Workers' comp rates in Idaho depend on your industry and team size. Find answers to common coverage questions below.
Best Workers' Comp Insurance in Idaho
With rates starting at $5 monthly, NEXT, The Hartford and Simply Business offer the cheapest and best workers' comp insurance in Idaho.
Compare top Idaho workers’ comp insurance providers and find your ideal coverage.
Select your industry
Select state
Updated: November 20, 2025
Advertising & Editorial Disclosure
Best Idaho Workers' Comp Insurance: Fast Answers
What are the best and cheapest workers' comp insurance providers in Idaho?
NEXT offers the top cheap workers' compensation insurance in Idaho. The following are the state's cheapest and best workers' comp insurance providers and their average monthly rates:
- NEXT: $65
- The Hartford: $67
- Simply Business: $67
- Coverdash: $69
- biBerk: $71
Is workers' comp insurance required in Idaho?
Idaho requires workers' comp insurance for most employers with one or more employees, including part-time and seasonal workers. Key exemptions include sole proprietors without employees, partners and certain agricultural workers. Employers without required coverage face penalties, including fines and potential criminal charges for workplace injuries.
How much does workers' comp insurance cost in Idaho?
Workers' compensation insurance costs in Idaho average around $35 per employee per month for a two-person business. Your actual premium depends on your industry and payroll size. Low-risk businesses, such as speech therapy, pay around $3 per employee per month, while high-risk industries, such as roofing, cost $396 per employee per month.
How do you get workers' comp insurance in Idaho?
You can get workers' compensation coverage in Idaho by:
- Purchasing policies from licensed private insurance companies operating in idaho
- Joining group self-insurance programs with other qualifying businesses
- Becoming individually self-insured if your company meets Idaho's strict financial requirements
Many business owners compare quotes online or through brokers to get the best rate and compliance support.
What does Idaho workers' comp insurance cover?
Workers' compensation in Idaho covers:
- Complete medical treatment for workplace injuries and occupational illnesses at no cost to employees
- Disability benefits replacing lost income during recovery from work-related incidents
- Vocational retraining assistance for workers unable to return to previous positions
- Survivor benefits for families when workplace fatalities occur
Best Workers' Comp Insurance Companies in Idaho
NEXT leads Idaho's workers' comp market with responsive support teams and comprehensive policy options covering diverse business needs. The Hartford and Simply Business rank as strong second and third choices, providing medical coverage, wage replacement benefits and legal defense for small business owners across the state.
| NEXT Insurance | 4.61 | $65 | 1 | 2 |
| The Hartford | 4.56 | $67 | 2 | 3 |
| Simply Business | 4.53 | $67 | 5 | 1 |
| Coverdash | 4.46 | $69 | 6 | 2 |
| biBERK | 4.43 | $71 | 2 | 5 |
| Nationwide | 4.42 | $76 | 2 | 4 |
| Progressive Commercial | 4.41 | $67 | 7 | 5 |
| Thimble | 4.40 | $67 | 8 | 5 |
| Hiscox | 4.38 | $68 | 4 | 6 |
| Chubb | 4.25 | $80 | 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 Idaho
Select your industry and state to get a customized Idaho workers' comp quote from your top provider match.
Industry
State
LEARN MORE ABOUT THE BEST BUSINESS INSURANCE IN IDAHO
Explore the best business insurance providers in Idaho through our guides:
Best Idaho Workers’ Comp Insurance Company Reviews
Idaho has several workers' comp insurers, but these companies rank highest for their coverage options, affordability and customer service.
