courier | The Hartford | $217 | $2,602 |
| DJ | NEXT Insurance | $13 | $159 |
| Daycare | NEXT Insurance | $13 | $154 |
| Dental | Progressive Commercial | $11 | $132 |
| Drone | NEXT Insurance | $25 | $305 |
| Dog Grooming | Progressive Commercial | $64 | $765 |
| Ecommerce | NEXT Insurance | $21 | $247 |
| Engineering | NEXT Insurance | $36 | $435 |
| Electrical | NEXT Insurance | $56 | $671 |
| Excavation | Thimble | $104 | $1,251 |
| Florist | The Hartford | $59 | $709 |
| Food Truck | NEXT Insurance | $44 | $531 |
| Food | The Hartford | $41 | $493 |
| Funeral Home | NEXT Insurance | $25 | $303 |
| Handyman | The Hartford | $90 | $1,080 |
| Gardening | NEXT Insurance | $45 | $536 |
| Hospitality | Chubb | $84 | $1,008 |
| Home-based | NEXT Insurance | $10 | $115 |
| HVAC | NEXT Insurance | $61 | $735 |
| Janitorial | NEXT Insurance | $47 | $564 |
| Junk Removal | Progressive Commercial | $136 | $1,628 |
| Jewelry | NEXT Insurance | $29 | $344 |
| Lawn/Landscaping | Thimble | $37 | $440 |
| Lawyers | Progressive Commercial | $51 | $617 |
| Manufacturing | The Hartford | $56 | $675 |
| Marine | Thimble | $145 | $1,745 |
| Nonprofit | The Hartford | $30 | $360 |
| Massage | Thimble | $14 | $170 |
| Mortgage Broker | Simply Business | $14 | $165 |
| Moving | NEXT Insurance | $253 | $3,038 |
| Painting | NEXT Insurance | $133 | $1,601 |
| Pharmacy | NEXT Insurance | $6 | $74 |
| Party Rental | Thimble | $36 | $431 |
| Personal Training | Progressive Commercial | $24 | $291 |
| Pest Control | Chubb | $85 | $1,018 |
| Pet | The Hartford | $30 | $354 |
| Photography | The Hartford | $16 | $195 |
| Plumbing | The Hartford | $64 | $762 |
| Physical Therapy | Chubb | $8 | $100 |
| Real Estate | Thimble | $30 | $356 |
| Pressure Washing | Hiscox | $84 | $1,010 |
| Retail | The Hartford | $33 | $396 |
| Restaurant | NEXT Insurance | $62 | $748 |
| Roofing | Thimble | $839 | $10,067 |
| Snack Bars | Progressive Commercial | $42 | $510 |
| Security | NEXT Insurance | $50 | $603 |
| Spa/Wellness | Thimble | $17 | $207 |
| Software | NEXT Insurance | $25 | $306 |
| Startup | NEXT Insurance | $13 | $150 |
| Speech Therapist | Thimble | $6 | $69 |
| Transportation | NEXT Insurance | $222 | $2,662 |
| Tech/IT | The Hartford | $26 | $317 |
| Tree Service | NEXT Insurance | $213 | $2,550 |
| Travel | Chubb | $9 | $102 |
| Tutoring | The Hartford | $10 | $117 |
| Trucking | Thimble | $259 | $3,111 |
| Wedding Planning | Thimble | $28 | $332 |
| Veterinary | NEXT Insurance | $19 | $232 |
| Wholesale | The Hartford | $39 | $464 |
| Welding | Thimble | $114 | $1,366 |
| Window Cleaning | The Hartford | $206 | $2,472 |
How Much Is Workers' Comp Insurance in West Virginia?
