The Hartford is the best general liability insurance provider in Vermont, delivering an excellent balance of affordable rates and quality service. NEXT and Nationwide also rank highly for customer satisfaction, making them decent alternatives for small business owners.
General Liability Insurance in Vermont
The Hartford tops our rankings for general liability insurance in Vermont, scoring 4.63 out of 5.
Explore low-cost general liability insurance in Vermont below.
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Updated: September 17, 2025
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Key Takeaways
The Hartford, NEXT and Nationwide are the leading general liability insurance providers serving Vermont businesses.
Selecting general liability coverage in Vermont requires careful consideration of your business type, size and specific coverage requirements.
Before finalizing your insurance choice in Vermont, obtain multiple quotes, verify provider credentials and assess each company's financial strength ratings.
Best General Liability Insurance Companies in Vermont
| The Hartford | 4.63 | $78 |
| NEXT | 4.55 | $99 |
| Nationwide | 4.52 | $93 |
| Simply Business | 4.48 | $92 |
| Coverdash | 4.36 | $99 |
| Thimble | 4.35 | $103 |
| biBerk | 4.28 | $110 |
| Progressive Commercial | 4.27 | $96 |
| Chubb | 4.25 | $114 |
| Hiscox | 4.17 | $110 |
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
General liability coverage represents just one layer of business protection in Vermont. Comprehensive coverage often requires additional policies to fit your specific needs:
Best Vermont Small Business Insurance Reviews
We analyzed Vermont's leading general liability insurance providers to show small business owners the specific advantages that make each company worth considering for coverage.
The Hartford
Best Overall Provider
MoneyGeek Rating
4.6/ 5
4.6/5Affordability
4.6/5Customer Experience
4.7/5Coverage Options
Average Monthly Premium
$78Our Survey: Claims Process
4.5/5Recommend to Others
4.5/5
NEXT
Runner-Up Best Provider
MoneyGeek Rating
4.5/ 5
4.3/5Affordability
4.7/5Customer Experience
4.8/5Coverage Options
Average Monthly Premium
$99Our Survey: Claims Process
3.9/5Recommend to Others
4.8/5
Cheapest General Liability Insurance Companies in Vermont
The Hartford offers the cheapest general liability insurance in Vermont at $78 per month ($941 annually). Simply Business and Nationwide also provide affordable rates at $92 and $93 monthly, respectively.
| The Hartford | $78 | $941 |
| Simply Business | $92 | $1,103 |
| Nationwide | $93 | $1,117 |
| Progressive Commercial | $96 | $1,152 |
| NEXT | $99 | $1,187 |
| Coverdash | $99 | $1,191 |
| Thimble | $103 | $1,236 |
| Hiscox | $110 | $1,315 |
| biBerk | $110 | $1,316 |
| Chubb | $114 | $1,369 |
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 Vermont
General liability insurance costs Vermont business owners an average of $99 monthly or $1,185 annually, which runs slightly below national rates. Your actual premium depends on your industry risk level, company size and claims history.
Average Cost of General Liability Insurance by Industry
General liability insurance costs vary by industry in Vermont. Pressure washing businesses face the highest monthly premiums at $883, while Drone companies pay just $16 per month for coverage. The table below shows how these costs differ across various business types.
