Coverage Guide · United States · 2026

Workers' Compensation Insurance for small business

Workers' compensation covers medical costs and lost wages for employees injured on the job, and is legally required in almost every state once you have W-2 employees.

Typical cost · $200.00–$600.00 per $1000 payroll

Who needs this coverage

Profession	Category	Recommended level
Appliance Repair Technician Full guide	trades	Required
Carpenter Full guide	trades	Required
Carpet Cleaner Full guide	cleaning	Required
Carpet Installer Full guide	trades	Required
Caterer Full guide	food-service	Required
Chiropractor Full guide	health	Required
Cleaning Service Full guide	cleaning	Required
Concrete Contractor Full guide	trades	Required
Construction Laborer Full guide	trades	Required
Courier Full guide	transportation	Required
Demolition Contractor Full guide	trades	Required
Electrician Full guide	trades	Required
Excavation Contractor Full guide	trades	Required
Fencing Contractor Full guide	trades	Required
Flooring Installer Full guide	trades	Required
Food Truck Full guide	food-service	Required
General Contractor Full guide	trades	Required
HVAC Technician Full guide	trades	Required
Home Health Aide Full guide	health	Required
Hot Shot Trucking Full guide	transportation	Required
Janitorial Service Full guide	cleaning	Required
Junk Removal Full guide	cleaning	Required
Landscaper Full guide	trades	Required
Mason / Bricklayer Full guide	trades	Required
Medical Transport Full guide	transportation	Required
Mobile Dog Groomer Full guide	pet-services	Required
Moving Company Full guide	transportation	Required
Painter Full guide	trades	Required
Pest Control Full guide	cleaning	Required
Plumber Full guide	trades	Required
Pool Cleaner Full guide	cleaning	Required
Pool Service Full guide	cleaning	Required
Property Manager Full guide	professional-services	Required
Roofer Full guide	trades	Required
Tow Truck Operator Full guide	transportation	Required
Tree Service Full guide	trades	Required
Welder Full guide	trades	Required
Window Cleaner Full guide	cleaning	Required

SOURCE · National carrier filings · BLS labor statistics · Updated 2026

Best carriers for workers' compensation

Embroker

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NEXT Insurance

AM Best: A-

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Simply Business

AM Best: A

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Thimble

AM Best: A

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