NEXT is the best general liability insurance provider in Michigan, delivering affordable rates and quality service. The Hartford and Nationwide also rank highly, both offering strong customer support and reliable coverage options.
General Liability Insurance in Michigan
NEXT ranks first as Michigan's best general liability insurance provider with a score of 4.57 out of 5.
Explore low-cost general liability insurance in Michigan below.
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Updated: September 16, 2025
Advertising & Editorial Disclosure
Key Takeaways
NEXT, The Hartford and Nationwide stand among Michigan's leading providers of general liability insurance for businesses.
Finding the right general liability coverage in Michigan requires consideration of your business type, size and specific coverage needs.
Securing quality coverage starts with gathering multiple quotes, checking provider ratings and verifying each insurance company's credentials.
Best General Liability Insurance Companies in Michigan
| NEXT | 4.57 | $98 |
| The Hartford | 4.56 | $77 |
| Nationwide | 4.53 | $92 |
| Simply Business | 4.48 | $91 |
| Coverdash | 4.38 | $98 |
| Thimble | 4.35 | $102 |
| biBerk | 4.31 | $108 |
| Chubb | 4.29 | $113 |
| Progressive Commercial | 4.28 | $95 |
| Hiscox | 4.20 | $108 |
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
Comprehensive business protection in Michigan requires more than general liability coverage alone. Review these related insurance guides for complete coverage:
Best Michigan Small Business Insurance Reviews
We analyzed Michigan's leading general liability insurance providers to identify what makes each one worth considering for small business owners seeking reliable, affordable coverage.
NEXT
Best Overall 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
The Hartford
Runner-Up Best Provider
MoneyGeek Rating
4.6/ 5
4.4/5Affordability
4.6/5Customer Experience
4.7/5Coverage Options
Average Monthly Premium
$77Our Survey: Claims Process
4.5/5Recommend to Others
4.5/5
Cheapest General Liability Insurance Companies in Michigan
The Hartford offers the most affordable general liability insurance in Michigan, with coverage starting at $77 per month ($928 annually). Simply Business and Nationwide also provide competitive rates.
| The Hartford | $77 | $928 |
| Simply Business | $91 | $1,088 |
| Nationwide | $92 | $1,102 |
| Progressive Commercial | $95 | $1,136 |
| NEXT | $98 | $1,171 |
| Coverdash | $98 | $1,175 |
| Thimble | $102 | $1,219 |
| Hiscox | $108 | $1,297 |
| biBerk | $108 | $1,299 |
| Chubb | $113 | $1,350 |
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 Michigan
General liability insurance in Michigan averages $98 per month or $1,169 annually, which runs close to the national average. Your premium depends on industry risk, company size and claims history.
Average Cost of General Liability Insurance by Industry
General liability costs vary by industry. Pressure washing businesses face the steepest monthly premiums at $871, while drone companies pay just $16 per month. The table below shows how your business type affects coverage costs across different industries.
| Accountants | $21 | $252 |
| Ad Agency | $34 | $404 |
| Automotive | $51 | $609 |
| Auto Repair | $145 | $1,735 |
| Bakery | $86 | $1,032 |
| Barber | $42 | $506 |
| Beauty Salon | $64 | $763 |
| Bounce House | $67 | $802 |
| Candle | $52 | $627 |
| Cannabis | $64 | $765 |
| Catering | $83 | $1,001 |
| Cleaning | $126 | $1,513 |
| Coffee Shop | $85 | $1,025 |
| Computer Programming | $28 | $332 |
| Computer Repair | $45 | $544 |
| Construction | $167 | $2,002 |
| Consulting | $21 | $250 |
| Contractor | $243 | $2,910 |
| Courier | $186 | $2,232 |
| Daycare | $31 | $376 |
| Dental | $20 | $245 |
| DJ | $24 | $289 |
| Dog Grooming | $60 | $725 |
| Drone | $16 | $190 |
| Ecommerce | $70 | $836 |
| Electrical | $107 | $1,284 |
| Engineering | $38 | $455 |
| Excavation | $443 | $5,317 |
| Florist | $41 | $489 |
| Food | $102 | $1,229 |
| Food Truck | $135 | $1,619 |
| Funeral Home | $57 | $689 |
| Gardening | $107 | $1,283 |
| Handyman | $232 | $2,788 |
| Home-based | $23 | $272 |
| Home-based | $44 | $523 |
