MoneyGeek researched the best business insurance options to bring you reliable answers about general liability coverage in Idaho. Our FAQ section covers key insights based on thorough analysis and research:
Best General Liability Insurance in Idaho
The Hartford leads Idaho as both the best and cheapest general liability insurer, with rates starting at $77 per month.
Get matched to the best and cheapest general liability insurer for you below.
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Updated: November 21, 2025
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Commercial General Liability Insurance in Idaho: Fast Answers
Which company offers the best general liability insurance in Idaho?
The Hartford ranks as the best general liability insurance company in Idaho with a 4.59 overall score out of 5. The company provides affordable coverage at $77 per month and excels in claims processing. NEXT follows closely as the runner-up with a 4.56 score, featuring an intuitive digital platform for $98 per month.
Who offers the cheapest general liability insurance in Idaho?
The cheapest general liability insurance companies in Idaho are:
- The Hartford: $77 per month
- Simply Business: $91 per month
- Nationwide: $92 per month
- Progressive: $95 per month
- NEXT: $98 per month
Do Idaho businesses legally need general liability insurance?
Idaho doesn't legally require general liability insurance for most businesses statewide. However, certain licensed professionals like contractors and electricians must carry specific coverage amounts. Local municipalities may have their own requirements, and most landlords and clients demand proof of insurance before signing contracts.
How much does general liability insurance cost in Idaho?
General liability insurance costs between $16 and $872 per month for small Idaho businesses with two employees. Drone companies often pay the lowest rates, while pressure washing businesses land at the higher end of the pricing range. Your actual cost depends on your industry risk level, business location, coverage limits and company size.
Best General Liability Insurance Companies in Idaho
The Hartford ranks as our top choice for general liability insurance in Idaho, offering a strong mix of affordable rates and reliable customer service. NEXT also performs well, especially in customer support for small business owners. Nationwide completes our recommendations with solid stability and competitive pricing for Idaho businesses seeking dependable coverage.
| The Hartford | 4.59 | $77 |
| NEXT Insurance | 4.56 | $98 |
| Nationwide | 4.53 | $92 |
| Simply Business | 4.49 | $91 |
| Coverdash | 4.38 | $98 |
| Thimble | 4.35 | $102 |
| biBERK | 4.30 | $108 |
| Progressive Commercial | 4.28 | $95 |
| Chubb | 4.27 | $113 |
| Hiscox | 4.19 | $108 |
How Did We Determine These Rates?
These rates reflect MoneyGeek's analysis of small businesses with two employees across 79 major industries. Actual rates vary based on your business location, industry risk factors, claims history, coverage limits and individual insurer underwriting criteria. Contact insurers directly for personalized quotes.
Get Matched to the Best Cheap Idaho General Liability Insurer
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LEARN MORE ABOUT THE BEST BUSINESS INSURANCE IN IDAHO
General liability insurance covers customer injuries and property damage for Idaho businesses, but it won't protect against every risk. Complete coverage requires additional policies tailored to your specific needs:
Best Idaho General Liability Insurance Reviews
Finding the right general liability insurance provider in Idaho means looking beyond affordable rates. Coverage quality and customer service matter too. Our research reveals which business insurers deliver the best overall value in the state.
The Hartford
Best Idaho General Liability Insurer
MoneyGeek Rating
4.6/ 5
4.5/5Affordability
4.6/5Customer Experience
4.7/5Coverage Points
Average Monthly General Liability Premium
$77These rates are for small businesses with two employees across 79 major industries or business types and focus solely on general liability policies.Our Survey: Claims Process
4.5/5Our Survey: Likely to Be Recommended to Others
4.5/5
NEXT
Best Idaho Commercial General Liability: Runner Up
MoneyGeek Rating
4.6/ 5
4.3/5Affordability
4.7/5Customer Experience
4.8/5Coverage Points
Average Monthly General Liability Premium
$98These rates are for small businesses with two employees across 79 major industries or business types and focus solely on general liability policies.Our Survey: Claims Process
3.9/5Our Survey: Likely to Be Recommended to Others
4.8/5
Cheapest General Liability Insurance Companies in Idaho
The Hartford offers the cheapest general liability insurance in Idaho at $77 per month, saving businesses $20 or 20% compared to the state average. Simply Business and Nationwide also provide affordable coverage options for Idaho companies.
| The Hartford | $77 | $929 |
| Simply Business | $91 | $1,089 |
| Nationwide | $92 | $1,103 |
| Progressive Commercial | $95 | $1,137 |
| NEXT Insurance | $98 | $1,172 |
| Coverdash | $98 | $1,176 |
| Thimble | $102 | $1,220 |
| Hiscox | $108 | $1,299 |
| biBERK | $108 | $1,300 |
| Chubb | $113 | $1,352 |
How Did We Determine These Rates?
