MoneyGeek's research shows New Jersey business owners need reliable best business insurance guidance. Our FAQ section answers common general liability insurance questions with data-driven insights:
Best General Liability Insurance in New Jersey
The Hartford offers the best and cheapest general liability coverage in New Jersey, starting at $93 per month.
Get matched to the best and cheapest general liability insurer for you below.
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Updated: December 29, 2025
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Commercial General Liability Insurance in New Jersey: Fast Answers
Which company offers the best general liability insurance in New Jersey?
The Hartford ranks as the best general liability insurance company in New Jersey with a 4.56 overall score out of 5. It provides affordable coverage at $93 per month with strong claims handling. NEXT comes in second place with a 4.55 score, featuring excellent digital tools and customer service for $117 per month.
Who offers the cheapest general liability insurance in New Jersey?
The cheapest general liability insurance companies in New Jersey are:
- The Hartford: $93 per month
- Simply Business: $108 per month
- Nationwide: $110 per month
- Progressive: $114 per month
- NEXT: $117 per month
Do New Jersey businesses legally need general liability insurance?
New Jersey 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 also set their own insurance requirements. Even without legal mandates, most landlords and clients require proof of coverage before signing contracts or leases.
How much does general liability insurance cost in New Jersey?
General liability insurance costs between $19 and $1,042 per month for small New Jersey businesses with two employees. Drone companies often get the lowest rates, while pressure washing businesses see the highest premiums. Your actual cost depends on your industry risk level, business location, coverage amounts and company size.
Best General Liability Insurance Companies in New Jersey
The Hartford is our top choice for general liability insurance in New Jersey, offering small businesses an excellent mix of affordable rates and quality customer service. NEXT also performs well with the strongest customer service ratings and solid coverage options.
Nationwide rounds out our recommendations with reliable stability and dependable customer support for New Jersey businesses.
| The Hartford | 4.56 | $93 |
| NEXT Insurance | 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 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 Jersey General Liability Insurer
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LEARN MORE ABOUT THE BEST BUSINESS INSURANCE IN NEW JERSEY
General liability insurance shields New Jersey businesses from customer injury and property damage claims, but most companies need broader financial protection. Explore these additional coverage options:
Best New Jersey General Liability Insurance Reviews
Finding the right general liability insurance in New Jersey requires looking beyond price alone. Our analysis of top business insurers considers coverage quality and customer service to help you choose wisely.
The Hartford
Best New Jersey General Liability Insurer
MoneyGeek Rating
4.6/ 5
4.4/5Affordability
4.6/5Customer Experience
4.7/5Coverage Points
Average Monthly General Liability Premium
$93These 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 Jersey Commercial General Liability Customer Experience
MoneyGeek Rating
4.5/ 5
4.2/5Affordability
4.7/5Customer Experience
4.8/5Coverage Points
Average Monthly General Liability Premium
$117These 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 Jersey
The Hartford offers the cheapest general liability insurance in New Jersey at $93 per month, saving businesses $23 or 20% compared to the state average. Simply Business and Nationwide also provide affordable coverage options.
| The Hartford | $93 | $1,115 |
| Simply Business | $108 | $1,302 |
| Nationwide | $110 | $1,321 |
| Progressive Commercial | $114 | $1,364 |
| NEXT Insurance | $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 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 Jersey by Industry
MoneyGeek's research identifies the most affordable general liability insurance providers across industries in New Jersey.
- The Hartford tops the list with the cheapest rates in 17 industries. The company excels in service sectors including electrical work, trucking, pest control and home-based businesses.
- Nationwide and Thimble each lead affordability in 12 industries. Nationwide performs strongest in construction, manufacturing and restaurants, while Thimble dominates professional services like software development and tutoring.
- Simply Business ranks as the most affordable provider in 11 industries. The company shows strength in professional services including accounting, legal and consulting businesses.
- biBerk offers the cheapest coverage across 10 industries in New Jersey. The provider performs well for service businesses such as bakeries, beauty salons and general contractors.
