Best general liability insurance companies include:
- The Hartford: $83 monthly (4.64 out of 5)
- Nationwide: $97 monthly (4.48 out of 5)
- Simply Business: $95 monthly (4.45 out of 5)
Best General Liability Insurance for Small Business
The best general liability business insurance comes from The Hartford, NEXT, and Nationwide. We analyzed 79 industries to help you find the best general liability insurance for your business.
Get quotes from the best general liability insurance providers below.
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Updated: August 26, 2025
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Best General Liability Insurance: Key Takeaways
The Hartford has the best general liability insurance overall with the most affordable rates at $83 monthly and highest customer satisfaction scores. NEXT Insurance has the best general liability for digital experience and policy management, while Nationwide is best for construction businesses and restaurants.
The best general liability insurance varies by industry. The Hartford is the best general liability coverage across 43 industries, NEXT ranks best for 25. The best for you will depend on your industry.
General liability insurance covers third-party bodily injury, property damage, and personal injury claims against your business. You should buy a minimum of $1 million in coverage, with higher limits required for high-risk industries.
The best general liability insurance rates vary significantly between companies for identical coverage. Compare general liability quotes from at least three providers.
Best General Liability Insurance Companies
General Liability Insurers | General Liability Score | General Liability Avg Monthly Rate |
|---|---|---|
The Hartford | 4.64 | $83 |
Nationwide | 4.48 | $97 |
Simply Business | 4.45 | $95 |
Thimble | 4.45 | $107 |
NEXT | 4.44 | $102 |
Coverdash | 4.33 | $104 |
Progressive Commercial | 4.26 | $100 |
biBERK | 4.24 | $114 |
Chubb | 4.20 | $119 |
Hiscox | 4.16 | $114 |
For our best general liability insurance rankings, we analyzed quotes for businesses with $300,000 annual revenue and $1 million per claim coverage limits. Scores reflect affordability (50%), customer experience (30%), coverage options (15%), and financial strength (5%).
LEARN MORE ABOUT GENERAL LIABILITY INSURANCE
Before choosing the best general liability insurance for your small business, see these quick guides to understand what it covers and the typical costs involved.
Best General Liability Insurance Companies By Industry
Best general liability insurance varies by industry risk level and specific coverage needs. The Hartford offers the best general liability insurance for 43 industries including accounting, consulting, and manufacturing. NEXT Insurance leads in 25 industries like automotive, food trucks, and photography, while Nationwide excels in high-risk sectors including construction and restaurants.
Your Industry affects your general liability rate: Low-risk businesses like consulting pay less than high-risk industries like construction.
| Accountants | The Hartford | 4.78 |
| Ad Agency | The Hartford | 4.78 |
| Auto Repair | Nationwide | 4.76 |
| Automotive | NEXT | 4.82 |
| Bakery | The Hartford | 4.78 |
| Barber | NEXT | 4.82 |
| Beauty Salon | NEXT | 4.73 |
| Bounce House | The Hartford | 4.78 |
| Candle | NEXT | 4.82 |
| Cannabis | The Hartford | 4.78 |
| Catering | NEXT | 4.73 |
| Cleaning | NEXT | 4.61 |
| Coffee Shop | Coverdash | 4.68 |
| Computer Programming | The Hartford | 4.78 |
| Computer Repair | NEXT | 4.82 |
| Construction | Nationwide | 4.63 |
| Consulting | The Hartford | 4.78 |
| Contractor | The Hartford | 4.74 |
| Courier | The Hartford | 4.78 |
| DJ | NEXT | 4.82 |
| Daycare | The Hartford | 4.78 |
| Dental | NEXT | 4.82 |
| Dog Grooming | The Hartford | 4.67 |
| Drone | The Hartford | 4.78 |
| Ecommerce | NEXT | 4.63 |
| Electrical | Simply Business | 4.71 |
