Workers' comp costs in Maine depend on your industry and team size. Find answers to common coverage questions below.
Best Workers' Comp Insurance in Maine
With rates starting at $5 monthly, NEXT, Simply Business and The Hartford offer the cheapest and best workers' comp insurance in Maine.
Compare top Maine workers’ comp insurance providers and find your ideal coverage.
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Updated: November 19, 2025
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Best Maine Workers' Comp Insurance: Fast Answers
What are the best and cheapest workers' comp insurance providers in Maine?
NEXT offers the top cheap workers' compensation insurance in Maine. The following are the state's cheapest and best workers' comp insurance providers and their average monthly rates:
- NEXT: $59
- Simply Business: $61
- The Hartford: $62
- Coverdash: $63
- biBerk: $65
Is workers' comp insurance required in Maine?
Maine requires workers' comp insurance for most employers with one or more employees. Sole proprietors, partners and corporate officers owning 20% or more can opt out. Violations result in fines up to $10,000 plus daily penalties of $250. Non-compliant employers face potential criminal charges and civil liability for workplace injuries.
How much does workers' comp insurance cost in Maine?
Workers' compensation insurance costs in Maine run $32 per employee monthly for a two-person business. Costs vary based on your industry and payroll size. Low-risk businesses, such as speech therapy, pay around $3 per month per employee, while high-risk industries, such as roofing, pay approximately $363 per month per employee.
How do you get workers' comp insurance in Maine?
You can get workers' compensation insurance in Maine through:
- Purchasing coverage from licensed private insurance companies in the state
- Accessing the assigned risk pool when standard market coverage isn't available
- Qualifying for self-insurance if your business meets Maine's strict financial requirements
Many business owners compare quotes online or through brokers to get the best rate and compliance support.
What does Maine workers' comp insurance cover?
Workers' compensation in Maine covers:
- Medical expenses for workplace injuries, from minor cuts at Portland restaurants to serious accidents at Bangor construction sites
- Wage replacement benefits when employees can't work during recovery
- Permanent disability compensation for lasting injuries that affect earning capacity
- Survivor benefits when workplace fatalities occur
Best Workers' Comp Insurance Companies in Maine
NEXT leads Maine's workers' comp insurance market with top-rated customer support and comprehensive coverage options. NEXT covers various workplace risks.
Simply Business and The Hartford round out the top three for Maine entrepreneurs.
| NEXT Insurance | 4.61 | $59 | 1 | 2 |
| Simply Business | 4.53 | $61 | 5 | 1 |
| The Hartford | 4.51 | $62 | 2 | 3 |
| Coverdash | 4.46 | $63 | 6 | 2 |
| biBERK | 4.43 | $65 | 2 | 5 |
| Nationwide | 4.42 | $70 | 2 | 4 |
| Thimble | 4.40 | $61 | 8 | 5 |
| Progressive Commercial | 4.38 | $63 | 7 | 5 |
| Hiscox | 4.38 | $62 | 4 | 6 |
| Chubb | 4.27 | $73 | 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 Maine
Select your industry and state to get a customized Maine workers' comp quote from your top provider match.
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LEARN MORE ABOUT THE BEST BUSINESS INSURANCE IN MAINE
Explore the best business insurance providers in Maine through our guides:
Best Maine Workers’ Comp Insurance Company Reviews
We evaluated leading insurers to identify the best workers' compensation coverage options for Maine businesses.
NEXT
Best Workers' Comp Insurance in Maine
MoneyGeek Rating
4.6/ 5
4.4/5Affordability
4.7/5Customer Experience
4.8/5Coverage Points
Average Monthly Workers' Comp Premium
$59We analyzed thousands of workers' compensation quotes from insurers operating in Maine across 79 industriesWorkers' Comp Digital Experience Score
4.8/5 (1st)Rating from independent customer satisfaction surveyWorkers' Comp Customer Likelihood to Be Recommended to Others Score
4.8/5 (1st)Percentage of customers who would recommend NEXT
Simply Business
Best Maine Workers' Comp Insurance: Runner-Up
MoneyGeek Rating
4.5/ 5
4.6/5Affordability
4.2/5Customer Experience
4.9/5Coverage Points
Average Monthly Workers' Comp Premium
$61We analyzed thousands of workers' compensation quotes from insurers operating in Maine across 79 industriesWorkers' Comp Digital Experience Score
4.5/5 (3rd)Rating from customer satisfaction surveyWorkers' Comp Customer Likelihood to Be Recommended to Others Score
4.2/5 (8th)Percentage of customers who would recommend Simply Business
Cheapest Workers' Comp Insurance Companies in Maine
NEXT offers the most affordable workers' comp coverage in Maine at just $59 monthly or $713 per year, $4 below the state average of $64. Thimble and Simply Business rank second and third at $61 per month. The table shows all provider costs.
