The Hartford is the best general liability insurance provider in Maryland, delivering a balance of competitive rates and reliable service. NEXT and Nationwide also excel with customer support and coverage options.
General Liability Insurance in Maryland
The Hartford tops our rankings for the best general liability insurance in Maryland, scoring 4.67 out of 5.
Explore low-cost general liability insurance in Maryland below.
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Updated: October 30, 2025
Advertising & Editorial Disclosure
Key Takeaways
The Hartford, NEXT and Nationwide are Maryland's leading providers of general liability insurance coverage.
Your ideal general liability provider in Maryland depends on your specific business type, company size and available budget.
Secure quality coverage by comparing multiple quotes, checking financial strength ratings and verifying each insurance provider's credentials.
Best General Liability Insurance Companies in Maryland
| The Hartford | 4.67 | $78 |
| NEXT | 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 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 piece of comprehensive business protection in Maryland. Explore these additional insurance options to safeguard your operation:
Best Maryland Small Business Insurance Reviews
We analyzed Maryland's leading general liability insurance providers to help small business owners identify which companies offer the best combination of coverage, pricing, and customer service to match their general liability requirements.
The Hartford
Best Overall Provider
MoneyGeek Rating
4.7/ 5
4.7/5Affordability
4.6/5Customer Experience
4.7/5Coverage Options
Average Monthly Premium
$78Our 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
$98Our Survey: Claims Process
3.9/5Recommend to Others
4.8/5
Cheapest General Liability Insurance Companies in Maryland
The Hartford offers the cheapest general liability insurance in Maryland at $78 monthly or $935 annually. Simply Business and Nationwide also provide affordable alternatives, making them solid choices for budget-conscious businesses.
| The Hartford | $78 | $935 |
| Simply Business | $91 | $1,096 |
| Nationwide | $93 | $1,110 |
| Progressive Commercial | $95 | $1,145 |
| NEXT | $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 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 Maryland
General liability insurance in Maryland costs an average of $99 monthly or $1,177 annually, slightly below national rates. Your actual premium varies based on industry risk, business size, location and claims history. Construction companies pay more due to increased liability exposure, while consulting firms pay less because of reduced risk.
Average Cost of General Liability Insurance by Industry
General liability insurance costs vary by industry in Maryland. Pressure washing businesses face the steepest monthly premiums at $878, while drone operators enjoy the most affordable rates at just $16 per month. The table below demonstrates how premiums differ across various business types.
| 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 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 Maryland?
Maryland does not require most businesses to carry general liability insurance at the state level. Operating without coverage typically won't trigger statewide penalties.
However, individual cities and counties can establish their own insurance requirements. Check with your local government offices to understand what rules apply in your specific area.
While the state keeps broad requirements minimal, certain licensed trades must maintain specific coverage to keep their professional licenses active:
Electricians
Maryland requires licensed electricians to carry minimum limits of $300,000 per occurrence and $600,000 annual aggregate. This coverage must include completed operations protection.
Electrical Sign Contractors
Electrical sign contractors in Maryland must maintain the same general liability coverage as electricians, with $300,000 per occurrence and $600,000 annual aggregate limits. Completed operations coverage is also required.
HVAC Contractors
Maryland HVAC residential contractors need $300,000 per occurrence and $600,000 annual aggregate coverage. Commercial HVAC contractors must carry higher limits of $500,000 per occurrence and $1,000,000 annual aggregate. Both require completed operations coverage.
Fire Safety Companies
Fire safety companies must maintain general liability insurance with minimum limits of $1,000,000 per occurrence and $2,000,000 annual aggregate to obtain and maintain their Maryland registration.
Maryland business insurance include general liability coverage insurance because you need it for practical reasons, regardless of licensing requirements. Most commercial property owners demand proof of coverage before approving lease agreements. Large corporations and government contracts typically require valid insurance certificates from any contractor they hire. Make sure your coverage limits satisfy both your licensing standards and client expectations.
How to Choose the Best General Liability Insurance in Maryland
Our process to get business insurance starts with determining what protection you actually need and what premiums you can realistically afford. Follow these to choose general liability insurance in Maryland:
- 1Determine your coverage needs
Start by checking if your industry has specific licensing requirements in Maryland. Many clients will ask for $1 million in coverage even when state rules require less. Higher limits protect your business better and open more contract opportunities.
- 2Prepare your business information
Insurers need details like annual revenue, employee count, business type and location to calculate premiums.
- 3Compare multiple insurance quotes
Request quotes from at least three different insurers since costs for business coverage differ between providers.