NEXT
Best Workers' Comp Insurance in Idaho
MoneyGeek Rating
4.6/ 5
4.4/5Affordability
4.7/5Customer Experience
4.8/5Coverage Points
Average Monthly Workers' Comp Premium
$65Based on average costs across multiple business typesWorkers' Comp Digital Experience Score
4.8/5 (1st)Based on customer satisfaction with claims handlingWorkers' Comp Customer Likelihood to Be Recommended to Others Score
4.8/5 (1st)Based on likelihood of customers recommending NEXT
The Hartford
Best Idaho Workers' Comp Insurance: Runner Up
MoneyGeek Rating
4.6/ 5
4.4/5Affordability
4.6/5Customer Experience
4.7/5Coverage Points
Average Monthly Workers' Comp Premium
$67Based on average costs across multiple business typesWorkers' Comp Claims Process Score
4.5/5 (1st)Rating from MoneyGeek 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 Idaho
NEXT delivers the most affordable workers' comp insurance in Idaho at $65 monthly or $781 per year. This rate is 7% below the state average, saving you $5 monthly compared to typical coverage costs of $70 monthly and $837 annually. Thimble and The Hartford round out the top three cheapest options, both offering competitive monthly rates of $67.
The table below shows costs from all companies we analyzed.
| NEXT Insurance | $65 | $781 |
| Thimble | $67 | $799 |
| The Hartford | $67 | $799 |
| Progressive Commercial | $67 | $808 |
| Simply Business | $67 | $809 |
| Hiscox | $68 | $814 |
| Coverdash | $69 | $825 |
| biBERK | $71 | $855 |
| Nationwide | $76 | $917 |
| Chubb | $80 | $963 |
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 Idaho by Industry
Thimble delivers the most affordable workers' comp coverage, with welding businesses paying just $101 monthly. Thimble leads pricing in nine industries across Idaho. The Hartford ranks second for affordability, also winning nine industries, including ad agencies, bakeries and wholesale operations.
| Accountants | NEXT Insurance | $18 | $214 |
| Automotive | NEXT Insurance | $104 | $1,254 |
| Ad Agency | The Hartford | $14 | $165 |
| Auto Repair | NEXT Insurance | $134 | $1,607 |
| Barber | The Hartford | $12 | $149 |
| Bakery | The Hartford | $47 | $564 |
| Bounce House | Simply Business | $35 | $418 |
| Beauty Salon | Progressive Commercial | $13 | $151 |
| Cleaning | NEXT Insurance | $42 | $507 |
| Candle | Simply Business | $35 | $425 |
| Candle | NEXT Insurance | $35 | $425 |
| Cannabis | Nationwide | $87 | $1,042 |
| Catering | The Hartford | $65 | $780 |
| Computer Programming | NEXT Insurance | $25 | $295 |
| Coffee Shop | Thimble | $41 | $497 |
| Construction | NEXT Insurance | $154 | $1,848 |
| Computer Repair | NEXT Insurance | $21 | $254 |
| Contractor | NEXT Insurance | $145 | $1,744 |
| Consulting | NEXT Insurance | $26 | $316 |
| Dental | NEXT Insurance | $10 | $118 |
| Courier | Simply Business | $200 | $2,401 |
| Daycare | NEXT Insurance | $12 | $143 |
| Drone | NEXT Insurance | $24 | $282 |
