The Hartford is the best general liability insurance provider in Delaware, delivering a balance of affordable rates and reliable service. NEXT and Nationwide also earn recognition as excellent alternatives, both excelling in customer support.
General Liability Insurance in Delaware
The Hartford tops our rankings for general liability insurance in Delaware with a score of 4.61 out of 5.
Explore low-cost general liability insurance in Delaware below.
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Updated: October 29, 2025
Advertising & Editorial Disclosure
Key Takeaways
The Hartford, NEXT and Nationwide are Delaware's leading general liability insurance providers, offering comprehensive coverage options for local businesses.
Your business type, size and specific coverage requirements are important in selecting the right general liability insurance provider in Delaware.
Thorough research through quote comparisons, financial strength assessments and customer feedback reviews helps you find suitable coverage.
Best General Liability Insurance Companies in Delaware
| The Hartford | 4.61 | $97 |
| NEXT | 4.58 | $111 |
| Nationwide | 4.52 | $105 |
| Simply Business | 4.47 | $91 |
| Coverdash | 4.37 | $111 |
| Thimble | 4.35 | $115 |
| biBerk | 4.30 | $123 |
| Chubb | 4.28 | $128 |
| Progressive Commercial | 4.27 | $108 |
| Hiscox | 4.19 | $123 |
How Did We Determine These Rates?
These rates are estimates based on MoneyGeek's analysis of small businesses with two employees across 79 major industries. Actual rates vary based on your specific business location, industry risk factors, claims history, coverage limits and individual insurer underwriting criteria. Contact insurers directly for personalized quotes.
LEARN MORE ABOUT BUSINESS INSURANCE
General liability coverage represents just one layer of business protection. Delaware entrepreneurs should consider these additional insurance options:
Best Delaware Small Business Insurance Reviews
We analyzed Delaware's leading general liability insurance providers to show small business owners which companies offer the best coverage and what makes each one worth considering to fit your general liability requirements.
The Hartford
Best Overall Provider
MoneyGeek Rating
4.6/ 5
4.6/5Affordability
4.6/5Customer Experience
4.7/5Coverage Options
Average Monthly Premium
$97Our Survey: Claims Process
4.5/5Recommend to Others
4.5/5
NEXT
Runner-Up Best Provider
MoneyGeek Rating
4.6/ 5
4.3/5Affordability
4.7/5Customer Experience
4.8/5Coverage Options
Average Monthly Premium
$111Our Survey: Claims Process
3.9/5Recommend to Others
4.8/5
Cheapest General Liability Insurance Companies in Delaware
Simply Business offers the most affordable general liability insurance in Delaware, with coverage starting at $91 per month ($1,088 annually). Small business owners seeking budget-friendly options can also consider The Hartford and Nationwide.
| Simply Business | $91 | $1,088 |
| The Hartford | $97 | $1,164 |
| Nationwide | $105 | $1,254 |
| Progressive Commercial | $108 | $1,295 |
| NEXT | $111 | $1,332 |
| Coverdash | $111 | $1,336 |
| Thimble | $115 | $1,383 |
| Hiscox | $123 | $1,471 |
| biBerk | $123 | $1,472 |
| Chubb | $128 | $1,535 |
How Did We Determine These Rates?
These rates are for small businesses with two employees across 79 major industries or business types and focus solely on general liability policies. Your actual premium depends on where your business is located, what industry you're in, how much coverage you choose, and other factors insurers consider. Available options differ by state.
Average Cost of General Liability Insurance in Delaware
General liability insurance in Delaware costs business owners an average of $111 monthly or $1,324 annually. These rates run slightly above the national average. Your actual premium depends on several factors including industry risk level, company size, and claims history. Construction companies typically face higher premiums than lower-risk businesses like consulting firms due to increased liability exposure.
Average Cost of General Liability Insurance by Industry
General liability insurance costs vary dramatically by industry in Delaware. Pressure washing businesses face the highest monthly premiums at $990, while drone operations pay the most affordable rates at just $18 monthly. The table below shows how premiums differ across various business types.