| Accountants | $21 | $255 |
| Ad Agency | $34 | $409 |
| Automotive | $51 | $617 |
| Auto Repair | $147 | $1,759 |
| Bakery | $87 | $1,046 |
| Barber | $43 | $513 |
| Beauty Salon | $64 | $774 |
| Bounce House | $68 | $813 |
| Candle | $53 | $636 |
| Cannabis | $65 | $776 |
| Catering | $85 | $1,015 |
| Cleaning | $128 | $1,534 |
| Coffee Shop | $87 | $1,039 |
| Computer Programming | $28 | $337 |
| Computer Repair | $46 | $551 |
| Construction | $169 | $2,031 |
| Consulting | $21 | $254 |
| Contractor | $246 | $2,951 |
| Courier | $189 | $2,263 |
| Daycare | $32 | $381 |
| Dental | $21 | $249 |
| DJ | $24 | $293 |
| Dog Grooming | $61 | $735 |
| Drone | $16 | $193 |
| Ecommerce | $71 | $847 |
| Electrical | $108 | $1,302 |
| Engineering | $38 | $461 |
| Excavation | $449 | $5,391 |
| Florist | $41 | $496 |
| Food | $104 | $1,247 |
| Food Truck | $137 | $1,641 |
| Funeral Home | $58 | $699 |
| Gardening | $108 | $1,301 |
| Handyman | $236 | $2,826 |
| Home-based | $23 | $275 |
| Home-based | $44 | $529 |
| Hospitality | $63 | $755 |
| HVAC | $237 | $2,840 |
| Janitorial | $132 | $1,588 |
| Jewelry | $39 | $467 |
| Junk Removal | $157 | $1,881 |
| Lawn/Landscaping | $116 | $1,392 |
| Lawyers | $22 | $264 |
| Manufacturing | $62 | $740 |
| Marine | $27 | $325 |
| Massage | $92 | $1,109 |
| Mortgage Broker | $22 | $265 |
| Moving | $120 | $1,436 |
| Nonprofit | $35 | $416 |
| Painting | $139 | $1,665 |
| Party Rental | $77 | $920 |
| Personal Training | $23 | $276 |
| Pest Control | $31 | $373 |
| Pet | $54 | $649 |
| Pharmacy | $60 | $715 |
| Photography | $23 | $280 |
| Physical Therapy | $106 | $1,277 |
| Plumbing | $349 | $4,186 |
| Pressure Washing | $883 | $10,598 |
| Real Estate | $51 | $615 |
| Restaurant | $140 | $1,679 |
| Retail | $63 | $757 |
| Roofing | $374 | $4,493 |
| Security | $134 | $1,611 |
| Snack Bars | $113 | $1,359 |
| Software | $25 | $305 |
| Spa/Wellness | $103 | $1,236 |
| Speech Therapist | $30 | $361 |
| Startup | $28 | $331 |
| Tech/IT | $25 | $306 |
| Transportation | $36 | $435 |
| Travel | $20 | $242 |
| Tree Service | $125 | $1,502 |
| Trucking | $99 | $1,188 |
| Tutoring | $29 | $350 |
| Veterinary | $43 | $519 |
| Wedding Planning | $27 | $321 |
| Welding | $159 | $1,909 |
| Wholesale | $43 | $517 |
| Window Cleaning | $154 | $1,844 |
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 Vermont?
Vermont doesn't require most businesses to carry general liability insurance at the state level. Operating without coverage won't trigger statewide penalties or fines.
But cities and counties can establish their own coverage rules and some licensed trades must maintain specific coverage:
Electricians
Vermont requires licensed electricians to carry general liability insurance with minimum limits of $300,000 per occurrence and $600,000 annual aggregate. This coverage must include completed operations protection.
Electrical Sign Contractors
Electrical sign contractors in Vermont must maintain the same coverage as electricians, with $300,000 per occurrence and $600,000 annual aggregate limits. Completed operations coverage is also required.
HVAC Contractors
Most HVAC classes require minimum general liability coverage of $300,000 per occurrence and $600,000 annual aggregate, though some specialized classifications may have different thresholds.
Fire Safety Companies
Fire safety companies operating in Vermont must carry general liability insurance with minimum limits of $500,000 per occurrence and $1,000,000 annual aggregate. These coverage amounts are required to keep state registration.
General liability insurance becomes important for practical business reasons, regardless of licensing mandates. Most commercial property owners demand proof of coverage before approving lease agreements. Large corporations and government contracts will want valid insurance certificates from any contractor they hire.
How to Choose the Best General Liability Insurance in Vermont
Vermont businesses need general liability insurance, but the right policy depends on your specific coverage requirements and what fits comfortably within your budget.
- 1
Determine your coverage needs
Start by checking if your industry has specific licensing requirements in Vermont. Many clients and contractors will require $1 million in coverage even when state minimums are lower.
- 2
Prepare your business information
Collect details about your annual revenue, employee count, business type and location before requesting quotes.
- 3
Compare multiple insurance quotes
Always get quotes from at least three different insurers since pricing varies.
- 4
Review policy terms carefully
Focus on exclusions and coverage limits rather than just comparing premiums. Some policies include legal defense costs in addition to your coverage limit, while others deduct these expenses from your total coverage.
- 5
Verify insurer and agent credentials
Use Vermont's insurance department website to confirm your insurer and agent are properly licensed. Check AM Best financial ratings and customer complaint records.
- 6
Explore available discount options
Ask about discounts for bundling multiple policies, implementing safety programs or maintaining a clean claims history.
- 7
Obtain your certificate of insurance
Request your certificate of insurance immediately after purchasing coverage.
