Workers' comp rates in Kansas depend on your industry and team size. Find answers to common coverage questions below.
Best Workers' Comp Insurance in Kansas
With rates starting at $5 monthly, NEXT, The Hartford and Simply Business offer the cheapest and best workers' comp insurance in Kansas.
Compare top Kansas workers’ comp insurance providers and find your ideal coverage.
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Updated: November 23, 2025
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Best Kansas Workers' Comp Insurance: Fast Answers
What are the best and cheapest workers' comp insurance providers in Kansas?
NEXT offers the top cheap workers' compensation insurance in Kansas. The following are the state's cheapest and best workers' comp insurance providers and their average monthly rates:
- NEXT: $67
- The Hartford: $68
- Simply Business: $69
- Coverdash: $71
- biBerk: $73
Is workers' comp insurance required in Kansas?
Kansas mandates workers' comp insurance for most employers with one or more employees. Key exemptions include sole proprietors without employees, partners in partnerships, and corporate officers who own 10% or more of the company stock. Violations result in fines up to $10,000 plus daily penalties of $500 until compliance is achieved.
How much does workers' comp insurance cost in Kansas?
Workers' compensation insurance costs in Kansas run around $36 per employee monthly for a two-person business. Your premium depends on your specific industry and payroll size. Low-risk businesses, such as speech therapy, pay around $3 per employee per month, while high-risk industries, like roofing, face costs of approximately $408 per employee each month.
How do you get workers' comp insurance in Kansas?
You can get workers' comp coverage in Kansas by:
- Purchasing policies from licensed private insurance companies operating in the state
- Qualifying for self-insurance status if your business meets Kansas' strict financial and operational requirements
- Joining group self-insurance programs with other employers in similar industries
Many business owners compare quotes online or through brokers to get the best rate and compliance support.
What does Kansas workers' comp insurance cover?
Workers' compensation in Kansas covers:
- Medical expenses for work-related injuries, like a construction worker in Wichita, hurt in a fall
- Wage replacement benefits during recovery periods when employees cannot work
- Permanent disability payments for lasting impairments from workplace accidents
- Death benefits for families of workers killed in job-related incidents, such as industrial accidents in Kansas City
Best Workers' Comp Insurance Companies in Kansas
NEXT leads Kansas workers' comp insurance with top-notch customer support and comprehensive coverage options. The Hartford and Simply Business rank as strong second and third choices, providing coverage for small business owners.
| NEXT Insurance | 4.62 | $67 | 1 | 2 |
| The Hartford | 4.57 | $68 | 2 | 3 |
| Simply Business | 4.54 | $69 | 5 | 1 |
| Coverdash | 4.46 | $71 | 6 | 2 |
| biBERK | 4.44 | $73 | 2 | 5 |
| Nationwide | 4.43 | $78 | 2 | 4 |
| Progressive Commercial | 4.41 | $69 | 7 | 5 |
| Thimble | 4.40 | $69 | 8 | 5 |
| Hiscox | 4.38 | $69 | 4 | 6 |
| Chubb | 4.27 | $82 | 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 Kansas
Select your industry and state to get a customized Kansas workers' comp quote from your top provider match.
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LEARN MORE ABOUT THE BEST BUSINESS INSURANCE IN KANSAS
Explore the best business insurance providers in Kansas through our guides:
Best Kansas Workers’ Comp Insurance Company Reviews
Review our detailed analysis of the top workers' compensation insurers in Kansas:
NEXT
Best Workers' Comp Insurance in Kansas
MoneyGeek Rating
4.6/ 5
4.4/5Affordability
4.7/5Customer Experience
4.8/5Coverage Points
Average Monthly Workers' Comp Premium
$67Based on average costs across multiple business typesWorkers' Comp Digital Experience Score
4.8/5 (1s)Rating from verified customer satisfaction surveysWorkers' Comp Customer Likelihood to Be Recommended to Others Score
4.8/5 (1st)Percentage of customers who would recommend NEXT
The Hartford
Best Kansas Workers' Comp Insurance: Runner Up
MoneyGeek Rating
4.6/ 5
4.5/5Affordability
4.6/5Customer Experience
4.7/5Coverage Points
Average Monthly Workers' Comp Premium
$68Based on average costs across business types and coverage levelsWorkers' Comp Claims Process Score
4.5/5 (1st)Rating based on customer satisfaction with claims handlingWorkers' 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 Kansas
NEXT offers Kansas' most affordable workers' comp coverage at $67 monthly ($803 annually), $5 below the state average. The Hartford charges $68 per month. The Thimble costs $69 monthly for the third-cheapest option.
