Get Workers’ Comp Employee Protection
Protect your business from employee injuries and illnesses – all for as low as $13 a month.**
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What Is Workers’ Compensation Insurance?
Workers’ compensation insurance, also known as workers’ comp or workman’s comp, gives employees medical, wage and other benefits if they have a work-related injury or illness. Most states require this type of coverage if you have employees.
How Much Is Workers’ Compensation Insurance?
Most of The Hartford’s customers with less than $300,000 in payroll pay an average of $81 a month for workers’ compensation insurance, and some policies can start as low as $13 a month.**
Workers’ comp insurance costs vary since every business is unique. The best way to find out your specific cost is to get a quote online.
Workers’ comp insurance costs vary since every business is unique. The best way to find out your specific cost is to get a quote online.
Do I Need Workers' Comp Insurance Coverage?
Take this simple three question quiz to find out.
What industry are you in?
Type keywords that best describe your business and select the closest match.
Please select state.
Do you have any employees?
Business owners should exclude themselves.
Yes, workers' compensation insurance is required if you have at least one employee.
Get a free online quote to calculate how much workers' compensation coverage will cost your business.
No, workers' compensation insurance is not required for you.
However, your business may need other types of coverage to protect against risks such as property damage, bodily injury or mistakes in the professional services provided.
Yes, workers' compensation insurance is required if you have at least two employees.
Get a free online quote to calculate how much workers' compensation coverage will cost your business.
Yes, workers' compensation insurance is required if you have at least three employees.
Get a free online quote to calculate how much workers' compensation coverage will cost your business.
Yes, workers' compensation insurance is required if you have at least four employees.
Get a free online quote to calculate how much workers' compensation coverage will cost your business.
Yes, workers' compensation insurance is required if you have at least five employees.
Get a free online quote to calculate how much workers' compensation coverage will cost your business.
No, workers' compensation insurance is not required for you.
However, it's still a good idea to have it so you'll be prepared for the unexpected. If your employee gets hurt or sick from their work, workers' comp can help them recover and return to their job.
Yes, workers' compensation insurance is required if you have at least one employee.
However, coverage in your state can only be purchased from a state-run program, not a private insurance company like The Hartford.
Yes, workers' compensation insurance is required if you have at least one employee.
However, coverage in your state can only be purchased from a state-run program, not a private insurance company like The Hartford.
Yes, workers' compensation insurance is required if you have at least one employee.
However, coverage in your state can only be purchased from a state-run program, not a private insurance company like The Hartford.
Yes, workers' compensation insurance is required if you have at least one employee.
However, coverage in your state can only be purchased from a state-run program, not a private insurance company like The Hartford.
Who Needs Workers’ Compensation Insurance?
Nearly all businesses with employees need workers’ compensation coverage, but some of the most common industries are:
Benefits of The Hartford’s WC Insurance for Employers and Employees
We know getting a workers’ compensation insurance policy can feel complicated. That’s why we designed our product to be simple for business owners. We offer services like pay-as-you-go workers’ comp, so you can pay your premium based on your actual payroll. That means a more accurate bill, not an estimate.
We’ve created an easy-to-use digital platform to help, update and provide options for your injured employees: My Workers’ Comp Connection
Injured workers can get information about the workers’ comp process, learn about coverage and get information about their claim handler in real time. Our portal also allows your employee to:
- Check the status of their claim
- Review payments
- Sign up for direct deposit****
- Get medical services card
Hear From Our Customers
“I've been working with The Hartford for about 10 years now with a Workers' Comp policy. … When you call on the phone, if you have a question, everyone is respectful, knowledgeable, they know what they're talking about. And in today's world with insurance, that's not easy. … That's why we'd never use anyone else.”
– Ron Grosso, Owner of Blind Owl Wm127, Inc.
Your State’s Workers’ Comp Laws
Workers’ compensation laws vary by state. Select a state using the map or dropdown menu and learn about its workers’ compensation requirements. Or you can browse all of the states’ workers’ comp policy coverages to find the best workers’ comp insurance for your business.
What Our Workers’ Compensation Customers Are Saying:
“The way [The] Hartford handles claims is always very effective from start to finish. They are very detailed and are always keeping constant communication throughout the claim.”
Abel, California
“The Hartford has easy online access to claims which makes it fast and easy to open claims. The staff are friendly and helpful, and they do process the claims quickly. Very happy with the service!”
Randa, California
“Easy and seamless transaction.”
Kelly, Montana
“The process was efficient, and Andy was nice. … No one wants a claim. Our focus was the health of our employees and Andy seemed to understand that and support us.”
