NEXT tops our rankings for best general liability insurance in Massachusetts, delivering affordable rates and quality service. The Hartford and Nationwide also earn high marks as reliable alternatives.
General Liability Insurance in Massachusetts
NEXT tops our rankings for general liability insurance in Massachusetts, scoring 4.57 out of 5.
Explore low-cost general liability insurance in Massachusetts below.
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Updated: September 29, 2025
Advertising & Editorial Disclosure
Key Takeaways
NEXT, The Hartford, and Nationwide are the leading general liability insurance providers across Massachusetts.
Finding suitable general liability coverage in Massachusetts requires consideration of your business type, size, desired coverage and available budget.
Quality insurance coverage in Massachusetts starts with comparing multiple quotes, examining provider stability ratings, and verifying customer satisfaction scores.
Best General Liability Insurance Companies in Massachusetts
| NEXT | 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 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 layer of protection for Massachusetts businesses. Smart business owners often need multiple insurance types for complete protection.
Explore these related coverage options:
Best Massachusetts Small Business Insurance Reviews
We analyzed Massachusetts' leading general liability insurance providers to help small business owners quickly identify which companies offer the coverage quality and service features that best match their general liability insurance needs.
NEXT
Best Overall Provider
MoneyGeek Rating
4.6/ 5
4.5/5Affordability
4.6/5Customer Experience
4.7/5Coverage Options
Average Monthly Premium
$108Our Survey: Claims Process
3.9/5Recommend to Others
4.8/5
The Hartford
Runner-Up Best Provider
MoneyGeek Rating
4.6/ 5
4.3/5Affordability
4.7/5Customer Experience
4.8/5Coverage Options
Average Monthly Premium
$86Our Survey: Claims Process
4.5/5Recommend to Others
4.5/5
Cheapest General Liability Insurance Companies in Massachusetts
The Hartford offers the cheapest general liability insurance in Massachusetts at $86 per month ($1,031 annually). Simply Business and Nationwide also provide affordable rates.
| The Hartford | $86 | $1,031 |
| Simply Business | $100 | $1,205 |
| Nationwide | $102 | $1,222 |
| Progressive Commercial | $105 | $1,261 |
| NEXT | $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 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 Massachusetts
General liability insurance in Massachusetts costs business owners an average of $108 monthly or $1,294 annually. Your premium depends on industry risk, company size and claims history.
Average Cost of General Liability Insurance by Industry
General liability insurance costs vary by industry. Pressure washing businesses pay the highest monthly premiums at $965, while drone companies pay the most affordable rates at just $18 per month. The table below shows how coverage costs differ across various business types.
| 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 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 Massachusetts?
Massachusetts does not require most businesses to carry general liability insurance at the state level. Cities and counties can have their own rules. Certain licensed trades must keep specific coverage to keep their professional licenses active:
Electricians
Massachusetts requires licensed electricians to carry general liability insurance with minimum limits of $300,000 per occurrence and $600,000 annual aggregate. Completed operations coverage must be included.
Electrical Sign Contractors
Licensed electrical sign contractors in Massachusetts 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
Class A contractors need higher minimum coverage limits than other license classes, with specific amounts determined by the state licensing board based on project scope and contractor qualifications.
Fire Safety Companies
Fire safety companies must carry general liability insurance with minimum limits of $500,000 per occurrence and $1,000,000 annual aggregate to obtain registration in Massachusetts.
Massachusetts business insurance include general liability coverage, which is important for practical reasons. Even without licensing mandates, most commercial property owners demand proof of insurance, and large corporations will ask for proof of coverage.
How to Choose the Best General Liability Insurance in Massachusetts
The steps to get business insurance means identifying your business risks and determining what level of protection fits your budget. These will help you find the best general liability insurance in Massachusetts for your business.
- 1
Determine your coverage needs
Research Massachusetts licensing requirements for your specific industry first. Many clients demand $1 million in coverage for contracts, even when state minimums are much lower.
- 2
Prepare your business information
Collect details about your annual revenue, employee count and business operations.
- 3
Collect multiple insurance quotes
Always compare at least three quotes since business insurance rates differ.
- 4
Examine policy terms carefully
Focus on exclusions and coverage details rather than just watching out for affordable business insurance premiums. Some policies include legal defense expenses outside your coverage limit, while others deduct these costs.
- 5
Verify insurer credentials
Use the Massachusetts insurance department resources to confirm company and agent licenses. Check AM Best financial ratings and customer complaint records.
- 6
Inquire about available discounts
Ask if you can save through safety program participation, bundling different business insurance policies or maintaining a clean claims history.
- 7
Obtain your coverage certificate
Ask for your certificate of insurance immediately after buying coverage, since clients and landlords often need proof.
How to Prevent General Liability Claims in Massachusetts
No business owner wants to deal with liability claims, especially after investing in the best small business insurance. Massachusetts companies can prevent most issues through preparation and planning.
