MoneyGeek found the best provider of workers' compensation insurance in Maryland by assessing insurers based on cost, financial stability, customer service and online quote accessibility. For its exceptional performance in all these areas, we identified The Hartford as the state's best workers' compensation insurance company.

In Maryland, businesses with one or more workers are legally obligated to buy workers' compensation insurance to safeguard themselves from potential financial and legal liabilities. This insurance covers medical expenses, lost wages and potential lawsuits that may arise if an employee becomes ill or injured while on the job.

Key Takeaways

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Based on MoneyGeek's comprehensive assessment, The Hartford is identified as the best workers' compensation insurance provider in Maryland. This evaluation considers crucial factors such as cost, financial stability, customer service, and the accessibility of online quotes.

Key Highlights for The Hartford:

- Ranking & Score: The Hartford achieved an impressive MoneyGeek score of 96 out of 100, making it the top-ranked provider in Maryland.
- Average Monthly Premium: The average monthly premium for workers' compensation insurance from The Hartford is $141. For businesses with around 100 employees, this rate is approximately $600 per month. For those with five employees, the rate is around $58 monthly.
- Financial Stability: The Hartford boasts exceptional ratings in financial stability, indicating strong reliability in meeting its financial obligations and providing consistent service.
- Customer Service: Known for superior customer service, The Hartford excels in customer satisfaction, ensuring a smooth experience for policyholders.
- Coverage Limits: The policy offers comprehensive coverage with limits of $1 million for any accident, $1 million per employee, and a total policy limit of $1 million.

For companies specifically looking at cost-effectiveness, Pie offers the cheapest option at an average monthly premium of $122. Pie provides excellent value, especially for businesses with 20 employees and annual payrolls of $1,250,000.

In choosing the best workers' compensation insurance provider, factors such as the number of employees, payroll size, and specific business needs should be considered. The Hartford stands out for its balanced offering of competitive pricing and robust service, catering effectively to diverse business sizes from micro-businesses to larger companies.

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If you're a cost-conscious business owner in Maryland seeking the cheapest workers' compensation insurance, Pie is an excellent choice. With an average monthly premium of $122, Pie offers the most affordable rates in the state. This provider is particularly advantageous for businesses with 20 employees and an annual payroll of $1,250,000, where they experience the best value for their insurance needs.

Opting for Pie as your workers' compensation insurance provider is beneficial given their competitive pricing, which helps businesses manage their financial obligations without compromising necessary coverage. The savings on premiums can be substantial, particularly for small to medium-sized businesses where every dollar counts.

Pie’s affordability, coupled with adequate coverage limits, provides a reliable safety net for businesses, ensuring that medical expenses, lost wages, and other related costs are covered without placing a significant financial strain on the company. Therefore, for budget-conscious enterprises in Maryland, Pie is a strategically sound option for minimizing expenses while maintaining essential insurance protection.

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In Maryland, workers' compensation insurance premiums are influenced by several key factors, leading to potential variations in costs among different businesses. Here's an overview of these factors and how they impact rates:

1. Number of Employees: The more employees a business has, the higher the risk for potential claims, which can increase the insurance premium. Different insurers may offer variable rates based on business size.

2. Payroll Expenses: Payroll size is perhaps the most significant factor in determining premiums. The higher the payroll, the greater the potential liability for the insurer, leading to higher premiums.

3. Employee Class Codes: The type of work employees perform affects the risk level and thus the insurance cost. Certain tasks or industries classified as high-risk may incur higher premiums due to increased chances of accidents or injuries.

4. Claims History: A business with a history of frequent claims may be charged higher premiums. Insurers use historical data to assess potential future risks.

5. State Regulations: Maryland requires businesses with one or more employees to obtain workers' compensation insurance, with specific exemptions for certain small businesses or agricultural entities. These regulations can influence insurance provisioning and costs.

