Get answers about general liability insurance in Massachusetts and explore best business insurance options for your needs. Our FAQ section provides quick insights backed by MoneyGeek's detailed research and analysis:
Best General Liability Insurance in Massachusetts
NEXT leads Massachusetts general liability insurance, while The Hartford offers the lowest rates starting at $86 per month.
Get matched to the best and cheapest general liability insurer for you below.
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Updated: December 29, 2025
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Commercial General Liability Insurance in Massachusetts: Fast Answers
Which company offers the best general liability insurance in Massachusetts?
NEXT and The Hartford tie as the best general liability insurance company in Massachusetts, both earning 4.57 out of 5 overall scores. The Hartford offers the most affordable rates at $86 per month along with strong claims handling. NEXT provides an excellent digital experience for $108 per month, making business management simple and efficient.
Who offers the cheapest general liability insurance in Massachusetts?
The cheapest general liability insurance companies in Massachusetts are:
- The Hartford: $86 per month
- Simply Business: $100 per month
- Nationwide: $102 per month
- Progressive: $105 per month
- NEXT: $108 per month
Do Massachusetts businesses legally need general liability insurance?
Massachusetts doesn't legally require general liability insurance for most businesses statewide. However, certain licensed professionals like contractors and electricians must carry minimum coverage to maintain their licenses.
Local municipalities may impose additional 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 Massachusetts?
General liability insurance costs between $18 and $965 per month for small Massachusetts businesses with two employees. The drone industry tends to see the lowest rates, while pressure washing businesses pay some of the highest premiums. Your actual cost depends on your specific industry, business location, coverage limits and company size.
Best General Liability Insurance Companies in Massachusetts
NEXT and The Hartford are our joint top picks for general liability insurance in Massachusetts. NEXT delivers exceptional customer service, while The Hartford offers strong affordability for small businesses. Nationwide also ranks as a reliable option with strong stability and customer support ratings.
| NEXT Insurance | 4.57 | $108 |
| The Hartford | 4.57 | $86 |
| Nationwide | 4.53 | $102 |
| Simply Business | 4.49 | $100 |
| Coverdash | 4.38 | $108 |
| Thimble | 4.35 | $112 |
| biBERK | 4.30 | $120 |
| Progressive Commercial | 4.28 | $105 |
| Chubb | 4.27 | $125 |
| Hiscox | 4.19 | $120 |
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 Massachusetts General Liability Insurer
Select your industry and state to get a customized Massachusetts general liability insurance quote.
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LEARN MORE ABOUT THE BEST BUSINESS INSURANCE IN MASSACHUSETTS
General liability insurance covers customer injuries and property damage for Massachusetts businesses, but it won't protect against every risk your business encounters. Explore these additional coverage options to build comprehensive financial protection:
Best Massachusetts General Liability Insurance Reviews
Finding the best general liability insurance in Massachusetts means looking beyond just affordable rates. Our research shows coverage quality and customer service matter just as much for protecting your business.
NEXT
Best Massachusetts General Liability Insurer
MoneyGeek Rating
4.6/ 5
4.3/5Affordability
4.7/5Customer Experience
4.8/5Coverage Points
Average Monthly General Liability Premium
$108These 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
The Hartford
Best Massachusetts Commercial General Liability
MoneyGeek Rating
4.6/ 5
4.5/5Affordability
4.6/5Customer Experience
4.7/5Coverage Points
Average Monthly General Liability Premium
$86These 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
Nationwide
Best Massachusetts Commercial General Liability: Runner-Up
MoneyGeek Rating
4.5/ 5
4.4/5Affordability
4.6/5Customer Experience
4.6/5Coverage Points
Average Monthly General Liability Premium
$102These 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
4.3/5
Cheapest General Liability Insurance Companies in Massachusetts
The Hartford offers the cheapest general liability insurance in Massachusetts at $86 per month, saving businesses $22 or 20.5% compared to the state average. Simply Business and Nationwide also provide affordable coverage options for Massachusetts businesses.
| The Hartford | $86 | $1,031 |
| Simply Business | $100 | $1,205 |
| Nationwide | $102 | $1,222 |
| Progressive Commercial | $105 | $1,261 |
| NEXT Insurance | $108 | $1,298 |
| Coverdash | $108 | $1,302 |
| Thimble | $112 | $1,348 |
| Hiscox | $120 | $1,434 |
| biBERK | $120 | $1,435 |
| Chubb | $125 | $1,496 |
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 Massachusetts by Industry
MoneyGeek's research identifies the five most affordable general liability insurance providers across Massachusetts industries.