| Accountants | $24 | $286 |
| Ad Agency | $38 | $459 |
| Automotive | $57 | $689 |
| Auto Repair | $164 | $1,964 |
| Bakery | $97 | $1,168 |
| Barber | $48 | $574 |
| Beauty Salon | $72 | $866 |
| Bounce House | $76 | $908 |
| Candle | $59 | $703 |
| Cannabis | $72 | $867 |
| Catering | $95 | $1,135 |
| Cleaning | $143 | $1,716 |
| Coffee Shop | $97 | $1,161 |
| Computer Programming | $31 | $376 |
| Computer Repair | $51 | $616 |
| Construction | $189 | $2,268 |
| Consulting | $24 | $285 |
| Contractor | $275 | $3,299 |
| Courier | $211 | $2,529 |
| Daycare | $35 | $425 |
| Dental | $23 | $277 |
| DJ | $27 | $329 |
| Dog Grooming | $68 | $818 |
| Drone | $18 | $215 |
| Ecommerce | $78 | $942 |
| Electrical | $122 | $1,462 |
| Engineering | $43 | $513 |
| Excavation | $500 | $5,998 |
| Florist | $46 | $556 |
| Food | $116 | $1,396 |
| Food Truck | $154 | $1,842 |
| Funeral Home | $65 | $780 |
| Gardening | $121 | $1,456 |
| Handyman | $263 | $3,159 |
| Home-based | $26 | $308 |
| Home-based | $49 | $594 |
| Hospitality | $70 | $843 |
| HVAC | $265 | $3,175 |
| Janitorial | $148 | $1,775 |
| Jewelry | $44 | $523 |
| Junk Removal | $175 | $2,099 |
| Lawn/Landscaping | $130 | $1,560 |
| Lawyers | $25 | $296 |
| Manufacturing | $69 | $828 |
| Marine | $30 | $363 |
| Massage | $103 | $1,241 |
| Mortgage Broker | $25 | $296 |
| Moving | $134 | $1,604 |
| Nonprofit | $39 | $464 |
| Painting | $155 | $1,855 |
| Party Rental | $85 | $1,025 |
| Personal Training | $26 | $309 |
| Pest Control | $35 | $417 |
| Pet | $60 | $721 |
| Pharmacy | $67 | $799 |
| Photography | $26 | $313 |
| Physical Therapy | $119 | $1,428 |
| Plumbing | $391 | $4,687 |
| Pressure Washing | $990 | $11,882 |
| Real Estate | $57 | $688 |
| Restaurant | $156 | $1,874 |
| Retail | $70 | $843 |
| Roofing | $419 | $5,027 |
| Security | $148 | $1,781 |
| Snack Bars | $127 | $1,518 |
| Software | $28 | $341 |
| Spa/Wellness | $116 | $1,393 |
| Speech Therapist | $34 | $405 |
| Startup | $31 | $372 |
| Tech/IT | $28 | $341 |
| Transportation | $41 | $486 |
| Travel | $22 | $270 |
| Tree Service | $138 | $1,658 |
| Trucking | $111 | $1,326 |
| Tutoring | $33 | $392 |
| Veterinary | $48 | $579 |
| Wedding Planning | $30 | $359 |
| Welding | $178 | $2,130 |
| Wholesale | $48 | $577 |
| Window Cleaning | $172 | $2,063 |
How Did We Determine These Rates?
These rates are for small businesses with two employees across 79 major industries or business types and focus solely on general liability policies. Your actual premium depends on where your business is located, what industry you're in, how much coverage you choose, and other factors insurers consider. Available options differ by state.
How Much General Liability Insurance Do I Need in Delaware?
Delaware does not require most businesses to carry general liability insurance at the state level. Individual cities and counties can have their own insurance rules. Check your local government offices to understand area-specific requirements. Certain licensed trades must carry specific coverage to keep their professional licenses active:
Electricians
Delaware requires licensed electricians to carry general liability insurance with minimum limits of $300,000 per occurrence and $600,000 annual aggregate. Completed operations coverage must be included.
Electrical Sign Contractors
Electrical sign contractors need $300,000 per occurrence and $600,000 annual aggregate with completed operations coverage.
HVAC Contractors
Delaware HVAC Class A contractors needing $500,000 per occurrence and $1,000,000 annual aggregate coverage. Class B contractors require lower minimums of $300,000 per occurrence and $600,000 annual aggregate. Completed operations coverage applies to both license classes.
Fire Safety Companies
Fire safety companies must carry general liability insurance with minimum limits of $1,000,000 per occurrence and $2,000,000 annual aggregate.
Delaware small business insurance are necessary for practical, even when licensing doesn't require it. Most commercial landlords demand proof of coverage before they'll lease space to your business. Large companies and government agencies typically won't hire contractors without a current insurance certificate. Your coverage amounts should satisfy both licensing requirements and client demands to keep your business running smoothly.
How to Choose the Best General Liability Insurance in Delaware
Choosing general liability insurance in Delaware starts with matching the right coverage to your business needs while staying within your budget constraints.
