We researched general liability insurance options to help you find the best business insurance for your New York company. Below are answers to common questions based on our analysis:
Best General Liability Insurance in New York
The Hartford leads New York general liability insurance as both the top choice and most affordable option at $97 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 York: Fast Answers
Which company offers the best general liability insurance in New York?
The Hartford ranks as the best general liability insurance company in New York with a 4.59 overall score out of 5. The provider offers competitive rates at $97 per month alongside strong claims handling and reliable service. NEXT takes second place with a 4.56 score, providing an excellent digital platform and responsive customer support for $120 per month.
Who offers the cheapest general liability insurance in New York?
The cheapest general liability insurance companies in New York are:
- The Hartford: $97 per month
- Simply Business: $111 per month
- Nationwide: $114 per month
- Progressive: $119 per month
- NEXT: $120 per month
Do New York businesses legally need general liability insurance?
New York doesn't legally require most businesses to carry general liability insurance at the state level. However, certain licensed professionals like contractors and electricians must maintain specific coverage limits. Local municipalities may have their own requirements, and most landlords and clients demand proof of insurance before signing contracts.
How much does general liability insurance cost in New York?
General liability insurance costs between $19 and $1,071 per month for small New York businesses with two employees. Drone operations see the lowest rates, while pressure washing businesses pay the highest premiums. Your actual cost depends on your industry risk level, business location, coverage limits and employee count.
Best General Liability Insurance Companies in New York
The Hartford ranks as our top choice for general liability insurance in New York, offering an excellent mix of affordable rates and financial stability. NEXT also performs strongly with outstanding customer service and comprehensive coverage options for small businesses. Nationwide rounds out our recommendations with solid stability ratings and balanced affordability across its general liability policies.
| The Hartford | 4.59 | $97 |
| NEXT Insurance | 4.56 | $120 |
| Nationwide | 4.52 | $114 |
| Simply Business | 4.49 | $111 |
| Thimble | 4.40 | $122 |
| Coverdash | 4.38 | $121 |
| biBERK | 4.33 | $130 |
| Chubb | 4.28 | $139 |
| Progressive Commercial | 4.26 | $119 |
| Hiscox | 4.22 | $130 |
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 York General Liability Insurer
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LEARN MORE ABOUT THE BEST BUSINESS INSURANCE IN NEW YORK
General liability insurance covers customer injuries and property damage for New York businesses, but it won't protect against every risk you encounter. Explore these additional coverage options:
Best New York General Liability Insurance Reviews
Finding the best general liability insurance in New York requires looking beyond just affordable rates. Our analysis of top business insurers considers coverage quality and customer service to help you make the right choice.
The Hartford
Best New York General Liability Insurer
MoneyGeek Rating
4.6/ 5
4.5/5Affordability
4.6/5Customer Experience
4.7/5Coverage Points
Average Monthly General Liability Premium
$97These 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 York 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
$120These 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 York
The Hartford offers the cheapest general liability insurance in New York at $97 per month, saving businesses $22 or 18.4% compared to the state average. Simply Business and Nationwide also provide affordable coverage options for New York companies.
| The Hartford | $97 | $1,165 |
| Simply Business | $111 | $1,338 |
| Nationwide | $114 | $1,371 |
| Progressive Commercial | $119 | $1,426 |
| NEXT Insurance | $120 | $1,445 |
| Coverdash | $121 | $1,447 |
| Thimble | $122 | $1,468 |
| biBERK | $130 | $1,557 |
| Hiscox | $130 | $1,559 |
| Chubb | $139 | $1,662 |
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 York by Industry
MoneyGeek's research identifies the cheapest general liability insurance providers across New York industries based on comprehensive rate analysis.
- The Hartford wins affordability in 16 industries, leading in trades like electrical, welding and trucking, plus services including pest control and security.
- Simply Business offers the most affordable coverage in 13 industries, excelling with professional services such as accountants, lawyers and consultants, along with home-based businesses.
- Thimble ranks cheapest across 12 industries, performing strongest in tech sectors like software and computer programming, plus specialized services including cannabis and HVAC.