| Hospitality | $62 | $745 |
| HVAC | $233 | $2,801 |
| Janitorial | $131 | $1,566 |
| Jewelry | $38 | $460 |
| Junk Removal | $155 | $1,855 |
| Lawn/Landscaping | $114 | $1,373 |
| Lawyers | $22 | $260 |
| Manufacturing | $61 | $730 |
| Marine | $27 | $320 |
| Massage | $91 | $1,094 |
| Mortgage Broker | $22 | $261 |
| Moving | $118 | $1,417 |
| Nonprofit | $34 | $410 |
| Painting | $137 | $1,642 |
| Party Rental | $76 | $908 |
| Personal Training | $23 | $273 |
| Pest Control | $31 | $368 |
| Pet | $53 | $640 |
| Pharmacy | $59 | $706 |
| Photography | $23 | $276 |
| Physical Therapy | $105 | $1,260 |
| Plumbing | $344 | $4,128 |
| Pressure Washing | $871 | $10,453 |
| Real Estate | $51 | $607 |
| Restaurant | $138 | $1,656 |
| Retail | $62 | $747 |
| Roofing | $369 | $4,431 |
| Security | $132 | $1,588 |
| Snack Bars | $112 | $1,341 |
| Software | $25 | $301 |
| Spa/Wellness | $102 | $1,219 |
| Speech Therapist | $30 | $356 |
| Startup | $27 | $327 |
| Tech/IT | $25 | $301 |
| Transportation | $36 | $430 |
| Travel | $20 | $238 |
| Tree Service | $124 | $1,482 |
| Trucking | $98 | $1,171 |
| Tutoring | $29 | $346 |
| Veterinary | $43 | $512 |
| Wedding Planning | $26 | $317 |
| Welding | $157 | $1,883 |
| Wholesale | $43 | $510 |
| Window Cleaning | $152 | $1,819 |
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 Michigan?
Michigan doesn't require most businesses to carry general liability insurance at the state level. Cities and counties can make their own rules. Certain licensed trades need specific coverage to keep their professional licenses active:
Electricians
Michigan requires licensed electricians to have minimum limits of $500,000 per occurrence and $1,000,000 annual aggregate. Completed operations coverage must be included to protect against claims arising from finished electrical work.
Electrical Sign Contractors
Electrical sign contractors must carry the same general liability coverage as other electrical contractors, with $500,000 per occurrence and $1,000,000 annual aggregate limits. Completed operations coverage is required.
HVAC Contractors
Michigan HVAC contractors face different insurance requirements based on their license classification. Residential contractors need $300,000 per occurrence and $600,000 annual aggregate, while commercial contractors must carry $500,000 per occurrence and $1,000,000 annual aggregate coverage.
Fire Safety Companies
Fire safety companies must maintain general liability insurance with $1,000,000 per occurrence and $2,000,000 annual aggregate limits to obtain and keep their Michigan registration.
General liability insurance becomes important for practical business reasons, even without legal mandates. Large corporations and government contracts require valid insurance certificates from any contractor they hire.
How to Choose the Best General Liability Insurance in Michigan
Finding the right general liability insurance in Michigan starts with identifying your specific coverage needs and determining what fits comfortably within your budget.
- 1
Determine your coverage needs
Research licensing requirements specific to your business type in Michigan. Many clients and contractors will demand $1 million in coverage even when state minimums are lower for your industry.
- 2
Prepare business information
Collect details about your annual revenue, employee count and business operations.
- 3
Collect multiple insurance quotes
Request quotes from at least three different insurers to compare options.
- 4
Examine policy terms carefully
Focus on exclusions and coverage details rather than just comparing premiums. Important differences exist in how policies handle legal defense costs.
- 5
Verify insurer credentials
Use Michigan's insurance department website to confirm company and agent licensing. Check AM Best financial ratings and customer complaint records.
- 6
Inquire about available discounts
Ask about savings opportunities, like bundling multiple policies, implementing safety programs 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 Michigan
No business owner wants to handle liability claims, but Michigan entrepreneurs can prevent most issues through preparation and planning.
