We researched the best business insurance options to answer your most common questions about general liability coverage in New Hampshire based on our analysis:
Best General Liability Insurance in New Hampshire
The Hartford leads New Hampshire general liability insurance as both the best and cheapest option, with coverage starting at $81 per month.
Get matched to the best and cheapest general liability insurer for you below.
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Updated: November 24, 2025
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Commercial General Liability Insurance in New Hampshire: Fast Answers
Which company offers the best general liability insurance in New Hampshire?
The Hartford is the top general liability insurance company in New Hampshire, earning a 4.61 overall score out of 5. The company offers affordable coverage at $81 per month and delivers strong claims handling. NEXT follows closely with a 4.56 score, offering excellent digital tools and customer service for $102 per month.
Who offers the cheapest general liability insurance in New Hampshire?
The cheapest general liability insurance companies in New Hampshire are:
- The Hartford: $81 per month
- Simply Business: $95 per month
- Nationwide: $96 per month
- Progressive: $100 per month
- NEXT: $102 per month
Do New Hampshire businesses legally need general liability insurance?
New Hampshire 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 set their own requirements, and most landlords and clients demand proof of insurance before signing contracts.
How much does general liability insurance cost in New Hampshire?
General liability insurance costs between $17 and $915 per month for small New Hampshire businesses with two employees. The drone industry sees the lowest rates at $17 per month, while pressure washing businesses have the highest at $915 per month. Your actual premium depends on your specific industry, business location, coverage limits and employee count.
Best General Liability Insurance Companies in New Hampshire
The Hartford is our top choice for general liability insurance in New Hampshire, offering a mix of affordable rates and strong financial stability. NEXT and Nationwide also perform well, with NEXT known for excellent customer service and Nationwide providing solid coverage options for small businesses across the state.
| The Hartford | 4.61 | $81 |
| NEXT Insurance | 4.56 | $102 |
| Nationwide | 4.53 | $96 |
| Simply Business | 4.49 | $95 |
| Coverdash | 4.38 | $103 |
| Thimble | 4.35 | $107 |
| biBERK | 4.31 | $114 |
| Chubb | 4.29 | $118 |
| Progressive Commercial | 4.28 | $100 |
| Hiscox | 4.20 | $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 New Hampshire General Liability Insurer
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LEARN MORE ABOUT THE BEST BUSINESS INSURANCE IN NEW HAMPSHIRE
General liability insurance shields New Hampshire businesses from customer injury and property damage claims, but it won't cover every risk. Explore these additional coverage options for comprehensive financial protection:
Best New Hampshire General Liability Insurance Reviews
Finding the best general liability insurance in New Hampshire means looking beyond affordable rates. Coverage quality and customer service matter too. Our research reveals which business insurers deliver the strongest combination of value and protection.
The Hartford
Best New Hampshire General Liability Insurer
MoneyGeek Rating
4.6/ 5
4.6/5Affordability
4.6/5Customer Experience
4.7/5Coverage Points
Average Monthly General Liability Premium
$81These 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
NEXT
Best New Hampshire Commercial General Liability: Runner-Up
MoneyGeek Rating
4.6/ 5
4.3/5Affordability
4.7/5Customer Experience
4.8/5Coverage 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
4.8/5
Cheapest General Liability Insurance Companies in New Hampshire
The Hartford offers the cheapest general liability insurance in New Hampshire at $81 per month, saving businesses $21 or 20% compared to the state average. Simply Business and Nationwide also provide affordable coverage options for small businesses.
| The Hartford | $81 | $976 |
| Simply Business | $95 | $1,142 |
| Nationwide | $96 | $1,158 |
| Progressive Commercial | $100 | $1,194 |
| NEXT Insurance | $102 | $1,230 |
| Coverdash | $103 | $1,234 |
| Thimble | $107 | $1,279 |
| Hiscox | $113 | $1,361 |
| biBERK | $114 | $1,362 |
| Chubb | $118 | $1,418 |
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 New Hampshire by Industry
Based on MoneyGeek's research, these five providers offer the most affordable general liability insurance across New Hampshire industries:
- The Hartford: Ranks as the cheapest provider in 22 industries, leading in construction, electrical work, welding and security services.