- Nationwide provides the most affordable rates in 11 industries, dominating traditional business sectors like construction, manufacturing, restaurants and auto repair.
- biBerk secures cheapest coverage in 10 industries, focusing on contractors, engineering, veterinary services and handyman businesses.
Data filtered by:
Select
| Ad Agency | Thimble | $114 | $1,364 |
| Accountants | Simply Business | $17 | $201 |
| Automotive | Coverdash | $129 | $1,545 |
| Bakery | biBERK | $90 | $1,081 |
| Auto Repair | Nationwide | $95 | $1,138 |
| Bounce House | Progressive Commercial | $85 | $1,023 |
| Barber | biBERK | $93 | $1,112 |
| Beauty Salon | biBERK | $93 | $1,112 |
| Candle | Simply Business | $112 | $1,346 |
| Cannabis | Thimble | $84 | $1,007 |
| Cleaning | Thimble | $96 | $1,148 |
| Catering | Hiscox | $87 | $1,042 |
| Coffee Shop | The Hartford | $88 | $1,061 |
| Computer Programming | Thimble | $112 | $1,348 |
| Construction | Nationwide | $92 | $1,098 |
| Computer Repair | Nationwide | $93 | $1,121 |
| Consulting | Simply Business | $17 | $201 |
| Daycare | The Hartford | $30 | $366 |
| Contractor | biBERK | $232 | $2,787 |
| Courier | The Hartford | $198 | $2,372 |
| DJ | Thimble | $96 | $1,148 |
| Dental | NEXT Insurance | $15 | $176 |
| Dog Grooming | Nationwide | $88 | $1,055 |
| Drone | The Hartford | $15 | $182 |
| Electrical | The Hartford | $101 | $1,207 |
| Ecommerce | Progressive Commercial | $84 | $1,004 |
| Engineering | biBERK | $19 | $229 |
| Food | Simply Business | $90 | $1,077 |
| Excavation | biBERK | $422 | $5,065 |
| Florist | Simply Business | $36 | $430 |
| Funeral Home | Chubb | $86 | $1,027 |
| Food Truck | NEXT Insurance | $86 | $1,032 |
| Gardening | Simply Business | $95 | $1,142 |
| Handyman | biBERK | $199 | $2,385 |
| HVAC | Thimble | $123 | $1,476 |
| Home-based | Simply Business | $21 | $246 |
| Home-based | NEXT Insurance | $54 | $644 |
| Hospitality | Chubb | $95 | $1,138 |
| Junk Removal | The Hartford | $150 | $1,802 |
| Janitorial | Nationwide | $115 | $1,381 |
| Jewelry | Thimble | $187 | $2,248 |
| Lawyers | Simply Business | $17 | $201 |
| Lawn/Landscaping | Nationwide | $87 | $1,044 |
| Manufacturing | Nationwide | $24 | $283 |
| Marine | The Hartford | $28 | $333 |
| Moving | Nationwide | $101 | $1,217 |
| Massage | The Hartford | $87 | $1,039 |
| Mortgage Broker | NEXT Insurance | $18 | $221 |
| Nonprofit | biBERK | $30 | $359 |
| Pest Control | The Hartford | $30 | $358 |
| Painting | The Hartford | $131 | $1,575 |
| Party Rental | Coverdash | $87 | $1,041 |
| Personal Training | The Hartford | $22 | $265 |
| Pet | Simply Business | $89 | $1,065 |
| Physical Therapy | Thimble | $979 | $11,744 |
| Pharmacy | Chubb | $90 | $1,079 |
| Photography | NEXT Insurance | $16 | $187 |
| Restaurant | Nationwide | $98 | $1,171 |
| Plumbing | Simply Business | $316 | $3,789 |
| Pressure Washing | Simply Business | $834 | $10,013 |
| Real Estate | Nationwide | $142 | $1,700 |
| Security | The Hartford | $131 | $1,568 |
| Retail | Coverdash | $86 | $1,034 |
| Roofing | Thimble | $237 | $2,839 |
| Software | Thimble | $96 | $1,148 |
| Snack Bars | Coverdash | $91 | $1,097 |
| Tech/IT | NEXT Insurance | $18 | $221 |
| Spa/Wellness | Coverdash | $86 | $1,037 |
| Speech Therapist | Simply Business | $23 | $279 |
| Startup | Simply Business | $17 | $201 |
| Tree Service | Nationwide | $101 | $1,217 |
| Transportation | The Hartford | $37 | $445 |
| Travel | biBERK | $18 | $216 |
| Trucking | The Hartford | $96 | $1,149 |
| Tutoring | Thimble | $112 | $1,348 |
| Welding | The Hartford | $159 | $1,911 |
| Veterinary | biBERK | $28 | $339 |
| Wedding Planning | Thimble | $99 | $1,184 |
| Wholesale | Coverdash | $39 | $473 |
| Window Cleaning | The Hartford | $152 | $1,827 |
Average Cost of General Liability Insurance in New York
Most small businesses in New York pay around $119 monthly for general liability insurance. The average cost of general liability coverage depends on your industry, business size, location and coverage limits.
