Our research team compiled answers to common questions about best business insurance and general liability coverage in Missouri. These insights come from MoneyGeek's detailed analysis of policies and providers:
Best General Liability Insurance in Missouri
The Hartford leads Missouri general liability insurance, while Simply Business offers the lowest rates starting at $83 per month.
Get matched to the best and cheapest general liability insurer for you below.
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Updated: November 23, 2025
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Commercial General Liability Insurance in Missouri: Fast Answers
Which company offers the best general liability insurance in Missouri?
The Hartford and NEXT tie as the best general liability insurance company in Missouri, both earning 4.55 out of 5 overall scores. The Hartford leads with the most affordable rates at $89 per month and strong claims processing. NEXT follows closely with excellent digital tools and customer service for $102 per month.
Who offers the cheapest general liability insurance in Missouri?
The cheapest general liability insurance companies in Missouri are:
- Simply Business: $83 per month
- The Hartford: $89 per month
- Nationwide: $96 per month
- Progressive: $99 per month
- NEXT: $102 per month
Do Missouri businesses legally need general liability insurance?
Missouri doesn't legally require most businesses to carry general liability insurance at the state level. However, certain licensed professionals like contractors and electricians may need coverage to maintain their licenses. Local municipalities can impose their own requirements, and most landlords and clients demand proof of insurance before signing contracts.
How much does general liability insurance cost in Missouri?
General liability insurance costs between $17 and $911 per month for small Missouri businesses with two employees. Drone businesses see some of the lowest rates, while pressure washing companies often pay the highest premiums. Your actual cost depends on your specific industry, business location, coverage limits and company size.
Best General Liability Insurance Companies in Missouri
The Hartford and NEXT are our joint top picks for general liability insurance in Missouri. The Hartford delivers strong affordability and financial stability, while NEXT performs best in customer service quality. Nationwide is also a reliable choice, offering competitive pricing and solid customer support for small businesses in Missouri.
| The Hartford | 4.55 | $89 |
| NEXT Insurance | 4.55 | $102 |
| Nationwide | 4.51 | $96 |
| Simply Business | 4.47 | $83 |
| Coverdash | 4.36 | $102 |
| Thimble | 4.35 | $106 |
| biBERK | 4.28 | $113 |
| Progressive Commercial | 4.26 | $99 |
| Chubb | 4.25 | $118 |
| Hiscox | 4.17 | $113 |
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 Missouri General Liability Insurer
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LEARN MORE ABOUT THE BEST BUSINESS INSURANCE IN MISSOURI
General liability insurance shields Missouri businesses from customer injury and property damage claims, but comprehensive protection requires additional coverage types. Explore these related insurance guides:
Best Missouri General Liability Insurance Reviews
Finding the best general liability insurance in Missouri requires looking beyond just affordable rates. Coverage quality and customer service matter too. Our research identified the top business insurers based on these important factors.
The Hartford
Best Missouri General Liability Insurer
MoneyGeek Rating
4.5/ 5
4.4/5Affordability
4.6/5Customer Experience
4.7/5Coverage Points
Average Monthly General Liability Premium
$89These 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 Missouri 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
$96These 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 Missouri
Simply Business offers the cheapest general liability insurance in Missouri at $83 per month, saving businesses $18 or 17.4% compared to the state average. The Hartford and Nationwide also provide affordable coverage options.
| Simply Business | $83 | $1,001 |
| The Hartford | $89 | $1,069 |
| Nationwide | $96 | $1,153 |
| Progressive Commercial | $99 | $1,189 |
| NEXT Insurance | $102 | $1,225 |
| Coverdash | $102 | $1,229 |
| Thimble | $106 | $1,274 |
| Hiscox | $113 | $1,356 |
| biBERK | $113 | $1,357 |
| Chubb | $118 | $1,412 |
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 Missouri by Industry
MoneyGeek's research identifies the top five most affordable general liability insurance providers across Missouri industries.
- Simply Business tops the affordability rankings in 18 industries statewide. The provider excels with professional services like accountants, lawyers and consultants, plus home-based businesses and specialized sectors.
- NEXT offers the cheapest coverage in 15 industries across Missouri. The company performs well for tech businesses, healthcare services like dental practices and specialized trades including welding and pest control.