West Virginia workers' comp insurance costs around $77 monthly ($925 annually), slightly above the national average of $74. Industry rates vary, from speech therapists at $6 monthly ($38 per employee) to roofers at $877 monthly ($439 per employee).
| Accountants | $21 | $256 |
| Ad Agency | $17 | $202 |
| Auto Repair | $158 | $1,894 |
| Automotive | $124 | $1,484 |
| Bakery | $57 | $678 |
| Barber | $15 | $176 |
| Beauty Salon | $15 | $184 |
| Bounce House | $42 | $506 |
| Candle | $42 | $505 |
| Cannabis | $88 | $1,052 |
| Catering | $77 | $923 |
| Cleaning | $51 | $612 |
| Coffee Shop | $49 | $591 |
| Computer Programming | $30 | $354 |
| Computer Repair | $25 | $303 |
| Construction | $190 | $2,279 |
| Consulting | $32 | $379 |
| Contractor | $174 | $2,086 |
| Courier | $236 | $2,836 |
| DJ | $15 | $177 |
| Daycare | $14 | $167 |
| Dental | $12 | $141 |
| Dog Grooming | $69 | $824 |
| Drone | $28 | $336 |
| Ecommerce | $23 | $274 |
| Electrical | $60 | $722 |
| Engineering | $40 | $478 |
| Excavation | $113 | $1,352 |
| Florist | $64 | $773 |
| Food | $44 | $528 |
| Food Truck | $48 | $574 |
| Funeral Home | $28 | $335 |
| Gardening | $49 | $587 |
| HVAC | $66 | $795 |
| Handyman | $99 | $1,186 |
| Home-based | $11 | $127 |
| Hospitality | $73 | $870 |
| Janitorial | $51 | $615 |
| Jewelry | $31 | $376 |
| Junk Removal | $146 | $1,753 |
| Lawn/Landscaping | $39 | $471 |
| Lawyers | $55 | $663 |
| Manufacturing | $62 | $741 |
| Marine | $157 | $1,888 |
| Massage | $15 | $184 |
| Mortgage Broker | $15 | $175 |
| Moving | $271 | $3,256 |
| Nonprofit | $33 | $399 |
| Painting | $146 | $1,746 |
| Party Rental | $39 | $465 |
| Personal Training | $26 | $314 |
| Pest Control | $74 | $888 |
| Pet | $32 | $386 |
| Pharmacy | $7 | $80 |
| Photography | $18 | $214 |
| Physical Therapy | $7 | $86 |
| Plumbing | $68 | $812 |
| Pressure Washing | $87 | $1,045 |
| Real Estate | $32 | $380 |
| Restaurant | $66 | $797 |
| Retail | $37 | $439 |
| Roofing | $877 | $10,529 |
| Security | $55 | $655 |
| Snack Bars | $45 | $545 |
| Software | $28 | $333 |
| Spa/Wellness | $18 | $220 |
| Speech Therapist | $6 | $76 |
| Startup | $14 | $164 |
| Tech/IT | $29 | $345 |
| Transportation | $240 | $2,884 |
| Travel | $7 | $88 |
| Tree Service | $232 | $2,789 |
| Trucking | $280 | $3,357 |
| Tutoring | $10 | $126 |
| Veterinary | $21 | $247 |
| Wedding Planning | $30 | $358 |
| Welding | $122 | $1,461 |
| Wholesale | $42 | $502 |
| Window Cleaning | $220 | $2,643 |
West Virginia Workers' Comp Insurance Cost Factors
These cost factors affect workers' compensation insurance rates in West Virginia:
2006 Privatization Reform
West Virginia transformed its workers' comp system in 2006, moving from a failing state monopoly to a competitive market. The old state fund was drowning in a $3 billion deficit. Since privatization, employers have saved approximately $501 million. That's an 84.9% reduction from pre-reform levels. Over 150 insurance companies now compete for your business, forcing competitive rates. Before 2006, you paid whatever the struggling state fund charged. Now you shop carriers and leverage competition for better rates.