- The Hartford: Ranks as the cheapest provider in 23 out of 81 industries statewide. This insurer dominates construction, electrical work, trucking, and security sectors.
- Thimble: Offers the lowest rates in 14 industries, performing well for service businesses like cleaning companies, HVAC contractors and software developers.
- biBerk: Leads affordability in 13 industries, showing strong results for personal service businesses including barber shops, beauty salons, and veterinary practices.
- Simply Business: Wins 12 industries with competitive rates for professional services such as accountants, lawyers, consulting firms, and startups.
- Nationwide: Secures the cheapest coverage in eight Massachusetts industries, excelling in manufacturing, restaurants and real estate sectors.
Data filtered by:
Select
| Ad Agency | Thimble | $104 | $1,252 |
| Accountants | Simply Business | $15 | $181 |
| Automotive | Coverdash | $116 | $1,391 |
| Auto Repair | Nationwide | $85 | $1,014 |
| Bakery | Coverdash | $85 | $1,021 |
| Beauty Salon | biBERK | $85 | $1,025 |
| Barber | biBERK | $85 | $1,025 |
| Candle | Simply Business | $101 | $1,212 |
| Bounce House | Chubb | $84 | $1,003 |
| Cannabis | The Hartford | $55 | $665 |
| Cleaning | Thimble | $88 | $1,054 |
| Catering | biBERK | $179 | $2,143 |
| Computer Programming | Thimble | $103 | $1,238 |
| Coffee Shop | Simply Business | $88 | $1,061 |
| Computer Repair | The Hartford | $39 | $468 |
| Contractor | biBERK | $214 | $2,569 |
| Construction | The Hartford | $136 | $1,635 |
| Consulting | Simply Business | $15 | $181 |
| Dental | NEXT Insurance | $13 | $158 |
| Courier | The Hartford | $175 | $2,098 |
| Daycare | The Hartford | $27 | $323 |
| DJ | Thimble | $88 | $1,054 |
| Ecommerce | biBERK | $88 | $1,057 |
| Dog Grooming | biBERK | $85 | $1,022 |
| Drone | The Hartford | $13 | $161 |
| Excavation | biBERK | $389 | $4,669 |
| Electrical | The Hartford | $89 | $1,067 |
| Engineering | biBERK | $18 | $211 |
| Florist | Simply Business | $32 | $387 |
| Food | The Hartford | $86 | $1,026 |
| Gardening | Simply Business | $86 | $1,028 |
| Food Truck | Thimble | $86 | $1,032 |
| Funeral Home | biBERK | $85 | $1,015 |
| Home-based | NEXT Insurance | $48 | $579 |
| Handyman | biBERK | $183 | $2,198 |
| Home-based | The Hartford | $18 | $220 |
| Hospitality | Chubb | $85 | $1,024 |
| HVAC | Thimble | $113 | $1,355 |
| Jewelry | Thimble | $172 | $2,064 |
| Janitorial | Nationwide | $103 | $1,231 |
| Junk Removal | The Hartford | $133 | $1,594 |
| Lawyers | Simply Business | $15 | $181 |
| Lawn/Landscaping | Simply Business | $86 | $1,028 |
| Manufacturing | Nationwide | $21 | $253 |
| Massage | Simply Business | $84 | $1,005 |
| Marine | The Hartford | $25 | $295 |
| Mortgage Broker | NEXT Insurance | $17 | $200 |
| Moving | Nationwide | $90 | $1,084 |
| Nonprofit | biBERK | $28 | $331 |
| Party Rental | Thimble | $87 | $1,039 |
| Painting | The Hartford | $116 | $1,392 |
| Personal Training | The Hartford | $20 | $235 |
| Pest Control | The Hartford | $26 | $317 |
| Pharmacy | biBERK | $106 | $1,270 |
| Pet | Thimble | $38 | $452 |
| Physical Therapy | Thimble | $899 | $10,784 |
| Photography | NEXT Insurance | $14 | $168 |
| Plumbing | Simply Business | $284 | $3,413 |
| Retail | Progressive Commercial | $96 | $1,156 |
| Pressure Washing | The Hartford | $897 | $10,762 |
| Real Estate | Nationwide | $126 | $1,515 |
| Restaurant | Nationwide | $87 | $1,043 |
| Roofing | Thimble | $217 | $2,607 |
| Security | The Hartford | $116 | $1,387 |
| Spa/Wellness | The Hartford | $86 | $1,034 |
| Snack Bars | The Hartford | $94 | $1,128 |
| Software | Thimble | $88 | $1,054 |