- biBerk ranks as the most affordable option in 13 industries. This provider leads in construction and contracting work, plus hospitality, trucking and veterinary services.
- Thimble provides the lowest rates for 11 Missouri industries. The company shows strong results for construction, HVAC, roofing and various service-based businesses.
- Progressive and The Hartford each win six industries for general liability affordability. Progressive dominates retail and food service sectors, while The Hartford leads in electrical work and food-related businesses.
Data filtered by:
Select
| Automotive | Coverdash | $109 | $1,313 |
| Accountants | Simply Business | $13 | $150 |
| Ad Agency | Thimble | $99 | $1,184 |
| Auto Repair | Coverdash | $114 | $1,373 |
| Bakery | Progressive Commercial | $88 | $1,054 |
| Bounce House | biBERK | $58 | $692 |
| Barber | Thimble | $98 | $1,170 |
| Beauty Salon | Progressive Commercial | $112 | $1,340 |
| Candle | Simply Business | $84 | $1,007 |
| Catering | biBERK | $169 | $2,026 |
| Cannabis | NEXT Insurance | $54 | $649 |
| Coffee Shop | Progressive Commercial | $86 | $1,037 |
| Cleaning | Simply Business | $94 | $1,123 |
| Computer Programming | Thimble | $98 | $1,170 |
| Computer Repair | NEXT Insurance | $37 | $447 |
| Contractor | biBERK | $202 | $2,429 |
| Construction | Thimble | $132 | $1,584 |
| Consulting | Simply Business | $13 | $150 |
| Dental | NEXT Insurance | $12 | $149 |
| Courier | Simply Business | $162 | $1,947 |
| Daycare | NEXT Insurance | $26 | $315 |
| DJ | Simply Business | $10 | $121 |
| Dog Grooming | Thimble | $36 | $427 |
| Ecommerce | Simply Business | $84 | $1,007 |
| Drone | biBERK | $13 | $160 |
| Electrical | The Hartford | $92 | $1,107 |
| Engineering | biBERK | $17 | $199 |
| Excavation | biBERK | $368 | $4,413 |
| Food | The Hartford | $89 | $1,065 |
| Florist | Simply Business | $27 | $322 |
| Gardening | The Hartford | $89 | $1,071 |
| Food Truck | The Hartford | $120 | $1,446 |
| Funeral Home | NEXT Insurance | $44 | $526 |
| Handyman | biBERK | $173 | $2,078 |
| Home-based | Simply Business | $15 | $184 |
| Hospitality | biBERK | $139 | $1,666 |
| Home-based | NEXT Insurance | $46 | $546 |
| Janitorial | Nationwide | $97 | $1,161 |
| HVAC | Thimble | $107 | $1,281 |
| Jewelry | Simply Business | $15 | $180 |
| Manufacturing | Nationwide | $20 | $238 |
| Junk Removal | NEXT Insurance | $130 | $1,556 |
| Lawn/Landscaping | Progressive Commercial | $95 | $1,135 |
| Lawyers | Simply Business | $13 | $150 |
| Marine | Simply Business | $24 | $286 |
| Massage | Hiscox | $91 | $1,095 |
| Nonprofit | biBERK | $26 | $313 |
| Mortgage Broker | NEXT Insurance | $16 | $188 |
| Moving | Nationwide | $85 | $1,023 |
| Pest Control | NEXT Insurance | $26 | $310 |
| Painting | The Hartford | $120 | $1,444 |
| Party Rental | Hiscox | $84 | $1,006 |
| Personal Training | Simply Business | $17 | $209 |
| Pet | Thimble | $36 | $427 |
| Pharmacy | biBERK | $100 | $1,200 |
| Plumbing | Simply Business | $236 | $2,835 |
| Photography | NEXT Insurance | $13 | $159 |
| Physical Therapy | Thimble | $849 | $10,192 |
| Pressure Washing | Progressive Commercial | $881 | $10,569 |
| Roofing | Thimble | $205 | $2,464 |
| Real Estate | Nationwide | $119 | $1,429 |
| Restaurant | Coverdash | $98 | $1,179 |
| Retail | Progressive Commercial | $91 | $1,091 |
| Security | NEXT Insurance | $113 | $1,354 |
| Snack Bars | The Hartford | $97 | $1,169 |
| Speech Therapist | Simply Business | $17 | $209 |
| Software | Simply Business | $13 | $150 |
| Spa/Wellness | NEXT Insurance | $84 | $1,009 |
| Tech/IT | NEXT Insurance | $16 | $188 |
| Startup | Simply Business | $13 | $150 |
| Transportation | NEXT Insurance | $32 | $385 |
| Tree Service | Nationwide | $85 | $1,023 |
| Travel | biBERK | $16 | $188 |
| Tutoring | Thimble | $98 | $1,170 |
| Trucking | biBERK | $84 | $1,013 |
| Veterinary | biBERK | $25 | $295 |
| Wholesale | Coverdash | $34 | $402 |
| Wedding Planning | Thimble | $86 | $1,028 |
| Welding | NEXT Insurance | $137 | $1,649 |
| Window Cleaning | Simply Business | $117 | $1,403 |
Average Cost of General Liability Insurance in Missouri
General liability insurance costs Missouri small businesses an average of $101 per month. The average cost of general liability coverage depends on your industry, business size, location and coverage limits.
