MoneyGeek researched best business insurance options to answer your most common questions about general liability coverage in Vermont. Our analysis offers clear insights to help Vermont business owners choose the right insurance for their needs:
Best General Liability Insurance in Vermont
The Hartford leads Vermont as both the top and most affordable general liability insurer, with coverage starting at $78 per month.
Get matched to the best and cheapest general liability insurer for you below.
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Updated: January 22, 2026
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Commercial General Liability Insurance in Vermont: Fast Answers
Which company offers the best general liability insurance in Vermont?
The Hartford ranks as the best general liability insurance company in Vermont with an overall score of 4.63 out of 5. The company provides affordable coverage at $78 per month and excels in claims handling. ERGO NEXT takes second place with a 4.55 rating, known for its user-friendly digital platform at $99 per month.
Who offers the cheapest general liability insurance in Vermont?
The cheapest general liability insurance companies in Vermont are:
- The Hartford: $78 per month
- Simply Business: $92 per month
- Nationwide: $93 per month
- Progressive: $96 per month
- ERGO NEXT: $99 per month
Do Vermont businesses legally need general liability insurance?
Vermont 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 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 Vermont?
General liability insurance costs between $16 and $883 per month for small Vermont businesses with two employees. The drone industry sees the lowest rates at $16 per month, while pressure washing businesses see the highest at $883 per month. Your actual premium depends on your industry, location, coverage limits and business size.
Best General Liability Insurance Companies in Vermont
The Hartford is our top choice for general liability insurance in Vermont, offering a strong mix of affordability and financial stability for small businesses. ERGO NEXT also performs well, especially in customer service and coverage options. Nationwide completes our recommendations with solid pricing and dependable financial strength, giving Vermont business owners another reliable option.
| The Hartford | 4.63 | $78 |
| ERGO 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 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 Vermont General Liability Insurer
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LEARN MORE ABOUT THE BEST BUSINESS INSURANCE IN VERMONT
General liability insurance covers customer injuries and property damage for Vermont businesses, but it doesn't protect against every type of risk. Explore these additional coverage options to build comprehensive financial protection:
Best Vermont General Liability Insurance Reviews
Finding the right general liability insurance in Vermont requires evaluating more than just affordable rates. Coverage quality and customer service matter too. Our research identifies the top business insurers based on comprehensive analysis.
The Hartford
Best Vermont General Liability Insurer
MoneyGeek Rating
4.6/ 5
4.6/5Affordability
4.6/5Customer Experience
4.7/5Coverage Points
Average Monthly General Liability Premium
$78These 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
ERGO NEXT
Best Vermont Commercial General Liability Customer Experience
MoneyGeek Rating
4.5/ 5
4.3/5Affordability
4.7/5Customer Experience
4.8/5Coverage Points
Average Monthly General Liability Premium
$99These 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 Vermont
The Hartford offers the cheapest general liability insurance in Vermont at $78 per month, saving businesses $21 or 21% compared to the state average. Simply Business and Nationwide also provide affordable coverage options for Vermont businesses.
| The Hartford | $78 | $941 |
| Simply Business | $92 | $1,103 |
| Nationwide | $93 | $1,117 |
| Progressive Commercial | $96 | $1,152 |
| ERGO 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 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 Vermont by Industry
MoneyGeek's research identifies the cheapest general liability insurance providers across Vermont industries based on comprehensive rate analysis.
- The Hartford dominates affordability in 23 industries, leading in construction, cleaning, pest control and welding sectors.
- Simply Business offers the lowest rates in 11 industries, excelling with professional services like accounting, legal and consulting businesses.
- Thimble ranks as the cheapest provider for nine industries, performing strongly in service sectors including HVAC, roofing and dog grooming.
- biBerk ties for third place, winning nine industries with competitive rates for contractors, engineering firms and catering businesses.
- ERGO NEXT and Progressive each lead eight industries. ERGO NEXT excels in professional sectors like dental and tech, while Progressive dominates retail, beauty and food service businesses.
