We researched Maryland's general liability insurance market to help you find the best business insurance coverage. Our analysis provides clear answers to common questions business owners ask:
Best General Liability Insurance in Maryland
The Hartford tops Maryland for best and cheapest general liability coverage, with rates starting at $78 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 Maryland: Fast Answers
Which company offers the best general liability insurance in Maryland?
The Hartford ranks as the best general liability insurance company in Maryland with an overall score of 4.67 out of 5. It provides affordable coverage at $78 per month and excels in claims handling. NEXT follows closely as the runner-up, offering excellent digital tools and customer support for $98 per month.
Who offers the cheapest general liability insurance in Maryland?
The cheapest general liability insurance companies in Maryland are:
- The Hartford: $78 per month
- Simply Business: $91 per month
- Nationwide: $93 per month
- Progressive: $95 per month
- NEXT: $98 per month
Do Maryland businesses legally need general liability insurance?
Maryland 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 coverage to maintain their licenses. Local municipalities can also set their own insurance requirements. Even when not legally mandated, most landlords and clients require proof of coverage before signing contracts or leases.
How much does general liability insurance cost in Maryland?
General liability insurance costs between $16 and $878 per month for small Maryland businesses with two employees. The drone industry sees the lowest rates at $16 per month, while pressure washing businesses pay the highest at $878 per month. Your actual premium depends on your industry, location, coverage limits, and business size.
Best General Liability Insurance Companies in Maryland
The Hartford is our top choice for general liability insurance in Maryland, delivering strong affordability and financial stability for small businesses.
NEXT and Nationwide also perform well as alternatives, with NEXT leading in customer service and Nationwide offering dependable long-term stability. These providers give Maryland business owners solid options for protecting their operations.
| The Hartford | 4.67 | $78 |
| NEXT Insurance | 4.58 | $98 |
| Nationwide | 4.54 | $93 |
| Simply Business | 4.50 | $91 |
| Thimble | 4.40 | $102 |
| Coverdash | 4.38 | $99 |
| biBERK | 4.30 | $109 |
| Progressive Commercial | 4.29 | $95 |
| Chubb | 4.27 | $113 |
| Hiscox | 4.19 | $109 |
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 Maryland General Liability Insurer
Select your industry and state to get a customized Maryland general liability insurance quote.
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LEARN MORE ABOUT THE BEST BUSINESS INSURANCE IN MARYLAND
General liability insurance shields Maryland businesses from customer injuries and property damage lawsuits, but it won't cover every business risk. Explore these additional coverage options to build complete financial protection:
Best Maryland General Liability Insurance Reviews
Finding the best general liability insurance in Maryland requires looking beyond cost alone. Coverage quality and customer service matter too. Our research reveals the top business insurers in Maryland.
The Hartford
Best Maryland General Liability Insurer
MoneyGeek Rating
4.7/ 5
4.7/5Affordability
4.6/5Customer Experience
4.7/5Coverage Points
Average Monthly General Liability Premium
$78These 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 Maryland 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
$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 Maryland
The Hartford offers the cheapest general liability insurance in Maryland at $78 per month, saving businesses $20 or 20% compared to the state average. Simply Business and Nationwide also provide affordable coverage options for Maryland companies.
| The Hartford | $78 | $935 |
| Simply Business | $91 | $1,096 |
| Nationwide | $93 | $1,110 |
| Progressive Commercial | $95 | $1,145 |
| NEXT Insurance | $98 | $1,180 |
| Coverdash | $99 | $1,184 |
| Thimble | $102 | $1,228 |
| Hiscox | $109 | $1,307 |
| biBERK | $109 | $1,308 |
| Chubb | $113 | $1,360 |
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 Maryland by Industry
MoneyGeek's research identifies the cheapest general liability insurance providers across Maryland industries based on comprehensive rate analysis.
- The Hartford ranks as the most affordable provider in 23 industries, dominating sectors like construction, cleaning, food trucks, pest control and transportation.
- Simply Business offers the cheapest coverage in 11 industries, excelling with professional services including accountants, lawyers, consulting and ecommerce businesses.
- Thimble leads affordability in 10 industries, performing strongest in service sectors like barbershops, HVAC, roofing and tutoring.