Data filtered by:
Select
| Accountants | Simply Business | $16 | $196 |
| Ad Agency | Thimble | $113 | $1,352 |
| Auto Repair | Nationwide | $91 | $1,096 |
| Automotive | Coverdash | $125 | $1,502 |
| Barber | biBERK | $92 | $1,105 |
| Bakery | biBERK | $90 | $1,074 |
| Candle | Simply Business | $109 | $1,309 |
| Beauty Salon | biBERK | $92 | $1,105 |
| Bounce House | Thimble | $87 | $1,042 |
| Cannabis | Coverdash | $84 | $1,002 |
| Catering | Hiscox | $86 | $1,034 |
| Computer Programming | Thimble | $111 | $1,334 |
| Cleaning | Thimble | $95 | $1,138 |
| Coffee Shop | The Hartford | $85 | $1,015 |
| Computer Repair | Nationwide | $90 | $1,080 |
| Construction | Nationwide | $88 | $1,058 |
| Contractor | biBERK | $231 | $2,770 |
| Consulting | Simply Business | $16 | $196 |
| Dental | NEXT Insurance | $14 | $171 |
| Courier | The Hartford | $189 | $2,269 |
| Daycare | The Hartford | $29 | $349 |
| DJ | Thimble | $95 | $1,138 |
| Drone | The Hartford | $15 | $175 |
| Dog Grooming | Nationwide | $85 | $1,017 |
| Ecommerce | Coverdash | $84 | $1,005 |
| Electrical | The Hartford | $96 | $1,155 |
| Engineering | biBERK | $19 | $228 |
| Food | Simply Business | $87 | $1,048 |
| Excavation | biBERK | $420 | $5,034 |
| Florist | Simply Business | $35 | $418 |
| Food Truck | NEXT Insurance | $83 | $1,001 |
| Funeral Home | biBERK | $91 | $1,095 |
| Handyman | biBERK | $198 | $2,371 |
| Gardening | Simply Business | $93 | $1,111 |
| Home-based | The Hartford | $20 | $238 |
| Home-based | NEXT Insurance | $52 | $625 |
| Janitorial | Nationwide | $111 | $1,331 |
| Hospitality | Chubb | $92 | $1,106 |
| HVAC | Thimble | $122 | $1,462 |
| Jewelry | Thimble | $186 | $2,226 |
| Junk Removal | The Hartford | $144 | $1,724 |
| Lawn/Landscaping | Nationwide | $84 | $1,006 |
| Lawyers | Simply Business | $16 | $196 |
| Manufacturing | Nationwide | $23 | $273 |
| Massage | NEXT Insurance | $86 | $1,027 |
| Marine | The Hartford | $27 | $320 |
| Painting | The Hartford | $125 | $1,506 |
| Mortgage Broker | NEXT Insurance | $18 | $215 |
| Moving | Nationwide | $98 | $1,172 |
| Nonprofit | biBERK | $30 | $357 |
| Party Rental | Coverdash | $84 | $1,012 |
| Personal Training | The Hartford | $21 | $253 |
| Pest Control | The Hartford | $29 | $343 |
| Pharmacy | Chubb | $87 | $1,049 |
| Pet | Simply Business | $86 | $1,036 |
| Physical Therapy | Thimble | $969 | $11,632 |
| Photography | NEXT Insurance | $15 | $181 |
| Plumbing | Simply Business | $307 | $3,687 |
| Pressure Washing | The Hartford | $970 | $11,639 |
| Real Estate | Nationwide | $137 | $1,638 |
| Restaurant | Nationwide | $94 | $1,128 |
| Roofing | Thimble | $234 | $2,812 |
| Retail | Coverdash | $84 | $1,005 |
| Security | The Hartford | $125 | $1,500 |
| Snack Bars | Coverdash | $89 | $1,066 |
| Software | Thimble | $95 | $1,138 |
| Startup | Simply Business | $16 | $196 |
| Spa/Wellness | Coverdash | $84 | $1,008 |
| Speech Therapist | Nationwide | $23 | $272 |
| Speech Therapist | Simply Business | $23 | $272 |
| Transportation | The Hartford | $35 | $426 |
| Tech/IT | NEXT Insurance | $18 | $215 |
| Trucking | The Hartford | $92 | $1,099 |
| Travel | NEXT Insurance | $18 | $215 |
| Tree Service | Nationwide | $98 | $1,172 |
| Tutoring | Thimble | $111 | $1,334 |
| Veterinary | biBERK | $28 | $337 |
| Wedding Planning | Thimble | $98 | $1,174 |
| Window Cleaning | The Hartford | $146 | $1,748 |
| Welding | The Hartford | $152 | $1,828 |
| Wholesale | Coverdash | $38 | $460 |
Average Cost of General Liability Insurance in New Jersey
General liability insurance costs small businesses in New Jersey an average of $116 per month. The average cost of general liability coverage depends on your industry, business size, location and coverage limits.