| NEXT Insurance | $67 | $803 |
| The Hartford | $68 | $814 |
| Thimble | $69 | $826 |
| Simply Business | $69 | $828 |
| Progressive Commercial | $69 | $829 |
| Hiscox | $69 | $833 |
| Coverdash | $71 | $847 |
| biBERK | $73 | $875 |
| Nationwide | $78 | $940 |
| Chubb | $82 | $987 |
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 Kansas by Industry
Progressive Commercial offers the most affordable workers' comp for welding businesses at $104 monthly or $1,248 annually. Progressive Commercial leads pricing across 11 industries, including automotive, bakery and wholesale sectors. The Hartford ranks second, offering the lowest rates for 12 industries like veterinary, wedding planning and window cleaning services.
| Accountants | NEXT Insurance | $18 | $216 |
| Bakery | NEXT Insurance | $48 | $575 |
| Ad Agency | Thimble | $14 | $167 |
| Automotive | NEXT Insurance | $105 | $1,256 |
| Auto Repair | NEXT Insurance | $138 | $1,652 |
| Bounce House | The Hartford | $36 | $434 |
| Barber | Progressive Commercial | $13 | $152 |
| Beauty Salon | NEXT Insurance | $13 | $156 |
| Candle | Progressive Commercial | $35 | $426 |
| Catering | The Hartford | $66 | $793 |
| Cannabis | biBERK | $83 | $1,000 |
| Coffee Shop | NEXT Insurance | $42 | $501 |
| Cleaning | NEXT Insurance | $44 | $525 |
| Computer Repair | NEXT Insurance | $22 | $261 |
| Computer Programming | Progressive Commercial | $26 | $308 |
| Contractor | NEXT Insurance | $145 | $1,743 |
| Construction | Thimble | $162 | $1,945 |
| Consulting | NEXT Insurance | $28 | $330 |
| Daycare | NEXT Insurance | $12 | $141 |
| Courier | NEXT Insurance | $211 | $2,533 |
| Dog Grooming | NEXT Insurance | $59 | $710 |
| Dental | Simply Business | $10 | $119 |
| DJ | The Hartford | $13 | $152 |
| Drone | NEXT Insurance | $24 | $292 |
| Ecommerce | Progressive Commercial | $20 | $235 |
| Engineering | NEXT Insurance | $35 | $417 |
| Electrical | Progressive Commercial | $51 | $617 |
| Florist | NEXT Insurance | $56 | $667 |
| Excavation | NEXT Insurance | $95 | $1,137 |
| Food Truck | NEXT Insurance | $41 | $490 |
| Food | Progressive Commercial | $38 | $451 |
| Funeral Home | NEXT Insurance | $24 | $286 |
| Handyman | Simply Business | $83 | $1,001 |
| Gardening | The Hartford | $43 | $511 |
| Hospitality | The Hartford | $63 | $750 |
| Home-based | NEXT Insurance | $9 | $107 |
| HVAC | Thimble | $57 | $684 |
| Jewelry | The Hartford | $27 | $320 |
| Janitorial | NEXT Insurance | $44 | $534 |
| Lawn/Landscaping | The Hartford | $34 | $404 |
| Junk Removal | NEXT Insurance | $126 | $1,517 |
| Lawyers | Thimble | $47 | $563 |
| Marine | NEXT Insurance | $133 | $1,601 |
| Manufacturing | NEXT Insurance | $53 | $637 |
| Mortgage Broker | The Hartford | $13 | $151 |
| Massage | NEXT Insurance | $13 | $155 |
| Nonprofit | Progressive Commercial | $28 | $339 |
| Moving | Thimble | $233 | $2,798 |
| Party Rental | NEXT Insurance | $33 | $398 |
| Painting | The Hartford | $126 | $1,515 |
| Pharmacy | The Hartford | $6 | $70 |
| Personal Training | NEXT Insurance | $22 | $270 |
| Pest Control | Progressive Commercial | $63 | $753 |
| Pet | NEXT Insurance | $28 | $335 |
| Physical Therapy | Thimble | $6 | $73 |
| Photography | NEXT Insurance | $16 | $187 |
| Plumbing | NEXT Insurance | $57 | $686 |
| Real Estate | NEXT Insurance | $26 | $316 |
| Pressure Washing | Nationwide | $90 | $1,083 |
| Retail | Thimble | $31 | $377 |
| Restaurant | The Hartford | $57 | $689 |
| Security | Progressive Commercial | $46 | $557 |
| Roofing | Nationwide | $895 | $10,740 |
| Software | Simply Business | $24 | $287 |
| Snack Bars | NEXT Insurance | $38 | $458 |
| Speech Therapist | NEXT Insurance | $5 | $65 |