| NEXT Insurance | $59 | $713 |
| Thimble | $61 | $729 |
| Simply Business | $61 | $730 |
| Hiscox | $62 | $741 |
| The Hartford | $62 | $747 |
| Coverdash | $63 | $751 |
| Progressive Commercial | $63 | $751 |
| biBERK | $65 | $778 |
| Nationwide | $70 | $845 |
| Chubb | $73 | $876 |
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 Maine by Industry
NEXT offers the most affordable workers' comp coverage at just $10 monthly. NEXT leads pricing in 35 industries, excelling in ad agencies, bakeries and wedding planning. Thimble ranks second for affordability in 20 industries, including accounting, automotive and wholesale businesses.
| Accountants | Thimble | $16 | $193 |
| Ad Agency | NEXT Insurance | $13 | $150 |
| Bakery | NEXT Insurance | $42 | $504 |
| Automotive | Thimble | $94 | $1,132 |
| Auto Repair | NEXT Insurance | $119 | $1,423 |
| Barber | NEXT Insurance | $11 | $135 |
| Bounce House | NEXT Insurance | $32 | $378 |
| Beauty Salon | Thimble | $12 | $142 |
| Candle | Thimble | $32 | $383 |
| Catering | Simply Business | $59 | $707 |
| Cannabis | NEXT Insurance | $66 | $791 |
| Coffee Shop | NEXT Insurance | $38 | $452 |
| Cleaning | Simply Business | $39 | $465 |
| Construction | NEXT Insurance | $147 | $1,760 |
| Computer Programming | Thimble | $23 | $273 |
| Computer Repair | Simply Business | $19 | $228 |
| Contractor | Thimble | $134 | $1,613 |
| Consulting | NEXT Insurance | $25 | $294 |
| Daycare | Simply Business | $11 | $130 |
| Courier | Thimble | $177 | $2,126 |
| Dental | Thimble | $9 | $108 |
| DJ | NEXT Insurance | $12 | $140 |
| Drone | NEXT Insurance | $22 | $259 |
| Dog Grooming | Hiscox | $53 | $638 |
| Electrical | Simply Business | $46 | $556 |
| Ecommerce | Progressive Commercial | $18 | $215 |
| Excavation | Progressive Commercial | $87 | $1,038 |
| Engineering | Thimble | $31 | $373 |
| Food Truck | Simply Business | $37 | $441 |
| Florist | NEXT Insurance | $49 | $592 |
| Food | Thimble | $34 | $404 |
| Gardening | NEXT Insurance | $37 | $446 |
| Funeral Home | NEXT Insurance | $22 | $259 |
| Home-based | The Hartford | $8 | $101 |
| Handyman | Nationwide | $89 | $1,064 |
| Hospitality | Thimble | $55 | $663 |
| Junk Removal | NEXT Insurance | $111 | $1,330 |
| HVAC | Thimble | $50 | $604 |
| Janitorial | Thimble | $38 | $458 |
| Jewelry | NEXT Insurance | $24 | $285 |
| Lawyers | Simply Business | $43 | $511 |
| Lawn/Landscaping | Simply Business | $30 | $361 |
| Manufacturing | Thimble | $48 | $577 |
| Mortgage Broker | Simply Business | $11 | $133 |
| Marine | NEXT Insurance | $119 | $1,427 |
| Massage | NEXT Insurance | $12 | $139 |
| Moving | NEXT Insurance | $213 | $2,557 |
| Nonprofit | NEXT Insurance | $25 | $302 |
| Party Rental | NEXT Insurance | $29 | $354 |
| Painting | Thimble | $112 | $1,349 |
| Personal Training | NEXT Insurance | $20 | $237 |
| Pet | Simply Business | $25 | $301 |
| Pest Control | Progressive Commercial | $57 | $686 |
| Physical Therapy | Thimble | $6 | $66 |
| Pharmacy | NEXT Insurance | $5 | $61 |
| Photography | NEXT Insurance | $14 | $163 |
| Plumbing | Simply Business | $51 | $616 |
| Restaurant | Simply Business | $50 | $599 |
| Pressure Washing | Simply Business | $67 | $807 |
| Real Estate | NEXT Insurance | $24 | $288 |
| Retail | NEXT Insurance | $27 | $328 |
| Security | Thimble | $41 | $488 |
| Roofing | Simply Business | $673 | $8,077 |
| Snack Bars | NEXT Insurance | $35 | $415 |
| Spa/Wellness | NEXT Insurance | $14 | $167 |
| Software | Simply Business | $21 | $250 |
| Startup | NEXT Insurance | $10 | $124 |
| Speech Therapist | NEXT Insurance | $5 | $58 |
| Transportation | Thimble | $182 | $2,187 |
| Tech/IT | NEXT Insurance | $22 | $268 |
| Tree Service | Thimble | $177 | $2,125 |
| Travel | Thimble | $6 | $67 |
| Tutoring | Hiscox | $8 | $101 |
| Trucking | NEXT Insurance | $216 | $2,597 |
| Wedding Planning | NEXT Insurance | $23 | $277 |
| Veterinary | The Hartford | $16 | $193 |
| Wedding Planning | The Hartford | $23 | $277 |
| Welding | NEXT Insurance | $92 | $1,099 |
| Wholesale | Simply Business | $32 | $389 |
| Window Cleaning | NEXT Insurance | $168 | $2,014 |
How Much Is Workers' Comp Insurance in Maine?
