We researched the best business insurance options to answer your most common questions about general liability coverage in Maine based on MoneyGeek's analysis and research:
Best General Liability Insurance in Maine
The Hartford leads Maine general liability insurance as both the best and cheapest option, with rates starting at $72 per month.
Get matched to the best and cheapest general liability insurer for you below.
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Updated: November 22, 2025
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Commercial General Liability Insurance in Maine: Fast Answers
Which company offers the best general liability insurance in Maine?
The Hartford is the leading general liability insurance company in Maine, earning a 4.60 overall score and offering competitive rates at $72 per month. NEXT follows closely with a 4.56 score, providing excellent digital tools and customer support for $89 per month.
Who offers the cheapest general liability insurance in Maine?
The cheapest general liability insurance companies in Maine are:
- The Hartford: $72 per month
- Simply Business: $82 per month
- Nationwide: $84 per month
- Progressive: $88 per month
- NEXT: $89 per month
Do Maine businesses legally need general liability insurance?
Maine doesn't legally require most businesses to carry general liability insurance at the state level. However, certain licensed professionals like contractors and electricians may need minimum coverage to maintain their licenses. Local municipalities can also set their own requirements. Even without legal mandates, most landlords and clients require proof of coverage before signing contracts or leases.
How much does general liability insurance cost in Maine?
General liability insurance costs between $14 and $797 per month for small Maine businesses with two employees. Drone businesses often see the lowest rates at $14 per month, while pressure washing companies pay the highest at $797 per month. Your actual premium depends on your industry, location, coverage limits and business size.
Best General Liability Insurance Companies in Maine
The Hartford is our top choice for general liability insurance in Maine, offering a strong mix of affordability and quality service. NEXT also performs well for customer service, while Nationwide excels in financial stability. All three providers offer solid coverage options for small businesses seeking reliable general liability protection in Maine.
| The Hartford | 4.60 | $72 |
| NEXT Insurance | 4.56 | $89 |
| Nationwide | 4.50 | $84 |
| Simply Business | 4.47 | $82 |
| Coverdash | 4.36 | $89 |
| Thimble | 4.35 | $93 |
| biBERK | 4.28 | $99 |
| Chubb | 4.26 | $102 |
| Progressive Commercial | 4.24 | $88 |
| Hiscox | 4.17 | $99 |
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 Maine General Liability Insurer
Select your industry and state to get a customized Maine general liability insurance quote.
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LEARN MORE ABOUT THE BEST BUSINESS INSURANCE IN MAINE
General liability insurance covers customer injuries and property damage for Maine businesses, but it won't protect against every type of risk your business may encounter. Explore these additional coverage options to build complete financial protection:
Best Maine General Liability Insurance Reviews
Finding the best general liability insurance in Maine requires looking beyond just price. Coverage quality and customer service matter too. Our research analyzed the top business insurers to help you make an informed choice.
The Hartford
Best Maine General Liability Insurer
MoneyGeek Rating
4.6/ 5
4.5/5Affordability
4.6/5Customer Experience
4.7/5Coverage Points
Average Monthly General Liability Premium
$72These 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 Maine Commercial General Liability Customer Experience
MoneyGeek Rating
4.6/ 5
4.3/5Affordability
4.7/5Customer Experience
4.8/5Coverage Points
Average Monthly General Liability Premium
$89These 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 Maine
The Hartford offers the cheapest general liability insurance in Maine at $72 per month, saving businesses $17 or 19% compared to the state average. Simply Business and Nationwide also provide affordable coverage options for Maine businesses.
| The Hartford | $72 | $861 |
| Simply Business | $82 | $989 |
| Nationwide | $84 | $1,014 |
| Progressive Commercial | $88 | $1,054 |
| NEXT Insurance | $89 | $1,068 |
| Coverdash | $89 | $1,069 |
| Thimble | $93 | $1,112 |
| Hiscox | $99 | $1,184 |
| biBERK | $99 | $1,185 |
| Chubb | $102 | $1,229 |
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 Maine by Industry
MoneyGeek's research identifies the cheapest general liability insurance providers by industry across Maine.
- The Hartford: Ranks as the most affordable provider in 20 industries statewide, with strong performance in construction, cleaning, security and transportation sectors.