- 4Review policy terms carefully
Focus on coverage details rather than just comparing premium costs. Some policies include legal defense expenses on top of your coverage limit. Others subtract these costs from your total coverage amount, leaving less money for settlements.
- 5Research insurer financial strength
Check your potential insurers through the Maryland Insurance Administration website to verify licenses. Look up AM Best financial ratings and customer complaint records. These steps help you avoid companies that might struggle to pay claims.
- 6Ask about available discounts
Many insurers offer reduced rates for bundling multiple coverage types together. You might also qualify for discounts through safety training programs.
- 7Obtain your coverage certificate
Request your certificate of insurance immediately after purchasing your policy.
How to Prevent General Liability Claims in Maryland
Even with comprehensive business coverage, business owners never want to handle liability claims. Most Maryland companies can avoid these situations through smart preparation and proactive planning.
Watch out for property hazards
Maryland's humid climate and seasonal weather create slip risks from ice, wet leaves and storm debris. Inspect walkways daily during winter months and after storms, repair cracked pavement promptly, and ensure adequate lighting in parking areas and entrances.
Train your people well
Establish consistent safety protocols for all employees handling equipment, chemicals or customer interactions.
Keep good records
Document all incidents immediately with photos, witness statements and detailed written reports.
Get everything in writing
Create detailed contracts that specify work scope, safety responsibilities and liability limitations.
Fix problems fast
Address customer complaints within 24 hours and document your response and resolution efforts.
Maintain proper insurance coverage
Review your general liability policy annually to ensure adequate coverage limits for Maryland's legal environment. Consider umbrella coverage if your business faces higher risk exposure from equipment use or customer premises work.
Inspect equipment regularly
Schedule monthly equipment inspections and maintain detailed maintenance logs for all tools and machinery.
Know your legal obligations
Understand Maryland's premises liability laws and your duty of care responsibilities when working on customer property.
General Liability Insurance in Maryland: Bottom Line
Securing quality general liability insurance in Maryland requires matching coverage to your specific business needs. The Hartford, NEXT and Nationwide lead the market, but your ideal provider depends on your industry, company size and available budget.
Commercial General Liability Insurance in Maryland: FAQ
Our research and analysis of Maryland's insurance market helped us answer the top questions business owners ask about general liability coverage options and costs.
What does general liability insurance cover for Maryland businesses?
General liability insurance for Maryland businesses covers bodily injury to third parties, property damage you cause to others and legal defense costs.
How much does general liability insurance cost in Maryland?
Small businesses in Maryland pay between $78 and $113 monthly for general liability insurance. The Hartford leads as the most affordable option at $78 per month, with Simply Business and Nationwide following closely at $91 and $93 respectively.
Do Maryland businesses legally need general liability insurance?
Maryland does not legally mandate general liability insurance for most businesses. However, municipalities may impose their own requirements, and licensed professionals like contractors and electricians often need specific coverage levels.
Which company offers the best general liability insurance in Maryland?
The Hartford offers the best general liability insurance in Maryland, ranking first overall with exceptional affordability at $78 monthly.
What coverage limits should Maryland businesses choose?
Maryland businesses should first verify any minimum coverage requirements mandated by their industry licensing. The standard choice for most small businesses is $1 million per occurrence and $2 million aggregate coverage.
How We Scored the Best General Liability Insurance Companies in Maryland
Maryland businesses encounter specific liability exposures, including weather-related incidents and workplace injuries across various industries. Our evaluation process identified general liability insurers that deliver solid coverage without breaking small business budgets.
What We Evaluated
- Affordability (50%): Cost remains the biggest hurdle for small businesses seeking liability protection. We analyzed premium rates across carriers because reasonable pricing determines whether businesses can actually maintain coverage.
- Customer experience (30%): Quality claims service separates good insurers from great ones. Our analysis included J.D. Power ratings, Maryland state complaint data, and independent agent feedback to assess policyholder treatment during claims.
- Coverage options (15%): Maryland businesses span diverse industries with varying liability exposures. We examined how insurers customize general liability policies for different sectors, from food service to construction companies.
- Financial strength (5%): Low premiums mean nothing if the insurer cannot pay claims. We verified AM Best ratings and financial stability reports to ensure recommended carriers maintain solid claim-paying capacity.
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
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- NEXT. "Customer Reviews | NEXT." Accessed November 3, 2025.
- Trustpilot. "Next Insurance Reviews." Accessed November 3, 2025.
- Trustpilot. "The Hartford Reviews." Accessed November 3, 2025.
- The Hartford. "When Is Liability Insurance Needed?." Accessed November 3, 2025.
- The Hartford. "What Does General Liability Insurance Cover?." Accessed November 3, 2025.