- 1Determine your coverage needs
Review Delaware's industry-specific licensing requirements first. Many clients expect contractors and service providers to carry $1 million.
- 2Prepare your business information
Gather details like annual revenue, employee count, business classification and location data.
- 3Collect multiple insurance quotes
Always compare business insurance costs from at least three providers since pricing varies across Delaware.
- 4Examine policy terms carefully
Focus on exclusions and coverage limits rather than just affordable business insurance rates. Some policies include legal defense expenses above your coverage limit, while others subtract these costs from your total protection.
- 5Verify insurer credentials
Check insurer and agent licenses through the state insurance department website. Review AM Best financial ratings and complaint records.
- 6Ask about available discounts
Ask providers about savings opportunities like bundling multiple business insurance policies, implementing safety programs or maintaining clean claims histories.
- 7Obtain your insurance certificate
Request your certificate of insurance immediately after purchasing coverage, as clients and landlords frequently require proof of protection.
How to Prevent General Liability Claims in Delaware
Having the best business insurance is excellent, but no business owner wants to handle liability claims. Delaware entrepreneurs can prevent most issues through smart preparation and proactive planning.
Watch out for property hazards
Delaware weather is unpredictable and can cause damage. Fix that cracked sidewalk before someone trips, and clear walkways after bad weather.
Train your people well
Your team's mistakes become your problems. Spend time on training now, or spend money on lawyers later.
Keep good records
Photos save lawsuits. Document your work, save your communications and keep your contracts organized. Paper trails matter in court.
Get everything in writing
Confusion about where you're supposed to work leads to property damage claims.
Fix problems fast
Upset customers sue; happy customers don't. When something goes wrong, address it immediately.
General Liability Insurance in Delaware: Bottom Line
Securing quality general liability insurance in Delaware requires matching coverage to your specific business needs. The Hartford, NEXT and Nationwide lead our rankings for reliable coverage options.
Commercial General Liability Insurance in Delaware: FAQ
Our research and analysis helped us answer the most common general liability insurance questions that Delaware business owners ask.
What does general liability insurance cover for Delaware businesses?
General liability insurance for Delaware businesses covers bodily injuries to third parties, property damage you cause to others and legal defense costs.
How much does general liability insurance cost in Delaware?
General liability insurance costs for Delaware small businesses range from $91 to $128 monthly. Simply Business provides the most affordable coverage at $91 per month, while The Hartford and Nationwide offer competitive alternatives at $97 and $105, respectively.
Do Delaware businesses legally need general liability insurance?
Delaware does not legally require general liability insurance for most businesses. Municipalities may impose their own requirements, and certain licensed professionals like contractors and electricians must maintain specific coverage levels.
Which company offers the best general liability insurance in Delaware?
The Hartford ranks as Delaware's top general liability insurance provider, excelling in financial stability and affordability with average monthly costs of $97.
What coverage limits should Delaware businesses choose?
Delaware businesses should first verify any minimum coverage requirements for their industry licenses. The standard choice is $1 million per occurrence and $2 million aggregate coverage.
How We Scored the Best General Liability Insurance Companies in Delaware
Delaware businesses encounter specific liability challenges, from coastal weather incidents to workplace injuries across diverse industries. Our evaluation process identifies general liability insurers that deliver solid coverage without straining small business budgets.
What We Evaluated
- Affordability (50%): Delaware small businesses operate with limited cash flow. We analyzed premium costs across carriers because reasonable pricing determines whether businesses can maintain adequate protection.
- Customer experience (30%): Effective claims service keeps businesses running smoothly. We examined J.D. Power ratings, state complaint statistics, and independent agency feedback to assess how insurers handle policyholder needs.
- Coverage options (15%): Delaware businesses span multiple sectors with varying exposures. We evaluated how insurers customize general liability policies for different industries, from retail shops to construction companies.
- Financial strength (5%): Low premiums mean nothing if the insurer cannot pay claims. We checked AM Best ratings and financial stability reports to verify each company's ability to honor coverage commitments.
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!
He writes about economics and insurance, breaking down complex topics so people know what they're buying.
sources
- NEXT. "NEXT: Small Business Insurance Quotes Online." Accessed November 8, 2025.
- NEXT. "Customer Reviews | NEXT." Accessed November 8, 2025.
- Trustpilot. "Next Insurance Reviews." Accessed November 8, 2025.
- Trustpilot. "The Hartford Reviews." Accessed November 8, 2025.
- The Hartford. "When Is Liability Insurance Needed?." Accessed November 8, 2025.
- The Hartford. "What Does General Liability Insurance Cover?." Accessed November 8, 2025.