The Hartford is the best general liability insurance provider in New Jersey, delivering competitive rates and reliable service. NEXT and Nationwide are good alternatives showing solid performance.
General Liability Insurance in New Jersey
The Hartford tops our rankings for general liability insurance in New Jersey, scoring 4.56 out of 5.
Explore low-cost general liability insurance in New Jersey below.
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Updated: October 3, 2025
Advertising & Editorial Disclosure
Key Takeaways
The Hartford, NEXT and Nationwide are the leading general liability insurance providers in New Jersey, offering comprehensive coverage for businesses.
Your ideal general liability insurance provider depends on your business type, operational scale, desired coverage amount and available budget.
Securing quality coverage requires comparing multiple quotes, examining insurer financial strength ratings and verifying customer satisfaction scores.
Best General Liability Insurance Companies in New Jersey
| The Hartford | 4.56 | $93 |
| NEXT | 4.55 | $117 |
| Nationwide | 4.51 | $110 |
| Simply Business | 4.46 | $108 |
| Coverdash | 4.36 | $117 |
| Thimble | 4.35 | $121 |
| biBerk | 4.29 | $129 |
| Chubb | 4.27 | $135 |
| Progressive Commercial | 4.26 | $114 |
| Hiscox | 4.18 | $129 |
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
Protecting your business requires more than just general liability coverage. New Jersey entrepreneurs should consider these additional insurance options:
Best New Jersey Small Business Insurance Reviews
We researched New Jersey's leading business insurance providers to help small business owners with general liability insurance requirements identify the unique strengths and coverage options that make each company worth considering.
The Hartford
Best Overall Provider
MoneyGeek Rating
4.6/ 5
4.4/5Affordability
4.6/5Customer Experience
4.7/5Coverage Options
Average Monthly Premium
$93Our Survey: Claims Process
4.5/5Recommend to Others
4.5/5
NEXT
Runner-Up Best Provider
MoneyGeek Rating
4.5/ 5
4.2/5Affordability
4.7/5Customer Experience
4.8/5Coverage Options
Average Monthly Premium
$117Our Survey: Claims Process
3.9/5Recommend to Others
4.8/5
Cheapest General Liability Insurance Companies in New Jersey
The Hartford offers the cheapest general liability insurance in New Jersey, with coverage starting at $93 monthly ($1,115 annually). Simply Business and Nationwide also provide competitive rates at $108 and $110 per month, respectively.
| The Hartford | $93 | $1,115 |
| Simply Business | $108 | $1,302 |
| Nationwide | $110 | $1,321 |
| Progressive Commercial | $114 | $1,364 |
| NEXT | $117 | $1,402 |
| Coverdash | $117 | $1,406 |
| Thimble | $121 | $1,454 |
| Hiscox | $129 | $1,547 |
| biBerk | $129 | $1,548 |
| Chubb | $135 | $1,616 |
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 New Jersey
General liability insurance in New Jersey averages $117 monthly or $1,398 annually, running about $13 more per month than the national average. Your premium varies based on your industry, business size and claims history. Due to increased liability exposure, construction companies pay higher rates than lower-risk businesses like consulting firms.
Average Cost of General Liability Insurance by Industry
General liability insurance costs vary by industry in New Jersey. Pressure washing businesses face the steepest monthly premiums at $1,042, while drone operators pay just $19 per month for coverage.
