Our analysis found that The Hartford offers the best general liability insurance for small businesses with a 4.64 MoneyGeek score. You'll pay $83 monthly, which is $21 below the $104 industry average. Nationwide and Simply Business are solid alternatives for businesses seeking reliable coverage.
Best General Liability Insurance for Small Business
The Hartford has the best general liability insurance for small businesses, earning an overall MoneyGeek score of 4.64 out of 5.
Get quotes from The Hartford and other top general liability insurance providers below.
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Updated: September 12, 2025
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Best General Liability Insurance: Key Takeaways
The Hartford, Nationwide and Simply Business offer the best general liability insurance for small businesses nationwide.
The best general liability insurance for you depends on what kind of business you run and where you're located.
When buying general liability insurance, optimize your payment structure, assess your risks and compare providers strategically to get the best rates and coverage for your business needs.
Best General Liability Insurance Companies
| The Hartford | 4.64 | $83 |
| Nationwide | 4.48 | $97 |
| Simply Business | 4.45 | $95 |
| Thimble | 4.45 | $107 |
| NEXT Insurance | 4.44 | $102 |
| Coverdash | 4.33 | $104 |
| Progressive Commercial | 4.26 | $100 |
| biBERK | 4.24 | $114 |
| Chubb | 4.20 | $119 |
| Hiscox | 4.16 | $114 |
Note: We analyzed rates for businesses with $300,000 annual revenue and $1 million coverage limits. Your costs vary based on your industry, location and specific business factors, so expect some variation when you get quotes.
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Best General Liability Insurance Companies By State
The Hartford offers the best general liability insurance for small businesses in 42 states, while NEXT Insurance leads in nine. Your public liability rates will depend on how often businesses get sued in your state and local insurance regulations.
| 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
We evaluated 10 providers to find the best general liability insurance for your small business. Here are detailed reviews of our top picks for affordability, customer service and coverage options:
The Hartford
Best for Affordability
MoneyGeek Rating
4.6/ 5
4.6/5Affordability
4.6/5Customer Experience
4.7/5Coverage Options
Average Cost of General Liability
$83/monthlyWe analyzed thousands of general liability quotes from insurers across 79 industriesOur Survey: Claims Process
4.5/5MoneyGeek conducted proprietary research analyzing provider features, pricing and customer experience factors.Our Survey: Likely to Recommend to Others
4.5/5MoneyGeek conducted proprietary research analyzing provider features, pricing and customer experience factors.
NEXT
Best for Customer Experience
MoneyGeek Rating
4.6/ 5
4.6/5Affordability
4.6/5Customer Experience
4.7/5Coverage Options
Average Cost of General Liability
$102/monthlyWe analyzed thousands of general liability quotes from insurers across 79 industriesOur Survey: Claims Process
3.9/5MoneyGeek conducted proprietary research analyzing provider features, pricing and customer experience factors.Our Survey: Likely to Recommend to Others
4.8/5MoneyGeek conducted proprietary research analyzing provider features, pricing and customer experience factors.
Simply Business
Best for Coverage Availability
MoneyGeek Rating
4.5/ 5
4.4/5Affordability
4.2/5Customer Experience
4.9/5Coverage Options
Average Cost of General Liability
$94/monthlyWe analyzed thousands of general liability quotes from insurers across 79 industriesOur Survey: Claims Process
3.7/5MoneyGeek conducted proprietary research analyzing provider features, pricing and customer experience factors.Our Survey: Likely to Recommend to Others
4.2/5MoneyGeek conducted proprietary research analyzing provider features, pricing and customer experience factors.
How to Get the Best General Liability Insurance
Finding the right general liability insurance requires understanding your business's liability risks, from customer slip-and-falls to property damage claims. We provide personalized recommendations to help you choose the right provider and coverage levels based on your business structure, industry and risk profile.
Coverage Needs by Business Structure
How much public liability coverage you need depends on your business structure. Sole proprietors face personal liability for business lawsuits, while LLC owners have built-in protection that reduces their coverage needs.
Minimum $1 million per occurrence | Home-based business risks, personal guarantee implications, unlimited liability exposure | You need coverage because there's no legal barrier between your business and personal assets. Someone who sues your business can go after your house, car and savings accounts. | |
Corporation/LLC | $1-2 million per occurrence based on assets | Corporate veil piercing scenarios, business asset protection, regulatory compliance requirements | You need coverage because your business assets are still exposed to lawsuits, even with corporate protection. This coverage protects your company's money and property while maintaining your legal protections. |
Partnership | $2 million+ per occurrence | Shared liability exposure, partner action coverage, business relationship protection | You face joint liability where any partner's mistake can expose everyone's assets. Higher limits protect all partners since one person's actions create risk for the entire partnership. |
Independent Contractors | Per client contract requirements | Misclassification issues, client property damage, professional liability overlap | You need coverage to work with clients who require proof of insurance. Check contract requirements before buying and ensure you can get insurance certificates quickly. |
Coverage Needs by Industry
Different industries face unique liability risks that affect your coverage requirements and costs. We evaluated coverage needs across major business sectors to help you understand what protection makes sense for your industry.