| Spa/Wellness | Simply Business | $16 | $189 |
| Startup | The Hartford | $12 | $143 |
| Transportation | NEXT Insurance | $210 | $2,522 |
| Tech/IT | Progressive Commercial | $24 | $290 |
| Tree Service | NEXT Insurance | $200 | $2,400 |
| Travel | NEXT Insurance | $6 | $75 |
| Tutoring | NEXT Insurance | $9 | $105 |
| Trucking | Thimble | $243 | $2,920 |
| Veterinary | Hiscox | $18 | $216 |
| Wedding Planning | NEXT Insurance | $26 | $308 |
| Window Cleaning | NEXT Insurance | $189 | $2,268 |
| Welding | Progressive Commercial | $104 | $1,248 |
| Wholesale | NEXT Insurance | $36 | $430 |
How Much Is Workers' Comp Insurance in Kansas?
Kansas workers' comp insurance costs $72 monthly ($858 annually), slightly below the national average of $74. Rates vary by profession, from $6 monthly ($3 per employee) for speech therapists to $816 monthly ($408 per employee) for roofers.
| Accountants | $20 | $236 |
| Ad Agency | $15 | $183 |
| Auto Repair | $148 | $1,780 |
| Automotive | $114 | $1,368 |
| Bakery | $52 | $627 |
| Barber | $14 | $164 |
| Beauty Salon | $14 | $170 |
| Bounce House | $39 | $464 |
| Candle | $39 | $472 |
| Cannabis | $81 | $971 |
| Catering | $71 | $857 |
| Cleaning | $47 | $566 |
| Coffee Shop | $45 | $544 |
| Computer Programming | $28 | $331 |
| Computer Repair | $23 | $281 |
| Construction | $175 | $2,103 |
| Consulting | $30 | $355 |
| Contractor | $160 | $1,916 |
| Courier | $222 | $2,665 |
| DJ | $14 | $164 |
| Daycare | $13 | $155 |
| Dental | $11 | $130 |
| Dog Grooming | $64 | $763 |
| Drone | $26 | $314 |
| Ecommerce | $21 | $253 |
| Electrical | $55 | $665 |
| Engineering | $37 | $443 |
| Excavation | $102 | $1,229 |
| Florist | $59 | $709 |
| Food | $41 | $489 |
| Food Truck | $44 | $533 |
| Funeral Home | $26 | $313 |
| Gardening | $46 | $549 |
| HVAC | $61 | $732 |
| Handyman | $90 | $1,079 |
| Home-based | $10 | $117 |
| Hospitality | $67 | $808 |
| Janitorial | $47 | $568 |
| Jewelry | $29 | $351 |
| Junk Removal | $137 | $1,642 |
| Lawn/Landscaping | $36 | $436 |
| Lawyers | $51 | $617 |
| Manufacturing | $57 | $685 |
| Marine | $146 | $1,757 |
| Massage | $14 | $170 |
| Mortgage Broker | $13 | $162 |
| Moving | $254 | $3,045 |
| Nonprofit | $31 | $368 |
| Painting | $137 | $1,641 |
| Party Rental | $36 | $431 |
| Personal Training | $24 | $292 |
| Pest Control | $68 | $819 |
| Pet | $30 | $361 |
| Pharmacy | $6 | $75 |
| Photography | $17 | $199 |
| Physical Therapy | $7 | $80 |
| Plumbing | $63 | $751 |
| Pressure Washing | $82 | $979 |
| Real Estate | $29 | $349 |
| Restaurant | $61 | $734 |
| Retail | $34 | $407 |
| Roofing | $816 | $9,791 |
| Security | $50 | $605 |
| Snack Bars | $42 | $505 |
| Software | $26 | $309 |
| Spa/Wellness | $17 | $202 |
| Speech Therapist | $6 | $71 |
| Startup | $13 | $153 |
| Tech/IT | $26 | $315 |
| Transportation | $225 | $2,696 |
| Travel | $7 | $82 |
| Tree Service | $216 | $2,590 |
| Trucking | $260 | $3,124 |
| Tutoring | $10 | $117 |
| Veterinary | $19 | $230 |
| Wedding Planning | $28 | $334 |
| Welding | $113 | $1,357 |
| Wholesale | $39 | $466 |
| Window Cleaning | $203 | $2,433 |
Kansas Workers' Comp Insurance Cost Factors
These cost factors affect workers' compensation insurance rates in Kansas:
Experience Modification Rate (EMR) Threshold
Your claims history won't affect your workers' comp rates until you hit specific premium levels in Kansas. You'll qualify for an EMR when your annual premium reaches $6,000 in a single year or averages $3,000 across multiple years. This means newer or smaller Kansas businesses get neutral pricing regardless of safety performance until they grow past these thresholds.