Manufacturing companies often pay higher premiums because of increased risk exposure, while accounting firms usually pay less due to lower liability risks. Sole proprietors generally pay lower rates compared to businesses with employees since they have fewer liability exposures.
Average Cost of General Liability Insurance in Missouri by Industry
Monthly rates for general liability coverage in Missouri vary widely by industry. Drone businesses pay as little as $17 per month, while pressure washing companies can pay up to $911 monthly. Review this table to find typical rates for your specific business type.
Data filtered by:
Select
| Accountants | $22 | $263 |
| Ad Agency | $35 | $422 |
| Automotive | $53 | $634 |
| Auto Repair | $151 | $1,808 |
| Bakery | $90 | $1,075 |
| Barber | $44 | $529 |
| Beauty Salon | $66 | $797 |
| Bounce House | $70 | $836 |
| Candle | $54 | $647 |
| Cannabis | $66 | $797 |
| Catering | $87 | $1,045 |
| Cleaning | $132 | $1,579 |
| Coffee Shop | $89 | $1,068 |
| Computer Programming | $29 | $346 |
| Computer Repair | $47 | $567 |
| Construction | $174 | $2,086 |
| Consulting | $22 | $262 |
| Contractor | $253 | $3,035 |
| Courier | $194 | $2,327 |
| Daycare | $33 | $391 |
| Dental | $21 | $255 |
| DJ | $25 | $303 |
| Dog Grooming | $63 | $753 |
| Drone | $17 | $198 |
| Ecommerce | $72 | $866 |
| Electrical | $112 | $1,346 |
| Engineering | $39 | $472 |
| Excavation | $460 | $5,519 |
| Florist | $43 | $511 |
| Food | $107 | $1,284 |
| Food Truck | $141 | $1,695 |
| Funeral Home | $60 | $718 |
| Gardening | $112 | $1,340 |
| Handyman | $242 | $2,907 |
| Home-based | $24 | $283 |
| Home-based | $46 | $546 |
| Hospitality | $65 | $776 |
| HVAC | $243 | $2,922 |
| Janitorial | $136 | $1,633 |
| Jewelry | $40 | $481 |
| Junk Removal | $161 | $1,932 |
| Lawn/Landscaping | $120 | $1,436 |
| Lawyers | $23 | $272 |
| Manufacturing | $64 | $762 |
| Marine | $28 | $334 |
| Massage | $95 | $1,142 |
| Mortgage Broker | $23 | $272 |
| Moving | $123 | $1,476 |
| Nonprofit | $36 | $427 |
| Painting | $142 | $1,707 |
| Party Rental | $79 | $944 |
| Personal Training | $24 | $285 |
| Pest Control | $32 | $384 |
| Pet | $55 | $663 |
| Pharmacy | $61 | $735 |
| Photography | $24 | $288 |
| Physical Therapy | $110 | $1,315 |
| Plumbing | $359 | $4,312 |
| Pressure Washing | $911 | $10,933 |
| Real Estate | $53 | $633 |
| Restaurant | $144 | $1,725 |
| Retail | $65 | $776 |
| Roofing | $385 | $4,625 |
| Security | $136 | $1,638 |
| Snack Bars | $116 | $1,397 |
| Software | $26 | $314 |
| Spa/Wellness | $107 | $1,282 |
| Speech Therapist | $31 | $373 |
| Startup | $29 | $342 |
| Tech/IT | $26 | $314 |
| Transportation | $37 | $447 |
| Travel | $21 | $248 |
| Tree Service | $127 | $1,526 |
| Trucking | $102 | $1,220 |
| Tutoring | $30 | $361 |
| Veterinary | $44 | $533 |
| Wedding Planning | $28 | $331 |
| Welding | $163 | $1,960 |
| Wholesale | $44 | $531 |
| Window Cleaning | $158 | $1,898 |
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 Missouri General Liability Insurance Costs?