These rates reflect small businesses with two employees across 79 major industries and focus solely on general liability policies. Your 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.
Cheapest General Liability Insurance in Idaho by Industry
MoneyGeek's research identifies the cheapest general liability insurance providers across industries in Idaho.
- The Hartford dominates affordability in 23 industries, leading in construction, cleaning, pest control and welding sectors.
- Simply Business offers the lowest rates in 11 industries, excelling with professional services like accountants, lawyers and software companies.
- Thimble ranks as most affordable in 10 industries and shows strong pricing for service businesses including barbers, coffee shops and HVAC contractors.
- biBerk wins affordability in nine industries, performing well for catering, engineering and handyman services.
- NEXT and Progressive each lead seven industries. NEXT dominates dental and tech sectors, while Progressive excels in retail and spa businesses.
Data filtered by:
Select
| Ad Agency | Thimble | $95 | $1,134 |
| Accountants | Simply Business | $14 | $164 |
| Automotive | Coverdash | $105 | $1,256 |
| Auto Repair | Coverdash | $110 | $1,314 |
| Bakery | Progressive Commercial | $84 | $1,008 |
| Barber | Thimble | $93 | $1,120 |
| Candle | Simply Business | $91 | $1,095 |
| Beauty Salon | Progressive Commercial | $107 | $1,281 |
| Bounce House | The Hartford | $52 | $626 |
| Cannabis | The Hartford | $50 | $599 |
| Cleaning | The Hartford | $94 | $1,132 |
| Catering | biBERK | $162 | $1,941 |
| Coffee Shop | Thimble | $89 | $1,064 |
| Computer Programming | Thimble | $93 | $1,120 |
| Computer Repair | The Hartford | $35 | $422 |
| Construction | The Hartford | $123 | $1,474 |
| Courier | The Hartford | $158 | $1,892 |
| Consulting | Simply Business | $14 | $164 |
| Contractor | biBERK | $194 | $2,327 |
| Dental | NEXT Insurance | $12 | $143 |
| Daycare | The Hartford | $24 | $291 |
| Dog Grooming | Thimble | $34 | $409 |
| DJ | Simply Business | $11 | $131 |
| Electrical | Nationwide | $96 | $1,157 |
| Drone | The Hartford | $12 | $145 |
| Ecommerce | Simply Business | $91 | $1,095 |
| Excavation | biBERK | $352 | $4,228 |
| Engineering | biBERK | $16 | $191 |
| Florist | Simply Business | $29 | $350 |
| Home-based | The Hartford | $17 | $199 |
| Food | Progressive Commercial | $100 | $1,205 |
| Food Truck | The Hartford | $105 | $1,257 |
| Funeral Home | NEXT Insurance | $42 | $504 |
| Gardening | Coverdash | $91 | $1,092 |
| Handyman | biBERK | $166 | $1,991 |
| Hospitality | biBERK | $133 | $1,596 |
| Home-based | NEXT Insurance | $44 | $523 |
| HVAC | Thimble | $102 | $1,227 |
| Junk Removal | The Hartford | $120 | $1,437 |
| Janitorial | Nationwide | $93 | $1,111 |
| Jewelry | Thimble | $156 | $1,868 |
| Marine | The Hartford | $22 | $266 |
| Lawn/Landscaping | Progressive Commercial | $90 | $1,085 |
| Lawyers | Simply Business | $14 | $164 |
| Manufacturing | Nationwide | $19 | $228 |
| Massage | Hiscox | $87 | $1,049 |
| Mortgage Broker | NEXT Insurance | $15 | $180 |
| Painting | The Hartford | $105 | $1,255 |
| Moving | The Hartford | $90 | $1,085 |
| Nonprofit | biBERK | $25 | $300 |
| Pet | Thimble | $34 | $409 |
| Party Rental | Chubb | $90 | $1,082 |
| Personal Training | The Hartford | $18 | $212 |
| Pest Control | The Hartford | $24 | $285 |
| Pharmacy | biBERK | $96 | $1,150 |
| Photography | NEXT Insurance | $13 | $152 |
| Physical Therapy | Nationwide | $19 | $227 |
| Plumbing | Simply Business | $257 | $3,084 |
| Retail | Progressive Commercial | $87 | $1,043 |
| Pressure Washing | Progressive Commercial | $842 | $10,106 |