$2–5 million per occurrence, $4–10 million aggregate | Third-party injuries on job sites (pedestrians, property owners, visitors)Property damage from construction operations (neighboring buildings, utilities, landscaping)Subcontractor liability and additional insured requirements | Completed operations coverage protects you from claims that surface years after finishing a job. Clients will ask for certificates of insurance before letting you start work. Your policy should include contractual liability since you'll likely sign agreements assuming responsibility for accidents. | |
$1–2 million per occurrence, $2–4 million aggregate | Customer slip-and-fall accidents (wet floors, uneven surfaces, spills)Food poisoning claims and foodborne illness liabilityDelivery driver incidents and off-premises operations | Most of your claims will happen inside your restaurant, so premises liability matters more than off-site coverage. Delivery operations need separate attention if you offer takeout or catering. Tourist areas and seasonal businesses should expect rate adjustments. | |
$1–2 million per occurrence, $2–3 million aggregate | Customer injuries in store (slips, falls, merchandise-related accidents)Product display accidents and falling merchandiseParking lot incidents and premises liability | Holiday shopping periods bring crowds and higher accident risk. Your biggest liability exposures come from slip-and-fall accidents, so premises maintenance directly affects your rates. Customer flow patterns matter when insurers evaluate your risk. | |
Professional Services | $1–2 million per occurrence, $2–4 million aggregate | Client premises visits and office-based injuriesEquipment damage during service deliveryAdvertising injury claims and intellectual property disputes | Client contracts often specify minimum coverage amounts before you can start work. Certificate generation needs to be fast and easy for your business model. Multi-state operations require checking coverage territory limits with your insurer. |
Manufacturing or Warehousing | $2–5 million per occurrence, $4–10 million aggregate | Visitor and vendor injuries in facilitiesDelivery truck damage and loading dock incidentsProduct demonstration accidents and facility tours | Industrial settings pose different risks for visitors than employees, so safety protocols matter for liability coverage. Watch for loading dock property damage since trucks back into equipment or structures regularly. Check if your policy covers product demos and facility tours since these aren't standard business operations. |
Coverage Needs by Revenue
Your business revenue affects both your liability exposure and coverage costs. Larger businesses face more customer interactions and commercial claims happen more often, requiring higher levels of financial protection.
Small Business (Under $500,000 Annual Revenue) | $1 million per occurrence, $2 million aggregate | Start with cost-effective basic protection that meets contract requirements without straining your budget. You can increase coverage limits as your business grows and faces more complex liability risks. | Digital-first insurers offer streamlined processes and competitive rates for straightforward small business risks. Online applications often provide instant quotes and same-day coverage. |
Medium Business ($500,000–$2 Million Annual Revenue) | $1–2 million per occurrence, $2–4 million aggregate | Focus on scalable coverage that adapts as your business expands. Risk management programs make financial sense now since the premium savings become substantial at this revenue level. | Regional carriers often provide growth support and dedicated service teams. They understand mid-market needs and offer risk management resources that help reduce future claims. |
Large Business ($2 Million+ Annual Revenue) | $2–5 million per occurrence, $4–10 million aggregate, umbrella policy consideration | Invest in comprehensive financial protection that matches your assets. Umbrella policies provide additional coverage layers, while self-insured retention can help control premium costs. | National carriers with enterprise capabilities provide dedicated account management and comprehensive risk control services. They have resources for complex coverage needs and multi-location operations. |
How to Get the Best Deal on General Liability Insurance
Take these steps before you shop to lower your general liability costs without sacrificing coverage. Smart preparation can save you hundreds of dollars annually while improving your coverage quality.
- 1
Optimize your payment and coverage structure
Choose higher deductibles to reduce premiums, pay your premium yearly instead of monthly to avoid installment fees and bundle general liability with other business insurance to unlock multi-policy discounts from most carriers.
- 2
Get quotes from multiple providers
Shop at least three different insurers since rates can vary dramatically for identical coverage. We found monthly rates ranging from $83 to $119 for the same general liability coverage, making comparing premiums essential for finding the best deal.
- 3
Optimize your risk profile before shopping
Fix obvious hazards like broken walkways, improve lighting and install safety equipment. Address these issues before getting quotes, since insurers will inspect your premises and base rates on current conditions, not future improvements you promise to make.