- Thimble: Offers the lowest rates in 14 industries, performing well in cleaning, HVAC, roofing and software development.
- biBerk: Wins affordability in 11 industries, showing strength in catering, contracting, engineering and trucking sectors.
- Simply Business: Provides cheap coverage in 10 industries, excelling with accountants, consulting firms, lawyers and plumbing businesses.
- NEXT: Leads in seven industries and is a strong option for dental practices, photography, spa and wellness businesses and tech companies.
Data filtered by:
Select
| Accountants | Simply Business | $14 | $172 |
| Ad Agency | Thimble | $99 | $1,188 |
| Barber | Thimble | $98 | $1,174 |
| Automotive | Coverdash | $110 | $1,318 |
| Auto Repair | Coverdash | $115 | $1,378 |
| Bakery | Simply Business | $85 | $1,023 |
| Beauty Salon | Progressive Commercial | $112 | $1,346 |
| Bounce House | The Hartford | $55 | $658 |
| Candle | Simply Business | $96 | $1,149 |
| Cleaning | Thimble | $84 | $1,002 |
| Cannabis | The Hartford | $52 | $630 |
| Catering | biBERK | $170 | $2,034 |
| Coffee Shop | Simply Business | $84 | $1,006 |
| Computer Programming | Thimble | $98 | $1,174 |
| Computer Repair | The Hartford | $37 | $443 |
| Construction | The Hartford | $129 | $1,548 |
| Courier | The Hartford | $166 | $1,987 |
| Consulting | Simply Business | $14 | $172 |
| Contractor | biBERK | $203 | $2,438 |
| DJ | Thimble | $84 | $1,002 |
| Daycare | The Hartford | $25 | $306 |
| Dental | NEXT Insurance | $13 | $150 |
| Dog Grooming | Thimble | $36 | $429 |
| Electrical | The Hartford | $84 | $1,010 |
| Drone | The Hartford | $13 | $152 |
| Ecommerce | biBERK | $84 | $1,003 |
| Engineering | biBERK | $17 | $200 |
| Florist | Simply Business | $31 | $367 |
| Excavation | biBERK | $369 | $4,431 |
| Food Truck | The Hartford | $110 | $1,320 |
| Food | Progressive Commercial | $106 | $1,266 |
| Handyman | biBERK | $174 | $2,086 |
| Funeral Home | NEXT Insurance | $44 | $528 |
| Gardening | Coverdash | $96 | $1,146 |
| Home-based | NEXT Insurance | $46 | $548 |
| Home-based | The Hartford | $17 | $209 |
| Hospitality | biBERK | $139 | $1,673 |
| HVAC | Thimble | $107 | $1,286 |
| Jewelry | Thimble | $163 | $1,958 |
| Janitorial | Nationwide | $97 | $1,166 |
| Marine | The Hartford | $23 | $279 |
| Junk Removal | The Hartford | $126 | $1,509 |
| Lawn/Landscaping | Progressive Commercial | $95 | $1,140 |
| Lawyers | Simply Business | $14 | $172 |
| Manufacturing | Nationwide | $20 | $239 |
| Massage | Hiscox | $92 | $1,099 |
| Mortgage Broker | NEXT Insurance | $16 | $189 |
| Nonprofit | biBERK | $26 | $314 |
| Moving | Nationwide | $86 | $1,027 |
| Party Rental | Hiscox | $84 | $1,010 |
| Painting | The Hartford | $110 | $1,318 |
| Personal Training | The Hartford | $18 | $222 |
| Pest Control | The Hartford | $25 | $300 |
| Pharmacy | biBERK | $100 | $1,205 |
| Pet | Thimble | $36 | $429 |
| Photography | NEXT Insurance | $13 | $160 |
| Physical Therapy | Thimble | $853 | $10,232 |
| Plumbing | Simply Business | $270 | $3,235 |
| Retail | Progressive Commercial | $91 | $1,095 |
| Pressure Washing | The Hartford | $849 | $10,190 |
| Real Estate | Nationwide | $120 | $1,435 |
| Restaurant | Coverdash | $99 | $1,184 |
| Snack Bars | The Hartford | $89 | $1,068 |
| Roofing | Thimble | $206 | $2,474 |
| Security | The Hartford | $109 | $1,313 |
| Spa/Wellness | NEXT Insurance | $84 | $1,014 |
| Software | Thimble | $84 | $1,002 |
| Speech Therapist | Nationwide | $20 | $239 |
| Speech Therapist | Simply Business | $20 | $239 |
| Startup | Simply Business | $14 | $172 |
| Tech/IT | NEXT Insurance | $16 | $189 |
| Travel | The Hartford | $16 | $188 |
| Transportation | The Hartford | $31 | $373 |
| Tree Service | Nationwide | $86 | $1,027 |
| Veterinary | biBERK | $25 | $297 |
| Trucking | biBERK | $85 | $1,017 |
| Tutoring | Thimble | $98 | $1,174 |
| Window Cleaning | The Hartford | $128 | $1,530 |
| Wedding Planning | Thimble | $86 | $1,032 |
| Welding | The Hartford | $133 | $1,600 |
| Wholesale | Coverdash | $34 | $404 |
Average Cost of General Liability Insurance in New Hampshire
Most small businesses in New Hampshire pay around $102 monthly for general liability insurance. The average cost of general liability coverage depends on your industry, business size, location and coverage limits.