- Simply Business and biBerk: Each leads affordability in 11 industries. Simply Business excels with professional services like accounting, consulting and legal practices, while biBerk dominates contractor and hospitality businesses.
- NEXT: Offers the cheapest coverage in 10 industries, with strong rates for tech companies, dental practices and photography businesses.
- Thimble: Secures top affordability rankings in nine industries, showing excellent rates for HVAC, roofing and computer programming companies.
- Progressive: Rounds out the top five with leadership in six industries, focusing on beauty salons, landscaping and wellness businesses.
Data filtered by:
Select
| Accountants | Simply Business | $12 | $149 |
| Ad Agency | Thimble | $86 | $1,034 |
| Barber | Thimble | $85 | $1,020 |
| Automotive | Coverdash | $95 | $1,142 |
| Auto Repair | Coverdash | $100 | $1,194 |
| Bakery | Hiscox | $84 | $1,010 |
| Beauty Salon | Progressive Commercial | $99 | $1,188 |
| Bounce House | The Hartford | $48 | $581 |
| Cannabis | The Hartford | $46 | $556 |
| Candle | NEXT Insurance | $30 | $359 |
| Cleaning | The Hartford | $87 | $1,049 |
| Catering | biBERK | $147 | $1,769 |
| Consulting | Simply Business | $12 | $149 |
| Coffee Shop | biBERK | $89 | $1,065 |
| Computer Programming | Thimble | $85 | $1,020 |
| Computer Repair | NEXT Insurance | $32 | $390 |
| Construction | The Hartford | $114 | $1,366 |
| Dental | NEXT Insurance | $11 | $130 |
| Contractor | biBERK | $177 | $2,121 |
| Courier | The Hartford | $146 | $1,753 |
| Daycare | The Hartford | $22 | $270 |
| DJ | Simply Business | $10 | $119 |
| Drone | The Hartford | $11 | $135 |
| Dog Grooming | Thimble | $31 | $373 |
| Engineering | biBERK | $15 | $174 |
| Ecommerce | Hiscox | $86 | $1,032 |
| Electrical | Nationwide | $89 | $1,063 |
| Florist | Simply Business | $27 | $318 |
| Excavation | biBERK | $321 | $3,854 |
| Food | Progressive Commercial | $93 | $1,117 |
| Funeral Home | NEXT Insurance | $38 | $459 |
| Food Truck | The Hartford | $97 | $1,165 |
| Handyman | biBERK | $151 | $1,815 |
| Gardening | Progressive Commercial | $94 | $1,123 |
| HVAC | Thimble | $93 | $1,118 |
| Home-based | Simply Business | $15 | $181 |
| Home-based | NEXT Insurance | $40 | $476 |
| Hospitality | biBERK | $121 | $1,455 |
| Jewelry | Thimble | $142 | $1,702 |
| Janitorial | Nationwide | $85 | $1,021 |
| Junk Removal | The Hartford | $111 | $1,332 |
| Lawn/Landscaping | Progressive Commercial | $84 | $1,006 |
| Lawyers | Simply Business | $12 | $149 |
| Massage | Progressive Commercial | $83 | $1,000 |
| Manufacturing | Nationwide | $17 | $209 |
| Marine | The Hartford | $21 | $247 |
| Nonprofit | biBERK | $23 | $273 |
| Mortgage Broker | NEXT Insurance | $14 | $163 |
| Moving | The Hartford | $84 | $1,006 |
| Party Rental | The Hartford | $58 | $694 |
| Painting | The Hartford | $97 | $1,164 |
| Personal Training | The Hartford | $16 | $196 |
| Pet | Thimble | $31 | $373 |
| Pest Control | The Hartford | $22 | $265 |
| Photography | NEXT Insurance | $12 | $139 |
| Pharmacy | biBERK | $87 | $1,048 |
| Pressure Washing | Hiscox | $844 | $10,128 |
| Physical Therapy | Nationwide | $17 | $209 |
| Plumbing | Simply Business | $233 | $2,801 |
| Real Estate | Nationwide | $105 | $1,257 |
| Restaurant | Coverdash | $86 | $1,026 |
| Retail | Hiscox | $86 | $1,032 |
| Spa/Wellness | Progressive Commercial | $94 | $1,125 |
| Roofing | Thimble | $179 | $2,150 |
| Security | The Hartford | $97 | $1,159 |
| Snack Bars | biBERK | $89 | $1,065 |
| Software | Simply Business | $12 | $149 |
| Startup | Simply Business | $12 | $149 |
| Speech Therapist | Simply Business | $17 | $206 |
| Tech/IT | NEXT Insurance | $14 | $163 |