| Accountants | $25 | $301 |
| Ad Agency | $40 | $483 |
| Automotive | $61 | $728 |
| Auto Repair | $173 | $2,075 |
| Bakery | $103 | $1,234 |
| Barber | $50 | $605 |
| Beauty Salon | $76 | $913 |
| Bounce House | $80 | $960 |
| Candle | $63 | $750 |
| Cannabis | $76 | $916 |
| Catering | $100 | $1,197 |
| Cleaning | $151 | $1,810 |
| Coffee Shop | $102 | $1,226 |
| Computer Programming | $33 | $397 |
| Computer Repair | $54 | $651 |
| Construction | $200 | $2,396 |
| Consulting | $25 | $300 |
| Contractor | $290 | $3,483 |
| Courier | $223 | $2,670 |
| Daycare | $37 | $449 |
| Dental | $24 | $294 |
| DJ | $29 | $346 |
| Dog Grooming | $72 | $867 |
| Drone | $19 | $228 |
| Ecommerce | $83 | $1,000 |
| Electrical | $128 | $1,536 |
| Engineering | $45 | $544 |
| Excavation | $530 | $6,363 |
| Florist | $49 | $585 |
| Food | $123 | $1,471 |
| Food Truck | $161 | $1,937 |
| Funeral Home | $69 | $825 |
| Gardening | $128 | $1,535 |
| Handyman | $278 | $3,336 |
| Home-based | $27 | $325 |
| Home-based | $52 | $625 |
| Hospitality | $74 | $890 |
| HVAC | $279 | $3,352 |
| Janitorial | $156 | $1,873 |
| Jewelry | $46 | $550 |
| Junk Removal | $185 | $2,220 |
| Lawn/Landscaping | $137 | $1,642 |
| Lawyers | $26 | $312 |
| Manufacturing | $73 | $872 |
| Marine | $32 | $383 |
| Massage | $109 | $1,309 |
| Mortgage Broker | $26 | $312 |
| Moving | $141 | $1,695 |
| Nonprofit | $41 | $490 |
| Painting | $164 | $1,965 |
| Party Rental | $90 | $1,086 |
| Personal Training | $27 | $326 |
| Pest Control | $37 | $440 |
| Pet | $64 | $766 |
| Pharmacy | $70 | $844 |
| Photography | $27 | $330 |
| Physical Therapy | $125 | $1,503 |
| Plumbing | $412 | $4,940 |
| Pressure Washing | $1,042 | $12,509 |
| Real Estate | $61 | $727 |
| Restaurant | $165 | $1,981 |
| Retail | $74 | $894 |
| Roofing | $442 | $5,301 |
| Security | $158 | $1,901 |
| Snack Bars | $134 | $1,604 |
| Software | $30 | $359 |
| Spa/Wellness | $122 | $1,458 |
| Speech Therapist | $36 | $426 |
| Startup | $33 | $391 |
| Tech/IT | $30 | $360 |
| Transportation | $43 | $514 |
| Travel | $24 | $285 |
| Tree Service | $148 | $1,774 |
| Trucking | $117 | $1,402 |
| Tutoring | $34 | $413 |
| Veterinary | $51 | $612 |
| Wedding Planning | $32 | $378 |
| Welding | $188 | $2,253 |
| Wholesale | $51 | $610 |
| Window Cleaning | $181 | $2,176 |
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 New Jersey?
New Jersey doesn't require most businesses to carry general liability insurance at the state level. Cities and counties can create their own rules. Certain licensed trades must maintain specific coverage to keep their professional licenses active:
Electricians
New Jersey requires licensed electricians to carry general liability insurance with minimum limits of $500,000 per occurrence and $1,000,000 annual aggregate. This coverage must include completed operations protection.
Electrical Sign Contractors
Electrical sign contractors in New Jersey must maintain the same $500,000 per occurrence and $1,000,000 annual aggregate limits. Completed operations coverage is also required.
HVAC Contractors
Most HVAC classifications require minimum general liability coverage of $300,000 per occurrence and $600,000 annual aggregate.
Fire Safety Companies
Fire safety companies must carry general liability insurance with minimum limits of $1,000,000 per occurrence and $2,000,000 annual aggregate to maintain their New Jersey registration.
You should include general liability insurance in your New Jersey business insurance regardless of legal requirements. Most commercial property owners demand proof of coverage before approving lease agreements. Large corporations and government contracts require valid insurance certificates from all contractors.
How to Choose the Best General Liability Insurance in New Jersey
New Jersey small business owners who need to get business insurance should start with determining what protection your business actually needs and finding affordable general liability insurance coverage that fits your budget.
- 1
Determine your coverage needs
Research your industry's licensing requirements in New Jersey first. Many clients demand higher coverage limits like $1 million, even when state minimums are lower for your business type.
- 2
Prepare business information
Gather details about your annual revenue, employee count and business operations.
- 3
Compare multiple insurance quotes
Request quotes from at least three different insurers since small business insurance costs vary.
- 4
Examine policy terms carefully
Focus on exclusions and coverage details, not cheap small business insurance rates. Some policies include legal defense expenses on top of your coverage limit, while others subtract these costs from your total protection.
- 5
Verify insurer and agent credentials
Check company licenses through the state insurance department website. Review AM Best financial ratings and complaint records.
- 6
Inquire about available discounts
Ask about savings opportunities like bundling multiple business insurance coverage types, implementing safety programs or maintaining a clean claims history.
- 7
Obtain your Insurance certificate
Request your certificate of insurance immediately after purchase.
How to Prevent General Liability Claims in New Jersey
No business owner wants to deal with commercial insurance claims, but New Jersey companies can prevent most general liability issues through smart preparation and strategic planning.