6. Specific Coverage Needs: Desired policy limits (e.g., $1 million per accident, per employee, or total policy limits) will also impact the premium amount, as higher coverage limits typically result in higher costs.

From the data provided, The Hartford emerges as the best provider of workers' compensation insurance in Maryland. It scores high on cost, customer service, financial stability, and ease of obtaining quotes. On the other hand, Pie offers the cheapest insurance option for businesses, presenting good value for those with lower payroll requirements or fewer employees.

The chart provided in the text reflects how premium costs may vary for companies based on the number of employees. For instance, a business with five employees pays an average of $58 a month, while those with around 100 employees might see higher rates, averaging $600 monthly with The Hartford.

It is crucial for Maryland businesses to assess their specific circumstances, such as employee numbers and annual payroll, to find the most appropriate and cost-effective workers' compensation insurance plan that meets their coverage needs.

Why Trust MoneyGeek? We collected 677 workers’ compensation insurance quotes and analyzed cost information alongside customer satisfaction and financial stability reports to determine the best workers’ compensation insurance companies for small businesses in Maryland.

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Coverage costs and company information for workers' compensation insurance providers in Maryland were last updated in 2023.

677Quotes Analyzed
 
6Companies Compared
 
50ZIP Codes

Best Workers’ Compensation Insurance in Maryland

With an impressive MoneyGeek score of 96 out of 100, The Hartford is the best workers' compensation insurance provider in Maryland. Boasting exceptional ratings for customer satisfaction, financial stability and quote processing, The Hartford outshines our runner-up, Thimble.

On average, workers' compensation insurance from The Hartford is priced at $141 monthly. But this cost may vary depending on your company's unique circumstances.

How was this MoneyGeek score calculated?


1
The HartfordBest Overall in Maryland
Score:96

3.8/5

Affordability

5/5

Customer Satisfaction

4/5

Financial Stability

4/5

Online Quote Process

Geek Quick Take
Geek Quick Take
  • Costs an average of $141 per month
  • Highest customer satisfaction score
  • A+ AM Best rating
  • Quick online quote process
More About The Hartford

The Hartford provides reliable service and ranks as the best workers comp insurance company in Maryland. According to the National Association of Insurance Commissioners (NAIC), the company maintains an exceptional track record with a remarkably low rate of customer complaints, ensuring policyholders receive unparalleled support and service.

Regarding affordability, The Hartford secures the third spot among six insurers, offering cost-effective plans. The company's esteemed A+ AM Best rating reflects its dedication to fulfilling obligations to policyholders. The Hartford's online quote generation process is fast, only taking one minute and seven seconds on average.

2
Pie
Score:92

5/5

Affordability

1/5

Customer Satisfaction

2/5

Financial Stability

5/5

Online Quote Process

Geek Quick Take
Geek Quick Take
  • Offers the cheapest rates at $122 per month
  • Get a quote in under 30 seconds
More About Pie

Pie is the most affordable choice for workers' compensation insurance in Maryland. On average, policies from this company come at a monthly cost of $122, but actual rates may vary based on individual factors.

What sets Pie apart is its remarkable speed in providing quotes, as it takes only 27 seconds, making it the fastest among all the companies we analyzed. However, it's important to note that Pie received the highest number of complaints and holds an A- rating for financial stability from AM Best.

3
Thimble
Score:92
4
biBERK
Score:91
5
Next
Score:90
6
Nationwide
Score:87

Cheapest Workers’ Compensation Insurance in Maryland

Pie carries the cheapest workers' compensation insurance in Maryland, with average monthly rates of $122. For companies with 20 employees and annual payrolls of $1,250,000, Pie offers the best value for their insurance needs. Insurance prices are notably influenced by factors such as the number of employees and payroll.

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MoneyGeek Top Pick
Pie

Pie is ideal for budget-conscious business owners seeking workers' comp insurance while managing limited financial resources. It distinguishes itself as the most cost-effective option, with an annual premium of $1,463, which is $57 cheaper than the next most affordable insurer.