How to Prevent General Liability Claims in Vermont
Business owners never want to handle liability claims, but Vermont entrepreneurs can prevent most issues through smart preparation and proactive planning.
Watch out for property hazards
Vermont's freeze-thaw cycles create dangerous ice patches and heaving that can cause serious slip and fall accidents. Inspect areas regularly during the winter months and repair cracks or uneven surfaces promptly. Keep sand or salt handy and ensure adequate lighting around entrances and high-traffic areas.
Train your people well
Seasonal weather changes and rural work conditions require specific safety knowledge that prevents accidents and injuries. Teach staff how to safely handle equipment, recognize hazards and follow emergency procedures.
Keep good records
Detailed documentation protects your business when liability questions arise from property damage or injury claims.
Get everything in writing
Clear contracts prevent misunderstandings that often lead to expensive disputes over property damage or work scope.
Fix problems fast
Quick response to complaints and incidents can prevent small issues from becoming expensive liability claims.
General Liability Insurance in Vermont: Bottom Line
The Hartford, NEXT and Nationwide are top options in the state, but your ideal choice depends on factors like industry type, company size and available budget.
Commercial General Liability Insurance in Vermont: FAQ
Our research-backed analysis answers the top questions Vermont business owners ask about general liability insurance coverage and costs.
What does general liability insurance cover for Vermont businesses?
General liability insurance for businesses covers customer injuries, property damage you cause to others and legal defense costs.
How much does general liability insurance cost in Vermont?
General liability insurance costs for Vermont small businesses range from $78 to $114 monthly. The Hartford provides the most affordable coverage at $78 per month, while Simply Business and Nationwide offer competitive alternatives at $92 and $93.
Do Vermont businesses legally need general liability insurance?
Vermont does not mandate general liability insurance for most businesses. Municipalities can establish their own requirements, and certain licensed professionals like contractors and electricians must maintain coverage to preserve their licenses.
Which company offers the best general liability insurance in Vermont?
The Hartford offers the best general liability insurance in Vermont, ranking first overall with good financial stability and competitive rates averaging $78 per month.
What coverage limits should Vermont businesses choose?
Vermont businesses should 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 Vermont businesses prevent general liability claims?
Vermont businesses can reduce liability claims by promptly addressing property hazards and holding regular employee safety training.
Can Vermont businesses get discounts on general liability insurance?
Yes, insurers commonly offer reduced rates for bundling general liability with property or other commercial coverages. Businesses may also qualify for savings by implementing safety programs.
How quickly can Vermont businesses get general liability coverage?
Vermont businesses can obtain general liability coverage within hours through digital platforms.
What should Vermont businesses do when filing a general liability claim?
Vermont businesses must notify their insurance carrier immediately following any incident that could trigger a general liability claim.
How does general liability differ from professional liability coverage?
General liability insurance protects businesses from physical incidents like customer injuries or accidental property damage during operations. Professional liability coverage addresses errors in services or advice that cause financial harm to clients. For example, a slip-and-fall accident requires general liability, while incorrect financial consulting needs professional liability. Vermont businesses often require both coverages.
How We Scored the Best General Liability Insurance Companies in Vermont
Vermont businesses encounter specific liability challenges, from weather-related incidents to workplace accidents across various industries. Our evaluation process identifies general liability insurers that deliver solid coverage while keeping costs manageable for small business owners.
What We Evaluated
- Affordability (50%): Most small businesses in Vermont operate with limited cash flow. We analyzed pricing structures across insurers because reasonable rates determine whether businesses can actually afford necessary protection.
- Customer experience (30%): Quality claims service protects business operations when accidents happen. We examined J.D. Power ratings, state complaint data, and independent agency feedback to assess how insurers treat policyholders during claim situations.
- Coverage options (15%): Different businesses face different liability exposures. We evaluated how effectively insurers customize general liability policies for Vermont's diverse business landscape, from retail shops to construction companies.
- Financial strength (5%): Low premiums mean nothing if the insurer cannot pay claims. We checked AM Best ratings and financial stability reports to confirm each company's ability to honor coverage commitments.
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 September 18, 2025.
- NEXT. "Customer Reviews | NEXT." Accessed September 18, 2025.
- Trustpilot. "Next Insurance Reviews." Accessed September 18, 2025.
- Trustpilot. "The Hartford Reviews." Accessed September 18, 2025.
- The Hartford. "When Is Liability Insurance Needed?." Accessed September 18, 2025.
- The Hartford. "What Does General Liability Insurance Cover?." Accessed September 18, 2025.