Watch out for property hazards
New Jersey businesses must be aware of seasonal risks, such as ice formation during winter and flooding from coastal storms. To prevent slip-and-fall incidents, inspect walkways regularly, install proper drainage systems, and maintain adequate lighting in parking areas and entrances. Address cracked pavement and uneven surfaces.
Train your people well
Establish comprehensive safety training programs that cover proper lifting techniques, equipment handling and emergency procedures. Conduct monthly safety meetings.
Keep good records
Maintain detailed documentation of all business activities, including incident reports, maintenance schedules and employee training records.
Get everything in writing
Create detailed contracts that specify work scope, safety responsibilities and liability limitations for all business relationships.
Fix problems fast
Respond to customer complaints and safety concerns within 24 hours to prevent minor issues from becoming major claims.
General Liability Insurance in New Jersey: Bottom Line
The Hartford, NEXT and Nationwide lead the market for reliable coverage options. Your industry type, company size and available budget determine which provider offers the best value for your general liability coverage.
Commercial General Liability Insurance in New Jersey: FAQ
Our research-backed analysis addresses the most common general liability insurance questions New Jersey business owners ask when shopping for coverage.
What does general liability insurance cover for New Jersey businesses?
General liability insurance for New Jersey 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 New Jersey?
Small businesses in New Jersey pay between $93 and $135 monthly for general liability insurance. The Hartford offers the most affordable coverage at $93 per month, while Simply Business and Nationwide provide competitive alternatives at $108 and $110 monthly.
Do New Jersey businesses legally need general liability insurance?
New Jersey does not legally require general liability insurance for most businesses. However, municipalities can impose their own requirements, and licensed professionals must maintain specific coverage amounts.
Which company offers the best general liability insurance in New Jersey?
The Hartford ranks as the top general liability insurance provider in New Jersey, earning high marks for financial stability and affordability at $93 per month.
What coverage limits should New Jersey businesses choose?
New Jersey businesses must first verify industry licensing requirements that mandate specific coverage amounts. Small businesses commonly select $1 million per occurrence and $2 million aggregate limits.
How can New Jersey businesses prevent general liability claims?
New Jersey businesses can minimize liability claims by fixing property hazards and holding regular employee safety training.
Can New Jersey businesses get discounts on general liability insurance?
Yes, New Jersey businesses can secure discounts by bundling general liability with commercial property or other business policies.
How quickly can New Jersey businesses get general liability coverage?
New Jersey businesses can obtain general liability coverage rapidly through digital platforms, with instant quotes and same-day policy certificates.
What should New Jersey businesses do when filing a general liability claim?
New Jersey businesses must immediately report incidents to their insurance carrier and thoroughly document everything.
How does general liability differ from professional liability coverage?
Explore covered risks between professional liability insurance vs general liability to see which one you need. General liability insurance protects businesses from third-party bodily injuries and property damage occurring during operations, such as customer falls or accidental damage to client property. Professional liability coverage addresses errors in services provided, like missed deadlines or faulty advice, causing financial harm.
How We Scored the Best General Liability Insurance Companies in New Jersey
New Jersey businesses encounter specific liability challenges, from weather-related incidents to workplace injuries across diverse industries. Our analysis focused on general liability insurers that provide solid coverage without breaking small business budgets.
What We Evaluated
- Affordability (50%): Cost concerns dominate small business insurance decisions in New Jersey. We analyzed pricing structures across carriers because reasonable rates determine whether businesses can actually secure coverage.
- Customer experience (30%): Quality claims service becomes critical when accidents happen. Our review included J.D. Power ratings, state complaint statistics, and independent agency feedback to assess how insurers treat policyholders during claims.
- Coverage options (15%): Business risks vary by industry type. We examined how insurers customize general liability policies for New Jersey companies, from retail shops to construction firms.
- Financial strength (5%): Low premiums mean nothing if the insurer cannot pay claims. We checked AM Best ratings and financial documentation to ensure carriers maintain adequate reserves.
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 October 4, 2025.
- NEXT. "Customer Reviews | NEXT." Accessed October 4, 2025.
- Trustpilot. "Next Insurance Reviews." Accessed October 4, 2025.
- Trustpilot. "The Hartford Reviews." Accessed October 4, 2025.
- The Hartford. "When Is Liability Insurance Needed?." Accessed October 4, 2025.
- The Hartford. "What Does General Liability Insurance Cover?." Accessed October 4, 2025.