Comparison
The Hartford vs. Travelers for Workers' Comp
The Hartford and Travelers are both large, highly rated national carriers founded in Hartford, Connecticut in the 1800s, and both are quoted through our agency. The Hartford carries an AM Best A+ (Superior) rating, while Travelers carries the higher A++ (Superior) rating; both offer pay-as-you-go billing.
The Hartford and Travelers are two of the most established names in U.S. commercial insurance, both tracing their roots to 19th-century Hartford, Connecticut, and both remain major writers of workers' compensation today. The Hartford, founded in 1810, operates as The Hartford Insurance Group, Inc. (NYSE: HIG) and carries an AM Best Financial Strength Rating of A+ (Superior), affirmed July 22, 2026. Travelers, founded in 1864, operates as The Travelers Companies, Inc. (NYSE: TRV) and carries an AM Best Financial Strength Rating of A++ (Superior), affirmed August 21, 2026 -- one step higher on AM Best's scale.
Both carriers distribute workers' comp exclusively through independent agents, both offer a pay-as-you-go premium option, and both maintain dedicated in-house claims and safety/risk-control resources for policyholders. Both are quoted through our agency alongside other carriers, so the practical difference for a given business often comes down to underwriting appetite for its specific class code and claims history rather than any difference in financial strength, since both carriers are highly rated.
The options
The Hartford
Founded 1810; AM Best A+ (Superior); publicly traded (NYSE: HIG); pay-as-you-go available.
Pros
- One of the largest and longest-operating workers' comp writers in the U.S.
- In-house claims handling and risk-engineering/safety consulting
- Pay-as-you-go premium option
- Broad appetite across contractors, offices, retail, and light manufacturing
Cons
- AM Best rating one notch below Travelers' A++
- Sold only through independent agents, not direct
- Program details can vary somewhat by state and class code
Best for
- Established small and mid-size businesses with steady payroll
- Employers wanting pay-as-you-go billing and in-house safety consulting
Travelers
Founded 1864; AM Best A++ (Superior); publicly traded (NYSE: TRV); dedicated risk-control division.
Pros
- Highest AM Best Financial Strength Rating category (A++)
- Dedicated risk-control division for safety consulting and claims management
- Pay-as-you-go premium option
- Strong appetite for multi-state and larger commercial accounts
Cons
- Sold only through independent agents, not direct
- Scale as a large national carrier can mean less specialty-niche flexibility than a boutique program carrier
- Program details can vary somewhat by state and class code
Best for
- Businesses seeking a top-rated national carrier
- Multi-state or growing accounts that may need scale as they expand
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Side by side
| Feature | The Hartford | Travelers |
|---|---|---|
| Founded | 1810, Hartford, CT | 1864, Hartford, CT |
| AM Best rating | A+ (Superior) | A++ (Superior) |
| Rating affirmed | 2026-07-22 | 2026-08-21 |
| Publicly traded | Yes (NYSE: HIG) | Yes (NYSE: TRV) |
| Pay-as-you-go billing | Available | Available |
| In-house risk control/safety | Yes | Yes, via a dedicated risk-control division |
| Distribution | Independent agents only | Independent agents only |
| How quoted | Through our agency | Through our agency |
The bottom line
Both The Hartford and Travelers are large, highly rated national carriers, and both are quoted through our agency, so the choice between them for a specific business usually comes down to underwriting appetite for that business's class code, payroll size, and claims history rather than a meaningful gap in financial strength. Travelers carries the marginally higher A++ rating, while The Hartford has particular depth in small and mid-size commercial accounts. Comparing actual quotes from both, alongside other carriers, is the most reliable way to see which fits.
Frequently asked questions
Is Travelers financially stronger than The Hartford?
By AM Best's rating scale, Travelers' A++ (Superior) is one category above The Hartford's A+ (Superior), though both are considered highly rated insurers.
Do both carriers offer pay-as-you-go billing?
Yes, both The Hartford and Travelers offer a pay-as-you-go premium option tied to actual payroll.
Can I buy either policy directly from the company?
No, both distribute workers' comp exclusively through independent agents rather than selling directly to consumers.
Which one is better for a small business?
Both write small-business workers' comp; the better fit often depends on the specific industry, payroll, and claims history rather than one carrier being universally better.
Can I compare both through your agency?
Yes, both The Hartford and Travelers are quoted through our agency alongside other carrier options.
Sources
- businesswire.com — https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20260722861076/en/AM-Best-Affirms-Credit-Ratings-of-The-Hartford-Insurance-Group-Inc.-and-Its-Subsidiaries
- stocktitan.net — https://www.stocktitan.net/news/TRV/am-best-affirms-credit-ratings-of-the-travelers-companies-inc-and-qjpdu3no5h6o.html
- thehartford.com — https://www.thehartford.com/about-us/insurance-history
- travelers.com — https://www.travelers.com/about-travelers/travelers-history
Last reviewed · Reviewed by Provident Financial Group licensed agents
Compare up to 10 carriers in minutes.
One application goes out to every carrier we can access for your class of business. You get a ranked comparison you can review and purchase online — with a licensed agent available whenever you want one.
Mon–Fri, 8:00am–6:00pm ET · Independent agency licensed in 23 states