Cathie, Virgihnia
“Workers’ comp claim went in and I immediately had a contact and the information I needed to get the claim taken care of.”
Ronnette, Illinois
“The Hartford was so quick and easy. The employee received all his medical attention needed, his payments, his bills were paid [and] appointments went smooth.”
Tricia, New York
Frequently Asked Questions About Workers' Comp Insurance Policy
What Does Workers' Compensation Cover?
Workers’ compensation helps your employees recover from work-related injuries or illnesses. It can help if your workers:
- Trip while walking up the stairs in your office
- Develop carpal tunnel syndrome from poor typing habits
- Get hurt in a car accident on their way to visit a client
Workman’s comp insurance can help cover an employee’s:
- Medical bills
- Ongoing care costs
- Lost wages
- Disability benefits
This coverage can also help pay to train employees for new roles if they can’t return to their old ones. If they can’t return to work at all, this insurance can provide long-term disability benefits.
What Does Workers' Compensation Not Cover?
Some situations happen on the job or outside of work that aren’t covered by workers’ compensation insurance. Most workers’ compensation plans don’t cover:
- Injuries received by a fight that an employee started
- Injuries an employee sustains due to being intoxicated in the workplace
- Injuries an employee gets intentionally
- Emotional injuries that aren’t accompanied by a physical workplace trauma
How Does Workers’ Compensation Insurance Work?
Workers’ compensation insurance helps your employees recover from work-related injuries or illnesses so they can get back to work faster. Workers’ comp benefits can help:
- Cover medical care and medical treatment.
- Replace most of their lost wages if they take time off from work to recover.
- Provide disability benefits.
- Give death benefits to help pay for a funeral if they lose their life in a work accident or from a job-related illness.
- Cover costs related to a lawsuit from an employee’s work-related injury or illness.
Is Workers' Comp Insurance Required?
Most states have workers’ compensation requirements. Not carrying workers’ compensation can lead to significant fines and penalties. The laws vary by state and can include exclusions for certain types of employees.
For example, workers classified as federal employees get coverage through a program administered by the Department of Labor.
How Is the Cost of Workers' Compensation Calculated?
Insurance companies use different factors to determine your business’ workers’ compensation rates, including:
- Payroll
- Industry
- The type of work your employees do
- Claims history
The National Council on Compensation Insurance (NCCI) assigns classification codes based on the type of job workers do. Jobs with a higher risk of injury can increase your insurance cost. If your business has a history of claims, this could also raise your cost for coverage.
The best way to find out what you’d pay for workers’ compensation insurance is to get a quote online today. You can also use this formula to estimate your workman comp insurance cost:
Who Is Covered by Workman’s Comp Insurance?
If you have workman’s comp insurance, your employees are covered. Several factors, like specific roles and the size of your business, can help determine which employees need workers’ compensation coverage. The requirements for workers’ comp coverage will vary by state but most require a workers’ comp policy for full-time employees.
Does Workers' Compensation Cover People Who Are Self-Employed?
If you’re self-employed or a sole proprietor, your state laws may not require you to buy a workers’ comp insurance policy for your business. Workers’ comp coverage could still be helpful to have, because your usual health insurance may not cover medical costs associated with a work-related injury. Coverage requirements vary depending on the state you’re located in, so be sure to check with your local laws to find out what you’ll need.
Are Contractors Covered by Workers' Compensation?
Workers’ compensation is typically used for employer-to-employee relationships, but it can also apply to independent contractors, too. If you work as a general contractor or a subcontractor, you may have to buy workers’ comp insurance if the contract you signed requires it. If you own a small business that hires contractors, keep in mind that any employee who accepts workers’ comp benefits loses the ability to sue your business for damages.
Last Updated: March 3, 2026
** Costs, premiums, and coverages mentioned are estimates and are not guaranteed. Actual cost, premium, and coverage are determined at the time of quote or issue and are specific to an individual risk. Premiums are based on information provided to The Hartford, including, but not limited to, underwriting and rating criteria. All examples included on this website or in an advertisement are intended for informational purposes only and are not an offer or a guarantee of premium or coverage. Coverage and products described are subject to the terms and conditions found in the policy contract. Any educational information provided about available coverages does not modify the policy language or imply that any claim is covered. Products are not available in all states or for all businesses.
*** This is a simplified calculation for educational purposes only. Actual premium calculations can be more complex. Experience mods are subject to state requirements and do not apply to every policy.
**** Direct deposit is not available in all states.
E “World’s Most Ethical Companies” and “Ethisphere” names and marks are registered trademarks of Ethisphere LLC.
Additional disclosures below.