Manufacturing companies pay higher premiums due to increased risk exposure, while accounting firms pay less because of lower liability concerns. Sole proprietors generally pay lower rates compared to businesses with employees since they have fewer risk factors.
Average Cost of General Liability Insurance in New York by Industry
New York businesses pay between $19 and $1,071 monthly for general liability coverage, depending on their industry. Drone businesses see the most affordable rates at $19 per month, while pressure washing companies pay the highest costs at $1,071 monthly. Review this table for rates specific to your business type.
Data filtered by:
Select
| Accountants | $26 | $309 |
| Ad Agency | $41 | $494 |
| Automotive | $62 | $748 |
| Auto Repair | $177 | $2,125 |
| Bakery | $106 | $1,267 |
| Barber | $52 | $618 |
| Beauty Salon | $78 | $937 |
| Bounce House | $82 | $985 |
| Candle | $64 | $771 |
| Cannabis | $78 | $940 |
| Catering | $102 | $1,221 |
| Cleaning | $155 | $1,855 |
| Coffee Shop | $105 | $1,257 |
| Computer Programming | $34 | $406 |
| Computer Repair | $56 | $669 |
| Construction | $205 | $2,459 |
| Consulting | $26 | $307 |
| Contractor | $298 | $3,577 |
| Courier | $228 | $2,741 |
| Daycare | $38 | $461 |
| Dental | $25 | $301 |
| DJ | $29 | $353 |
| Dog Grooming | $74 | $890 |
| Drone | $19 | $234 |
| Ecommerce | $85 | $1,025 |
| Electrical | $131 | $1,573 |
| Engineering | $47 | $558 |
| Excavation | $544 | $6,532 |
| Florist | $50 | $600 |
| Food | $126 | $1,508 |
| Food Truck | $166 | $1,991 |
| Funeral Home | $70 | $845 |
| Gardening | $131 | $1,572 |
| Handyman | $286 | $3,427 |
| Home-based | $28 | $333 |
| Home-based | $54 | $644 |
| Hospitality | $76 | $911 |
| HVAC | $287 | $3,442 |
| Janitorial | $160 | $1,919 |
| Jewelry | $47 | $561 |
| Junk Removal | $190 | $2,278 |
| Lawn/Landscaping | $140 | $1,682 |
| Lawyers | $27 | $320 |
| Manufacturing | $74 | $886 |
| Marine | $33 | $393 |
| Massage | $112 | $1,340 |
| Mortgage Broker | $27 | $320 |
| Moving | $145 | $1,737 |
| Nonprofit | $42 | $504 |
| Painting | $168 | $2,017 |
| Party Rental | $93 | $1,115 |
| Personal Training | $28 | $335 |
| Pest Control | $38 | $452 |
| Pet | $66 | $787 |
| Pharmacy | $72 | $864 |
| Photography | $28 | $338 |
| Physical Therapy | $127 | $1,524 |
| Plumbing | $423 | $5,072 |
| Pressure Washing | $1,071 | $12,848 |
| Real Estate | $62 | $748 |
| Restaurant | $169 | $2,030 |
| Retail | $76 | $917 |
| Roofing | $453 | $5,440 |
| Security | $163 | $1,955 |
| Snack Bars | $137 | $1,647 |
| Software | $31 | $367 |
| Spa/Wellness | $125 | $1,495 |
| Speech Therapist | $36 | $438 |
| Startup | $33 | $401 |
| Tech/IT | $31 | $369 |
| Transportation | $44 | $528 |
| Travel | $24 | $293 |
| Tree Service | $152 | $1,822 |
| Trucking | $120 | $1,439 |
| Tutoring | $35 | $423 |
| Veterinary | $52 | $629 |
| Wedding Planning | $32 | $387 |
| Welding | $193 | $2,313 |
| Wholesale | $52 | $626 |
| Window Cleaning | $186 | $2,235 |
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 York General Liability Insurance Costs?
