The Hartford tops our list for general liability insurance in Minnesota, delivering a good balance of affordable rates and reliable service. NEXT and Nationwide also excel, both earning high marks for customer support.
General Liability Insurance in Minnesota
The Hartford ranks first for general liability insurance in Minnesota, scoring 4.6 out of 5.
Explore low-cost general liability insurance in Minnesota below.
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Updated: September 16, 2025
Advertising & Editorial Disclosure
Key Takeaways
The Hartford, NEXT and Nationwide lead the pack for general liability insurance coverage in Minnesota.
Finding the right general liability provider in Minnesota depends on your specific business type, coverage requirements 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 Minnesota
| The Hartford | 4.60 | $77 |
| NEXT | 4.59 | $97 |
| Nationwide | 4.53 | $91 |
| Simply Business | 4.49 | $90 |
| Coverdash | 4.38 | $97 |
| Thimble | 4.35 | $101 |
| biBerk | 4.31 | $107 |
| Progressive Commercial | 4.28 | $94 |
| Chubb | 4.28 | $111 |
| Hiscox | 4.20 | $107 |
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 requires more than just general liability coverage. Minnesota entrepreneurs should explore these related insurance options:
Best Minnesota Small Business Insurance Reviews
We analyzed Minnesota's leading general liability insurance companies to help small business owners understand which providers offer the strongest coverage and value for their specific needs.
The Hartford
Best Overall Provider
MoneyGeek Rating
4.6/ 5
4.5/5Affordability
4.6/5Customer Experience
4.7/5Coverage Options
Average Monthly Premium
$77Our Survey: Claims Process
4.5/5Recommend to Others
4.5/5
NEXT
Runner-Up Best Provider
MoneyGeek Rating
4.6/ 5
4.4/5Affordability
4.7/5Customer Experience
4.8/5Coverage Options
Average Monthly Premium
$97Our Survey: Claims Process
3.9/5Recommend to Others
4.8/5
Cheapest General Liability Insurance Companies in Minnesota
The Hartford offers the cheapest general liability insurance in Minnesota, with coverage starting at $77 monthly or $919 annually. Simply Business and Nationwide also provide competitive rates.
| The Hartford | $77 | $919 |
| Simply Business | $90 | $1,077 |
| Nationwide | $91 | $1,091 |
| Progressive Commercial | $94 | $1,125 |
| NEXT | $97 | $1,159 |
| Coverdash | $97 | $1,164 |
| Thimble | $101 | $1,208 |
| Hiscox | $107 | $1,285 |
| biBerk | $107 | $1,286 |
| Chubb | $111 | $1,337 |
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 Minnesota
General liability insurance in Minnesota costs business owners an average of $97 monthly or $1,157 annually, running slightly below national rates. Your premium depends on industry risk, company size and claims history. Construction companies pay higher premiums than low-risk businesses like consulting firms.
Average Cost of General Liability Insurance by Industry
General liability costs vary by industry. Pressure washing businesses face the highest monthly premiums at $863, while drone companies pay the most affordable rates at just $16 per month. The table below shows detailed premium differences across various business types.