| Engineering | NEXT | 4.75 |
| Excavation | The Hartford | 4.77 |
| Florist | NEXT | 4.62 |
| Food | Coverdash | 4.68 |
| Food Truck | NEXT | 4.82 |
| Funeral Home | The Hartford | 4.78 |
| Gardening | NEXT | 4.82 |
| HVAC | The Hartford | 4.52 |
| Handyman | The Hartford | 4.75 |
| Home-based | NEXT | 4.82 |
| Home-based | NEXT | 4.82 |
| Home-based business | The Hartford | 4.78 |
| Hospitality | Nationwide | 4.76 |
| Janitorial | NEXT | 4.66 |
| Jewelry | The Hartford | 4.76 |
| Junk Removal | The Hartford | 4.78 |
| Lawn/Landscaping | Nationwide | 4.67 |
| Lawyers | The Hartford | 4.78 |
| Manufacturing | The Hartford | 4.78 |
| Marine | The Hartford | 4.78 |
| Massage | Nationwide | 4.76 |
| Mortgage Broker | The Hartford | 4.78 |
| Moving | The Hartford | 4.78 |
| Nonprofit | The Hartford | 4.75 |
| Painting | The Hartford | 4.55 |
| Party Rental | The Hartford | 4.78 |
| Personal Training | The Hartford | 4.78 |
| Pest Control | The Hartford | 4.78 |
| Pet | The Hartford | 4.74 |
| Pharmacy | The Hartford | 4.78 |
| Photography | NEXT | 4.82 |
| Physical Therapy | The Hartford | 4.78 |
| Plumbing | The Hartford | 4.78 |
| Pressure Washing | The Hartford | 4.61 |
| Real Estate | NEXT | 4.82 |
| Restaurant | Nationwide | 4.76 |
| Retail | Nationwide | 4.76 |
| Roofing | NEXT | 4.65 |
| Security | NEXT | 4.63 |
| Snack Bars | The Hartford | 4.78 |
| Software | The Hartford | 4.78 |
| Spa/Wellness | Simply Business | 4.71 |
| Speech Therapist | The Hartford | 4.78 |
| Startup | Simply Business | 4.71 |
| Tech/IT | NEXT | 4.78 |
| Tech/IT | The Hartford | 4.78 |
| Transportation | The Hartford | 4.78 |
| Travel | The Hartford | 4.78 |
| Tree Service | NEXT | 4.67 |
| Trucking | The Hartford | 4.78 |
| Tutoring | NEXT | 4.82 |
| Veterinary | biBERK | 4.70 |
| Wedding Planning | NEXT | 4.82 |
| Welding | The Hartford | 4.78 |
| Wholesale | The Hartford | 4.73 |
| Window Cleaning | The Hartford | 4.60 |
Best General Liability Insurance Companies By State
The Hartford has the best general liability insurance in 41 states, while NEXT Insurance leads in Alaska, Hawaii, Massachusetts, Michigan, Mississippi, South Dakota, and Wisconsin. Best general liability insurance companies rankings by state due to local regulations, market conditions, and likelihood of lawsuit settlements that increase premium costs.
| Alabama | The Hartford | 4.61 |
| Alaska | NEXT | 4.58 |
| Arizona | The Hartford | 4.59 |
| Arkansas | The Hartford | 4.63 |
| California | The Hartford | 4.60 |
| Colorado | NEXT | 4.57 |
| Colorado | The Hartford | 4.57 |
| Connecticut | The Hartford | 4.61 |
| Delaware | The Hartford | 4.61 |
| Florida | The Hartford | 4.60 |
| Georgia | The Hartford | 4.63 |
| Hawaii | NEXT | 4.55 |
| Idaho | The Hartford | 4.59 |
| Illinois | The Hartford | 4.66 |
| Indiana | The Hartford | 4.57 |
| Iowa | The Hartford | 4.64 |
| Kansas | The Hartford | 4.60 |
| Kentucky | The Hartford | 4.59 |
| Louisiana | The Hartford | 4.56 |
| Maine | The Hartford | 4.60 |
| Maryland | The Hartford | 4.67 |
| Massachusetts | NEXT | 4.57 |
| Massachusetts | The Hartford | 4.57 |
| Michigan | NEXT | 4.57 |
| Minnesota | The Hartford | 4.60 |
| Mississippi | NEXT | 4.57 |
| Missouri | The Hartford | 4.55 |
| Missouri | NEXT | 4.55 |
| Montana | The Hartford | 4.58 |
| Nebraska | The Hartford | 4.67 |
| Nevada | The Hartford | 4.64 |
| New Hampshire | The Hartford | 4.61 |
| New Jersey | The Hartford | 4.56 |
| New Mexico | The Hartford | 4.63 |
| New York | The Hartford | 4.59 |
| North Carolina | The Hartford | 4.59 |
| North Dakota | The Hartford | 4.59 |
| Ohio | The Hartford | 4.62 |
| Oklahoma | The Hartford | 4.65 |
| Oregon | The Hartford | 4.62 |
| Pennsylvania | The Hartford | 4.64 |
| Rhode Island | The Hartford | 4.62 |
| South Carolina | The Hartford | 4.59 |
| South Dakota | NEXT | 4.56 |
| South Dakota | The Hartford | 4.56 |
| Tennessee | The Hartford | 4.64 |