Many important factors affect what Missouri businesses pay for general liability insurance.
Missouri Severe Weather and Natural Disaster Risk
Missouri experienced 120 billion-dollar weather disasters from 1980-2024, with catastrophic events rising from 2.7 to 8.2 annually. Wind and hail damage drive most insured losses, with 2025 projected losses reaching $1.8 billion.
Weather-damaged property creates premises liability exposure through collapsed structures, debris and unsafe conditions that injure customers and visitors. Businesses in Kansas City, St. Louis, and Jefferson City often see higher premiums because these areas experience more claims related to storm damage.
Missouri Legal and Regulatory Environment
Missouri's five-year statute of limitations for personal injury cases extends claim exposure longer than most states, requiring insurers to maintain reserves and increasing uncertainty. While non-economic damage caps (§538.210) provide some predictability, recent multi-million dollar verdicts demonstrate ongoing cost pressure from economic damages.
Social inflation, increased attorney advertising and third-party litigation funding drive higher claim frequency and severity. Licensed electricians and electrical sign contractors must carry mandatory general liability coverage ($300,000/$600,000), reflecting recognized liability risks in these trades.
Missouri Geographic and Medical Cost Variations
Kansas City and St. Louis metro areas see substantially higher general liability rates due to increased population density, traffic and pedestrian activity that raise claim frequency. Urban medical treatment costs exceed rural expenses, increasing bodily injury claim severity when customers are injured on business premises. Metropolitan areas also have higher legal fees and settlement costs.
The concentration of Missouri's 520,000 small businesses across varied urban and rural markets creates different risk pools, with location-based cost differences directly impacting premium calculations.
Missouri Industry Composition and Economic Profile
Manufacturing represents 13% of Missouri's $280 billion economy, creating elevated product liability, premises liability, and operations liability exposure. The state's $93.7 billion agricultural sector and $12.4 billion food processing industry add product contamination and agribusiness liability risks. Missouri's central location as a transportation hub increases warehouse and distribution liability exposure.
Construction sector requirements mandate completed operations coverage for electricians and electrical sign contractors, recognizing liability for work performed after job completion. This diverse industrial mix (ranked 3rd nationally) means insurers underwrite multiple high-risk sectors simultaneously.
How Much General Liability Insurance Do I Need in Missouri?
Missouri doesn't require most businesses to carry general liability insurance, though certain licensed trades must maintain coverage. Understanding the requirements for commercial general liability insurance helps you determine whether state law mandates coverage for your specific profession. Cities and counties can also impose local insurance requirements beyond state mandates.
Missouri’s state-level requirements include:
Missouri public liability insurance requirements for licensed electricians
Missouri requires minimum coverage of $300,000 per occurrence and $600,000 annual aggregate. Completed operations coverage is mandatory.
Missouri public liability insurance requirements for electrical sign contractors
Coverage must match electrician requirements at $300,000 per occurrence and $600,000 annual aggregate. You'll also need completed operations protection.
For businesses without mandated requirements, a $1 million per occurrence and $2 million aggregate policy represents the industry standard. This coverage level satisfies most commercial leases and client contracts while providing adequate financial protection.
Note: State insurance rules change often. Check current requirements with the Missouri Department of Commerce and Insurance or talk with a licensed agent before purchasing coverage.
