Next Insurance is introducing a workers’ compensation program in California, with the filing submitted on March 25, 2026 and currently under review. Both new and renewal business are targeted for May 1, 2026.

The program introduces a tiered pricing structure spanning ultra preferred to ultra non standard risks, reflecting a more granular approach to small business segmentation. Pricing is driven by a proprietary rating model that blends standard workers’ compensation variables—payroll, classification, and experience modification—with company-specific adjustments, surcharges, and assessments.

The filing also expands underwriting flexibility through schedule rating, allowing credits and debits of up to 50% based on qualitative factors such as safety practices and operational controls. On the billing side, the program supports monthly, annual, and pay-as-you-go options tied to payroll, reinforcing Next’s focus on aligning coverage with small business cash flow.

The move adds a new line to Next’s portfolio as the company continues to refine its small business offering across states, largely through targeted updates to general liability and commercial property programs:

• Hawaii (Commercial Property): Approved March 26, 2026. 11.3% indicated change with 0.0% overall impact across 377 policyholders and ~$248.7K in premium, signaling a rebalancing of rating factors rather than a rate increase.
• Mississippi (Commercial Property): 5.7% indicated change with 0.0% overall impact, applied to a small book of 207 policyholders and ~$288K in premium.
• Montana (General Liability): 12.7% indicated change with a 0.61% overall impact, affecting 2,952 policyholders and ~$4.57M in premium (~$27.7K increase).
• Oregon (General Liability): 12.7% indicated change with a 1.03% overall impact across 8,725 policyholders and ~$11.9M in premium (~$122.5K increase).
• Pennsylvania (Commercial Property): 13% indicated change with a 9% overall impact, impacting 1,721 policyholders and ~$1.77M in premium.
• Texas (General Liability – forms): Revised forms tighten coverage through expanded exclusions, including worker injury, auto liability, snow and ice removal, and daycare risks, alongside stricter documentation requirements.
• Texas (General Liability – rates): 12.7% indicated change with a 4.83% overall impact across 9,708 policyholders and ~$14.1M in premium (~$681K increase).
• Texas (Commercial Property): Pending review with an 11.3% indicated change and a 0.1% overall impact, covering 2,023 policyholders and ~$2.7M in premium.
• Tennessee (General Liability): Introduction of new base rates with a 12.7% indicated change and minimal impact, applied to 127 policyholders and ~$110.9K in premium (~$19 increase).
• Virginia (General Liability): Filed March 26, 2026 under file-and-use, with new business effective June 5, 2026 and renewals July 30, 2026. Includes a 12.7% indicated change and a 6.02% overall impact across 11,344 policyholders and ~$11M in premium (~$664K increase).

Overall, the California workers’ compensation launch signals a broader expansion , while its recent filings point to a consistent strategy: recalibrating pricing with limited customer impact.