| DJ | The Hartford | $12 | $146 |
| Dog Grooming | Simply Business | $57 | $681 |
| Electrical | NEXT Insurance | $50 | $596 |
| Ecommerce | NEXT Insurance | $19 | $228 |
| Excavation | NEXT Insurance | $93 | $1,115 |
| Engineering | NEXT Insurance | $33 | $398 |
| Florist | NEXT Insurance | $54 | $644 |
| Funeral Home | Thimble | $23 | $280 |
| Food | NEXT Insurance | $38 | $450 |
| Food Truck | NEXT Insurance | $41 | $487 |
| Handyman | Progressive Commercial | $84 | $1,007 |
| Gardening | NEXT Insurance | $42 | $502 |
| Home-based | NEXT Insurance | $9 | $105 |
| HVAC | NEXT Insurance | $55 | $665 |
| Hospitality | NEXT Insurance | $61 | $730 |
| Jewelry | Progressive Commercial | $26 | $314 |
| Janitorial | NEXT Insurance | $43 | $511 |
| Junk Removal | NEXT Insurance | $126 | $1,517 |
| Lawn/Landscaping | Simply Business | $33 | $400 |
| Manufacturing | Simply Business | $52 | $624 |
| Lawyers | Thimble | $46 | $552 |
| Massage | The Hartford | $13 | $152 |
| Marine | Thimble | $133 | $1,594 |
| Moving | Thimble | $226 | $2,711 |
| Mortgage Broker | NEXT Insurance | $12 | $146 |
| Painting | NEXT Insurance | $120 | $1,440 |
| Nonprofit | NEXT Insurance | $28 | $330 |
| Party Rental | NEXT Insurance | $33 | $394 |
| Pest Control | NEXT Insurance | $62 | $749 |
| Personal Training | Thimble | $22 | $264 |
| Pharmacy | Simply Business | $6 | $67 |
| Pet | NEXT Insurance | $27 | $324 |
| Pharmacy | NEXT Insurance | $6 | $67 |
| Photography | NEXT Insurance | $15 | $180 |
| Plumbing | NEXT Insurance | $56 | $674 |
| Physical Therapy | NEXT Insurance | $6 | $71 |
| Security | Progressive Commercial | $46 | $548 |
| Pressure Washing | Nationwide | $88 | $1,057 |
| Real Estate | Thimble | $26 | $317 |
| Restaurant | Progressive Commercial | $56 | $667 |
| Retail | NEXT Insurance | $31 | $367 |
| Roofing | Nationwide | $857 | $10,288 |
| Software | Progressive Commercial | $23 | $273 |
| Snack Bars | NEXT Insurance | $39 | $467 |
| Startup | The Hartford | $12 | $138 |
| Spa/Wellness | The Hartford | $15 | $184 |
| Speech Therapist | NEXT Insurance | $5 | $63 |
| Tech/IT | NEXT Insurance | $24 | $287 |
| Trucking | Progressive Commercial | $239 | $2,872 |
| Transportation | Thimble | $199 | $2,387 |
| Travel | NEXT Insurance | $6 | $73 |
| Tree Service | Simply Business | $193 | $2,312 |
| Tutoring | NEXT Insurance | $9 | $106 |
| Wedding Planning | NEXT Insurance | $25 | $299 |
| Veterinary | NEXT Insurance | $17 | $205 |
| Wholesale | The Hartford | $36 | $431 |
| Welding | Thimble | $101 | $1,206 |
| Window Cleaning | Simply Business | $185 | $2,220 |
How Much Is Workers' Comp Insurance in Idaho?
Idaho workers' comp insurance cost averages $70 monthly ($837 annually), running $4 less than the national average of $74. Costs vary significantly by industry, ranging from $6 monthly ($3 per employee) for speech therapists to $793 monthly ($397 per employee) for roofers.