| Real Estate | Nationwide | $114 | $1,367 |
| Restaurant | Coverdash | $94 | $1,128 |
| Snack Bars | The Hartford | $85 | $1,017 |
| Roofing | Thimble | $197 | $2,360 |
| Security | The Hartford | $104 | $1,251 |
| Spa/Wellness | Progressive Commercial | $101 | $1,214 |
| Software | Simply Business | $14 | $164 |
| Speech Therapist | Nationwide | $19 | $227 |
| Speech Therapist | Simply Business | $19 | $227 |
| Travel | The Hartford | $15 | $179 |
| Startup | Simply Business | $14 | $164 |
| Tech/IT | NEXT Insurance | $15 | $180 |
| Transportation | The Hartford | $30 | $356 |
| Tree Service | The Hartford | $96 | $1,152 |
| Veterinary | biBERK | $24 | $283 |
| Trucking | Coverdash | $96 | $1,152 |
| Tutoring | Thimble | $93 | $1,120 |
| Wedding Planning | NEXT Insurance | $11 | $137 |
| Welding | The Hartford | $127 | $1,524 |
| Wholesale | Coverdash | $32 | $385 |
| Window Cleaning | The Hartford | $121 | $1,457 |
Average Cost of General Liability Insurance in Idaho
General liability insurance costs Idaho small businesses an average of $97 per month. The average cost of general liability coverage changes based on your industry, business size, location and coverage limits.
Manufacturing companies often pay higher premiums because of increased risk exposure, while accounting firms usually see lower costs due to fewer liability concerns. Sole proprietors generally pay lower rates compared to businesses with employees since they have fewer risk factors.
Average Cost of General Liability Insurance in Idaho by Industry
General liability insurance costs in Idaho range from $16 monthly for drone businesses to $872 for pressure washing companies. Industry type plays a major role in your rates. Review this table for specific general liability coverage costs in your field.
Data filtered by:
Select
| Accountants | $21 | $252 |
| Ad Agency | $34 | $404 |
| Automotive | $51 | $609 |
| Auto Repair | $145 | $1,737 |
| Bakery | $86 | $1,033 |
| Barber | $42 | $507 |
| Beauty Salon | $64 | $764 |
| Bounce House | $67 | $803 |
| Candle | $52 | $628 |
| Cannabis | $64 | $766 |
| Catering | $84 | $1,002 |
| Cleaning | $126 | $1,515 |
| Coffee Shop | $85 | $1,026 |
| Computer Programming | $28 | $332 |
| Computer Repair | $45 | $544 |
| Construction | $167 | $2,005 |
| Consulting | $21 | $251 |
| Contractor | $243 | $2,913 |
| Courier | $186 | $2,234 |
| Daycare | $31 | $376 |
| Dental | $20 | $246 |
| DJ | $24 | $289 |
| Dog Grooming | $60 | $725 |
| Drone | $16 | $191 |
| Ecommerce | $70 | $836 |
| Electrical | $107 | $1,285 |
| Engineering | $38 | $456 |
| Excavation | $444 | $5,323 |
| Florist | $41 | $489 |
| Food | $103 | $1,231 |
| Food Truck | $135 | $1,620 |
| Funeral Home | $58 | $690 |
| Gardening | $107 | $1,285 |
| Handyman | $233 | $2,790 |
| Home-based | $23 | $272 |
| Home-based | $44 | $523 |
| Hospitality | $62 | $745 |
| HVAC | $234 | $2,804 |
| Janitorial | $131 | $1,568 |
| Jewelry | $38 | $461 |
| Junk Removal | $155 | $1,857 |
| Lawn/Landscaping | $115 | $1,374 |
| Lawyers | $22 | $261 |
| Manufacturing | $61 | $731 |
| Marine | $27 | $321 |
| Massage | $91 | $1,096 |
| Mortgage Broker | $22 | $262 |
| Moving | $118 | $1,418 |
| Nonprofit | $34 | $410 |
| Painting | $137 | $1,644 |
| Party Rental | $76 | $909 |
| Personal Training | $23 | $273 |
| Pest Control | $31 | $369 |
| Pet | $53 | $641 |
| Pharmacy | $59 | $706 |
| Photography | $23 | $276 |
| Physical Therapy | $105 | $1,261 |
| Plumbing | $344 | $4,133 |
| Pressure Washing | $872 | $10,464 |
| Real Estate | $51 | $608 |
| Restaurant | $138 | $1,658 |
| Retail | $62 | $748 |
| Roofing | $370 | $4,436 |
| Security | $133 | $1,590 |
| Snack Bars | $112 | $1,342 |
| Software | $25 | $301 |
