FirstComp

FirstComp Insurance has set out to do one thing well: keep small and mid-sized businesses covered. The insurance agency provides workers' compensation coverage and caters to "high risk" industries -- service and repair shops, contractors, convenience stores, and lumber yards. Independent agents distribute FirstComp's products to more than 100,000 customers in 30 states. The company does most of its business online, which reduces time and overhead, so FirstComp can sell more policies at a smaller rate. The company has regional offices in Florida, Nevada, and Rhode Island. FirstComp's holding company Aspen was acquired by specialty insurer Markel in 2010, and operates as a separate unit.