Pie earned its lead in small-business workers' comp: data pricing, a three-minute quote, and its own carrier. But "best" depends on how you operate — and several alternatives fit specific needs better. Here are the strongest, and who each one is for.
This is an independent guide from QuoteSweep, which maps the modern commercial insurance landscape. QuoteSweep does not compete with any of these companies. For the full picture on Pie, see our Pie profile.
TL;DR: The best Pie alternatives are Cerity (direct, EMPLOYERS-backed), Hourly (payroll-native pay-as-you-go), CompScience (AI safety for higher-hazard sites), biBERK (Berkshire financial strength), and Foresight (higher-hazard specialist). Pick by what you value most.
Why look past Pie?
Pie is a broad, data-priced workers' comp carrier sold direct or via agents in 39 states plus DC. Reasons to compare alternatives:
- You want pay-as-you-go billing tied to real payroll.
- You want an established carrier's balance sheet behind the policy.
- Your work is higher-hazard and needs active safety support.
- You're outside Pie's 39-state footprint.
1. Cerity — instant, carrier-backed
Cerity is a direct digital workers' comp brand of EMPLOYERS, a century-old workers' comp specialist. Instant quote, monthly payments, cancel anytime — the modern experience with an established carrier behind it.
Fits: businesses that want instant, low-commitment coverage from an established carrier.
2. Hourly — pay-as-you-go
Hourly runs payroll and workers' comp in one platform, so premium bills on real wages each pay run — no big deposit, no year-end audit surprise. See pay-as-you-go workers' comp explained.
Fits: hourly-worker businesses that want payroll and pay-as-you-go workers' comp together.
3. CompScience — AI safety for higher-hazard sites
CompScience pairs workers' comp with AI camera-based safety, turning existing cameras into real-time hazard detection. It cites a case-study 35% reduction in claims frequency.
Fits: higher-hazard, camera-equipped workplaces — construction, manufacturing, warehousing.
4. biBERK — financial strength
biBERK sells workers' comp direct as part of the Berkshire Hathaway Insurance Group, on A++ (Superior) rated carriers.
Fits: businesses that want direct coverage with maximum financial strength.
5. Foresight — higher-hazard specialist
Foresight specializes in higher-hazard, harder-to-place classes — construction, manufacturing, agriculture — bundling the Safesite safety app and coaching, and reports a 17% average claims-frequency reduction.
Fits: higher-hazard employers that are hard to place with standard carriers.
At a glance
| Alternative | Best for | Edge |
|---|---|---|
| Cerity | Direct + carrier strength | EMPLOYERS-backed |
| Hourly | Pay-as-you-go | Payroll-native billing |
| CompScience | Higher-hazard, camera sites | AI camera safety |
| biBERK | Financial strength | Berkshire Hathaway (A++) |
| Foresight | Hard-to-place higher-hazard | Safesite + coaching |
Which alternative should you pick?
- Variable/seasonal payroll? Hourly's pay-as-you-go.
- Want an established carrier? Cerity or biBERK.
- Higher-hazard work? CompScience (camera-equipped) or Foresight (hard-to-place).
- Also want a fast direct quote like Pie's? Cerity is the closest direct-buy experience.
Compare all of them side by side on the workers' comp insurtech hub.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the best alternative to Pie Insurance?
It depends on your need: Cerity for direct carrier-backed coverage, Hourly for pay-as-you-go, CompScience or Foresight for higher-hazard work, and biBERK for financial strength.
Is there a cheaper alternative to Pie?
None publish flat rates; workers' comp premium depends on payroll, class codes, and state. Hourly's pay-as-you-go can help cash flow; compare quotes for the same details.
Which alternative is pay-as-you-go?
Hourly is the clearest pay-as-you-go option — premium billed on real payroll each pay run.
Where can I compare workers' comp insurers?
See the workers' comp insurtech hub for ratings and facts across the field.
The bottom line
Pie is a strong default, but the best fit depends on your situation: Cerity for direct carrier strength, Hourly for pay-as-you-go, CompScience and Foresight for higher-hazard work, and biBERK for financial backing. Compare them on the workers' comp insurtech hub.