| Texas | The Hartford | 4.63 |
| Utah | The Hartford | 4.60 |
| Vermont | The Hartford | 4.63 |
| Virginia | The Hartford | 4.59 |
| Washington | The Hartford | 4.64 |
| West Virginia | The Hartford | 4.62 |
| Wisconsin | NEXT | 4.55 |
| Wisconsin | The Hartford | 4.55 |
| Wyoming | The Hartford | 4.64 |
Best General Liability Insurance Reviews
Our top three picks for the best general liability insurance companies bring something different to the table. Let's explore what makes them worth considering.
The Hartford: Best General Liability Insurance Company
pros
Offers the most affordable rates nationwide
Ranks first for its claims process
Provides excellent customer service
cons
Ranked low in general liability policy digital experience
Ranked lower than other providers studied for policy management
Doesn’t offer general liability insurance in Hawaii and Alaska
COMPANY HIGHLIGHTS
The Hartford offers small businesses the best combination of low rates and reliable financial protection. With an average monthly cost of $83 ($1,001 annually) for general liability coverage, it offers the most affordable option while maintaining AM Best's A+ Superior Financial Strength Rating.
MoneyGeek uses Hartford as our business insurance provider. Our research team contacted The Hartford's customer service and was able to connect with an agent in 3 minutes or less. We tested their claims process with sample submissions and found they processed requests 40% faster than the industry average we documented across other providers. We also analyzed state insurance department complaint data and found The Hartford maintains a complaint ratio 35% below the national average.
You'll get excellent claims service and customer support, though you'll need to work with agents rather than handling everything online since The Hartford scored below average in our digital experience testing.
NEXT: Best for Customer Experience
pros
Ranks first in digital experience and policy management
Likely to be recommended by present customers to others
Provides instant online quotes and coverage setup
Offers policies in all 50 states
cons
Has higher rates than most competitors
Primarily digital-first with limited agent support
COMPANY HIGHLIGHTS
NEXT excels in digital experience and customer service. It has a 4.6-star rating on Trustpilot while serving over 600,000 businesses. MoneyGeek’s research found that general liability policies average $102 monthly (around $1,223 annually).
We tested NEXT's best general liability insurance platform and completed full policy applications in under 90 seconds, faster than any provider we evaluated. We found NEXT's general liability insurance quotes provided accurate pricing within 15 seconds, while other competitors required lengthy forms or agent consultations. We also tested their business general liability insurance certificate system and found businesses can generate and download certificates 24/7 from mobile devices.
You'll pay more for your general liability insurance policy, but you'll get instant online quotes, immediate coverage and easy certificate management. NEXT is an excellent option for tech-savvy businesses that value convenience and speed.
Nationwide: Best for Construction Businesses and Restaurants
pros
Ranks second overall among all providers studied and second in policy management
Ranks third for financial stability with an A (Excellent) AM Best rating
Specializes in high-risk industries
Offers coverage for unique and unusual business classes
Has nearly 100 years of insurance experience
cons
GL policies are more expensive than other insurers analyzed
Claims process ranks fifth nationally
COMPANY HIGHLIGHTS
Nationwide was the top pick for seven industries, including construction and restaurants. These industries face daily liability exposure from job site accidents, customer injuries and property damage, making specialized underwriting crucial.