Manufacturing companies have higher premiums due to increased risk exposure, while accounting firms often pay less because of 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 New Hampshire by Industry
Monthly costs for general liability coverage in New Hampshire range from $17 for drone businesses to $915 for pressure washing companies. This wide cost variation reflects the different risk levels across industries. Review this table to find typical rates for your specific business type.
Data filtered by:
Select
| Accountants | $22 | $264 |
| Ad Agency | $35 | $424 |
| Automotive | $53 | $639 |
| Auto Repair | $152 | $1,822 |
| Bakery | $90 | $1,084 |
| Barber | $44 | $531 |
| Beauty Salon | $67 | $801 |
| Bounce House | $70 | $842 |
| Candle | $55 | $659 |
| Cannabis | $67 | $804 |
| Catering | $88 | $1,051 |
| Cleaning | $132 | $1,589 |
| Coffee Shop | $90 | $1,076 |
| Computer Programming | $29 | $348 |
| Computer Repair | $48 | $571 |
| Construction | $175 | $2,103 |
| Consulting | $22 | $263 |
| Contractor | $255 | $3,056 |
| Courier | $195 | $2,344 |
| Daycare | $33 | $394 |
| Dental | $21 | $258 |
| DJ | $25 | $304 |
| Dog Grooming | $63 | $761 |
| Drone | $17 | $200 |
| Ecommerce | $73 | $877 |
| Electrical | $112 | $1,348 |
| Engineering | $40 | $478 |
| Excavation | $465 | $5,584 |
| Florist | $43 | $513 |
| Food | $108 | $1,291 |
| Food Truck | $142 | $1,700 |
| Funeral Home | $60 | $724 |
| Gardening | $112 | $1,348 |
| Handyman | $244 | $2,928 |
| Home-based | $24 | $285 |
| Home-based | $46 | $548 |
| Hospitality | $65 | $782 |
| HVAC | $245 | $2,942 |
| Janitorial | $137 | $1,644 |
| Jewelry | $40 | $483 |
| Junk Removal | $162 | $1,948 |
| Lawn/Landscaping | $120 | $1,442 |
| Lawyers | $23 | $274 |
| Manufacturing | $64 | $767 |
| Marine | $28 | $336 |
| Massage | $96 | $1,149 |
| Mortgage Broker | $23 | $275 |
| Moving | $124 | $1,488 |
| Nonprofit | $36 | $430 |
| Painting | $144 | $1,725 |
| Party Rental | $79 | $953 |
| Personal Training | $24 | $286 |
| Pest Control | $32 | $387 |
| Pet | $56 | $672 |
| Pharmacy | $62 | $741 |
| Photography | $24 | $289 |
| Physical Therapy | $110 | $1,322 |
| Plumbing | $361 | $4,335 |
| Pressure Washing | $915 | $10,978 |
| Real Estate | $53 | $638 |
| Restaurant | $145 | $1,739 |
| Retail | $65 | $784 |
| Roofing | $388 | $4,653 |
| Security | $139 | $1,668 |
| Snack Bars | $117 | $1,408 |
| Software | $26 | $316 |
| Spa/Wellness | $107 | $1,280 |
| Speech Therapist | $31 | $374 |
| Startup | $29 | $343 |
| Tech/IT | $26 | $317 |
| Transportation | $38 | $451 |
| Travel | $21 | $250 |
| Tree Service | $130 | $1,556 |
| Trucking | $103 | $1,230 |
| Tutoring | $30 | $363 |
| Veterinary | $45 | $537 |
| Wedding Planning | $28 | $332 |
| Welding | $165 | $1,977 |
| Wholesale | $45 | $536 |
| Window Cleaning | $159 | $1,910 |
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 New Hampshire General Liability Insurance Costs?