Maine workers' comp insurance cost runs $64 monthly ($766 annually), lower than the national average of $74. Industry rates vary from $14 monthly ($7 per employee) for ad agencies to $182 monthly ($91 per employee) for window cleaning services.
| Accountants | $18 | $212 |
| Ad Agency | $14 | $167 |
| Auto Repair | $131 | $1,576 |
| Automotive | $102 | $1,218 |
| Bakery | $46 | $558 |
| Barber | $12 | $148 |
| Beauty Salon | $13 | $152 |
| Bounce House | $35 | $420 |
| Candle | $35 | $414 |
| Cannabis | $72 | $867 |
| Catering | $64 | $765 |
| Cleaning | $42 | $508 |
| Coffee Shop | $41 | $489 |
| Computer Programming | $24 | $294 |
| Computer Repair | $21 | $252 |
| Construction | $159 | $1,903 |
| Consulting | $26 | $317 |
| Contractor | $144 | $1,730 |
| Courier | $194 | $2,327 |
| DJ | $12 | $148 |
| Daycare | $12 | $140 |
| Dental | $10 | $118 |
| Dog Grooming | $56 | $675 |
| Drone | $23 | $277 |
| Ecommerce | $19 | $227 |
| Electrical | $50 | $599 |
| Engineering | $33 | $397 |
| Excavation | $93 | $1,116 |
| Florist | $53 | $635 |
| Food | $37 | $438 |
| Food Truck | $40 | $477 |
| Funeral Home | $23 | $280 |
| Gardening | $41 | $487 |
| HVAC | $54 | $652 |
| Handyman | $81 | $966 |
| Home-based | $9 | $105 |
| Hospitality | $60 | $723 |
| Janitorial | $42 | $508 |
| Jewelry | $26 | $308 |
| Junk Removal | $122 | $1,460 |
| Lawn/Landscaping | $33 | $391 |
| Lawyers | $46 | $549 |
| Manufacturing | $51 | $613 |
| Marine | $131 | $1,568 |
| Massage | $13 | $151 |
| Mortgage Broker | $12 | $145 |
| Moving | $229 | $2,745 |
| Nonprofit | $28 | $332 |
| Painting | $122 | $1,462 |
| Party Rental | $32 | $382 |
| Personal Training | $22 | $261 |
| Pest Control | $62 | $738 |
| Pet | $27 | $320 |
| Pharmacy | $6 | $66 |
| Photography | $15 | $178 |
| Physical Therapy | $6 | $71 |
| Plumbing | $56 | $669 |
| Pressure Washing | $73 | $873 |
| Real Estate | $26 | $312 |
| Restaurant | $55 | $656 |
| Retail | $30 | $366 |
| Roofing | $726 | $8,710 |
| Security | $45 | $540 |
| Snack Bars | $38 | $454 |
| Software | $23 | $274 |
| Spa/Wellness | $15 | $180 |
| Speech Therapist | $5 | $63 |
| Startup | $11 | $136 |
| Tech/IT | $24 | $285 |
| Transportation | $197 | $2,368 |
| Travel | $6 | $73 |
| Tree Service | $191 | $2,298 |
| Trucking | $235 | $2,819 |
| Tutoring | $9 | $106 |
| Veterinary | $17 | $205 |
| Wedding Planning | $25 | $296 |
| Welding | $102 | $1,220 |
| Wholesale | $35 | $418 |
| Window Cleaning | $182 | $2,183 |
Maine Workers' Comp Insurance Cost Factors
These cost factors affect workers' compensation insurance rates in Maine:
Recent Rate Cuts
Maine business owners paid $1.67 per $100 of payroll in 2022, while businesses nationwide averaged $1.31. Maine approved a 9.6% average rate decrease for 2025, saving businesses around $27 million. The previous year saw a 19% decrease, resulting in an estimated $55 million return to Maine businesses. Rates still exceed national averages.
