Nationwide vs The Hartford
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
The Hartford
Ranked #1 of 15 in this directory
One of the most trusted workers comp insurers for small and mid-sized businesses
Our pick: The Hartford. Our editors rank The Hartford higher overall in Workers Comp Insurance — but Nationwide can be the better fit depending on your budget and use case below. How we review
Compare the details
| Nationwide | The Hartford | |
|---|---|---|
| Pricing model | Paid | Paid |
| Starting price | See website | See website |
| Category | Small Business | Small Business |
| Editorial rank | #3 of 15 | #1 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
The Hartford
- ✓Over 200 years of insurance experience with deep workers comp expertise
- ✓Pay-as-you-go billing tied to actual payroll eliminates end-of-year audits
- ✓Dedicated nurse case managers speed up employee recovery and return to work
- ✓Coverage available for over 400 different business types and industries
- ✓Strong online portal for certificates, claims tracking, and policy management
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
The Hartford
- !Premiums can be higher than newer digital-first insurers for low-risk businesses
- !Not available as a direct purchase — requires going through an agent in many states
- !Some policyholders report slower claims resolution for complex cases
- !Bundling discounts are limited compared to larger carriers
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
The Hartford
- →Small business owner wanting a trusted carrier with a long track record
- →Employer seeking pay-as-you-go workers comp billing to match cash flow
- →Business with injured workers needing proactive return-to-work programs
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.
The Hartford
The Hartford is a leading provider of workers compensation insurance with over 200 years in the industry. Known for its strong claims management and return-to-work programs, The Hartford helps businesses reduce costs by getting injured employees back on the job quickly. The company offers flexible pay-as-you-go billing tied to actual payroll, an intuitive online portal for policy management, and industry-specific programs for over 400 business types. Its dedicated nurse case managers and vocational rehabilitation services set it apart from competitors for businesses that prioritize employee recovery outcomes.
Still deciding? Browse all 15 options with honest pros, cons, and pricing.
See all Workers Comp Insurance →