Many factors determine how much New York businesses pay for general liability insurance coverage.
New York's Scaffold Law and Absolute Liability Standard
New York stands alone as the only state imposing absolute liability under the Scaffold Law. Contractors and property owners bear full responsibility for elevation-related injuries even when workers are partially at fault. This absolute liability eliminates comparative negligence defenses, turning every elevation-related construction injury into an automatic payout. Insurers must price policies assuming worst-case outcomes for any fall-related incident. General liability insurance for construction contractors in New York costs 2 to 5 times more than in other states because of these laws.
Litigation Frequency and Nuclear Verdict Environment
New York ranks among the most litigious states, with settlements and judgments regularly reaching millions of dollars. Courts award larger verdicts than neighboring states: New York's general liability rates run approximately 300% higher than New Jersey. The average nuclear verdict nearly doubled from $21.5 million in 2020 to $41.1 million in 2022. Unpredictable jury awards force insurers to maintain larger reserves and price conservatively. New York's legal fees rank among the country's highest, adding to defense costs that insurers pass through premium increases.
Medical Costs and Claim Severity
Medical care costs in New York rank among the nation's highest, directly impacting general liability bodily injury claims. Insurers pay New York's elevated medical bills when someone is injured on business premises, and these expenses form the foundation of damage calculations. One reinsurance company saw claim costs surge from $3.15 million in 2018 to $18.4 million in 2023, a 484% increase. Higher treatment costs cascade into larger total verdicts because juries use medical expenses as multipliers for pain and suffering awards.
Insurance Market Competition and Urban Density
Major insurers like Berkshire Hathaway and State Farm have scaled back their New York offerings, leaving fewer carriers in the market. Reduced competition enables higher pricing without market pressure to lower rates. Crowded urban environments like New York City present greater liability risks from limited space, pedestrian traffic and high-rise construction. High population density and increased commercial activities create more opportunities for third-party injuries and property damage. Rate increases of 20% or more have become standard for New York businesses.
How Much General Liability Insurance Do I Need in New York?
New York sets specific coverage minimums for licensed contractors and trades professionals. Requirements for commercial general liability vary by profession and location, with New York City enforcing stricter standards than other municipalities. Most licensed trades need at least $1 million per occurrence coverage to maintain their credentials and pull permits.
Here are the insurance requirements for specific professions in New York:
New York public liability insurance requirements for licensed electricians
Statewide requirements include $1 million per occurrence and $2 million aggregate coverage. Policies must cover completed operations for work after project completion.
New York public liability insurance requirements for electrical sign contractors
New York mandates $1 million per occurrence and $2 million aggregate limits for these professionals. Completed operations coverage is required.
New York public liability insurance requirements for fire safety and suppression companies
Operating legally requires $1 million per occurrence and $2 million aggregate coverage. Sprinkler installation and fire protection system work fall under this requirement.
New York public liability insurance requirements for HVAC contractors
Coverage requirements differ by municipality. NYC, Buffalo and Syracuse mandate insurance for heating contractor licenses.
New York public liability insurance requirements for construction contractors (for large projects)
Major projects require $2 million per occurrence and $4 million aggregate coverage. The largest commercial sites often demand higher limits.