Furthermore, Pie delivers quotes quickly, generating them in just 27 seconds. However, Pie has received the highest number of customer complaints according to NAIC ratings, which is an important aspect to take into account when choosing an insurer.

To determine the most affordable choice, refer to the table below that ranks insurance companies based on their average monthly rates. However, note that other factors may come into play when selecting the optimal option for your business.

Pie$122$1,463
Thimble$137$1,520
The Hartford$141$1,695
Next$167$2,003
biBERK$173$1,830
Nationwide$203$2,434

Best Workers’ Compensation Insurance for Micro Businesses in Maryland

For companies with five employees, The Hartford offers the best workers' compensation insurance in Maryland at an average monthly rate of $58.

While the number of employees a business has can influence the cost of worker's compensation insurance, payroll expenses are the primary contributing factor. To identify the best option for micro businesses in Maryland (those with fewer than 10 workers), we collected estimates based on a company with a staff of five and annual payroll expenses totaling $312,500.

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MoneyGeek Top Pick
The Hartford

MoneyGeek highly recommends The Hartford as the preferred choice for workers' compensation insurance for micro businesses in Maryland. It offers rates at $58 per month or $695 annually — the most affordable premium among all the insurance companies we assessed.

Additionally, The Hartford holds an impressive A+ AM Best financial stability rating, indicating the company's financial standing is strong. Moreover, business owners can quickly obtain a quote from The Hartford in just one minute and seven seconds, making it convenient and efficient to compare insurance options.

Best Workers’ Compensation Insurance for Midsize Businesses in Maryland

The Hartford offers the best workers' comp insurance in Maryland for companies with around 100 employees, offering a monthly rate of $600.

In addition to the number of employees, a company's payroll amount is crucial in determining workers' compensation insurance costs. To identify the optimal provider for midsize businesses in Maryland, we gathered estimates based on a business with 100 staff members and a yearly payroll of $6,250,000.

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MoneyGeek Top Pick
The Hartford

Among four other providers, The Hartford offers the best workers' compensation insurance for medium-sized businesses in Maryland. For companies with 100 employees and an annual payroll of $6,250,000, The Hartford offers a monthly rate of $600 or a yearly cost of $7,195.

Its exceptional customer service, robust financial strength and quick and efficient online quote process stand out. However, it is worth noting that The Hartford ranks as the third most affordable option in the state.

How Much Is Workers’ Compensation Insurance in Maryland?

For businesses in Maryland with 20 employees, the average monthly cost of workers' compensation insurance amounts to $157, slightly more affordable than the national average of $168 per month. Below are our sample policy limits:

  • $1 million total policy limit
  • $1 million per employee limit
  • $1 million per accident limit

The insurance policy offers coverage of up to $1 million for any accident and $1 million for each employee, with a total policy limit of $1 million. However, it's important to note that any additional wages lost or medical costs exceeding the policy limit must be covered separately.

The number of employees and annual payroll are key factors that significantly impact insurance premiums. The chart below illustrates how the cost of workers' compensation insurance in Maryland varies based on the number of people a business employs.

How was this cost calculated?

5$70$806
20$157$1,824
100$658$7,670

Factors That Impact Workers’ Compensation Costs in Maryland

The cost of workers' compensation insurance can vary significantly between businesses. Several factors come into play, including the number of workers, payroll expenses, prior claims histories, employee class codes and specific state restrictions.

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    Payroll costs

    Insurance companies typically apply a predetermined fee for every $100 of payroll to workers' compensation insurance costs. This rate varies between industries and is determined at the state level. Businesses with above-average payroll costs are likely to face an elevated rate. In 2022, Maryland implemented an average fee of $1.04 for every $100 of payroll, which was comparatively lower than that of most states.