| Spa/Wellness | $102 | $1,220 |
| Speech Therapist | $30 | $357 |
| Startup | $27 | $327 |
| Tech/IT | $25 | $302 |
| Transportation | $36 | $430 |
| Travel | $20 | $238 |
| Tree Service | $124 | $1,484 |
| Trucking | $98 | $1,173 |
| Tutoring | $29 | $346 |
| Veterinary | $43 | $512 |
| Wedding Planning | $26 | $317 |
| Welding | $157 | $1,885 |
| Wholesale | $43 | $511 |
| Window Cleaning | $152 | $1,821 |
How Did We Determine These Rates?
These rates reflect small businesses with two employees across 79 major industries and focus solely on general liability policies. Your 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.
What Factors Affect Idaho General Liability Insurance Costs?
A few main factors influence the cost of general liability insurance coverage for Idaho businesses.
Idaho's Legal and Regulatory Environment
Idaho's tort reforms directly lower GL premiums by capping noneconomic damages at $490,512 and limiting businesses to paying only their proportionate share of fault through several liability rules.
The state's comparative negligence system reduces payouts when injured parties share blame. This business-friendly legal climate means fewer frivolous lawsuits and more predictable claim costs, allowing insurers to charge less than in plaintiff-friendly states.
Idaho Geography and Population Density
Idaho’s low population density, with under two million residents, leads to fewer customer interactions and fewer liability claims compared to more populated states. Still, location still plays a big role.
Businesses in Boise, Meridian and Nampa pay higher premiums because of increased foot traffic, crime rates and higher property values. Rural businesses benefit from fewer public interactions and a lower claim frequency, although some areas may have less insurer competition.
Your Business Industry and Size
Different industries have very different liability exposures, which is why Idaho premiums range from $30 to $2,189 per month. Agriculture businesses such as dairy farms, potato processors and cattle operations deal with equipment hazards and contamination risks, while tourism businesses like ski resorts and rafting guides handle higher injury exposure.
Business size also plays a major role. Higher revenue and larger teams create more customer interactions, more projects and more chances for third-party claims and insurers price policies based on these added risk factors and historical industry data.
How Much General Liability Insurance Do I Need in Idaho?
Idaho law doesn't require general liability insurance for most small businesses, but contractors must follow mandatory coverage rules. If you're performing construction work valued over $2,000, you must register with the Division of Occupational and Professional Licenses and carry at least $300,000 in single-limit general liability coverage. This applies to general contractors, handymen, and anyone bidding on construction projects above this amount.
Commercial landlords and clients often require proof of coverage even when it isn’t mandated by law. A common standard is $1 million per occurrence and $2 million aggregate to meet lease and contract expectations. This list summarizes the requirements for commercial general liability insurance in Idaho:
Electrical contractors
You'll need at least $300,000 in coverage to get licensed through the Division of Building Safety. This minimum applies whether you're working on residential or commercial electrical projects.
Fire sprinkler contractors
The Department of Insurance State Fire Marshal requires minimum $250,000 coverage before issuing your license. You'll submit proof of this insurance along with your $2,000 bond during the licensing process.