Public liability insurance requirements for home improvement contractors in New York City
City licensing starts at $1 million per occurrence. Workers' compensation insurance becomes mandatory when hiring employees.
Public liability insurance requirements for general contractors in New York City
Building one-, two- or three-family homes requires at least $1 million per occurrence coverage. Registration with the city requires insurance verification before work begins.
Public liability insurance requirements for master plumbers in New York City
Obtaining and maintaining a master plumber license requires general liability insurance. Required limits vary based on plumbing work type.
Note: Insurance requirements in New York change regularly. Check with the New York State Department of Financial Services or a licensed agent to confirm current coverage requirements.
How to Choose the Best General Liability Insurance in New York
Choosing general liability coverage in New York starts with assessing your business risks and budget constraints. Getting business insurance requires comparing policies from multiple carriers to find coverage that protects against accidents, property damage and lawsuits without overpaying.
- 1Determine Your Coverage Needs
New York doesn't require general liability insurance for most businesses, but some licensed trades must carry minimum business insurance coverage to keep their credentials active. Coverage limits range from $500,000 to $2 million per occurrence. Licensed electricians across the state maintain $1 million per occurrence and $2 million aggregate to meet industry expectations.
Construction work in New York City follows stricter rules, with coverage amounts based on permit type and building height. Tower crane projects require $80 million in coverage regardless of project scope.
- 2Prepare Business Information
Collect details insurers request for accurate quotes: revenue, employee count, physical location and business classification. New York premiums depend on your services or products, employee count, years in business and claims history. Have your EIN, business registration and tax permits ready before requesting quotes to speed up applications and ensure precise pricing.
- 3Compare Multiple Quotes
Request quotes from at least three insurers licensed in New York, as business insurance costs can differ by hundreds of dollars annually for identical coverage. Compare deductibles, policy limits and whether defense costs count toward or sit outside your coverage limit. Premiums vary widely from company to company in New York, making comparison shopping essential for finding the best value.
- 4Look Beyond Premium Cost
Affordable business insurance shouldn't sacrifice essential coverage for your operations. Read policy exclusions thoroughly and verify whether legal defense expenses apply toward or stay separate from policy limits. Professional errors, pollution and employee injuries often require separate policies, so understanding these gaps prevents expensive claim surprises.
- 5Verify Insurer Credentials
Check insurer legitimacy through the New York Department of Financial Services, which regulates all insurance companies operating in the state. Review AM Best ratings for financial stability, noting that the minimum acceptable rating for liability insurance providers is A-VII. Strong financial backing ensures your insurer can pay large claims when needed most.
- 6Ask About Available Discounts
New York insurers often provide discounts for bundled policies, with Business Owner's Policies saving 10% to 20% compared to purchasing separate general liability and property coverage. Annual payments, claims-free histories and safety programs reduce premiums further. Safety certifications and professional licenses cut costs by 5% to 15%, with OSHA certifications and industry training demonstrating risk management expertise.
- 7Obtain Certificate of Insurance
Certificates of insurance prove coverage to clients, landlords and contractors who require COIs before signing contracts or leasing property in New York. Many insurers provide digital certificates instantly, while others take up to 48 hours. Keep your agent's contact information accessible for urgent certificate requests to avoid project delays.
- 8Review Coverage Annually
Reassess your policy each year, especially after hiring employees, expanding services or increasing revenue. New York businesses pay 15% to 25% higher premiums during their first year because insurers lack risk assessment data, but after three years of safe operation, most qualify for lower rates. Compare quotes 60 to 90 days before renewal to secure better rates or adjust limits based on business changes.
Top General Liability Insurance in New York: Bottom Line
Finding the right general liability insurance in New York starts with understanding your specific business needs and budget. The Hartford, NEXT and Nationwide represent strong options in the market. Your ideal provider depends on factors like industry type, company size and coverage requirements. 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. 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.
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- U.S. Chamber Institute for Legal Reform. "Nuclear Verdicts: An Update on Trends, Causes, and Solutions." Accessed December 9, 2025.