- biBerk wins nine industries for cheap general liability rates, showing particular strength in contracting, engineering, catering and veterinary services.
- NEXT and Progressive each top seven industries. NEXT performs best for dental practices, photography and tech businesses, while Progressive leads in retail, beauty salons and food service.
Data filtered by:
Select
| Accountants | Simply Business | $14 | $165 |
| Ad Agency | Thimble | $95 | $1,142 |
| Automotive | Coverdash | $105 | $1,264 |
| Barber | Thimble | $94 | $1,128 |
| Auto Repair | Coverdash | $110 | $1,322 |
| Bakery | Progressive Commercial | $85 | $1,015 |
| Candle | Simply Business | $92 | $1,102 |
| Beauty Salon | Progressive Commercial | $108 | $1,290 |
| Bounce House | The Hartford | $53 | $631 |
| Cannabis | The Hartford | $50 | $603 |
| Catering | biBERK | $163 | $1,953 |
| Computer Programming | Thimble | $94 | $1,128 |
| Cleaning | The Hartford | $95 | $1,140 |
| Coffee Shop | Thimble | $89 | $1,071 |
| Computer Repair | The Hartford | $35 | $425 |
| Construction | The Hartford | $124 | $1,483 |
| Consulting | Simply Business | $14 | $165 |
| Contractor | biBERK | $195 | $2,341 |
| Dental | NEXT Insurance | $12 | $143 |
| Courier | The Hartford | $159 | $1,904 |
| Daycare | The Hartford | $24 | $294 |
| Dog Grooming | Thimble | $34 | $412 |
| DJ | Simply Business | $11 | $132 |
| Electrical | Nationwide | $97 | $1,164 |
| Drone | The Hartford | $12 | $146 |
| Ecommerce | Simply Business | $92 | $1,102 |
| Funeral Home | NEXT Insurance | $42 | $506 |
| Engineering | biBERK | $16 | $192 |
| Excavation | biBERK | $355 | $4,255 |
| Florist | Simply Business | $29 | $352 |
| Food | Progressive Commercial | $101 | $1,213 |
| Food Truck | The Hartford | $105 | $1,265 |
| Handyman | biBERK | $167 | $2,003 |
| Gardening | Coverdash | $92 | $1,099 |
| Home-based | The Hartford | $17 | $200 |
| Janitorial | Nationwide | $93 | $1,118 |
| Home-based | NEXT Insurance | $44 | $526 |
| Hospitality | biBERK | $134 | $1,606 |
| HVAC | Thimble | $103 | $1,235 |
| Jewelry | Thimble | $157 | $1,880 |
| Junk Removal | The Hartford | $121 | $1,446 |
| Lawn/Landscaping | Progressive Commercial | $91 | $1,092 |
| Manufacturing | Nationwide | $19 | $229 |
| Lawyers | Simply Business | $14 | $165 |
| Marine | The Hartford | $22 | $268 |
| Moving | The Hartford | $91 | $1,092 |
| Massage | Hiscox | $88 | $1,055 |
| Mortgage Broker | NEXT Insurance | $15 | $181 |
| Painting | The Hartford | $105 | $1,264 |
| Nonprofit | biBERK | $25 | $302 |
| Pet | Thimble | $34 | $412 |
| Party Rental | Chubb | $91 | $1,089 |
| Personal Training | The Hartford | $18 | $212 |
| Pest Control | The Hartford | $24 | $287 |
| Photography | NEXT Insurance | $13 | $153 |
| Pharmacy | biBERK | $96 | $1,157 |
| Physical Therapy | Nationwide | $19 | $229 |
| Retail | Progressive Commercial | $88 | $1,050 |
| Plumbing | Simply Business | $259 | $3,104 |
| Pressure Washing | Progressive Commercial | $848 | $10,172 |
| Real Estate | Nationwide | $115 | $1,376 |
| Restaurant | Coverdash | $95 | $1,136 |
| Roofing | Thimble | $198 | $2,375 |
| Security | The Hartford | $105 | $1,259 |
| Spa/Wellness | Progressive Commercial | $102 | $1,222 |
| Snack Bars | The Hartford | $85 | $1,023 |
| Software | Simply Business | $14 | $165 |
| Travel | The Hartford | $15 | $180 |
| Speech Therapist | Nationwide | $19 | $229 |
| Speech Therapist | Simply Business | $19 | $229 |
| Startup | Simply Business | $14 | $165 |
| Tech/IT | NEXT Insurance | $15 | $181 |
| Transportation | The Hartford | $30 | $357 |
| Trucking | Coverdash | $97 | $1,160 |
| Tree Service | The Hartford | $97 | $1,159 |
| Tutoring | Thimble | $94 | $1,128 |
| Veterinary | biBERK | $24 | $285 |
| Wedding Planning | NEXT Insurance | $11 | $138 |
| Window Cleaning | The Hartford | $122 | $1,467 |
| Welding | The Hartford | $128 | $1,533 |
| Wholesale | Coverdash | $32 | $387 |
Average Cost of General Liability Insurance in Maryland
General liability insurance costs Maryland small businesses around $98 per month on average. The average cost of general liability coverage changes based on your industry, business size, location and coverage limits.