Data filtered by:
Accountants
| Accountants | Simply Business | $14 | $166 |
Average Cost of General Liability Insurance in Vermont
Most small businesses in Vermont pay around $99 monthly for general liability insurance. The average cost of general liability coverage depends on your industry, business size, location and coverage limits.
Manufacturing companies tend to pay higher premiums due to increased liability risks, while accounting firms often pay less because of their lower exposure. Sole proprietors generally pay less than businesses with employees since they have fewer liability exposures.
Average Cost of General Liability Insurance in Vermont by Industry
General liability insurance costs in Vermont vary widely by industry, ranging from $16 monthly for drone businesses to $883 for pressure washing companies. Review this table to find typical general liability coverage rates for your specific business type.
Data filtered by:
Select
| 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 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 Vermont General Liability Insurance Costs?
Many important factors determine general liability insurance costs for Vermont businesses.
Vermont's Legal and Regulatory Environment
Vermont's modified comparative fault rule bars plaintiffs from recovering damages if they're more than 50% at fault, directly reducing insurer payouts and lowering premiums. The state's tort system costs and government liability caps ($500,000 per individual) establish precedents that keep damage awards predictable and moderate.
These legal protections decrease claim costs and create stable settlement ranges. Insurers charge Vermont businesses lower rates than in plaintiff-friendly states because the legal framework limits exposure to large judgments and frivolous claims.
Vermont's Business Composition and Industry Mix
Vermont's economy creates varied risk profiles: 99% small businesses, tourism as the second-largest sector, and heavy agricultural/manufacturing concentration. Small businesses generate lower exposure through reduced revenue and customer traffic, decreasing premiums through downward pricing pressure.
Tourism businesses often see higher rates because large visitor volumes and unfamiliar customers increase the likelihood of slip-and-fall incidents. Agricultural and manufacturing operations carry higher premiums reflecting industry-specific hazards like animal injuries, product liability, and machinery-related accidents, raising costs for Vermont's agriculture and manufacturing sectors.
Vermont's Healthcare and Medical Treatment Costs
Vermont has the highest individual health insurance premiums nationwide, with rates increasing 14% to 20% in 2025 for the third consecutive year of double-digit increases. When customers suffer bodily injuries on business premises, medical treatment costs directly determine claim payouts.
Emergency care, surgery and rehabilitation services cost 30% to 40% more than national averages, forcing insurers to pay higher settlements. Vermont's elevated medical expenses embedded in loss data drive up general liability premiums as insurers pass these increased claim costs to businesses.
Vermont's Climate and Seasonal Weather Patterns
Vermont experiences severe winter storms regularly, with nine billion-dollar winter storm events from 1980-2024. Winter weather creates ongoing premises liability exposure through ice accumulation and snow coverage on walkways, parking lots, and entryways for four to five months annually.
Slip-and-fall claims spike from November through March despite regular maintenance efforts. Insurers analyzing Vermont's loss data see predictable elevated claim frequency during winter months, increasing general liability rates for all businesses with outdoor customer access to account for seasonal risk.
How Much General Liability Insurance Do I Need in Vermont?
Vermont has minimal state-level requirements for commercial general liability insurance. Most businesses aren't legally required to carry coverage, though having adequate protection remains essential for operating safely and securing client contracts.
Residential contractors must follow Vermont’s primary mandate. Contractors performing residential construction, repair, or maintenance work valued at $10,000 or more must register with the Vermont Secretary of State Office of Professional Regulation and maintain minimum coverage of $1,000,000 per occurrence and $2,000,000 aggregate. This requirement took effect in 2023 and applies to both individual contractors and businesses.
Note: State insurance requirements change often. Check current rules with the Vermont Department of Financial Regulation or talk with a licensed agent before purchasing coverage.