HVAC contractors
Idaho law sets the bar at $300,000 minimum coverage for licensing through the Division of Building Safety. Without maintaining this coverage, you risk losing your license to operate legally.
Plumbing contractors
General liability insurance is mandatory for obtaining your license through the Division of Building Safety. Your coverage protects clients and helps you meet state licensing requirements.
Note: State insurance requirements shift regularly. Check with the Idaho Department of Insurance or a licensed agent to confirm current coverage requirements before purchasing.
How to Choose the Best General Liability Insurance in Idaho
Finding the right general liability policy means balancing coverage needs against your budget. When getting business insurance in Idaho, focus on policies that protect against third-party injuries and property damage while meeting your industry's specific requirements.
- 1Determine Coverage Needs
Idaho contractors working on projects over $2,000 need at least $300,000 in business insurance coverage to register with the Division of Occupational and Professional Licenses, but most commercial leases and client contracts require $1 million per occurrence and $2 million aggregate.
Your industry matters too: agriculture businesses deal with contamination risks, while tourism operations handle higher injury exposure, so choose limits that match your actual liability potential and ensure your business insurance coverage aligns with those risks.
- 2Prepare Business Information
Gather your EIN, annual revenue, employee count, and business classification before requesting quotes since insurers price policies based on these factors. Idaho's agricultural and tourism sectors get assessed differently than Boise retail shops, and you'll need your business registration and tax documents ready to get accurate rates instead of generic estimates.
- 3Compare Multiple Quotes
Get quotes from at least three insurers licensed in Idaho because business insurance costs vary by 30% or more for identical coverage. Check whether defense costs count toward your policy limit or sit outside it, since this distinction dramatically affects your actual protection when facing a lawsuit.
- 4Look Beyond Price
Hunting for cheap business insurance without reading exclusions creates coverage gaps that surface during claims. General liability excludes professional errors, pollution damage, and employee injuries, so you'll need separate E&O and workers' comp policies to fill those holes.
- 5Verify Insurer Credibility
Confirm your insurer holds an active license through the Idaho Department of Insurance and check AM Best ratings above A- to ensure they can pay claims. Research complaint ratios with state regulators since insurers with poor reputations often deny legitimate claims or stall payments when you need them most.
- 6Ask About Discounts
Bundling general liability with commercial property in a Business Owner's Policy saves 15% to 30% with Idaho insurers. Claims-free histories, safety programs, and annual payments instead of monthly installments cut premiums even further.
- 7Obtain Certificate Documentation
Request certificates of insurance right after purchasing coverage since Idaho contractors need them for job sites and client contracts. Most insurers provide digital certificates within hours, and you should keep your agent's contact handy for urgent requests since construction projects and lease agreements constantly demand updated proof of coverage.
- 8Review Coverage Annually
Compare quotes 60 to 90 days before renewal, especially after hiring employees, expanding into new counties, or adding services that increase your liability exposure. Premium differences of 20% to 40% between insurers make annual shopping worthwhile, and Idaho's wildfire risks plus tort law changes may require coverage adjustments to stay protected.
Top General Liability Insurance in Idaho: Bottom Line
Finding the right general liability insurance in Idaho starts with understanding your business needs and comparing providers thoroughly. The Hartford, NEXT and Nationwide are leading options, but your best choice depends on your industry, business size and budget. Compare multiple quotes and verify each insurer's credentials before making your final decision.
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
- American Medical Association. "State Laws Chart I: Liability Reforms." Accessed December 21, 2025.
- Idaho Capital Sun. "After Destructive Wildfire Season, Idaho Leaders Say the State is Actively Preparing for the Future." Accessed December 21, 2025.
- Idaho Farm Bureau. "Report Shows Massive Impact of AG On Idaho's Economy." Accessed December 21, 2025.
- Idaho State Legislature. "Section 6-926." Accessed December 21, 2025.
- Justia. "2024 Idaho Code :: Title 6 - Actions in Particular Cases." Accessed December 21, 2025.
- U.S. Small Business Administration. "SBA Offers Disaster Assistance to Idaho Small Businesses Economically Impacted by Wildfires, including the Bench Lake and Wapiti Fires." Accessed December 21, 2025.