| Transportation | The Hartford | $27 | $330 |
| Trucking | Simply Business | $87 | $1,047 |
| Travel | NEXT Insurance | $14 | $163 |
| Tree Service | The Hartford | $89 | $1,068 |
| Trucking | Coverdash | $87 | $1,047 |
| Tutoring | Thimble | $85 | $1,020 |
| Veterinary | biBERK | $22 | $258 |
| Welding | The Hartford | $118 | $1,412 |
| Wedding Planning | NEXT Insurance | $10 | $124 |
| Wholesale | Coverdash | $29 | $350 |
| Window Cleaning | The Hartford | $113 | $1,350 |
Average Cost of General Liability Insurance in Maine
Most small businesses in Maine pay around $89 monthly for general liability insurance. The average cost of general liability coverage depends on your industry, business size, location and coverage limits. Manufacturing companies often pay higher premiums because of increased risk exposure, while accounting firms tend to pay less due to lower liability concerns. Sole proprietors usually pay less than businesses with employees since they have fewer risk factors.
Average Cost of General Liability Insurance in Maine by Industry
Monthly costs for general liability coverage in Maine vary widely by industry. Drone businesses pay the least at $14 per month, while pressure washing companies see the highest rates at $797 monthly. Review this table to find typical costs for your specific business type.
Data filtered by:
Select
| Accountants | $19 | $230 |
| Ad Agency | $31 | $369 |
| Automotive | $46 | $557 |
| Auto Repair | $132 | $1,587 |
| Bakery | $79 | $944 |
| Barber | $39 | $463 |
| Beauty Salon | $58 | $699 |
| Bounce House | $61 | $734 |
| Candle | $48 | $574 |
| Cannabis | $58 | $701 |
| Catering | $76 | $915 |
| Cleaning | $115 | $1,384 |
| Coffee Shop | $78 | $937 |
| Computer Programming | $25 | $303 |
| Computer Repair | $41 | $498 |
| Construction | $153 | $1,831 |
| Consulting | $19 | $229 |
| Contractor | $222 | $2,664 |
| Courier | $170 | $2,042 |
| Daycare | $29 | $344 |
| Dental | $19 | $225 |
| DJ | $22 | $264 |
| Dog Grooming | $55 | $663 |
| Drone | $15 | $174 |
| Ecommerce | $64 | $764 |
| Electrical | $98 | $1,175 |
| Engineering | $35 | $416 |
| Excavation | $405 | $4,865 |
| Florist | $37 | $448 |
| Food | $94 | $1,125 |
| Food Truck | $124 | $1,482 |
| Funeral Home | $53 | $631 |
| Gardening | $98 | $1,174 |
| Handyman | $213 | $2,550 |
| Home-based | $21 | $248 |
| Home-based | $40 | $476 |
| Hospitality | $57 | $681 |
| HVAC | $214 | $2,563 |
| Janitorial | $119 | $1,432 |
| Jewelry | $35 | $421 |
| Junk Removal | $141 | $1,698 |
| Lawn/Landscaping | $105 | $1,256 |
| Lawyers | $20 | $238 |
| Manufacturing | $56 | $667 |
| Marine | $24 | $293 |
| Massage | $83 | $1,001 |
| Mortgage Broker | $20 | $239 |
| Moving | $108 | $1,296 |
| Nonprofit | $31 | $375 |
| Painting | $125 | $1,502 |
| Party Rental | $69 | $831 |
| Personal Training | $21 | $249 |
| Pest Control | $28 | $337 |
| Pet | $49 | $585 |
| Pharmacy | $54 | $646 |
| Photography | $21 | $252 |
| Physical Therapy | $96 | $1,150 |
| Plumbing | $315 | $3,777 |
| Pressure Washing | $797 | $9,568 |
| Real Estate | $46 | $556 |
| Restaurant | $126 | $1,515 |
| Retail | $57 | $683 |
| Roofing | $338 | $4,056 |
| Security | $121 | $1,453 |
| Snack Bars | $102 | $1,227 |
| Software | $23 | $275 |
| Spa/Wellness | $93 | $1,116 |
| Speech Therapist | $27 | $326 |
| Startup | $25 | $299 |
| Tech/IT | $23 | $276 |
| Transportation | $33 | $393 |
| Travel | $18 | $218 |
| Tree Service | $113 | $1,355 |
| Trucking | $89 | $1,072 |
| Tutoring | $26 | $316 |
| Veterinary | $39 | $468 |
| Wedding Planning | $24 | $289 |
| Welding | $144 | $1,723 |
| Wholesale | $39 | $467 |
| Window Cleaning | $139 | $1,664 |
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 Maine General Liability Insurance Costs?
