How Much Does Social Worker Insurance Cost? 2026 Rates

Social workers in the United States typically spend between $360 and $600 per year on business insurance, which equals about $30 to $50 per month. Actual premiums vary depending on the overall risk profile of the practice. Several factors influence how much coverage will cost, including type of services offered, work setting, client risk level, claims history, coverage limits, and state regulations.

How Much Does Social Worker Insurance Cost?

On average, social workers spend between $360 and $600 annually on insurance. That equals about $30 to $50 per month. These figures are only estimates, and the actual premium depends on the details of your practice.

No two social workers face the same risks. A solo practitioner offering general counseling may pay far less than a clinical social worker handling high-risk clients or working in crisis intervention.

Several factors influence how much you’ll pay for coverage:

• Claims history.
• Property size and value.
• Number of employees.
• Business interruption and add-ons.
• Services.
• Clients.
• Work Setting.
• Location.
• Mode Of Practice.

Understanding these variables helps social workers estimate insurance needs more accurately and budget for the real costs of protecting their practice. With the right coverage, you can safeguard your career without overspending.

Average Social Worker Insurance Costs For Coverage Types

When it comes to protecting your social worker business, different types of insurance cover different risks. Understanding the average cost, coverage details, and what influences pricing for each policy type can help you build a more effective insurance plan. Here’s a closer look at the major coverages most social workers need.

• General liability insurance: $30 per month
• Business owner’s policy: $55 per month
• Professional liability / Medical malpractice insurance: $54 per month
• Workers’ compensation insurance: $62 per month
• Commercial auto insurance: $150 per month

General Liability Insurance

The average cost of general liability insurance for a social worker is about $30 per month.

General liability covers third-party bodily injury, property damage, and advertising injuries. For instance, if a client visits your office and trips over a loose rug, injuring their ankle, this policy would help cover their medical bills and any legal costs if they decide to file a claim.

Typical policy limits are $1 million per occurrence and $2 million aggregate.

Factors that influence the cost include the coverage limits and deductible you choose, the kind of services you provide, how much money your business makes, and any extra coverage or people you add to your policy.

Average annual premiums by state:

Note: These estimates are based on average national General Liability Insurance premiums for social worker businesses, adjusted slightly for state-level differences. Actual premiums will vary depending on business size, services offered, claims history, and insurer underwriting practices.

Business Owner’s Policy (BOP)

The average cost of a business owner’s policy (BOP) is about $55 per month for social workers.

A BOP bundles general liability insurance with commercial property insurance. It protects against customer injuries, property damage, and loss or damage to your office space, furniture, or equipment. For example, if a small electrical fire damages your therapy office and destroys your computer and client files, the BOP would help cover the cost of repairs and replacements.

Typical policy limits are $1 million per occurrence and $2 million aggregate for liability, with separate property coverage limits based on the value insured.

Cost factors include the business property value, location risk (such as flood or crime rates), business revenue, number of employees, and your specialty.

Average annual premiums by state:

Note: These estimates are based on average national Business Owner’s Policy (BOP) premiums for social worker businesses, adjusted slightly for state-level differences. Actual premiums will vary depending on business size, services offered, claims history, and insurer underwriting practices.

Professional Liability Insurance

The average cost of professional liability insurance for a social worker is about $54 per month.

Professional liability insurance (also called Errors and Omissions Insurance) protects your business if a customer claims you made a mistake, gave bad advice, or didn’t do the job properly, and it caused them a financial loss.

For example, if a client says your counseling advice made their situation worse and sues you for negligence, this insurance would help cover your legal defense costs and any settlement or judgment you’re required to pay.

The cost of professional liability insurance depends on things like how much coverage you want, how big your business is, and the kind of services you provide.

Average annual premiums by state:

Note: These estimates are based on average national Professional Liability Insurance premiums for social worker businesses, adjusted slightly for state-level differences. Actual premiums will vary depending on business size, services offered, claims history, and insurer underwriting practices.

Workers’ Compensation Insurance

The average cost of workers’ compensation insurance for a social worker is around $62 per month.