| Accountants | $21 | $249 |
| Ad Agency | $33 | $400 |
| Automotive | $50 | $603 |
| Auto Repair | $143 | $1,719 |
| Bakery | $85 | $1,022 |
| Barber | $42 | $501 |
| Beauty Salon | $63 | $756 |
| Bounce House | $66 | $795 |
| Candle | $52 | $621 |
| Cannabis | $63 | $758 |
| Catering | $83 | $992 |
| Cleaning | $125 | $1,498 |
| Coffee Shop | $85 | $1,015 |
| Computer Programming | $27 | $329 |
| Computer Repair | $45 | $539 |
| Construction | $165 | $1,983 |
| Consulting | $21 | $248 |
| Contractor | $240 | $2,882 |
| Courier | $184 | $2,210 |
| Daycare | $31 | $372 |
| Dental | $20 | $243 |
| DJ | $24 | $287 |
| Dog Grooming | $60 | $718 |
| Drone | $16 | $188 |
| Ecommerce | $69 | $827 |
| Electrical | $106 | $1,272 |
| Engineering | $38 | $451 |
| Excavation | $439 | $5,266 |
| Florist | $40 | $484 |
| Food | $101 | $1,218 |
| Food Truck | $134 | $1,603 |
| Funeral Home | $57 | $683 |
| Gardening | $106 | $1,271 |
| Handyman | $230 | $2,761 |
| Home-based | $22 | $269 |
| Home-based | $43 | $517 |
| Hospitality | $61 | $737 |
| HVAC | $231 | $2,774 |
| Janitorial | $129 | $1,551 |
| Jewelry | $38 | $456 |
| Junk Removal | $153 | $1,837 |
| Lawn/Landscaping | $113 | $1,359 |
| Lawyers | $21 | $258 |
| Manufacturing | $60 | $723 |
| Marine | $26 | $317 |
| Massage | $90 | $1,084 |
| Mortgage Broker | $22 | $259 |
| Moving | $117 | $1,403 |
| Nonprofit | $34 | $406 |
| Painting | $136 | $1,626 |
| Party Rental | $75 | $899 |
| Personal Training | $22 | $270 |
| Pest Control | $30 | $365 |
| Pet | $53 | $634 |
| Pharmacy | $58 | $699 |
| Photography | $23 | $273 |
| Physical Therapy | $104 | $1,248 |
| Plumbing | $341 | $4,089 |
| Pressure Washing | $863 | $10,353 |
| Real Estate | $50 | $601 |
| Restaurant | $137 | $1,640 |
| Retail | $62 | $739 |
| Roofing | $366 | $4,389 |
| Security | $131 | $1,573 |
| Snack Bars | $111 | $1,328 |
| Software | $25 | $298 |
| Spa/Wellness | $101 | $1,207 |
| Speech Therapist | $29 | $353 |
| Startup | $27 | $323 |
| Tech/IT | $25 | $299 |
| Transportation | $35 | $425 |
| Travel | $20 | $236 |
| Tree Service | $122 | $1,468 |
| Trucking | $97 | $1,160 |
| Tutoring | $29 | $342 |
| Veterinary | $42 | $507 |
| Wedding Planning | $26 | $313 |
| Welding | $155 | $1,865 |
| Wholesale | $42 | $505 |
| Window Cleaning | $150 | $1,801 |
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 Minnesota?
Minnesota does not 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
Licensed electricians in Minnesota must have a minimum coverage of $300,000 per occurrence and $600,000 annual aggregate. This coverage must include completed operations protection for work performed.
Electrical Sign Contractors
Electrical sign contractors follow the same insurance requirements as electricians in Minnesota, requiring $300,000 per occurrence and $600,000 annual aggregate general liability coverage. Completed operations coverage is mandatory.
HVAC Contractors
HVAC contractors in Minnesota face different insurance requirements based on their license classification. Most classes require minimum general liability coverage of $300,000 per occurrence and $600,000 annual aggregate, though specific requirements may vary by the type of work performed.
Fire Safety Companies
Fire safety companies must maintain higher insurance minimums in Minnesota, requiring $500,000 per occurrence and $1,000,000 annual aggregate general liability coverage.
General liability insurance becomes important even without licensing mandates. Large corporations and government contracts require valid insurance certificates from any contractor they hire.
How to Choose the Best General Liability Insurance in Minnesota
Finding the right general liability insurance in Minnesota starts with determining what protection your business actually needs within your available budget.
- 1
Determine your coverage needs
Review Minnesota's industry licensing requirements for your specific business type first. Many clients and contractors require $1 million in coverage even when state minimums are lower for certain projects.
- 2
Prepare your business information
Collect details about your annual revenue, employee count and business operations.
- 3
Compare multiple insurance quotes
Request quotes from at least three different insurers since pricing varies.
- 4
Examine policy terms carefully
Focus on exclusions and coverage limits rather than just premium costs when comparing policies. Some policies include legal defense expenses outside your coverage limit, while others deduct these costs.
- 5
Verify insurer and agent credentials
Use the Minnesota Department of Commerce website to confirm your insurer and agent licenses are current and valid. Review AM Best financial ratings and complaint records.