| Accountants | $19 | $232 |
| Ad Agency | $15 | $182 |
| Auto Repair | $145 | $1,739 |
| Automotive | $112 | $1,345 |
| Bakery | $51 | $609 |
| Barber | $13 | $161 |
| Beauty Salon | $14 | $166 |
| Bounce House | $38 | $453 |
| Candle | $38 | $457 |
| Cannabis | $79 | $953 |
| Catering | $70 | $837 |
| Cleaning | $46 | $552 |
| Coffee Shop | $44 | $533 |
| Computer Programming | $27 | $320 |
| Computer Repair | $23 | $275 |
| Construction | $170 | $2,045 |
| Consulting | $28 | $342 |
| Contractor | $157 | $1,884 |
| Courier | $214 | $2,571 |
| DJ | $13 | $159 |
| Daycare | $13 | $153 |
| Dental | $11 | $127 |
| Dog Grooming | $62 | $739 |
| Drone | $25 | $304 |
| Ecommerce | $21 | $247 |
| Electrical | $55 | $655 |
| Engineering | $36 | $437 |
| Excavation | $101 | $1,209 |
| Florist | $58 | $697 |
| Food | $40 | $482 |
| Food Truck | $44 | $522 |
| Funeral Home | $25 | $304 |
| Gardening | $44 | $533 |
| HVAC | $59 | $714 |
| Handyman | $88 | $1,060 |
| Home-based | $9 | $114 |
| Hospitality | $66 | $787 |
| Janitorial | $46 | $550 |
| Jewelry | $29 | $342 |
| Junk Removal | $134 | $1,612 |
| Lawn/Landscaping | $36 | $428 |
| Lawyers | $50 | $598 |
| Manufacturing | $56 | $667 |
| Marine | $143 | $1,716 |
| Massage | $14 | $164 |
| Mortgage Broker | $13 | $158 |
| Moving | $247 | $2,966 |
| Nonprofit | $30 | $362 |
| Painting | $132 | $1,588 |
| Party Rental | $35 | $421 |
| Personal Training | $24 | $283 |
| Pest Control | $67 | $807 |
| Pet | $29 | $352 |
| Pharmacy | $6 | $73 |
| Photography | $16 | $194 |
| Physical Therapy | $7 | $78 |
| Plumbing | $61 | $727 |
| Pressure Washing | $80 | $956 |
| Real Estate | $28 | $341 |
| Restaurant | $60 | $719 |
| Retail | $33 | $399 |
| Roofing | $793 | $9,511 |
| Security | $49 | $592 |
| Snack Bars | $41 | $495 |
| Software | $25 | $300 |
| Spa/Wellness | $16 | $198 |
| Speech Therapist | $6 | $68 |
| Startup | $12 | $149 |
| Tech/IT | $26 | $314 |
| Transportation | $219 | $2,625 |
| Travel | $7 | $79 |
| Tree Service | $208 | $2,498 |
| Trucking | $256 | $3,068 |
| Tutoring | $10 | $115 |
| Veterinary | $18 | $220 |
| Wedding Planning | $27 | $325 |
| Welding | $110 | $1,320 |
| Wholesale | $39 | $464 |
| Window Cleaning | $199 | $2,386 |
Idaho Workers' Comp Insurance Cost Factors
These cost factors affect workers' compensation insurance rates in Idaho:
NCCI Rate Structure
Idaho workers' compensation rates average 12% higher than the national average, making it the 16th most expensive state for coverage. This means you'll pay more than businesses in many other states, even with identical payroll and industry classifications. Insurance companies can apply policy credits and debits up to 25% to adjust their filed rates, rewarding businesses with strong safety records or penalizing those with risk factors.
Idaho-Specific Officer and Owner Payroll Rules
Sole proprietors and partners who include themselves on coverage must use a payroll amount of $25,100 for rating in 2024. Officers and LLC members must use minimum payroll of $49,400 annually and maximum payroll of $202,800 annually. These mandatory minimums prevent manipulating premium calculations by claiming artificially low owner salaries, while the maximum cap protects high-earning owners from excessive premiums.
Telecommuting Coverage Requirements
Out-of-state employers with employees working from their home in Idaho must carry workers' compensation insurance endorsed for Idaho, regardless of whether that employee is full-time, part-time, seasonal or occasional. If you employ remote workers living in Idaho, you'll pay Idaho's above-average rates for those employees and face multi-state rating complexity, potentially paying for coverage in multiple jurisdictions.
Out-of-State Worker Duration Rules
Out-of-state employers having employees working temporarily in Idaho (up to 60 days) can secure an extraterritorial certificate from their home state. Those with employees in Idaho more than 60 days must carry Idaho-issued workers' comp insurance. Beyond 60 days, you must purchase Idaho coverage at Idaho's higher rates rather than relying on your home state's potentially cheaper coverage, catching many businesses off-guard when temporary projects extend.