Manufacturing companies pay higher premiums due to increased risk exposure, while accounting firms usually pay less because of lower liability concerns. Sole proprietors generally pay lower rates compared to businesses with several employees since they have fewer risk factors.
Average Cost of General Liability Insurance in Maryland by Industry
General liability insurance costs in Maryland vary widely by industry, ranging from $16 monthly for drone businesses to $878 for pressure washing companies. Review this table to find typical general liability coverage rates for your specific business type.
Data filtered by:
Select
| Accountants | $21 | $253 |
| Ad Agency | $34 | $407 |
| Automotive | $51 | $613 |
| Auto Repair | $146 | $1,748 |
| Bakery | $87 | $1,039 |
| Barber | $42 | $510 |
| Beauty Salon | $64 | $768 |
| Bounce House | $67 | $808 |
| Candle | $53 | $632 |
| Cannabis | $64 | $771 |
| Catering | $84 | $1,009 |
| Cleaning | $127 | $1,524 |
| Coffee Shop | $86 | $1,032 |
| Computer Programming | $28 | $334 |
| Computer Repair | $46 | $548 |
| Construction | $168 | $2,018 |
| Consulting | $21 | $252 |
| Contractor | $244 | $2,932 |
| Courier | $187 | $2,248 |
| Daycare | $32 | $378 |
| Dental | $21 | $247 |
| DJ | $24 | $291 |
| Dog Grooming | $61 | $730 |
| Drone | $16 | $192 |
| Ecommerce | $70 | $842 |
| Electrical | $108 | $1,294 |
| Engineering | $38 | $458 |
| Excavation | $446 | $5,357 |
| Florist | $41 | $493 |
| Food | $103 | $1,239 |
| Food Truck | $136 | $1,631 |
| Funeral Home | $58 | $694 |
| Gardening | $108 | $1,293 |
| Handyman | $234 | $2,808 |
| Home-based | $23 | $273 |
| Home-based | $44 | $526 |
| Hospitality | $63 | $750 |
| HVAC | $235 | $2,822 |
| Janitorial | $131 | $1,578 |
| Jewelry | $39 | $464 |
| Junk Removal | $156 | $1,869 |
| Lawn/Landscaping | $115 | $1,383 |
| Lawyers | $22 | $262 |
| Manufacturing | $61 | $736 |
| Marine | $27 | $323 |
| Massage | $92 | $1,103 |
| Mortgage Broker | $22 | $263 |
| Moving | $119 | $1,427 |
| Nonprofit | $34 | $413 |
| Painting | $138 | $1,654 |
| Party Rental | $76 | $914 |
| Personal Training | $23 | $275 |
| Pest Control | $31 | $371 |
| Pet | $54 | $645 |
| Pharmacy | $59 | $711 |
| Photography | $23 | $278 |
| Physical Therapy | $106 | $1,269 |
| Plumbing | $347 | $4,159 |
| Pressure Washing | $878 | $10,531 |
| Real Estate | $51 | $612 |
| Restaurant | $139 | $1,669 |
| Retail | $63 | $752 |
| Roofing | $372 | $4,464 |
| Security | $133 | $1,600 |
| Snack Bars | $113 | $1,351 |
| Software | $25 | $303 |
| Spa/Wellness | $102 | $1,228 |
| Speech Therapist | $30 | $359 |
| Startup | $27 | $329 |
| Tech/IT | $25 | $304 |
| Transportation | $36 | $433 |
| Travel | $20 | $240 |
| Tree Service | $124 | $1,493 |
| Trucking | $98 | $1,180 |
| Tutoring | $29 | $348 |
| Veterinary | $43 | $516 |
| Wedding Planning | $27 | $319 |
| Welding | $158 | $1,897 |
| Wholesale | $43 | $514 |
| Window Cleaning | $153 | $1,832 |
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 Maryland General Liability Insurance Costs?