Workers’ comp covers medical bills, rehabilitation, and lost wages for employees injured on the job. For example, if a social work assistant slips and falls while organizing client files in the office, workers’ comp would help pay for their medical treatment and cover part of their lost wages while they recover.

Policy limits are regulated by each state, but typically include medical costs and a percentage of lost wages without a set cap.

Premiums are influenced by the size of your payroll, the type of work employees perform, your claims history, and any implemented safety programs.

Average annual premiums by state:

Note: These estimates are based on average national Workers’ Compensation Insurance premiums for social worker businesses, adjusted slightly for state-level differences. Actual premiums will vary depending on payroll size, number of employees, claims history, and insurer underwriting practices.

Commercial Auto Insurance

The average cost of commercial auto insurance for a social worker is about $150 per month.

Commercial auto insurance covers vehicles owned or used by the business for accidents, theft, vandalism, or damage. For example, if you’re driving to a client’s home for a visit and get into an accident, this policy would help cover the repair costs and any third-party injury or property damage claims.

Factors influencing the cost include the number and type of vehicles, how often they are used, the driving records of employees, and whether you add endorsements like hired and non-owned auto insurance (HNOA) for employee-owned vehicles.

Average annual premiums by state:

Note: These estimates are based on average national Commercial Auto Insurance premiums for social worker businesses, adjusted slightly for state-level differences. Actual premiums will vary depending on the number of vehicles, driving records, coverage limits, and insurer underwriting practices.

Social Worker Business Insurance Costs By Provider

Social worker business insurance costs will vary greatly depending on the insurance carrier. Use the table below to find average costs across different providers.

Note: These estimates are based on average small business insurance costs for social workers, typically including professional liability (errors & omissions/malpractice), general liability, and business owner’s policies. Actual premiums will vary depending on factors such as location, practice size, services offered, claims history, and coverage limits.

What Factors Impact Your Social Worker Insurance Costs?

Insurance premiums for social workers are based on the overall risk profile of your practice. Underwriters consider the services you provide, the clients you serve, your work setting, and your claims history when calculating rates.

Claims History

A record of lawsuits or workplace injuries can raise premiums, as insurers see this as higher risk. Maintaining a clean history often helps secure discounts and lower costs.

Location

Where you practice matters. Social workers in cities with higher lawsuit rates or property crime often pay more for coverage compared to those in safer suburban or rural areas.

Type Of Services Provided

Not all services carry the same risk. Clinical social workers offering therapy or crisis intervention typically face higher premiums than those providing general case management or support services.

Size Of Practice

The number of employees and clients you manage affects insurance costs. Solo practitioners usually pay less, while larger practices with multiple staff members face higher liability exposure and must carry workers’ compensation coverage.

Work Setting

Your workplace environment also plays a role. High-traffic offices, hospitals, or home visits often require more coverage than virtual-only sessions, which carry fewer physical risks.

How To Lower Your Social Worker Insurance Costs

Being a social worker comes with expenses, but your insurance premiums don’t have to overwhelm you. While coverage is essential, there are practical ways to cut costs without losing protection.

Raise Your Deductible

Opting for a higher deductible is a straightforward way to lower monthly premiums. Just be sure you can comfortably cover the out-of-pocket amount if a claim arises.

Bundle Policies Together

Combining coverage often leads to savings. Many insurers offer a Business Owner’s Policy (BOP) that merges general liability and property insurance at a reduced rate. Adding workers’ compensation through the same provider can unlock additional discounts while simplifying paperwork.

Ask About Discounts

Insurers frequently reward loyalty and upfront payments. You may qualify for reduced rates by signing a multi-year agreement or paying your premium in full instead of monthly installments.

Build Safer Client Spaces

Accidents or workplace hazards can quickly drive up insurance costs. Keeping offices clean, ensuring safe meeting areas, training staff to handle difficult situations, and following privacy protocols all help reduce risks. Fewer incidents mean fewer claims, which lowers liability premiums over time.

Strengthen Your Safety Program

Workers’ compensation costs can be managed by focusing on employee safety. Training staff on ergonomics, safe lifting, stress management, and confidentiality procedures reduces injuries and mistakes. When fewer claims are filed, premiums stay lower.