Designated Physician System
Idaho law allows employers to select the physician for injured workers through a preferred/designated medical provider list that employees must use, with the exception of emergency care. Preferred provider facilities can result in saving 30% to 40% through regulated rates. Establishing a designated provider network before injuries occur helps control medical costs and improves your experience modification rate over time, while businesses that don't designate providers give up this cost-control advantage.
State Fund vs. Private Market Pricing
Idaho contracts with Travelers as the state fund carrier. The Idaho State Insurance Fund typically charges more than private carriers, and the assigned risk pool likely has the highest rates. The state fund serves as insurer of last resort and takes on higher-risk businesses, charging higher premiums. Shopping the private market first can save substantial money for eligible businesses rather than defaulting to the more expensive state fund option.
Assigned Risk Surcharge
An assigned risk surcharge of 50% is applied to all assigned risk policies in Idaho. If your business is considered high-risk and placed in the assigned risk pool, this 50% surcharge gets added on top of your already-elevated base premium. This massive penalty can make workers' comp prohibitively expensive for businesses with poor claims history, new ventures without coverage history or high-hazard operations.
Extraterritorial Coverage Provisions
Idaho permits employees to have extraterritorial coverage and reciprocity, allowing them to temporarily work from select surrounding states without needing a separate workers' compensation policy. Idaho's extraterritorial certificates are initially issued for six months. Reciprocal agreements with neighboring states avoid the cost and administrative burden of multiple state policies, though longer projects require separate coverage, potentially increasing your total premium spend.
How Much Workers' Comp Insurance Do I Need in Idaho?
Idaho law requires workers' compensation coverage for any business with at least one employee. You'll need your policy active before your first hire. Idaho doesn't set specific dollar limits for your required workers' compensation coverage. Your policy amount depends on your actual payroll and what type of work your employees do.
Your coverage pays 67% of an injured employee's average weekly wage for temporary disability and 55% of the state average weekly wage for permanent disability. Skip the required workers' comp insurance coverage and you're personally liable for all medical bills and lost wages, plus a 10% penalty, attorney fees, daily fines of $2 per employee or $25 (whichever costs more), and possible criminal charges under Idaho Code 72-210.
Idaho Workers' Comp Insurance Exemptions
While you're often required to have coverage in Idaho, some business categories are exempt from workers' comp requirements:
- Agricultural crop spraying pilots: You're exempt if you fly aircraft to apply fertilizers or pesticides, but you'll need alternative insurance with at least $25,000 accidental death coverage, $10,000 for medical expenses, and $500 monthly disability income for 48 months.
- Commission-only real estate professionals: Your real estate brokers and salespersons paid strictly through commissions don't need coverage.
- High school athletic officials: Officials refereeing or umpiring secondary school sports events are exempt.
- Volunteer ski patrollers: Unpaid ski patrol volunteers don't require coverage under Idaho law.
- Family members in single-member LLCs: Family employees working for your single-member LLC (taxed as a sole proprietorship) are automatically exempt if they live with you.
- Business owners: As a sole proprietor, working partner or working LLC member, you're exempt but can choose to add coverage through a written agreement with your insurer.
- Family living in your household: Family members who live with you and work in your sole proprietorship are exempt.
- Corporate officers with significant ownership: Officers who own at least 10% of voting stock and serve as directors can opt out of coverage.
- Household domestic workers: Employees providing services in private homes are exempt from Idaho's workers' comp requirements.
- Casual workers: Employees doing occasional or irregular work unrelated to your core business operations don't need coverage.
- Outworkers: People who work from home using materials you provide are exempt from coverage requirements.
- Federal employees: Workers already covered under federal compensation laws don't need separate Idaho coverage.
FEDERAL WORKERS' COMP PROGRAMS OVERRIDE STATE REQUIREMENTS
Your Idaho business doesn't need state workers' compensation coverage for employees already protected under federal programs. Federal civilian workers receive benefits through the Federal Employees' Compensation Act (FECA). Railroad employees are covered by the Federal Employers' Liability Act (FELA). Maritime workers fall under the Longshore and Harbor Workers' Compensation Act.