Consecutive Years of Rate Decreases
NCCI proposed a 13.5% rate decrease for 2026, marking the 21st straight year of declining premiums. The 2025 reduction saves West Virginia employers around $15,000 on average. These cuts reflect real improvements in workplace safety and claims management. Fewer workers miss time due to injuries, and claims resolve faster with less litigation. West Virginia's reforms reduced claims and protests filed, cutting benefit payouts and legal costs. You're now paying 84.9% less than businesses paid two decades ago for identical coverage.
Reduced Claims and Litigation Costs
West Virginia's reforms dramatically reduced both claim volume and resolution time. Fewer claims mean lower premiums because insurers pay out less. Lost-time claims are most expensive since insurers cover medical bills and wage replacement. NCCI reports lost-time claims have dropped significantly since 2010. The system now resolves over 90% of claims within 30 days. Faster resolution means lower legal fees and shorter benefit periods, directly reducing what insurers charge West Virginia employers.
Deliberate Intent Law Reforms (2015 and 2023)
West Virginia's workers' comp system typically shields employers from lawsuits, but the deliberate intent exception allows suits if employees prove intentional harm. These cases can result in massive payouts beyond standard benefits. The 2023 reforms capped noneconomic damages at $500,000 or twice economic damages, whichever is higher. For occupational pneumoconiosis claims after July 2023, claimants must prove fraudulent concealment of dust samples. These caps create predictable liability, letting insurers charge lower premiums.
State Average Weekly Wage Adjustments
West Virginia caps maximum weekly benefits an injured worker receives, regardless of actual salary. For injuries between July 2024 and June 2025, weekly benefits can't exceed $1,067.12. This affects your premiums because workers' comp costs are based on expected payouts. If your employee earning $3,000 weekly gets injured, insurers only pay up to $1,067.12 per week. These statutory caps protect insurers from expensive claims for high-wage workers, keeping premiums affordable across all industries.
How Much Workers' Comp Insurance Do I Need in West Virginia?
West Virginia law requires workers' compensation coverage for your business if you employ anyone, with limited exceptions. Your policy covers two-thirds of employees' wages during disability and pays all medical expenses without dollar limits. Permanent disability benefits max out at 70% of state average wages.
Skip the required workers' compensation coverage and you'll face penalties up to $10,000 per violation. Repeat offenses bring $25,000 fines and potential jail time. Your premium depends on payroll size and your industry's risk level.
West Virginia Workers' Comp Insurance Exemptions
While you're required to have coverage in West Virginia, some business categories are exempt from workers' comp requirements:
- Casual employers: You don't need coverage if you have three or fewer employees working temporary, sporadic jobs that last 10 calendar days or less per quarter.
- Small farms: Agricultural operations with five or fewer full-time employees skip the coverage requirement for those farm workers.
- Professional sports: West Virginia exempts athletes, trainers and jockeys in thoroughbred horse racing, but you still cover support staff like drivers and office workers.
- Taxicab drivers: Independent contractor drivers working under written IRS-compliant agreements don't require coverage.
- Corporate officers: Board members and top executives (president, vice president, secretary, treasurer) can opt out, though officers doing regular employee work must stay covered.
- Household employers: Hiring someone for cleaning, cooking or childcare in your private home doesn't trigger West Virginia's coverage requirements.
- Churches and volunteer groups: Religious organizations, volunteer fire departments, rescue squads and police auxiliaries are exempt, but must cover any paid staff.
- Federal coverage: Workers already covered under the federal Longshore and Harbor Workers' Compensation Act don't need duplicate West Virginia coverage.
- Out-of-state workers: Employees working outside West Virginia don't need coverage, except during temporary out-of-state assignments.
- Sole proprietor and self-employed exemptions: A sole proprietor or self-employed professional without employees doesn't need coverage but can buy a policy for personal protection against work injuries.
FEDERAL WORKERS' COMP PROGRAMS OVERRIDE STATE REQUIREMENTS
Federal programs replace West Virginia's workers' compensation for specific workers. Federal employees get coverage through FECA, while railroad workers use FELA. Maritime workers on West Virginia's navigable waters qualify for Longshore Act benefits instead of state coverage. You don't need West Virginia workers' comp for these federally covered employees, independent contractors or unpaid volunteers.