Many factors influence general liability insurance costs for Maryland businesses.
Maryland Geography and Weather Risks
Your business location near the Chesapeake Bay or coastal areas means dealing with frequent severe weather that directly impacts your GL premiums. Thunderstorms, flooding, and hurricanes create real liability exposure when customers slip on wet floors or get injured by storm debris on your premises.
Power outages during storms lead to dark, hazardous conditions that increase injury claims. Coastal businesses see higher rates because waterfront foot traffic and storm surges create more opportunities for accidents that trigger liability claims.
Maryland Regulatory Requirements
If you're a home improvement contractor in Maryland, you now need $500,000 in general liability coverage to keep your license, up from $50,000 as of June 2024. This tenfold increase eliminates budget coverage options and creates a mandatory baseline cost you can't avoid.
Construction trades, remodeling businesses and anyone needing a Maryland Home Improvement Commission license must meet this requirement. The state essentially decided what adequate protection looks like, and your premium reflects that new standard.
Maryland Legal and Litigation Environment
Maryland courts have become increasingly receptive to liability claims, which pushes your GL rates higher. Over 30 climate lawsuits and multiple PFAS contamination cases show that failure-to-warn theories and environmental liability claims gain traction here.
Judges entertain creative applications of nuisance and consumer protection laws that expand business liability. Your insurer prices policies based on this lawsuit-friendly environment, if you operate in manufacturing, industrial, energy or construction sectors where environmental claims hit hardest.
Maryland Industry and Business Type
What you do determines what you pay. Construction companies in Maryland spend more for GL coverage than consulting firms because job sites create far more injury opportunities than offices. Restaurants deal with slip-and-fall claims and foodborne illness lawsuits. Retailers deal with customer injuries on premises. Manufacturing businesses handle product liability exposure.
Maryland's weather makes outdoor work riskier and Chesapeake Bay operations involve higher customer interaction. Different industries carry vastly different liability profiles based on physical hazards and customer contact levels.
How Much General Liability Insurance Do I Need in Maryland?
Maryland sets specific coverage minimums for certain licensed professions. These requirements for commercial general liability insurance vary by industry and business size. Most Maryland businesses have no legal mandate but carry $1 million per occurrence and $2 million aggregate limits to meet standard contractual requirements and protect against common liability claims.
Maryland's mandatory coverage requirements include:
- Agencies with fewer than five guards: $500,000 commercial general liability. Maryland bases this requirement on the number of guards you employ, not your total revenue.
- Agencies with five or more guards: $1 million commercial general liability. Agencies employing fewer than five guards need half that amount at $500,000.
Maryland public liability insurance requirements for home improvement contractors
$500,000 minimum general liability coverage. This requirement took effect in June 2024 for all contractors performing home improvement work.
Maryland public liability insurance requirements for plumbers
$300,000 general liability plus $100,000 property damage coverage. You'll need both coverages active to maintain your Maryland plumbing license.
Maryland public liability insurance requirements for security guard agencies
Maryland public liability insurance requirements for fire safety companies
Fire safety companies must carry $100,000 per occurrence and $300,000 aggregate commercial general liability coverage for state registration. This insurance covers potential damage or injury from inspection, installation, or maintenance work on fire protection systems.
Note: State insurance rules change often. Check current requirements with the Maryland Department of Insurance or ask a licensed insurance agent for the latest information.