Watch out for property hazards
Michigan's freeze-thaw cycles create cracks in walkways and parking lots that become major slip risks. Check outdoor surfaces regularly for damage, maintain proper drainage to prevent ice buildup and makes sure you have adequate lighting in all customer areas.
Train your people well
Teach employees to recognize seasonal hazards like black ice and wet floors from tracked-in snow and rain. Provide regular safety refreshers and customer interaction protocols. Well-trained staff prevent most accidents before they happen.
Keep good records
Document all maintenance activities, safety inspections and incident reports with dates and photos.
Get everything in writing
Written agreements should clearly outline work scope, safety responsibilities and property access rules.
Fix problems fast
Address customer concerns immediately and document your response and resolution steps.
General Liability Insurance in Michigan: Bottom Line
Selecting quality general liability insurance in Michigan requires matching coverage to your specific business needs. NEXT, The Hartford and Nationwide lead the market but your ideal provider depends on industry type, company size and your budget.
Commercial General Liability Insurance in Michigan: FAQ
Our research and analysis of Michigan's insurance landscape helped us answer the most common general liability questions facing business owners.
What does general liability insurance cover for Michigan businesses?
General liability insurance for Michigan businesses covers customer injuries, property damage you cause to others and legal defense costs.
How much does general liability insurance cost in Michigan?
General liability insurance costs for Michigan small businesses range from $77 to $113 monthly. The Hartford provides the most affordable coverage at $77 per month, while Simply Business and Nationwide offer competitive alternatives at $91 and $92 respectively.
Do Michigan businesses legally need general liability insurance?
Michigan does not legally mandate general liability insurance for most businesses. But, municipalities can impose their own requirements, and certain licensed professionals like contractors and electricians must maintain specific coverage levels.
Which company offers the best general liability insurance in Michigan?
NEXT ranks as Michigan's top general liability insurance provider, earning a 4.57 overall score with exceptional customer service (4.7) and coverage quality (4.8).
What coverage limits should Michigan businesses choose?
Michigan businesses should first verify any minimum coverage requirements mandated by industry licensing regulations. The standard choice for most small businesses is $1 million per occurrence paired with $2 million aggregate coverage.
How can Michigan businesses prevent general liability claims?
Michigan businesses can reduce liability claims by promptly addressing property hazards and holding comprehensive employee safety training.
Can Michigan businesses get discounts on general liability insurance?
Yes, Michigan businesses can secure discounts by bundling general liability with commercial property coverage, maintaining claims-free histories and implementing workplace safety programs.
How quickly can Michigan businesses get general liability coverage?
Michigan businesses can get cover within hours through digital platforms that provide immediate quotes and certificates of insurance.
What should Michigan businesses do when filing a general liability claim?
Report incidents to your insurer immediately to begin the claims process.
How does general liability differ from professional liability coverage?
General liability insurance protects businesses from physical incidents like customer injuries or accidental property damage during operations. Professional liability coverage addresses errors in services or advice that cause financial harm to clients.
How We Scored the Best General Liability Insurance Companies in Michigan
Michigan small businesses deal with varied liability exposures, from weather-related incidents to workplace injuries. Our evaluation process identifies general liability insurers that deliver solid coverage without breaking tight business budgets.
What We Evaluated
- Affordability (50%): Cost remains the biggest concern for Michigan small business owners. We analyzed premium rates across carriers because reasonable pricing determines whether businesses can actually maintain coverage.
- Customer experience (30%): Quality claims service makes the difference when accidents happen. We examined J.D. Power ratings, Michigan complaint data, and independent agent feedback to assess how insurers treat policyholders during claims.
- Coverage options (15%): Michigan businesses span many industries with different liability exposures. We evaluated how effectively insurers customize general liability policies for local companies, from manufacturing to retail.
- Financial strength (5%): Low premiums mean nothing if the insurer cannot pay claims. We checked AM Best ratings and financial reports to ensure carriers maintain solid financial footing.
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 18, 2025.
- NEXT. "Customer Reviews | NEXT." Accessed September 18, 2025.
- Trustpilot. "Next Insurance Reviews." Accessed September 18, 2025.
- Trustpilot. "The Hartford Reviews." Accessed September 18, 2025.
- The Hartford. "When Is Liability Insurance Needed?." Accessed September 18, 2025.
- The Hartford. "What Does General Liability Insurance Cover?." Accessed September 18, 2025.