Fixed Owner Payroll Amounts
Kansas sets standard payroll amounts for calculating owner premiums based on your business structure. If you're a sole proprietor, partner or LLC member, insurers use exactly $55,800 for rating, whether you earn $40,000 or $150,000. Corporate officers face different rules: minimum $54,600 and maximum $223,600. This structure helps high-earning corporate owners save money on premiums.
Underwriting Adjustment Authority
Kansas gives insurers significant flexibility to adjust your rates based on what they see in your business. They can modify filed rates up or down by 25% after evaluating your safety programs, management practices and overall risk profile. Two roofing companies in Wichita with identical operations could receive quotes that differ by thousands of dollars from the same carrier based on these underwriting assessments.
Deductible Program Options
Kansas lets you choose deductibles between $100 and $10,000 for both medical bills and wage replacement costs. Taking a higher deductible immediately lowers your premium. The advantage goes beyond upfront savings; Kansas treats these as "Net" deductibles, meaning they reduce both your actual and expected losses when calculating your EMR. You control costs without hurting your future modification rate.
How Much Workers' Comp Insurance Do I Need in Kansas?
Kansas law requires workers' comp insurance when your annual payroll exceeds $20,000. This includes all wages paid to employees, whether inside or outside Kansas. Your policy must cover all necessary medical treatment with no dollar caps and pay injured workers two-thirds of their average weekly wage during recovery. Operating without the necessary workers' comp coverage brings penalties of twice your annual premium or $25,000, whichever is higher, plus potential business closure.
Kansas Workers' Comp Insurance Exemptions
While you're required to have coverage in Kansas, some business categories are exempt from workers' comp requirements:
- Small employers under $20,000 payroll: Businesses with gross annual payroll of $20,000 or less are exempt, though corporations must include all wages while other business structures can exclude family member wages when calculating this threshold.
- Agricultural employers: Employers engaged in agricultural pursuits and related activities don't need coverage unless they're a state agency or department.
- Qualified real estate agents: Licensed real estate agents working as independent contractors with compensation tied to sales rather than hours worked are exempt when they have a written independent contractor agreement for state tax purposes.
- Sole proprietors: Self-employed business owners working alone are automatically exempt but can voluntarily elect coverage by filing Form D-WC-113 with the state.
- Partners: Business partners are excluded from mandatory coverage but may choose to opt in for protection.
- LLC members: Members of limited liability companies aren't required to cover themselves but can elect to be included.
- Corporate officers with 10% or greater ownership: Officers owning at least 10% of the company can exclude themselves, while those with less than 10% ownership must be covered as regular employees.
- Firefighters in relief associations: Firefighters belonging to a relief association that has filed an exemption election with the state aren't covered under standard workers' comp.
- Owner-operator vehicle drivers: Owner-operators who carry their own occupational accident insurance policy don't need additional workers' comp coverage.