Many factors determine general liability insurance costs for New Hampshire businesses.
New Hampshire Legal and Regulatory Environment
New Hampshire courts recognize independent tort actions for third-party liability claims, giving insurers a duty of reasonable care in settlements. Litigation payouts represent costs passed along to policyholders, with more lawsuits filed, large jury awards, courts increasingly favoring plaintiffs, third-party litigation funding and aggressive plaintiff bar advertising.
When courts award larger settlements or favor plaintiffs, insurers pay more per claim. Higher legal defense costs and jury awards directly translate to increased general liability premiums for New Hampshire businesses.
New Hampshire Economic and Cost Inflation Pressures
Average hourly earnings in New Hampshire's construction industry are up 4.4% over the past 12 months, with average wages reaching $74,268. New England inflation exceeded national price growth in 2024 at 3.5% versus 2.9% nationally, with medical expenditures experiencing the largest price growth.
General liability insurance covers bodily injury and property damage claims. Rising construction costs increase property damage repair expenses, while regional medical cost inflation directly raises bodily injury claim payouts. Insurers raise premiums to cover these inflated claim costs.
New Hampshire Industry Composition and Seasonal Characteristics
New Hampshire's seasonal economy hosts 4.5 million summer visitors spending $2.3 billion, 3.6 million fall visitors spending $1.7 billion and 3 million winter visitors spending $1.5 billion. Construction employment totaled 31,600 in August 2024, an increase of 10% from February 2020.
Tourism businesses experience massive customer volume spikes during peak seasons, increasing slip-and-fall exposure and premises liability incidents. Construction's employment growth means more businesses operating in inherently high-risk sectors. This industry concentration increases claim frequency and severity statewide.
New Hampshire Operational Risk Factors
Insurance companies saw heavy losses as both the number and severity of claims went up, leading some New Hampshire policyholders to experience premium increases of 30% or more in 2024. The state also deals with an aging workforce and very few new workers entering the trades. Long winters add more pressure, with ice and snow causing steady slip-and-fall risks for businesses.
On top of that, labor shortages push companies to hire less experienced workers or speed through projects, raising the chances of errors that result in property damage or injury claims. Together, these factors drive higher claim frequency across the state.
How Much General Liability Insurance Do I Need in New Hampshire?
New Hampshire doesn't require businesses to carry general liability insurance by state law, but most small businesses purchase $1 million per occurrence and $2 million aggregate coverage. This standard protects against typical claims while meeting client expectations and commercial lease requirements that specify minimum coverage amounts.
Your actual needs depend on your industry risk level and contract obligations. High-risk businesses like construction or food service should consider higher limits. Contractors often need coverage ranging from $300,000 to $1 million based on local municipal requirements and project contracts. Check your agreements for requirements for commercial general liability before starting work.
Note: State insurance rules change regularly. Check current requirements with the New Hampshire Insurance Department or talk with a licensed insurance agent for the latest information.
How to Choose the Best General Liability Insurance in New Hampshire
Choosing general liability insurance in New Hampshire requires balancing coverage needs with your budget. Getting business insurance starts with understanding your industry risks, then comparing quotes from multiple insurers to find adequate protection at competitive rates for your specific business operations.
- 1Assess Your Coverage Needs
New Hampshire doesn't legally require general liability insurance for most businesses, though commercial leases and client contracts often mandate specific coverage amounts.