How to Choose the Best General Liability Insurance in Missouri
Understanding how to get business insurance starts with evaluating your specific liability risks and coverage needs. Compare policy limits, deductibles, and premium costs from multiple Missouri insurers to find coverage that protects your business without straining your budget.
- 1Assess Coverage Needs
Missouri requires licensed electricians and electrical sign contractors to carry minimum business insurance coverage of $300,000 per occurrence and $600,000 annual aggregate. Most businesses without state mandates choose $1 million per occurrence and $2 million aggregate for broader protection.
Review your commercial lease agreements and client contracts, as Kansas City and St. Louis landlords often require proof of coverage before signing.
- 2Prepare Business Information
Missouri insurers need your business classification code, annual revenue, employee count, and physical location to calculate premiums. Your industry risk level matters: construction and manufacturing businesses in Missouri often pay higher rates because of increased liability exposure.
Gather your EIN, Missouri business registration, and recent tax returns before requesting quotes to speed up the process.
- 3Compare Multiple Quotes
Request quotes from at least three insurers licensed in Missouri to compare business insurance costs accurately. Premium variations can reach 30% or more between carriers for identical coverage due to different underwriting criteria and risk assessments. Compare policy limits, deductibles, and whether defense costs apply separately or count toward your coverage limits.
- 4Look Beyond Price
Affordable business insurance that lacks adequate coverage creates more financial risk than higher premiums with comprehensive protection. Compare insurers based on claims-handling reputation, customer service responsiveness, and coverage breadth beyond just monthly costs. Missouri businesses should evaluate policy exclusions, defense cost provisions, and insurer financial stability ratings before making a final decision based solely on premium quotes.
- 5Verify Insurer Credibility
Check insurer licensing through the Missouri Department of Commerce and Insurance before purchasing coverage. Review AM Best financial strength ratings (aim for A- or higher) to ensure the company can pay large claims during Missouri's severe weather events. Research complaint ratios on the DCI website to identify insurers with poor claims-handling records in the state.
- 6Ask About Discounts
Missouri insurers offer discounts for bundling general liability with commercial property or auto insurance, potentially reducing premiums by 15% to 25%. Safety programs, claims-free histories of three years or more, and annual payment options can lower your costs. Installing security systems or completing employee safety training demonstrates reduced risk to underwriters and qualifies you for additional savings.
- 7Obtain Certificate of Insurance
Missouri commercial leases and client contracts require a certificate of insurance before you can operate or sign agreements. Your insurer can issue digital certificates instantly or within 48 hours for standard requests. Keep your agent's contact information accessible, as Kansas City and St. Louis contractors often need COIs on short notice for project bids.
- 8Review Coverage Annually
Missouri's severe weather patterns and rising litigation costs make annual coverage reviews essential for adequate protection. Compare quotes 60 to 90 days before renewal, especially if you've added employees, expanded services, or increased revenue. Maintaining current coverage limits helps you avoid compliance gaps with city ordinances and prevents costly audit adjustments when your business grows.
Top General Liability Insurance in Missouri: Bottom Line
Finding quality general liability insurance in Missouri starts with understanding your specific business needs and researching providers thoroughly. The Hartford, NEXT and Nationwide lead the market, but your ideal choice depends on your industry, business size and budget. Compare multiple quotes and verify each insurer's licensing and 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. 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
- Missouri Department of Commerce and Insurance. "DCI Director: Insured Losses From 2025 Catastrophic Weather Events in Missouri Approaching $2 Billion." Accessed December 8, 2025.
- Missouri Department of Commerce and Insurance. "Severe Weather Causes Continued Rise in Homeowners Insurance Premiums." Accessed December 8, 2025.
- Missouri Economic Research and Information Center. "Industry Research." Accessed December 8, 2025.
- Missouri Revisor of Statutes. "Section 516.120 - What Actions Within Five Years." Accessed December 8, 2025.
- Missouri Revisor of Statutes. "Section 538.210 - No Common Law Cause of Action — Limitation on Noneconomic Damages." Accessed December 8, 2025.
- NOAA National Centers for Environmental Information. "Billion-Dollar Weather and Climate Disasters | Missouri." Accessed December 8, 2025.