| Startup | Simply Business | $15 | $181 |
| Speech Therapist | Simply Business | $21 | $252 |
| Speech Therapist | Nationwide | $21 | $252 |
| Tech/IT | NEXT Insurance | $17 | $200 |
| Travel | The Hartford | $17 | $199 |
| Transportation | The Hartford | $33 | $394 |
| Tree Service | Nationwide | $90 | $1,084 |
| Trucking | The Hartford | $85 | $1,016 |
| Tutoring | Thimble | $103 | $1,238 |
| Welding | The Hartford | $141 | $1,690 |
| Veterinary | biBERK | $26 | $313 |
| Wedding Planning | Thimble | $91 | $1,088 |
| Wholesale | Coverdash | $36 | $426 |
| Window Cleaning | The Hartford | $135 | $1,615 |
Average Cost of General Liability Insurance in Massachusetts
General liability insurance costs Massachusetts small businesses an average of $108 monthly. The average cost of general liability coverage depends on your industry, business size, location and coverage limits.
Manufacturing companies pay higher premiums due to increased risk exposure, while accounting firms pay less because of lower claim potential. Sole proprietors generally pay lower rates compared to businesses with employees.
Average Cost of General Liability Insurance in Massachusetts by Industry
Massachusetts businesses pay anywhere from $18 monthly for drone operations to $965 for pressure washing companies when purchasing general liability coverage. Your industry determines where you fall within this range. Review this table to find typical rates for your specific business type.
Data filtered by:
Select
| Accountants | $23 | $279 |
| Ad Agency | $37 | $447 |
| Automotive | $56 | $674 |
| Auto Repair | $160 | $1,922 |
| Bakery | $95 | $1,143 |
| Barber | $47 | $560 |
| Beauty Salon | $70 | $845 |
| Bounce House | $74 | $889 |
| Candle | $58 | $695 |
| Cannabis | $71 | $848 |
| Catering | $92 | $1,108 |
| Cleaning | $140 | $1,675 |
| Coffee Shop | $95 | $1,135 |
| Computer Programming | $31 | $368 |
| Computer Repair | $50 | $602 |
| Construction | $185 | $2,218 |
| Consulting | $23 | $278 |
| Contractor | $269 | $3,224 |
| Courier | $206 | $2,472 |
| Daycare | $35 | $416 |
| Dental | $23 | $272 |
| DJ | $27 | $320 |
| Dog Grooming | $67 | $803 |
| Drone | $18 | $211 |
| Ecommerce | $77 | $926 |
| Electrical | $119 | $1,422 |
| Engineering | $42 | $504 |
| Excavation | $491 | $5,891 |
| Florist | $45 | $541 |
| Food | $114 | $1,362 |
| Food Truck | $149 | $1,793 |
| Funeral Home | $64 | $764 |
| Gardening | $118 | $1,421 |
| Handyman | $257 | $3,088 |
| Home-based | $25 | $301 |
| Home-based | $48 | $579 |
| Hospitality | $69 | $824 |
| HVAC | $259 | $3,103 |
| Janitorial | $145 | $1,735 |
| Jewelry | $42 | $510 |
| Junk Removal | $171 | $2,055 |
| Lawn/Landscaping | $127 | $1,521 |
| Lawyers | $24 | $288 |
| Manufacturing | $67 | $808 |
| Marine | $30 | $354 |
| Massage | $101 | $1,212 |
| Mortgage Broker | $24 | $290 |
| Moving | $131 | $1,569 |
| Nonprofit | $38 | $454 |
| Painting | $152 | $1,819 |
| Party Rental | $84 | $1,006 |
| Personal Training | $25 | $302 |
| Pest Control | $34 | $408 |
| Pet | $59 | $709 |
| Pharmacy | $65 | $782 |
| Photography | $25 | $305 |
| Physical Therapy | $116 | $1,393 |
| Plumbing | $381 | $4,574 |
| Pressure Washing | $965 | $11,582 |
| Real Estate | $56 | $673 |
| Restaurant | $153 | $1,834 |
| Retail | $69 | $827 |
| Roofing | $409 | $4,909 |
| Security | $147 | $1,760 |
| Snack Bars | $124 | $1,485 |
| Software | $28 | $333 |
| Spa/Wellness | $112 | $1,350 |
| Speech Therapist | $33 | $395 |
| Startup | $30 | $362 |
| Tech/IT | $28 | $334 |
| Transportation | $40 | $476 |
| Travel | $22 | $264 |
| Tree Service | $137 | $1,642 |
| Trucking | $108 | $1,298 |
| Tutoring | $32 | $383 |