Standard business insurance coverage often includes $1 million per occurrence and $2 million aggregate, with contractors needing between $300,000 and $1 million based on local municipal requirements. Review your lease agreements and client contracts to determine the coverage minimums you need.
- 2Prepare Business Information
Gather essential information insurers use when calculating quotes, including your annual revenue, employee count, physical location and business classification code. Your actual cost depends on your industry risk level and business size. Prepare your EIN, business registration documents and recent financial statements before requesting quotes to speed up the application process.
- 3Compare Multiple Quotes
Request quotes from at least three insurers licensed by the New Hampshire Insurance Department to do business in the state. The cost of your coverage can vary significantly between insurers based on their risk assessment models and underwriting guidelines. Compare not only premium prices but also deductible amounts, coverage limits and whether legal defense costs count toward your policy limits or are paid separately.
- 4Look Beyond Premium Price
Cheap business insurance isn't always the best value if it leaves coverage gaps that expose your business to financial risk. Read policy exclusions carefully to understand what's not covered, as standard general liability policies exclude professional errors, pollution liability and employee injuries.
Verify whether your policy's legal defense costs are included within your coverage limits or paid separately, as this distinction significantly impacts your actual financial protection when facing a lawsuit.
- 5Verify Insurer Credentials
Check that insurers are licensed through the New Hampshire Insurance Department's website and review their AM Best financial strength ratings to ensure they can pay claims.
Research customer complaint ratios through the department's consumer services division to identify companies with poor claims-handling track records. Strong financial backing matters when filing large claims, so prioritize insurers with ratings of A- or higher from AM Best.
- 6Ask About Discounts
New Hampshire insurers commonly offer discounts for bundling multiple policies, implementing safety programs, maintaining claims-free histories and paying premiums annually instead of monthly.
Combining general liability with commercial property or auto insurance through a business owner's policy can reduce overall costs by 10% to 25%. Installing security systems, providing employee safety training or earning industry certifications may also qualify your business for additional premium reductions.
- 7Obtain Certificate of Insurance
Your certificate of insurance proves coverage to New Hampshire clients, landlords and contractors who require proof before signing contracts or allowing you to work on their property. Most insurers provide digital certificates instantly or within 24 hours of policy purchase.
Keep your insurance agent's contact information readily available for urgent certificate requests, as many commercial contracts require updated certificates showing the requesting party as an additional insured.
- 8Review Coverage Annually
Reassess your general liability coverage each year before renewal, especially after hiring employees, expanding service offerings, increasing revenue or moving to a new location. Compare quotes from multiple insurers 60 to 90 days before your renewal date to ensure you're getting competitive rates and appropriate coverage limits.
Maintaining adequate coverage helps you avoid compliance gaps with commercial leases and prevents unexpected premium increases during policy audits when your actual business operations exceed what you originally reported.
Top General Liability Insurance in New Hampshire: Bottom Line
Finding the right general liability insurance in New Hampshire comes down to understanding your specific business needs and doing thorough research. The Hartford, NEXT and Nationwide emerge as leading options, but your ideal provider depends on your industry, company size, and budget. Smart business owners compare quotes from multiple insurers and check each company's credentials before making their 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
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- Federal Reserve Bank of Boston. "New England Economic Conditions through September 3, 2024." Accessed December 4, 2025.
- New Hampshire Business Review. "What Is Influencing Insurance Rates in New Hampshire?." Accessed December 4, 2025.
- New Hampshire Department of Labor, Economic & Labor Market Information Bureau. "Employment and Wage Data." Accessed December 4, 2025.
- New Hampshire Department of Transportation. "New Hampshire Construction Cost Index." Accessed December 4, 2025.
- New Hampshire Fiscal Policy Institute. "Construction and Homebuilding in New Hampshire." Accessed December 4, 2025.
- New Hampshire Fiscal Policy Institute. "New Hampshire Policy Points 2025: Economy and Jobs." Accessed December 4, 2025.
- New Hampshire Insurance Department. "Property & Casualty Markets Symposium." Accessed December 4, 2025.
- U.S. Bureau of Economic Analysis. "Outdoor Recreation Satellite Account, U.S. and States, 2023." Accessed December 4, 2025.