Your general liability insurance costs in Maine depend on several factors.
Maine Climate and Coastal Hazards
Your business carries increased liability risks from Maine's recent extreme weather. Nine federal disaster declarations hit the state between 2022 and 2024, including devastating storms that damaged 1,200+ businesses and caused $480 million in losses.
The Gulf of Maine warms faster than nearly all global waters, bringing rising seas and heavier storms. When floods crack your walkways or damage your dock, customers can slip and fall, triggering liability claims that insurers factor into your premiums.
Maine Legal and Regulatory Environment
Maine's legal climate works in your favor overall. Businesses here pay 34% less for general liability coverage than companies in high-litigation states like New York. The Maine Tort Claims Act limits certain lawsuits, and courts award smaller settlements despite Maine's six-year statute of limitations.
However, if you're a licensed electrician, state law requires you to carry $300,000 per occurrence and $600,000 aggregate coverage including completed operations. These mandatory higher limits mean electricians pay more than if they could choose lower coverage amounts.
Maine Industry and Economic Profile
The type of business you run determines your base rate. Maine's economy relies heavily on high-risk industries that drive up costs for certain sectors. The state's $1.5 billion fishing industry handles wet surfaces and heavy equipment daily. Tourism brings 15+ million visitors to restaurants, hotels and shops where slip-and-fall accidents happen frequently. Manufacturing operations carry products liability exposure.
Insurers use industry classification codes based on actual claim histories. Construction companies pay seven times what office-based businesses pay because job site injuries occur more often.
Maine Geography and Business Demographics
Your location in Maine likely lowers your rates. The state's rural character spreads 147,000 small businesses across less populated areas where you see fewer daily customers. A Portland shop might serve 200 customers daily while a similar Aroostook County store sees 40.
Fewer customers mean fewer chances for accidents. Lower foot traffic, less parking lot congestion, and cheaper commercial property values all reduce what insurers expect to pay on claims. This geography advantage helps Maine businesses avoid the premium spikes common in urban high-traffic locations.
Maine Healthcare Cost Structure
Medical bills drive up every liability claim settlement. When customers injure themselves at your business, your general liability policy pays their emergency room visits, surgeries, and physical therapy. Maine's healthcare sector employs 35,000 hospital workers and contributes $10 billion to the economy.
A customer's broken ankle requiring surgery costs your insurer around $15,000 in Maine compared to $12,000 in lower-cost states. Insurers calculate your premium based on expected medical expenses in your geographic area, and Maine's treatment costs sit at typical Northeast levels.
How Much General Liability Insurance Do I Need in Maine?
Maine doesn't legally require general liability insurance for most businesses, but specific licensed professionals must meet minimum coverage thresholds. Commercial leases and client contracts often demand proof of insurance regardless of state law. The requirements for commercial general liability insurance in Maine vary by profession, such as:
Maine public liability insurance requirements for licensed electricians
$300,000 per occurrence and $600,000 aggregate coverage, including completed operations protection. This requirement applies to master electricians, journeyman electricians, and electrical sign contractors working throughout the state.
Maine public liability insurance requirements for HVAC contractors
$300,000 per occurrence and $600,000 aggregate for most license classifications. Maine's licensing board sets these minimums to protect consumers from financial losses related to heating, ventilation, and air conditioning work.