How to Choose the Best General Liability Insurance in Vermont
Getting business insurance in Vermont means finding coverage that matches your specific risks and budget. Compare policy limits, deductibles and insurers experienced with Vermont small businesses to secure protection that fits your operations.
- 1Determine Coverage Needs
Vermont requires residential contractors working on projects valued at $10,000 or more to carry $1 million per occurrence and $2 million aggregate in general liability protection. Most other Vermont businesses don’t have a state mandate, but many landlords and clients still ask for proof of business insurance coverage before they finalize a contract.
Review your industry’s usual limits and any contract requirements to choose the right level of financial protection.
- 2Prepare Business Information
Vermont insurers calculate premiums based on your business classification, annual revenue, employee count and physical location. Higher-risk industries like construction or food service often pay more than office-based businesses in Vermont. Gather your Vermont business registration, federal EIN and recent tax returns before requesting quotes to speed up the underwriting process.
- 3Compare Multiple Quotes
Business insurance costs vary widely among Vermont-licensed insurers, with identical coverage often differing by hundreds of dollars annually between carriers. Request quotes from at least three insurers and compare not just premiums but also deductible amounts and whether defense costs apply inside or outside policy limits. Vermont's competitive insurance market means shopping around can save your business considerably each year.
- 4Evaluate Beyond Price
Cheap business insurance often comes with restrictive exclusions that leave gaps in protection when you need coverage most. Read policy exclusions carefully since Vermont general liability policies usually exclude professional errors, pollution claims and employee injuries that require separate coverage. Verify whether your policy includes defense costs outside the aggregate limit, which matters during litigation.
- 5Verify Insurer Credentials
Check that your insurer holds an active license through the Vermont Department of Financial Regulation before purchasing coverage. Review the insurer's AM Best financial strength rating and complaint ratio to assess their ability to pay Vermont claims and handle disputes fairly. Vermont's insurance department maintains public records of complaints and enforcement actions against insurers operating in the state.
- 6Explore Available Discounts
Vermont insurers commonly offer discounts when you bundle general liability with commercial property or auto insurance policies, often reducing costs by 10% to 25%. Safety equipment installations, employee training programs and claims-free histories for three or more years can qualify your Vermont business for additional premium reductions. Ask insurers about Vermont-specific programs like those rewarding businesses that complete workplace safety certifications.
- 7Obtain Insurance Certificate
Vermont landlords, general contractors and municipal projects routinely require certificates of insurance before allowing business operations to begin. Most Vermont insurers provide digital certificates within 24 hours through online portals or directly from your agent. Keep your agent's contact information accessible since Vermont businesses often need rush certificates for last-minute contract opportunities or permit applications.
- 8Review Coverage Annually
Vermont businesses should reassess coverage 60 to 90 days before policy renewal, especially after hiring employees, expanding service areas or increasing revenue by 25% or more. Premium audits at renewal can result in unexpected charges if your Vermont business grew beyond initial projections without updating your insurer. Compare new quotes annually since Vermont's insurance market shifts and your business may now qualify for better rates with different carriers.
Top General Liability Insurance in Vermont: Bottom Line
Finding the right general liability insurance in Vermont means understanding your specific coverage needs and comparing providers thoroughly. The Hartford, ERGO NEXT and Nationwide lead the market, but your ideal choice depends on your industry, business size and available 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
- Green Mountain Care Board. "GMCB Sets Adjustments for 2025 Health Insurance Premiums." Accessed February 1, 2026.
- National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration National Centers for Environmental Information. "Billion-Dollar Weather and Climate Disasters | Vermont." Accessed February 1, 2026.
- U.S. Small Business Administration Office of Advocacy. "Small Business Economic Profile: Vermont." Accessed February 1, 2026.
- Vermont Legislature. "12 V.S.A. § 1036. Contributory and Comparative Negligence." Accessed February 1, 2026.
- Vermont Legislature. "12 V.S.A. § 5601. Liability of State." Accessed February 1, 2026.