Manufacturing companies tend to pay higher premiums than accounting firms because their risk levels are very different. Sole proprietors generally pay less than businesses with employees since they have lower exposure.
Average Cost of General Liability Insurance in New Jersey by Industry
General liability insurance in New Jersey ranges from $19 monthly for drone businesses to $1,042 for pressure washing companies. This wide cost variation reflects different industry risk levels. Review this table to find typical general liability coverage rates for your specific business type.
Data filtered by:
Select
| 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 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 Jersey General Liability Insurance Costs?
Many important factors influence what New Jersey businesses pay for general liability insurance.
New Jersey's Legal and Regulatory Environment
New Jersey enforces strict employment laws protecting against discrimination, harassment, and retaliation. Legal defense costs often exceed $150,000 with settlements up to $250,000 or more. In 2024, the state paid $177.9 million to settle lawsuits, including 35 cases costing $1 million or more. Businesses must maintain liability insurance of at least $500,000, leading insurers to raise premiums due to larger reserves required for costly settlements and mandatory coverage.
New Jersey's Environmental Liability Exposure
Since 2018, enforcement agencies have pursued 80 civil environmental actions securing over $31 million in damages and penalties. Despite its small size, New Jersey has the most Superfund toxic waste sites nationwide. The state pioneered enforceable PFAS water standards and secured major settlements of $393 million with Solvay Specialty Polymers and $285 million with 3M. Aggressive enforcement and costly cleanups drive insurers to increase general liability rates for affected sectors such as manufacturing and property development.
New Jersey's Population Density and Urban Risk
As the state with the highest population density (1,185 residents per square mile) and all counties classified as urban, New Jersey has elevated general liability risks. High customer foot traffic results in more slip-and-fall accidents and bodily injury claims. Insurers rely on actuarial data showing urban areas generate more claims, forcing up premiums since no low-risk rural alternatives exist, exposing all businesses to increased claim frequency.
New Jersey's Commercial Property and Lease Requirements
Commercial leases generally mandate tenants carry general liability insurance with minimum $1 million per occurrence limits. Because all counties are urban, businesses operate in high-traffic, high-exposure locations. Landlords require coverage to shield from tenant-related claims, removing options to forego insurance. Elevated foot traffic, aging structures, and weather hazards raise claim probability, allowing insurers to maintain higher premium pricing.
How Much General Liability Insurance Do I Need in New Jersey?
New Jersey law mandates general liability insurance for home improvement and home elevation contractors. Most other businesses have no legal requirement, though clients and landlords often require proof of coverage through contracts and lease agreements.
Understanding the requirements for commercial general liability insurance shows the right coverage for your business. These are New Jersey’s specific mandates for contractors who must carry general liability insurance:
New Jersey public liability insurance requirements for home improvement contractors
These contractors must maintain commercial general liability insurance with minimum coverage of $500,000 per occurrence. Registered contractors must file proof of coverage with the Director of the Division of Consumer Affairs.
New Jersey public liability insurance requirements for home elevation contractors
These contractors are required to carry higher limits of $1,000,000 per occurrence for commercial general liability insurance. Home elevation contractors also have additional cargo insurance requirements to cover damages during elevation work.
Note: State insurance requirements shift regularly. Always verify the latest requirements with the New Jersey Department of Banking and Insurance or consult a licensed insurance agent.
How to Choose the Best General Liability Insurance in New Jersey
Choosing general liability insurance in New Jersey requires balancing your coverage needs with your budget. Getting business insurance starts with evaluating your risk exposure, comparing quotes from multiple insurers and selecting policy limits that protect your assets without overpaying for unnecessary coverage.
- 1Determine Coverage Needs
New Jersey requires home improvement contractors to carry at least $500,000 in general liability business insurance coverage to operate legally. Some municipalities, such as Atlantic City, set higher limits and require a $1 million per-occurrence policy with the city listed as an additional insured.
Since August 2022, state law also requires business owners to maintain $500,000 in liability coverage and submit updated certificates to their local municipalities each year.