Nationwide also ranked second overall in our analysis. Its expertise lies in high-risk and specialty businesses, from general contractors and demolition work to restaurants and special events. Construction businesses pay an average of $78 monthly ($932 annually) while restaurants average $83 monthly ($994 annually) for general liability coverage from Nationwide.
How to Get the Best General Liability Insurance
Finding the best general liability insurance doesn't have to be overwhelming. Follow these steps to get coverage that fits your business and budget:
- 1
Assess your business risk profile
Consider what might happen in your business, like customer injuries, property damage or lawsuits and how much it would cost. It'll help you choose the right coverage without paying for protection you don't need.
For example, a bakery faces slip-and-fall risks and food poisoning liability, while a marketing agency mainly worries about data breaches and professional errors.
- 2
Determine your coverage needs
Most businesses need $1 million in general liability coverage, but requirements vary by industry and contracts. Due to higher risk exposure, general liability insurance for contractors often requires $2 million for commercial projects, while a freelance graphic designer might only need $500,000.
- 3
Gather business information
Prepare your business license, tax ID, revenue projections, employee information, claims history and safety protocols for faster, more accurate quotes. A restaurant owner, for instance, should have liquor licenses, food safety certifications and employee training records ready, as these qualify for discounts.
- 4
Shop multiple providers
Get quotes from traditional carriers, digital-first companies and independent agents. Insurers evaluate your business differently so you can get varying rates for the same coverage. Shopping multiple providers lets you see price differences.
- 5
Compare beyond price
A plumbing business should prioritize insurers with strong water damage coverage and responsive claims service. Beyond cost, evaluate AM Best ratings, coverage exclusions and available discounts. Check claims handling reviews to see how quickly and fairly insurers handle claims.
- 6
Negotiate and optimize
You can lower your general liability costs by bundling with other types of business insurance, choosing higher deductibles and paying annually. A small retail store can bundle general liability with professional liability insurance and add safety training to reduce premiums and improve coverage.
- 7
Review and adjust annually
Review your policy yearly as your business grows. Don't auto-renew without comparing options, since you might qualify for better rates. Picture a growing tech startup that should increase coverage limits, or mature businesses with clean records that qualify for loyalty discounts.
These steps make getting business insurance much more manageable and cost-effective. You'll end up with better coverage that works for your budget.
What Do the Best General Liability Policies Cover?
General liability insurance protects your business from third-party claims involving bodily injury, property damage, and personal injury. Best general liability insurance policies include three main coverages: Coverage A (bodily injury and property damage), Coverage B (personal and advertising injury like copyright infringement), and Coverage C (medical payments regardless of fault). Most businesses need $1-2 million in coverage**,** with higher limits for construction and manufacturing companies due to increased risk exposure.
Common scenarios covered include:
- Customer injuries on your property (slip-and-fall accidents)
- Property damage from your business operations
- Copyright or trademark infringement claims
- Defective products causing customer losses
General liability insurance doesn't cover professional mistakes, cyber attacks, or employee injuries. These require separate policies like professional liability, cyber insurance, and workers' compensation.
Learn more about coverage details, exclusions, and how to determine your coverage needs in our complete guide: What Is General Liability Insurance?
Best Small Business General Liability Insurance: Bottom Line
The Hartford, Nationwide and Simply Business offer the best general liability insurance for small businesses in 2025. Finding the right commercial general liability insurance depends on your industry, business size, state and coverage needs. Consider service quality, coverage options and how they handle claims, not just price.
Best General Liability Insurance: FAQ
If you're trying to find the best general liability insurance for your business, these frequently asked questions cover what everyone wants to know:
What is general liability insurance and how does it work?
General liability insurance protects you financially if someone sues your business. It pays for legal defense costs, court judgments and settlements up to your policy limits when someone sues your business for property damage or injuries.
How much does general liability insurance cost for a small business?
Our research showed that general liability insurance costs range from $17 to $916 monthly, depending on industry risk. Low-risk businesses like software ($21/month) and consulting ($22/month) pay less, while high-risk industries like construction ($158/month) and pressure washing ($916/month) have higher premiums.
What does general liability insurance cover for small businesses?
General liability covers bodily injury (like a customer slipping at your business), property damage (like accidentally breaking client equipment), and personal/advertising injury (like copyright infringement lawsuits, libel or slander in your advertising).