How to Choose the Best General Liability Insurance in Maryland
Getting business insurance in Maryland requires balancing your coverage needs with your budget. Focus on insurers with strong financial ratings, responsive claims service and policy limits that match your actual liability risks.
- 1Determine Coverage Needs
Maryland requires general liability insurance for home improvement contractors ($500,000 minimum as of October 2024), plumbers ($300,000 plus $100,000 in property damage coverage) and security guard agencies ($500,000 to $1 million depending on staff size).
Even if your industry isn’t legally required to carry a policy, most clients and landlords will still ask for proof of business insurance coverage. Many Maryland businesses choose $1 million per occurrence and $2 million aggregate limits to meet typical contract requirements.
- 2Prepare Business Information
Gather your EIN, business registration, tax permits and Maryland license before requesting quotes for business insurance coverage. Insurers calculate your premium based on your industry classification, annual revenue, employee count and business address.
Coastal businesses near Ocean City often pay higher rates due to hurricane exposure, while Baltimore operations pay more because of theft risks. Having your documents ready speeds up the quoting process and helps you get accurate pricing.
- 3Compare Multiple Quotes
Get quotes from at least three insurers licensed by the Maryland Insurance Administration to compare business insurance costs. Rates can differ by hundreds of dollars annually between carriers for identical coverage. Compare deductibles, whether defense costs count toward policy limits and how each insurer processes Maryland claims. Price matters, but claims service and coverage details matter more when you actually file.
- 4Look Beyond Price
Picking general liability coverage based solely on cheap business insurance rates backfires when you file a claim. Read exclusions carefully and check whether legal defense costs add to or stay separate from your policy limits. You'll need separate policies for professional errors, pollution liability and workers' compensation. Standard general liability won't cover these exposures at any price point.
- 5Verify Insurer Credentials
Check insurer licensing at insurance.maryland.gov before buying any policy. Review AM Best ratings to confirm your carrier has the financial strength to pay large claims. Research complaint ratios with the Maryland Insurance Administration to identify insurers with delayed payments or poor claims handling. Strong financial backing matters when you're facing a $500,000 lawsuit.
- 6Ask About Discounts
Maryland insurers offer 10% to 25% savings when you bundle general liability with commercial property or auto coverage. Claims-free histories, safety training programs and paying annually instead of monthly reduce premiums. Installing security systems or earning OSHA safety certifications shows you manage risk well and often cuts costs by 5% to 10%.
- 7Obtain Certificate of Insurance
Maryland clients, landlords and contractors require certificates of insurance before you start work or sign leases. Many insurers provide digital certificates of insurance (COIs) instantly through online portals, while others need 24 to 48 hours. Keep your agent's contact information handy for urgent certificate requests. Missing a COI can delay projects and cost you contracts.
- 8Review Coverage Annually
Reassess your coverage 60 to 90 days before renewal, especially after hiring staff, expanding services or moving locations. Compare quotes annually to find better rates or adjust limits based on business growth.
Maryland’s severe weather, including the 2024 tornado outbreak and damaging thunderstorms, makes current coverage essential. Any gaps in protection leave you exposed during a claim.
Top General Liability Insurance in Maryland: Bottom Line
Finding the right general liability insurance in Maryland starts with understanding your specific business needs and comparing providers carefully. The Hartford, NEXT and Nationwide represent strong options in the market. Your ideal choice depends on your industry, business size and available 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
- Baltimore Sun. "Can Cities, Counties Sue Oil Companies? MD. Supreme Court To Hear Appeal." Accessed December 20, 2025.
- Baltimore Sun. "Maryland Needs Real Climate Solutions, Not Courtroom Battles." Accessed December 20, 2025.
- Maryland Matters. "Maryland Justices Weigh Local Lawsuits Against Oil Companies Over Climate Change." Accessed December 20, 2025.
- Maryland Department of Labor. "Maryland Home Improvement Commission (MHIC)." Accessed December 20, 2025.
- National Weather Service. "2 Tornadoes Confirmed in Garrett County Maryland From Saturday Evening." Accessed December 20, 2025.
- National Weather Service. "Severe Storm Threats, Facts and Safety for MD Severe Storms Awareness Week." Accessed December 20, 2025.