How to Get the Best Workers' Comp Insurance in West Virginia
Getting workers' comp insurance means finding the right provider at the best price for your business needs.
- 1Determine if you need workers' comp coverage in West Virginia
Check if your business qualifies for exemptions under West Virginia Code § 23-2-1. A sole proprietor running a consulting business doesn't need coverage, but adding your first employee changes everything. West Virginia defines "regular employment" broadly, meaning some workers you treat as independent contractors may legally count as employees requiring coverage.
- 2Gather your business information
Collect your employee count, annual payroll and NCCI classification codes for accurate quotes. West Virginia uses the National Council on Compensation Insurance system with around 700 industry classifications.
Getting your class code wrong causes real problems. Misclassification leads to audit adjustments and surprise bills, or you'll discover gaps in coverage when filing a claim. West Virginia carriers can apply policy credits and debits up to 25% based on your specific business factors, so accuracy matters.
- 3Request workers' comp quotes from multiple carriers
Get quotes from at least three insurers to compare business insurance costs properly. West Virginia has over 270 licensed carriers competing for business, creating significant rate differences between companies.
West Virginia ranks among the lowest nationally for workers' comp rates, with costs roughly 26% below the national average. NCCI recommended a 9.1% rate reduction for 2025, marking the state's 21st straight year of decreasing costs. Even with low rates, shopping around reveals meaningful savings.
- 4Research providers with industry experience
Look beyond carriers offering cheap business insurance rates alone. Construction companies need insurers who specialize in high-risk industries and understand West Virginia's specific safety requirements rather than general business insurers.
- 5Evaluate your top provider options
Research each insurer's track record to find the best insurance for your business:
- Check claim processing times, customer service ratings and complaint history with the West Virginia Offices of the Insurance Commissioner.
- Ask about experience with West Virginia's claims administration and appeals through the Workers' Compensation Board of Review.
- Look for carriers offering return-to-work programs, safety consultations and experience modification rate management through NCCI.
- Verify financial stability, especially important in West Virginia's competitive private market since 2006.
- 6Review and purchase your workers' compensation policy
Read policy terms carefully, focusing on coverage limits, exclusions and renewal conditions specific to West Virginia regulations. Choose payment options matching your cash flow, including pay-as-you-go workers' comp structures for seasonal businesses or companies with fluctuating payrolls.
West Virginia's proposed 13.5% rate decrease for 2026 projects $20 million in statewide employer savings. Ask insurers about available premium discounts and credits that could lower your costs further.
- 7Reassess before annual renewal
Review how your business changed before your policy renews. Check your employee count, examine claims filed and verify your experience modification rate calculated by NCCI.
Your business evolves throughout the year. Maybe you expanded into a new location or changed your service offerings. Update your insurer about these changes to maintain appropriate coverage without overpaying.
Best West Virginia Workers' Compensation Insurance: Bottom Line
NEXT, The Hartford and Simply Business lead West Virginia's workers' comp rankings. 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. 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!
He writes about economics and insurance, breaking down complex topics so people know what they're buying.
sources
- National Council on Compensation Insurance. "2025 State of the Line Guide." Accessed November 27, 2025.
- West Virginia Code. "Employers Subject to Chapter; Elections Not to Provide Certain Coverages; Notices; Filing of Business Registration Certificates." Accessed November 27, 2025.
- West Virginia Legislature. "HB 3270 Text." Accessed November 27, 2025.
- West Virginia Legislature. "West Virginia Code Section 23-4-2." Accessed November 27, 2025.
- West Virginia Office of the Governor. "Governor Patrick Morrisey Announces Proposed Premium Reduction for Workers' Compensation Program." Accessed November 27, 2025.
- West Virginia Offices of the Insurance Commissioner. "Workers' Compensation." Accessed November 27, 2025.
- WV Encyclopedia. "Workers' Compensation." Accessed November 27, 2025.