Maine public liability insurance requirements for fire safety companies
$500,000 per occurrence and $1 million aggregate. These companies must meet higher requirements due to the critical nature of fire protection systems and the potential for major property damage if equipment fails.
Note: Insurance regulations in Maine change regularly. Check with the Maine Bureau of Insurance or a licensed agent to confirm the latest requirements before purchasing coverage.
How to Choose the Best General Liability Insurance in Maine
Choosing general liability insurance in Maine requires balancing your coverage needs against your budget constraints. Getting business insurance starts with understanding your industry's specific risks and what clients or landlords require from your policy.
- 1Assess Your Coverage Needs
General liability insurance costs between $14 and $797 per month for small Maine businesses with two employees. Drone businesses often see the lowest rates at $14 per month, while pressure washing companies pay the highest at $797 per month. Your premium depends on your industry, location, coverage limits, business size and any other business insurance coverage you choose to include.
- 2Prepare Business Information
Insurers calculate your premium using your federal EIN, business classification code, annual revenue, employee count, and square footage. Gather your business registration, tax permits, and subcontractor details before requesting quotes. This preparation speeds up the application and helps insurers give you accurate pricing instead of rough estimates that change later.
- 3Compare Multiple Quotes
Request quotes from at least three Maine-licensed insurers since the cost of your coverage varies between carriers for identical limits. Maine small businesses pay around $89 monthly on average, but industry matters more than state averages. Drone operators pay just $14 monthly while pressure washing companies pay $797 rates due to slip-and-fall risks and property damage exposure.
- 4Look Beyond Premium Price
Read policy exclusions before picking affordable business insurance based only on monthly cost. Maine policies exclude professional errors, pollution claims, and employee injuries, requiring separate coverage to fill these gaps. Confirm your policy includes completed operations coverage since work you finish today can trigger claims years later when problems surface.
- 5Verify Insurer Credentials
Search the Maine Bureau of Insurance licensee database to confirm your insurer operates legally in the state. Check AM Best financial ratings to verify your insurer can pay claims during catastrophic events like the storms that damaged 1,200+ Maine businesses recently. Financial strength matters when widespread disasters create simultaneous claims across multiple policyholders.
- 6Ask About Discounts
Bundling general liability with commercial property or auto coverage cuts your premium 10% to 25% with most Maine insurers. Three consecutive claims-free years earn you experience discounts that lower your base rate at renewal. Safety equipment installations and employee training programs prove you manage risk well, which insurers reward with reduced premiums.
- 7Obtain Certificate of Insurance
Landlords and clients demand proof of coverage before signing contracts or approving your lease in Maine. Most insurers send digital certificates instantly through online portals, while others need 24 to 48 hours for processing. Save your agent's contact information for urgent certificate requests that prevent project delays and protect business opportunities.
- 8Review Coverage Annually
Compare rates from multiple carriers 60 to 90 days before renewal, especially after hiring staff, expanding services, or boosting annual revenue. Maine's competitive market means rates shift between insurers, so staying with one carrier without checking alternatives costs you money. Regular reviews prevent coverage gaps and surprise audit charges that add thousands to your premium.
Top General Liability Insurance in Maine: Bottom Line
Finding the right general liability insurance in Maine starts with knowing your business needs and comparing providers carefully. The Hartford, NEXT and Nationwide lead the market, but your best option depends on your industry, company size and budget. Compare quotes from multiple insurers and verify their 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
- Federal Emergency Management Agency. "Declared Disasters - List of Open Disasters." Accessed December 21, 2025.
- Federal Emergency Management Agency. "Maine Severe Storm and Flooding (DR-4754-ME)." Accessed December 21, 2025.
- Gulf of Maine Research Institute. "2023 Gulf of Maine Warming Update." Accessed December 21, 2025.
- National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration. "Climate Change In The Northeast U.S. Shelf Ecosystem." Accessed December 21, 2025.
- National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration National Centers for Environmental Information. "Study Finds Fast Warming in the Gulf of Maine Region." Accessed December 21, 2025.
- Office of Governor Janet T. Mills. "Executive Order 8: An Order Establishing the Maine Infrastructure Rebuilding and Resilience Commission." Accessed December 21, 2025.
- U.S. Small Business Administration Office of Advocacy. "2023 Small Business Profile." Accessed December 21, 2025.