- 2Prepare Business Information
Gather your business details including revenue, employee count, physical location and NAICS classification code before requesting quotes. New Jersey insurers consider industry risk and location when pricing policies. Prepare your EIN, business registration and any required contractor licenses to streamline the application process and receive accurate pricing.
- 3Compare Multiple Quotes
Request quotes from at least three insurers licensed in New Jersey, as business insurance costs can vary by hundreds of dollars annually between carriers. Compare policy limits, deductibles and whether legal defense costs count toward or sit outside your coverage limit. We found general liability insurance in New Jersey costs small businesses an average of $116 per month.
- 4Look Beyond Price
Don't select a policy based solely on which one has the lowest business insurance rates without reviewing what's excluded from coverage. Read policy exclusions carefully and verify whether legal defense costs are separate from or included in your policy limits. Common exclusions like professional errors, pollution or employee injuries require separate policies, so understanding gaps prevents costly surprises when filing claims.
- 5Verify Insurer Credentials
Check insurer legitimacy through the New Jersey Department of Banking and Insurance and review AM Best ratings for financial stability. Research complaint ratios through state regulators to identify companies with poor claims-handling reputations. Strong financial backing matters when large claims arise, so prioritize insurers with solid track records and ratings of A- or higher.
- 6Ask About Discounts
New Jersey insurers offer discounts for bundled policies, with business owner's policies (BOPs) costing less than purchasing general liability and property coverage separately. Paying annually instead of monthly can save up to 15%, while businesses operational for three years or more may qualify for additional discounts. Safety programs, employee training and a clean claims history can also help lower your premiums.
- 7Obtain Certificate of Insurance
A certificate of insurance serves as proof of coverage that New Jersey municipalities, clients and landlords require, with business owners needing to file certificates annually with local governments. Most insurers provide certificates of insurance at no cost, with many offering digital COIs instantly upon policy purchase.
Keep your agent's contact information accessible for urgent certificate requests to meet contract deadlines and avoid project delays.
- 8Review Coverage Annually
Reassess your general liability coverage each year, especially after hiring employees, expanding services or increasing revenue that changes your risk profile. New Jersey law requires annual registration of liability insurance certificates with municipalities, making yearly policy reviews essential for compliance.
Compare quotes 60 to 90 days before renewal to find better rates or adjust limits, maintaining coverage that prevents gaps and costly audit adjustments.
Top General Liability Insurance in New Jersey: Bottom Line
Finding quality general liability insurance in New Jersey 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 quotes from multiple insurers and verify their 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. He has analyzed the insurance market for over five years, conducting original research for insurance shoppers. His insights have been featured in 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
- New Jersey Legislature. "Chapter 92 - An Act Requiring Liability Insurance for Business Owners and Rental Unit Owners." Accessed January 5, 2026.
- New Jersey Monitor. "Lawsuits Cost New Jersey $178 Million in 2024, as Abuse Claims Rise." Accessed January 5, 2026.
- New Jersey Monitor. "New Laws Hike Liability Insurance Required for Car Owners and Landlords." Accessed January 5, 2026.
- New Jersey Office of Attorney General. "AG Platkin and DEP Commissioner LaTourette Announce Two Settlements and Five Environmental Enforcement Lawsuits." Accessed January 5, 2026.
- New Jersey Office of Attorney General. "Discrimination in Employment." Accessed January 5, 2026.
- New Jersey Office of Attorney General. "Environmental Justice." Accessed January 5, 2026.
- New Jersey Office of Attorney General. "Securing Environmental Justice 2024." Accessed January 5, 2026.
- New Jersey Revised Statutes. "Section 10:5-12 - Unlawful Employment Practices, Discrimination." Accessed January 5, 2026.
- New Jersey Senate. "Senate Resolution 63 - Urging EPA to Expend Funds from NJ Superfund Settlements." Accessed January 5, 2026.
- U.S. Census Bureau. "QuickFacts: New Jersey." Accessed January 5, 2026.
- U.S. Environmental Protection Agency. "Current NPL Updates: New Proposed NPL Sites and New NPL Sites." Accessed January 5, 2026.
- U.S. Environmental Protection Agency. "EPA Announces Bipartisan Infrastructure Law Funds for Cleanups at Three Superfund Sites in New Jersey." Accessed January 5, 2026.
- U.S. Environmental Protection Agency. "Superfund Sites in Reuse in New Jersey." Accessed January 5, 2026.