AmTrust Financial vs Nationwide
An honest side-by-side comparison of two of our top workers comp insurance picks — pricing, strengths, weaknesses, and who each one is really for.
AmTrust Financial
Ranked #4 of 15 in this directory
Specialized small business workers comp with fast online quoting and approval
Nationwide
Ranked #3 of 15 in this directory
Flexible workers comp solutions with strong bundling for business owners
Our pick: Nationwide. Our editors rank Nationwide higher overall in Workers Comp Insurance — but AmTrust Financial can be the better fit depending on your budget and use case below. How we review
Compare the details
| AmTrust Financial | Nationwide | |
|---|---|---|
| Pricing model | Paid | Paid |
| Starting price | See website | See website |
| Category | Restaurant | Small Business |
| Editorial rank | #4 of 15 | #3 of 15 |
Strengths
AmTrust Financial
- ✓Specializes in small accounts that larger carriers may decline or price too high
- ✓Fast online quoting and approval for many standard business classes
- ✓TrustOnline portal provides real-time access to policies and claims
- ✓Competitive pricing for restaurants, retail, and professional services
- ✓Strong A.M. Best financial strength rating
Nationwide
- ✓Strong bundling discounts when combining workers comp with business owner policies
- ✓Pay-as-you-go billing option helps manage cash flow
- ✓Regular On Your Side policy reviews ensure adequate coverage
- ✓Competitive rates for low-to-medium risk office and service businesses
- ✓Large independent agent network for local, personalized service
Watch out for
AmTrust Financial
- !Customer service quality has received mixed reviews in some markets
- !Not ideal for large or complex accounts that require dedicated underwriting attention
- !Claims resolution speed can vary by state and injury type
- !Limited availability in some states for certain business classes
Nationwide
- !Not the strongest option for high-hazard industries like construction or roofing
- !Claims handling quality can vary by region
- !Digital policy management tools lag behind digital-native competitors
- !Limited specialty programs compared to industry-focused carriers
Best use cases
AmTrust Financial
- →Restaurant owner needing affordable workers comp for kitchen and wait staff
- →Small retailer that larger carriers have declined or overpriced
- →New business needing fast online workers comp approval with minimal paperwork
Nationwide
- →Business owner bundling workers comp with general liability and commercial property
- →Service business seeking pay-as-you-go workers comp billing
- →Growing company wanting regular coverage reviews as headcount increases
About each tool
AmTrust Financial
AmTrust Financial Services is a leading specialty insurer focused heavily on small businesses, offering workers compensation as its flagship product. AmTrust is known for competitive pricing on small accounts that larger carriers often overlook, fast online application and approval, and a streamlined claims process. The company serves over 30 industries and is particularly strong for retail, restaurants, and professional services. AmTrust's TrustOnline portal provides employers with real-time access to certificates, policies, and claims status.
Nationwide
Nationwide offers workers compensation insurance as part of its comprehensive business insurance portfolio, making it an ideal choice for businesses that want to bundle multiple coverages with a single carrier. The company provides pay-as-you-go billing options, strong claims support, and competitive rates for low-to-medium risk businesses. Nationwide's On Your Side promise includes regular policy reviews to ensure coverage keeps pace with business growth. Available through a large network of independent agents nationwide.
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