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    Number of employees

    The number of employees you have can significantly impact your insurance costs. A larger workforce may increase the likelihood of employee illnesses or injuries occurring at work. This heightened risk can lead to higher workers' compensation insurance prices in Maryland.

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    Employee class code

    A worker's class code indicates the specific type of job they perform, such as consulting or manufacturing. The cost of workers' compensation insurance, calculated based on each $100 of payroll, is determined by this class code. Rates tend to be higher in sectors with a greater risk of injuries than in those with fewer hazards. Therefore, if you operate in a high-risk sector, it is likely that your rates will be more expensive.

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    Previous claims

    Insurance companies consider prior claims histories when determining premium rates. Businesses with a lengthy record of claims are viewed as higher-risk clients. In Maryland, workers' compensation claims are quite common. According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) data from 2021, there were 45,800 reported nonfatal workplace illnesses and injuries in privately owned enterprises in Maryland. The national average for nonfatal workplace injuries and illnesses in the private sector was 2,607,900 in the same year, as reported by the BLS.

Do You Need Workers’ Compensation Insurance in Maryland?

In Maryland, it's mandatory for businesses to purchase workers' compensation insurance if they hire one or more workers. Employers in Maryland must buy a policy from an insurance company licensed to provide such coverage in the state.

However, certain companies, such as agricultural businesses with fewer than three employees and businesses with less than $15,000 in annual income, are exempt from this requirement.

While exemptions exist, obtaining workers' compensation insurance in Maryland is crucial for ensuring financial security. If you choose not to buy workers' comp insurance, you assume full financial responsibility for any work-related damages. This can result in significant costs and may lead to legal action from the affected employee.

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WORKERS’ COMP PENALTIES IN MARYLAND

Failure to provide the required workers' comp insurance in Maryland can result in penalties and other adverse consequences, including:

  • Employers who fail to buy the required workers' compensation insurance as mandated by law may face a fine of up to $10,000.
  • It is considered a misdemeanor for an employer to deduct any portion of the workers' compensation insurance premium from the wages of an employee entitled to receive these benefits.

What Does Workers’ Compensation Insurance Cover in Maryland?

In workers' compensation insurance, it is essential to understand that the employer is the policyholder. Workers' compensation insurance in Maryland typically provides coverage for various costs and benefits related to work-related accidents or illnesses. Here are some of the key areas that are usually covered by it:

  • Medical expenses: This includes coverage for medical treatments, doctor visits, hospital admissions and other necessary healthcare services for illnesses or injuries sustained at work.
  • Lost wages: Workers' compensation insurance offers wage replacement benefits to compensate employees who cannot work due to a work-related illness or injury.
  • Vocational rehabilitation: It can involve funding for work retraining, skill development, job placement assistance and other forms of support to help injured workers regain employment or find suitable alternative employment.

It is important to note that the specifics of workers' compensation coverage may vary depending on the specific insurance plan, the nature of the accident or illness and other relevant variables.

Workers’ Compensation Insurance Resources for Employees in Maryland

The Workers' Compensation Commission manages workers’ comp insurance in Maryland. To submit a claim and receive benefits, you can follow these steps:

  • Go to the Employee Claim Form.
  • Complete the form either online or by downloading and printing a paper copy.
  • Submit directly through the website or mail the completed form to the Workers' Compensation Commission.
  • Employers are required to have the claim form readily available for employees at all times.

Please be aware that the process and regulations for making a claim in Maryland may vary depending on the nature of the incident and the type of accident or illness involved.

Frequently Asked Questions About Workers’ Compensation Insurance in Maryland

Before selecting the best workers' compensation insurance in Maryland, it is essential to consider several factors. We have answered some commonly asked questions for your assistance.

Which company has the best workers’ compensation insurance in Maryland?

Which company has the cheapest workers’ compensation insurance in Maryland?

Does Maryland require businesses to have workers’ compensation insurance?

How much does workers’ compensation insurance cost in Maryland?

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