Do I need general liability insurance for my small business?
Most states don't legally require it, but clients often demand proof of coverage for contracts, landlords require it for leases and professional licenses may mandate specific amounts. Without coverage, lawsuits could threaten your personal assets since business debts can become personal liabilities.
What's NOT covered by general liability insurance?
General liability excludes your business property, professional errors, employee injuries, business vehicles, cyber attacks, intentional acts, pollution, employment lawsuits, product recalls and business interruption losses. You'll need separate policies for these specific risks.
Which is better: business owners policy vs general liability?
Choose a business owner's policy when you need general liability plus property coverage, as bundling costs less than buying them separately. Business owner's policy vs. general liability depends on your needs: BOPs suit retail stores and restaurants, while standalone general liability works better for contractors and consultants.
How much general liability coverage should my business have?
Most businesses start with $1 million per occurrence and $2 million aggregate coverage. For example, higher-risk businesses like contractors need $2 million per occurrence, while low-risk consultants might consider $500,000. Your coverage should exceed your assets since larger settlements become personal responsibility.
What's the difference between professional liability insurance vs general liability?
General liability and professional liability serve different purposes. General liability handles physical injuries and property damage, while professional liability covers service mistakes and errors. Many businesses need both. For example, consultants need professional liability for bad advice and general liability for client injuries.
How fast can I get general liability insurance?
You can get coverage the same day through digital-first insurers like Thimble, which offer instant quotes and same-day certificates. Traditional insurers take one to three business days. To speed up the process, prepare your business information like revenue, employee count and coverage limits before applying.
Can I get cheap general liability insurance with bad credit?
Bad credit affects small business insurance costs, so expect higher premiums. Focus on insurers like Thimble or NEXT that specialize in high-risk businesses. Consider higher deductibles to reduce premiums and emphasize safety improvements when applying to offset credit concerns.
Commercial General Liability Insurance: Expert Advice
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How We Chose the Best General Liability Insurance Companies
We gathered thousands of quotes from 79 industries across four coverage types: professional liability, general liability, workers' compensation and business owner's policies.
Our research used a two-employee business with $300,000 annual revenue and $150,000 payroll for accurate rate comparisons. Coverage included $1 million per claim and $2 million aggregate limits.
Our Scoring Model
- Affordability (50%): Cost drives most small business decisions. Using our research, we compared each company's rates across all four insurance types.
- Customer Experience (30%): When filing claims, service quality matters. We used J.D. Power ratings, National Association of Insurance Commissioners complaint data, review sites and independent agency ratings.
- Coverage Options (15%): Business needs vary, so flexibility counts. We assessed coverage breadth, policy limits and customization options each company offers.
- Financial Strength (5%): Great rates don't help if companies can't pay claims. We evaluated stability using AM Best and Moody's ratings, financial reports and business longevity.
This approach reflects real priorities: affordable coverage from stable companies that handle claims smoothly. By testing identical business profiles, you can see how rates and services compare for businesses like yours.
About Mark Fitzpatrick
Mark Fitzpatrick, a Licensed Property and Casualty Insurance Producer, is MoneyGeek's resident Personal Finance Expert. With over five years of experience analyzing the insurance market, he conducts original research and creates tailored content for all types of buyers. His insights have been featured in publications like CNBC, NBC News and Mashable.
Fitzpatrick holds a master’s degree in economics and international relations from Johns Hopkins University and a bachelor’s degree from Boston College. He's also a five-time Jeopardy champion!
Passionate about economics and insurance, he aims to promote transparency in financial topics and empower others to make confident money decisions.
sources
- AM Best. "AM Best Affirms Credit Ratings of Nationwide Mutual Insurance Company and Its Key Operating Subsidiaries.." Accessed July 14, 2025.
- AM Best. "AM Best Revises Issuer Credit Rating Outlook to Positive for The Hartford Financial Services Group, Inc. and Its Subsidiaries." Accessed July 14, 2025.
- Nationwide. "E&S/Specialty Insurance: Who We Are." Accessed July 14, 2025.
- NEXT. "Customer Reviews.." Accessed July 14, 2025.
- Trustpilot.. "nextinsurance.com.." Accessed July 14, 2025.