May 12, 2026 (ORLANDO, FL)—The performance of the workers compensation system remains healthy according to the 2025 metrics that the National Council on Compensation Insurance (NCCI) released today.
Workers compensation net written premium decreased 0.2% in 2025. Private carriers produced their 12th consecutive year of underwriting profitability with a Calendar Year 2025 combined ratio of 91.
“There’s not a single number that defines the workers compensation system. Behind this year’s combined ratio of 91, factors such as industry mix, state differences, and carrier variation are all shaping results,” said Donna Glenn, FCAS, MAAA, Chief Actuary, NCCI. “As The Source You Trust, NCCI stays vigilant—interrogating the data and questioning outcomes to deliver deeper, actionable insights.”
NCCI’s State of the Line Report and the State of the Line Guide include these key insights:
- Workers compensation net written premium decreased by 0.2% in 2025
- The Calendar Year 2025 combined ratio for workers compensation is 91%, marking 12 consecutive years of underwriting gains
- Workers compensation’s Accident Year 2025 combined ratio is 102% with prior years continuing to experience downward reserve development
- NCCI estimates a redundant industry reserve position of $14 billion
- Lost-time claim frequency declined by 2% in 2025, a slower pace of decline than the long-term average decline
- Severity grew in 2025 with increases of 4% for both medical claim severity and indemnity claim severity
Donna issued the State of the Line Report at NCCI’s Annual Insights Symposium (AIS) 2026 on May 12 in Orlando, FL.
The State of the Line Report, State of the Line Guide, and State of the Line: At a Glance are available now on ncci.com.
About NCCI
With over 100 years of experience, NCCI serves as the nation’s most comprehensive source for workers compensation data, insights, and solutions. NCCI's mission is to foster a healthy workers compensation system—our thought leaders analyze workplace trends and deliver insights to empower informed decision-making.