Nationwide vs NEXT Insurance
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.
Nationwide
Ranked #3 of 15 in this directory
Flexible workers comp solutions with strong bundling for business owners
NEXT Insurance
Ranked #5 of 15 in this directory
100% digital workers comp built for self-employed and small business owners
Our pick: Nationwide. Our editors rank Nationwide higher overall in Workers Comp Insurance — but NEXT Insurance can be the better fit depending on your budget and use case below. How we review
Compare the details
| Nationwide | NEXT Insurance | |
|---|---|---|
| Pricing model | Paid | Paid |
| Starting price | See website | See website |
| Category | Small Business | Technology |
| Editorial rank | #3 of 15 | #5 of 15 |
Strengths
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
NEXT Insurance
- ✓Fully online platform — get a quote and purchase in minutes with no agent needed
- ✓Instant digital certificates of insurance available 24/7
- ✓Covers over 1,300 types of small businesses and trades
- ✓Transparent pricing with no hidden fees or surprise audits for many plans
- ✓Excellent mobile app for managing policies and sharing certificates
Watch out for
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
NEXT Insurance
- !Not suitable for mid-sized or large businesses with complex coverage needs
- !Limited customization compared to traditional carriers with dedicated underwriters
- !Claims handling is managed through third-party partners, which can add delays
- !Not available in all states for all business types
Best use cases
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
NEXT Insurance
- →Self-employed contractor needing instant workers comp for a job site requirement
- →Tech startup with a small team looking for fast, digital-first workers comp
- →Small business owner who wants to manage insurance entirely online without an agent
About each tool
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.
NEXT Insurance
NEXT Insurance is a technology-first insurer that has transformed the small business insurance experience with a fully online platform. Workers compensation policies can be quoted, purchased, and managed entirely online in minutes — no agents, no paperwork. NEXT serves over 1,300 types of small businesses and self-employed workers, offering instant digital certificates of insurance and same-day coverage. The platform is especially popular with sole proprietors, gig workers, and small businesses that value speed and simplicity over in-person agent relationships.
Still deciding? Browse all 15 options with honest pros, cons, and pricing.
See all Workers Comp Insurance →