- 4
Document risk management practices
Create written safety procedures, employee training records and maintenance schedules before applying for coverage. Insurers often reward businesses with documented risk management programs through premium discounts, which can result in meaningful annual savings on your policy.
- 5
Assess your third-party risk exposure
Document how many customers visit your location, what services you provide at client sites and potential liability hazards around your business. Take photos of risk areas and gather records of past incidents or near-misses to identify patterns that affect your premium rates.
How to Choose the Right General Liability Provider
Finding the right general liability insurer takes more than comparing quotes. You want an insurer that offers fair rates, handles claims well and stays financially stable when you need it most.
Financial Strength and Stability
Check that they maintain an AM Best rating of A- or higher and have a solid track record of paying claims over the past five years.
Claims Handling Reputation
Find out their average settlement times, preferred vendor networks and what customers say about their claims experience and communication.
Pricing Transparency and Fairness
Make sure the provider clearly explains all rating factors, renewal processes and fees while offering multi-year rate guarantees when possible to control your general liability costs.
Policy Administration Capabilities
See how quickly they generate certificates of insurance, add additional insureds and handle policy changes through digital tools.
Industry Specialization
Choose providers who know your business sector well and understand your specific risks better than generic insurers.
Risk Management Support
Ask what loss control services, safety resources, and premium reduction programs they offer businesses in your industry.
Service Accessibility and Support
Make sure they have local agents available, dedicated commercial teams and can handle after-hours claim reporting when you need it.
Other Recommended Coverage by Industry
General liability covers third-party claims, but your business likely needs additional protection. Here are essential complementary insurance types that work alongside your public liability coverage for comprehensive business protection.
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Health Care or Medical Practices |
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Workers' Compensation: Stylists develop repetitive motion injuries and get hurt from chemicals and equipment. Required in most states once you hire staff. Product Liability: You could face product liability claims beyond standard coverage if you sell beauty products that cause reactions or injuries. | |
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Best Small Business General Liability Insurance: Bottom Line
The Hartford, Nationwide and Simply Business lead our rankings for general liability insurance, but your ideal provider depends on your industry and location. You'll get the best deal by optimizing your payment structure, assessing your specific risks and comparing providers strategically instead of focusing only on price. This approach helps you find comprehensive protection that fits both your budget and business needs.
Best General Liability Insurance: FAQ
Small business owners have many questions about general liability insurance coverage, costs and providers. We've answered the most frequently asked questions to help you make informed decisions:
How much does general liability insurance cost for small businesses?
According to our analysis, small business general liability insurance costs $83 to $119 monthly, depending on the provider. The industry average is $104 monthly for businesses with $300,000 annual revenue and $1 million coverage limits. Your actual costs depend on your industry, location and specific risk factors.
What does general liability insurance cover for small businesses?
General liability insurance covers third-party bodily injury, property damage and personal injury claims against your business. That includes customer slip-and-falls, damage to client property and advertising injury claims like copyright infringement. It doesn't cover professional mistakes, cyber attacks or employee injuries.
Do I need $1 million or $2 million in general liability coverage?
Most small businesses start with $1 million per occurrence, but depending on your industry and business structure, you may need $2 million or higher. Construction and manufacturing typically require $2 million to $5 million, while partnerships often need higher limits due to shared liability exposure.
Which general liability insurance company is the cheapest?
The Hartford offers the cheapest general liability insurance at $83 monthly, which is $21 below the industry average of $104. However, the best value depends on your specific needs. Rates vary significantly by industry, location and business characteristics.
Can I buy general liability insurance online instantly?
Yes, some insurers like NEXT Insurance offer instant online purchasing with coverage starting immediately. You can quote, buy and download your certificate in about 10 minutes. Traditional insurers may require agent consultation and take longer to process applications.
How do general liability vs professional liability insurance compare?
General liability covers claims for other people's injuries and property damage, while professional liability covers mistakes in your professional services or advice. For example, if a client slips in your office, general liability pays. If your advice costs them money, professional liability pays.
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 Removes From Under Review With Positive Implications and Upgrades Credit Ratings of Next Insurance US Company." Accessed September 12, 2025.
- AM Best. "AM Best Revises Issuer Credit Rating Outlook to Positive for The Hartford Financial Services Group, Inc. and Its Subsidiaries." Accessed September 12, 2025.
- Better Business Bureau. "The Hartford Financial Services Group, Inc. Customer Reviews." Accessed September 12, 2025.
- ConsumerAffairs. "Simply Business Reviews (Cost and Coverage)." Accessed September 12, 2025.
- Trustpilot. "nextinsurance.com Reviews." Accessed September 12, 2025.
- Trustpilot. "Simply Business Reviews." Accessed September 12, 2025.
- Trustpilot. "The Hartford Reviews." Accessed September 12, 2025.