Watch out for property hazards
Massachusetts businesses must prepare for seasonal risks, such as ice and snow, that create dangerous walking surfaces. Conduct regular inspections of walkways, parking areas and building entrances. Install adequate lighting and maintain clear pathways.
Train your people well
Establish safety protocols for all employees handling equipment, interacting with customers or working in potentially hazardous conditions.
Keep good records
You should keep detailed documentation of all business activities, including photos of completed work, signed contracts and incident reports.
Get everything in writing
Create detailed written contracts that specify work scope, property boundaries and safety responsibilities.
Fix problems fast
Respond immediately to customer complaints or safety concerns by documenting and correcting the issue as soon as possible.
General Liability Insurance in Massachusetts: Bottom Line
Securing quality general liability insurance in Massachusetts requires assessing your business needs and researching reliable providers. NEXT, The Hartford, and Nationwide stand out as top insurers in Massachusetts, but your ideal choice depends on your industry, company size, and budget constraints. Compare quotes from multiple carriers and verify each provider's licensing credentials before committing to coverage that protects your business.
Commercial General Liability Insurance in Massachusetts: FAQ
Our research team analyzed the most frequently asked questions about general liability insurance in Massachusetts to provide Massachusetts business owners with reliable answers.
What does general liability insurance cover for Massachusetts businesses?
General liability insurance for Massachusetts businesses covers bodily injuries to third parties, property damage you cause to others and legal defense costs.
How much does general liability insurance cost in Massachusetts?
Small businesses in Massachusetts pay between $86 and $125 monthly for general liability insurance. The Hartford offers the most affordable coverage at $86 per month, while Simply Business and Nationwide provide competitive alternatives at $100 and $102, respectively.
Do Massachusetts businesses legally need general liability insurance?
Massachusetts does not legally mandate general liability insurance for most businesses. Cities may have their own requirements, and certain licensed professionals, such as contractors and electricians, must maintain specific coverage.
Which company offers the best general liability insurance in Massachusetts?
NEXT ranks as the top general liability insurance provider in Massachusetts with an overall score of 4.57 out of 5. The company excels in customer service.
What coverage limits should Massachusetts businesses choose?
Massachusetts businesses should first verify any industry licensing requirements that mandate specific coverage amounts. Small businesses commonly select $1 million per occurrence and $2 million aggregate limits.
How can Massachusetts businesses prevent general liability claims?
Massachusetts businesses can reduce liability claims by promptly repairing property hazards and holding comprehensive employee safety training programs.
Can Massachusetts businesses get discounts on general liability insurance?
Yes, Massachusetts businesses can get discounts by bundling general liability with property or other commercial coverages. Companies with strong safety programs may also get reduced rates.
How quickly can Massachusetts businesses get general liability coverage?
Massachusetts businesses can obtain general liability coverage within minutes through digital platforms.
What should Massachusetts businesses do when filing a general liability claim?
Contact your insurer immediately after any incident that could result in a claim. Document everything thoroughly.
How does general liability differ from professional liability coverage?
Different covered claims set general liability vs. professional liability insurance policies part. General liability insurance protects Massachusetts businesses from third-party bodily injuries and property damage during operations, such as a customer slipping in your store. Professional liability covers errors in services you provide, like giving incorrect advice that causes client financial harm.
How We Scored the Best General Liability Insurance Companies in Massachusetts
Massachusetts businesses encounter specific liability challenges, including weather-related incidents and workplace injuries across diverse industries. Our evaluation process identified general liability insurers that provide solid coverage without straining small business budgets.
What We Evaluated
- Affordability (50%): Massachusetts small businesses operate with limited cash flow. We analyzed premium costs across insurers because reasonable pricing determines whether businesses can actually maintain coverage.
- Customer experience (30%): Quality claims service protects businesses when incidents occur. We examined J.D. Power ratings, state complaint data, and independent agency feedback to assess how insurers treat policyholders during claims.
- Coverage options (15%): Massachusetts businesses span many sectors, each with distinct liability exposures. We evaluated how insurers customize general liability policies for different business types across the state.
- Financial strength (5%): Low premiums mean nothing if an insurer cannot pay claims. We checked AM Best ratings and financial reports to verify each company's ability to honor coverage commitments.
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!
Passionate about economics and insurance, he aims to promote transparency in financial topics and empower others to make confident money decisions.
sources
- NEXT. "NEXT: Small Business Insurance Quotes Online." Accessed September 30, 2025.
- NEXT. "Customer Reviews | NEXT." Accessed September 30, 2025.
- Trustpilot. "Next Insurance Reviews." Accessed September 30, 2025.
- Trustpilot. "The Hartford Reviews." Accessed September 30, 2025.
- The Hartford. "When Is Liability Insurance Needed?." Accessed September 30, 2025.
- The Hartford. "What Does General Liability Insurance Cover?." Accessed September 30, 2025.