| Veterinary | $47 | $567 |
| Wedding Planning | $29 | $351 |
| Welding | $174 | $2,086 |
| Wholesale | $47 | $565 |
| Window Cleaning | $168 | $2,015 |
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 Massachusetts General Liability Insurance Costs?
A range of factors can change how much Massachusetts businesses pay for general liability insurance coverage.
Massachusetts Legal Settlement Environment
Massachusetts doesn't cap damages in most personal injury cases. One law firm secured 39 settlements exceeding $1 million in 2024 alone, with individual awards reaching $7.7 million. Your slip-and-fall case that might settle for $100,000 elsewhere could generate a $2 million verdict here.
Insurers analyze years of Massachusetts jury data and build higher reserves into every policy. Without statutory caps limiting payouts, carriers adjust premiums upward to cover these substantial awards, directly impacting what you pay for coverage.
Massachusetts Healthcare Cost Trends
Health care spending per person in Massachusetts jumped 8.6% from 2022 to 2023, reaching $11,153 annually, which is well above the state's 3.6% benchmark. Costs are rising due to higher service prices, increased utilization, and expensive new medications. When someone gets hurt at your business, medical bills form your claim's foundation.
That broken arm treated at a Massachusetts hospital in 2022 for $15,000 now costs $16,290. Insurers calculate premiums based on current medical expenses in your area, and Massachusetts ranks among the nation's highest.
Massachusetts Geographic Risk Variations
Boston businesses pay higher premiums than rural Massachusetts operations due to increased foot traffic and claim frequency. Rates vary considerably between cities based on local risk factors. Your street address matters. Downtown Boston restaurants serve hundreds of customers daily, creating more accident opportunities than small-town locations.
Urban areas bring higher crime rates affecting vandalism claims, heavier traffic increasing delivery incidents and juries awarding larger settlements. Insurers use ZIP code data showing Boston businesses file claims two to three times more often than rural businesses.
Massachusetts Comparative Fault Laws
Massachusetts uses a 51% comparative fault rule that allows injured parties to collect damages even when they share responsibility for an accident. A customer who trips over their own shoelace while walking through your store can still recover compensation if you're found partially at fault.
This system produces more successful claims compared to stricter fault standards in other states. Insurers account for this increased payout frequency when setting your premiums, knowing fewer claims get dismissed outright in Massachusetts courts.
How Much General Liability Insurance Do I Need in Massachusetts?
Most Massachusetts businesses have no state requirement to carry general liability insurance. Cannabis businesses are the exception and must maintain $1 million per occurrence and $2 million aggregate coverage to operate legally. Contractors also frequently need general liability or surety bonds for specific projects and licensing requirements, with rules varying by municipality.
Clients and landlords demand proof of coverage before signing contracts or leases, making general liability practically necessary. We recommend $1 million per occurrence and $2 million aggregate limits for Massachusetts small business owners. These requirements for commercial general liability insurance meet most contractual obligations and cover legal defense, settlements and medical expenses when customer injuries or property damage claims happen.