25% Rate Adjustment Range
Insurance companies can apply policy credits and debits up to 25% to adjust their filed rates beyond the base manual rates approved by the Maine Department of Insurance. Two identical businesses can receive different quotes based on underwriter assessments of safety practices, management experience and competitive positioning.
Mandatory Owner Payroll Thresholds
Maine requires fixed payroll amounts for rating purposes, regardless of actual earnings. Sole proprietors and partners who include themselves in coverage must use $57,400 for rating calculations. Corporate officers and LLC members included in coverage must use a minimum payroll of $57,200 annually and a maximum payroll of $228,800 annually, which artificially inflates premiums for lower-earning owners.
Enhanced Benefit Levels
Maine's workers' compensation system provides substantial settlements even for injuries causing only partial incapacity. The 2019 reforms increased the maximum compensation rate from 100% to 125% of the state average weekly wage and reintroduced cost-of-living adjustments for total incapacity cases. Higher benefits mean insurers pay more per claim.
Independent Contractor Misclassification Risk
Your insurer might consider contractor employees to be your employees and add their payroll to your premium calculation at audit if you don't obtain proof that workers are independent contractors through a certificate of workers' comp insurance or form WCB-261. This can add thousands of dollars retroactively.
Mandatory Deductible Program
Maine mandates deductibles ranging from $1,000 to $5,000 for workers' comp policies. You must pay the first $1,000 to $5,000 of each claim out of pocket before insurance coverage begins.
Lower EMR Eligibility Threshold
Maine employers receive an experience modification rate once they generate $9,000 in policy premiums during the last year or two years, or $4,500 average premium for multiple years. More small businesses qualify for EMR ratings sooner. A single significant claim in your first few years could trigger rates 20% to 30% higher.
How Much Workers' Comp Insurance Do I Need in Maine?
Maine law requires every private employer to carry workers' compensation coverage starting with your first employee. Coverage amounts scale with total payroll since Maine bases benefits on wages. The maximum weekly benefit is $441 or 125% of the state average weekly wage, whichever is higher. Maine pays two-thirds of lost wages for partial incapacity and 80% of after-tax wages for total incapacity, with medical expenses covered without dollar limits.
Operating without required workers' compensation coverage results in fines up to $10,000 or 108% of unpaid premiums and stop-work orders. Knowing violations constitute criminal charges.
Maine Workers' Comp Insurance Exemptions
Some business categories are exempt from workers' comp requirements:
- Sole proprietors without employees: Automatically excluded from coverage with no waiver form required. Coverage becomes mandatory when hiring employees.
- Self-employed partners: Maine excludes partners from coverage by default. Partners can purchase policies that include partner coverage.
- LLC members: Maine automatically excludes LLC members from workers' comp requirements. Members can add themselves to coverage through their insurance carrier.
- Corporate officers with 20% ownership: Officers owning at least 20% of the corporation's outstanding voting stock can opt out. File a written waiver with the Maine Workers' Compensation Board.
- Family members of business owners: Parents, spouses and children who work for sole proprietors, partners, 20% corporate shareholders or LLC members can waive coverage by submitting a written request to the Board.
- Seasonal or casual farm workers: Exempt when employers maintain at least $25,000 in employer's liability insurance plus $5,000 in medical coverage.
- Small farm operations with six or fewer workers: Exempt when carrying employer's liability insurance of at least $100,000 multiplied by the number of full-time employees, plus $5,000 in medical coverage.
- Small wood harvesting operations: Exempt when harvesting 150 cords of wood or less annually from farm wood lots. Requires $25,000 in liability insurance and $5,000 in medical coverage.
- Domestic service workers: Maine doesn't require coverage for employees performing domestic services in private homes.
- Nonprofit executive officers: Coverage for executive officers of charitable, religious, educational, or other nonprofit corporations depends on the organization's specific policy provisions.
- Nonresident temporary workers: Out-of-state employees working temporarily in Maine don't need coverage if their home state's workers' comp already covers them and the employer has no permanent business location in Maine.