Independent contractors and unpaid volunteers are exempt from Idaho's workers' compensation requirements. If you hire contract workers in Idaho, check with an Industrial Commission Employer Compliance representative to determine whether they need coverage.
How to Get the Best Workers' Comp Insurance in Idaho
Finding the right workers' comp insurance means matching coverage to your specific industry risks at competitive rates.
- 1Determine if you need workers' comp coverage in Idaho
Idaho requires workers' comp coverage as soon as you hire your first employee. Sole proprietors, partners and LLC members can operate without it, but adding one employee changes that. Idaho law treats many contract workers as employees, so contact an Industrial Commission Employer Compliance representative if you use contractors. Getting this wrong leads to penalties and coverage gaps.
- 2Gather your business information
Pull together accurate employee counts, total annual payroll and the right classification codes. Idaho uses the National Council on Compensation Insurance (NCCI) system, which groups businesses by industry and risk level.
These numbers matter. Wrong payroll figures or misclassified work trigger audit surprises or leave you uncovered when filing a claim. Agricultural businesses should check Idaho's specific farm operation exemptions when calculating covered payroll.
- 3Request workers' comp quotes from multiple carriers
Get quotes from at least three insurers to compare pricing and coverage. Include the Idaho State Insurance Fund in your search since it serves as the assigned risk pool for businesses struggling to find private coverage.
The State Insurance Fund competes with private insurers, keeping business insurance costs competitive statewide. Rates differ substantially between carriers for identical coverage, with construction and agricultural businesses seeing the biggest spreads.
- 4Research providers with industry experience
Look past the bottom line and find insurers who understand your specific risks. Idaho businesses in construction, logging or agriculture gain real advantages from carriers experienced in these sectors and familiar with state safety requirements.
Choose insurers who know Idaho's workers' comp system. Their expertise helps you prevent losses and resolve claims faster. Affordable business insurance rates matter, but industry knowledge protects your business better over time.
- 5Evaluate your top provider options
Review each insurer's track record to determine who offers the best business insurance:
- Review claim processing speed, customer service quality and complaint history with the Idaho Department of Insurance
- Ask about safety training and loss control services that reduce workplace injuries
- Check financial stability ratings and how long they've operated in Idaho
- Look for return-to-work programs, safety consultations and dedicated Idaho claims representatives
- 6Review and purchase your workers' compensation policy
Read your policy carefully before signing. Focus on coverage limits, exclusions and Idaho-specific requirements. Choose payment terms that fit your cash flow. Pay-as-you-go programs calculate premiums on actual payroll instead of estimates, which works well for seasonal Idaho businesses with fluctuating staff.
Confirm your policy covers all Idaho requirements and note your deadlines for reporting injuries to your insurer and the Idaho Industrial Commission.
- 7Reassess before annual renewal
Update your insurer about changes in staff, payroll, operations or locations before renewal. Your experience modification rate rewards strong safety records with lower premiums.
Market conditions shift rates even when your record stays clean. Compare quotes annually to confirm you're getting competitive pricing on your Idaho workers' comp coverage.
Best Idaho Workers' Compensation Insurance: Bottom Line
NEXT, The Hartford and Simply Business lead Idaho's workers' comp rankings, but what's ideal for you depends on your business risks and employee needs. Businesses should 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
- Idaho Industrial Commission. "Benefits FAQs." Accessed December 8, 2025.
- Idaho Industrial Commission. "Employers FAQs." Accessed December 8, 2025.
- Idaho Industrial Commission. "Employer Information." Accessed December 8, 2025.
- Idaho Industrial Commission. "NCCI Rates 2025 - 1/1/25-12/31/25." Accessed December 8, 2025.
- Idaho Legislature. "Title 72 Workers' Compensation and Related Laws -- Industrial Commission." Accessed December 8, 2025.
- LegalClarity. "Idaho Workers' Compensation: Eligibility and Benefits Guide." Accessed December 8, 2025.