Note: State insurance requirements change regularly. Always verify the current rules with the Massachusetts Division of Insurance or a licensed insurance agent before purchasing coverage.
How to Choose the Best General Liability Insurance in Massachusetts
Choosing general liability insurance in Massachusetts means finding coverage that fits your business risks and budget. Getting business insurance starts with understanding your exposure to customer injuries and property damage claims, then adding coverage types that protect your specific operations.
- 1Determine Coverage Needs
Massachusetts doesn’t require general liability insurance for most businesses, but cannabis operations must carry $1 million per occurrence and $2 million in aggregate business insurance coverage.
Standard limits usually range from $500,000 to $2 million per occurrence and many clients and landlords ask for proof of insurance before they sign contracts. Check your lease agreements and client contracts when choosing limits so your policy meets their specific requirements.
- 2Prepare Business Information
Gather information insurers need for accurate quotes, including annual revenue, employee count, physical location and business classification code. Massachusetts insurers assess premiums based on industry risk, your location within the state and business size. Prepare your EIN, business registration from the Massachusetts Secretary of State and any required licenses before requesting quotes to speed up the application process.
- 3Compare Multiple Quotes
Request quotes from at least three insurers licensed by the Massachusetts Division of Insurance, as rates can vary between carriers. Compare policy deductibles, coverage limits and whether legal defense costs count toward or stay outside your policy limits. Understanding these differences in business insurance costs helps you evaluate the true value of each policy beyond the annual premium.
- 4Look Beyond Premium
Don't select a policy based solely on the lowest price, as cheap business insurance often comes with coverage gaps. Read policy exclusions carefully and confirm whether legal defense costs are included or subtract from your policy limits. Common exclusions like professional errors, pollution liability or employee injuries require separate Massachusetts policies, so identifying gaps protects your business completely.
- 5Verify Insurer Credibility
Check insurer legitimacy through the Massachusetts Division of Insurance's online license verification tool and review AM Best financial strength ratings. Research complaint ratios and customer reviews to spot companies with poor claims-handling reputations in Massachusetts. Strong financial backing matters when large claims occur, so select insurers with solid track records and adequate reserves to pay claims.
- 6Ask About Discounts
Massachusetts insurers offer discounts for bundled policies, safety programs, claims-free histories and annual premium payments. Combining general liability with commercial auto or property coverage in a business owner's policy can reduce costs by 10% to 25%. Safety certifications, OSHA training programs and security systems can lower your premiums by 10% to 20%.
- 7Obtain Certificate Documentation
A certificate of insurance proves your coverage to Massachusetts clients, landlords and contractors who require proof before doing business. Many insurers provide digital certificates instantly through online portals, while others take up to 48 hours for processing. Keep your agent's contact information accessible for urgent certificate requests to prevent project delays.
- 8Review Coverage Annually
Reassess your Massachusetts general liability coverage each year, especially after hiring employees, expanding services or increasing revenue. Compare quotes 60 to 90 days before your policy renewal to find better rates or adjust limits based on business changes. Maintaining current coverage prevents compliance gaps and avoids unexpected audit adjustments that increase costs later.
Top General Liability Insurance in Massachusetts: Bottom Line
Finding the right general liability insurance in Massachusetts starts with understanding your specific business needs and thoroughly researching available options. NEXT, The Hartford and Nationwide emerge as leading providers in the state. Your ideal choice depends on your industry type, 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. He has analyzed the insurance market for over five years, conducting original research for insurance shoppers. His insights have been featured in 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
- Center for Health Information and Analysis. "Annual Report on the Performance of the Massachusetts Health Care System (March 2025)." Accessed December 29, 2025.
- Massachusetts General Laws. "Chapter 231, Section 85: Comparative Negligence." Accessed December 29, 2025.
- Massachusetts Health Policy Commission. "Health Care Spending Grew Faster Than Inflation, Labor Costs, and Income, Exacerbating Affordability Challenges for Massachusetts Residents." Accessed December 29, 2025.
- Massachusetts Lawyers Weekly. "Leaders in the Law 2025." Accessed December 29, 2025.