- Independent contractors: Maine law doesn't classify contractors as employees. Workers' comp policies don't cover contractors. Request certificates of insurance from contractors.
FEDERAL WORKERS' COMP PROGRAMS OVERRIDE STATE REQUIREMENTS
Federal employees receive coverage through the Federal Employees' Compensation Act (FECA), railroad workers through the Federal Employers' Liability Act (FELA), and maritime and longshore workers through the Longshore and Harbor Workers' Compensation Act.
Independent contractors and unpaid volunteers don't need coverage under Maine law since the state doesn't classify them as employees. Request certificates of insurance from contractors to protect yourself if Maine later reclassifies their status.
How to Get the Best Workers' Comp Insurance in Maine
Getting workers' comp in Maine means more than finding the lowest rate. You need coverage from an insurer who understands your industry and handles claims efficiently.
- 1Determine if you need workers' comp coverage in Maine
Maine's exemption rules may apply to your business structure and workforce. Sole proprietors without employees don't need coverage, but hiring even one person changes that requirement. Maine defines employees more broadly than many states, so some workers you classify as independent contractors might legally need coverage under state law.
- 2Gather your business information
You'll need your employee count, annual payroll and NCCI classification codes for accurate quotes. Maine uses the National Council on Compensation Insurance system, which assigns industry-specific codes based on your work operations.
Incorrect payroll figures or wrong classification codes can result in audit bills later or gaps in coverage when you file a claim.
- 3Request workers' comp quotes from multiple carriers
Maine's competitive private market offers options, and rates vary between carriers.
Different insurers price the same business differently based on industry, claims history and workforce composition. Some carriers prefer office-based businesses, while others specialize in restaurants or construction. Shopping around reveals the true cost of your coverage and helps you spot the best value.
- 4Research providers with industry experience
Look for insurers who not only offer affordable business insurance rates, but also understand your business risks. Restaurant owners benefit from carriers with experience in handling kitchen injuries and managing seasonal staffing patterns. Construction companies need insurers familiar with Maine's fall protection standards and OSHA requirements for job sites.
- 5Evaluate your top provider options
Compare each insurer's track record to identify the best business insurance for your operation:
- Review claim processing speed, customer service ratings and complaint histories through the Maine Bureau of Insurance.
- Check financial strength ratings from AM Best to confirm the insurer can pay claims over the long term.
- Ask about safety resources, including workplace assessments, return-to-work programs and injury prevention training.
- Look for carriers with established medical provider networks that reduce treatment delays and control costs.
- 6Review and purchase your workers' compensation policy
Choose payment options that fit your cash flow. Pay-as-you-go workers' comp adjusts premiums based on actual payroll rather than estimates, which helps businesses with seasonal or variable staffing.
Confirm your coverage start date and understand when premiums are due. Keep your certificate of insurance handy since Maine requires proof of coverage for business licenses and certain commercial contracts.
- 7Reassess before annual renewal
Review your current employee count, assess any claims you filed and verify your experience modification rate reflects accurate data.
New employees, service expansions or facility changes affect your coverage requirements and premium calculations. Notify your insurer about these updates to maintain proper protection and prevent unexpected charges during annual audits. Your renewal rate may increase based on statewide market conditions, even without claims. Comparing quotes annually ensures you're still getting competitive pricing.
Best Maine Workers' Compensation Insurance: Bottom Line
NEXT, Simply Business and The Hartford lead Maine's workers' comp insurance rankings. Research each company's service quality, compare rates and choose affordable coverage.
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
- Insurance Journal. "Maine Approves 9.6% Decrease in Workers' Compensation Costs." Accessed November 21, 2025.
- Maine Bureau of Insurance. "Maine Bureau of Insurance Approves 9.6% Average Decrease in Workers' Compensation Loss Costs." Accessed November 21, 2025.
- Maine Bureau of Insurance. "Maine's Bureau of Insurance Approves 19% Average Decrease in Workers' Compensation Loss Costs." Accessed November 21, 2025.
- Maine Legislature. "Title 39-A, §211: Maximum Benefit Levels." Accessed November 21, 2025.
- Maine Legislature. "Title 39-A, §212: Compensation for Total Incapacity." Accessed November 21, 2025.
- Maine Legislature. "Title 39-A, §213: Compensation for Partial Incapacity." Accessed November 21, 2025.
- Maine Legislature. "Title 39-A, §324: Compensation Payments; Penalty." Accessed November 21, 2025.
- Maine Legislature. "Title 39-A, §401: Liability of Employer." Accessed November 21, 2025.