- 6
Inquire about available discounts
Ask if you can save through safety program participation, policy bundling or maintaining a clean claims history.
- 7
Obtain your insurance 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 Minnesota
Business owners never want to handle liability claims, but Minnesota companies can avoid most of these situations with preparation and planning strategies.
Watch out for property hazards
Minnesota businesses face year-round premises risks from harsh winters to summer storms. Address ice buildup and maintain adequate lighting in parking areas. Regular property inspections help identify hazards before they cause customer injuries.
Train your people well
Focus on seasonal safety protocols, like ice removal procedures, proper lifting techniques, and equipment handling specific to your industry. Conduct brief monthly safety meetings and maintain training records.
Keep good records
Detailed documentation protects your business when liability questions arise.
Get everything in writing
Written agreements prevent misunderstandings. Clearly outline work scope, safety responsibilities, property access rules and any areas customers should avoid during service.
Fix problems fast
Swift response to customer concerns prevents small issues from becoming major liability claims.
General Liability Insurance in Minnesota: Bottom Line
The Hartford, NEXT and Nationwide lead the market as top providers, but your ideal choice depends on your industry, company size and budget. The best approach involves gathering multiple quotes from different insurers.
Commercial General Liability Insurance in Minnesota: FAQ
Our research shows what Minnesota business owners need to know about general liability insurance, so we've answered the most common questions below.
What does general liability insurance cover for Minnesota businesses?
General liability insurance protects Minnesota businesses from third-party bodily injury claims, property damage liability and legal defense costs.
How much does general liability insurance cost in Minnesota?
General liability insurance costs for Minnesota small businesses range from $77 to $111 monthly. The Hartford leads as the most affordable option at $77 per month, with Simply Business at $90 and Nationwide at $91 providing competitive alternatives.
Do Minnesota businesses legally need general liability insurance?
Minnesota does not legally require general liability insurance for most businesses. Municipalities can establish 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 Minnesota?
The Hartford ranks as Minnesota's top general liability insurance provider, earning high marks for financial stability and affordable coverage at around $77 monthly.
What coverage limits should Minnesota businesses choose?
Minnesota businesses should first verify industry licensing requirements that mandate specific coverage amounts. Small businesses commonly select $1 million per occurrence and $2 million aggregate limits, which satisfies most client contracts.
How can Minnesota businesses prevent general liability claims?
Minnesota businesses can reduce liability claims by promptly addressing property hazards and by holding employee safety training programs.
Can Minnesota businesses get discounts on general liability insurance?
Yes, insurers commonly offer reduced rates for bundling general liability with property insurance and completing workplace safety training programs.
How quickly can Minnesota businesses get general liability coverage?
Most Minnesota businesses can obtain general liability coverage within minutes through online platforms.
What should Minnesota businesses do when filing a general liability claim?
Minnesota businesses should report liability incidents to their insurer immediately upon occurrence.
How does general liability differ from professional liability coverage?
General liability insurance protects businesses from third-party bodily injuries and property damage during operations, such as a customer falling in your store. Professional liability covers errors in services you provide that cause financial harm to clients.
How We Scored the Best General Liability Insurance Companies in Minnesota
Minnesota businesses encounter specific liability challenges, including weather-related incidents and workplace accidents across diverse industries. Our evaluation focused on insurers that provide solid coverage while keeping costs manageable for small business owners.
What We Evaluated
- Affordability (50%): Cost remains the biggest concern for Minnesota small businesses. We analyzed pricing structures across carriers because reasonable rates determine whether businesses can maintain important protection.
- Customer experience (30%): Quality claims service makes the difference when accidents happen. We examined J.D. Power ratings, state complaint data, and independent agent feedback to assess how insurers treat policyholders during claims.
- Coverage options (15%): Minnesota businesses span many industries with varying liability exposures. We evaluated how effectively insurers customize general liability policies for different business types, from retail shops to construction companies.
- Financial strength (5%): Low premiums mean nothing if the insurer cannot pay claims. We checked AM Best ratings and financial stability reports to ensure recommended companies can meet their obligations.
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.