FEDERAL WORKERS' COMP PROGRAMS OVERRIDE STATE REQUIREMENTS
Federal employees working in Kansas get coverage through separate federal programs, not state workers' comp. The Federal Employees' Compensation Act covers civilian government workers, while railroad employees have protection under the Federal Employers' Liability Act. Maritime workers fall under the Longshore and Harbor Workers' Compensation Act. Kansas business owners don't need to provide workers' comp for these federally covered employees. Independent contractors can file Kansas' Affidavit of Exempt Status to opt out of coverage requirements.
How to Get the Best Workers' Comp Insurance in Kansas
Getting the right workers' comp coverage at an affordable price means matching your industry's specific risks to appropriate protection levels.
- 1Determine if you need workers' comp coverage in Kansas
Kansas requires workers' comp when your annual payroll reaches $20,000. Running a solo graphic design business? You're exempt. Hire one employee and you need coverage. Kansas calculates payroll differently than most states. Wages paid to sole proprietors and partners don't count toward that $20,000 threshold, but everything else does. Independent contractors can file an Affidavit of Exempt Status through the Kansas Insurance Department. Misclassifying employees as contractors costs up to $25,000 in penalties.
- 2Gather your business information
Collect your total payroll figures, employee count and NCCI classification codes before requesting quotes. Kansas uses the National Council on Compensation Insurance database, which assigns rates based on how risky your industry is.
Accurate numbers matter. Underestimate payroll and you'll face audit bills later. Use the wrong classification code and you might discover you're underinsured when filing a claim. Construction businesses pay higher premiums because of elevated injury risks, making precise codes even more important.
- 3Request workers' comp quotes from multiple carriers
Get quotes from at least three insurers to compare business insurance costs. Kansas allows you to buy coverage through private insurers licensed by the Kansas Insurance Department. Can't find coverage? The state's assigned risk pool provides a backup option.
Most Kansas businesses use private insurers. Rates vary widely between carriers for identical coverage. State Farm, The Hartford and Travelers all write policies in Kansas with different pricing models. Shopping around saves money.
- 4Research providers with industry experience
Look beyond cheap business insurance rates once you have quotes. Find insurers who understand your specific business risks. Construction companies benefit from carriers experienced with high-risk industries and OSHA compliance. Restaurant owners need insurers familiar with kitchen injuries and repetitive stress claims.
- 5Evaluate your top provider options
Compare performance across carriers to identify the best insurance for your business:
- Check claim processing speed, customer service ratings and complaint histories with the Kansas Insurance Department at 800-432-2484.
- Review financial stability ratings from AM Best to confirm the carrier pays claims reliably.
- Ask about safety training programs, return-to-work assistance and loss control services that prevent workplace injuries.
- Verify experience handling Kansas workers' comp claims and knowledge of state requirements like the 28-day accident reporting deadline.
- 6Review and purchase your workers' compensation policy
Read policy terms before signing. Pay attention to coverage limits, exclusions and renewal conditions under Kansas law. Choose payment options that fit your cash flow. Pay-as-you-go workers' comp plans work well for seasonal businesses or companies with fluctuating payroll. Premiums adjust based on actual wages paid instead of estimated figures.
- 7Reassess before annual renewal
Review your coverage each year before renewal. Check your current employee count, examine claims filed and verify your experience modification rate remains accurate.
Businesses change constantly. You might hire more employees, expand operations or improve safety protocols. Tell your insurer about these updates to avoid coverage gaps or overpaying. Kansas employers with strong safety records qualify for lower experience modification rates, cutting premiums by 20% or more.
Best Kansas Workers' Compensation Insurance: Bottom Line
NEXT, The Hartford and Simply Business lead Kansas workers' comp rankings. 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
- Kansas Department of Labor. "Workers Compensation Division." Accessed November 23, 2025.
- Kansas State Legislature. "44-505. Application of Act." Accessed November 23, 2025.
- Kansas State Legislature. "44-510c. Compensation For Permanent Total and Temporary Total Disabilities." Accessed November 23, 2025.
- Kansas State Legislature. "44-510e. Compensation for Permanent Partial Disability For Work Disability or Loss of Earnings." Accessed November 23, 2025.
- Kansas State Legislature. "44-532. Subrogation of Insurer or Group-Funded Pool to Rights And Duties of Employer; Methods of Securing Payment of Compensation; Failure to Secure; Penalties." Accessed November 23, 2025.