The Hartford topped our rankings for the best general liability insurance, with affordable rates and flexible coverage options for small businesses. Our research also found Nationwide, Simply Business and Thimble to be strong contenders.
Best General Liability Insurance for Small Business
Updated: July 7, 2025
Advertising & Editorial Disclosure
Key Takeaways
The Hartford, Nationwide and Simply Business offer the best general liability insurance for small businesses in the U.S.
The best general liability insurance for you depends on what kind of business you run and where you're located.
When buying general liability insurance, figure out what coverage you need, shop around and look beyond just price.
Best General Liability Insurance Companies
Insurance Company | MG Score | Average Monthly Rate |
|---|---|---|
The Hartford | 4.64 | $83 |
Nationwide | 4.48 | $97 |
Simply Business | 4.45 | $95 |
Thimble | 4.45 | $107 |
NEXT Insurance | 4.44 | $102 |
Coverdash | 4.33 | $104 |
Progressive Commercial | 4.26 | $100 |
biBERK | 4.24 | $114 |
Chubb | 4.20 | $119 |
Hiscox | 4.16 | $114 |
LEARN MORE ABOUT GENERAL LIABILITY INSURANCE
Before choosing the best general liability insurance for your small business, explore these quick guides to understand what it covers and the typical costs involved.
Best General Liability Insurance Companies By Industry
Our analysis found The Hartford has the best general liability insurance for small businesses across 43 industries. NEXT Insurance follows with top rankings for 25 industries, while Nationwide leads in seven.
| Accountants | The Hartford | 4.78 |
| Ad Agency | The Hartford | 4.78 |
| Auto Repair | Nationwide | 4.76 |
| Automotive | NEXT Insurance | 4.82 |
| Bakery | The Hartford | 4.78 |
| Barber | NEXT Insurance | 4.82 |
| Beauty Salon | NEXT Insurance | 4.73 |
| Bounce House | The Hartford | 4.78 |
| Candle | NEXT Insurance | 4.82 |
| Cannabis | The Hartford | 4.78 |
| Catering | NEXT Insurance | 4.73 |
| Cleaning | NEXT Insurance | 4.61 |
| Coffee Shop | Coverdash | 4.68 |
| Computer Programming | The Hartford | 4.78 |
| Computer Repair | NEXT Insurance | 4.82 |
| Construction | Nationwide | 4.63 |
| Consulting | The Hartford | 4.78 |
| Contractor | The Hartford | 4.74 |
| Courier | The Hartford | 4.78 |
| DJ | NEXT Insurance | 4.82 |
| Daycare | The Hartford | 4.78 |
| Dental | NEXT Insurance | 4.82 |
| Dog Grooming | The Hartford | 4.67 |
| Drone | The Hartford | 4.78 |
| Ecommerce | NEXT Insurance | 4.63 |
| Electrical | Simply Business | 4.71 |
| Engineering | NEXT Insurance | 4.75 |
| Excavation | The Hartford | 4.77 |
| Florist | NEXT Insurance | 4.62 |
| Food | Coverdash | 4.68 |
| Food Truck | NEXT Insurance | 4.82 |
| Funeral Home | The Hartford | 4.78 |
| Gardening | NEXT Insurance | 4.82 |
| HVAC | The Hartford | 4.52 |
| Handyman | The Hartford | 4.75 |
| Home-based | NEXT Insurance | 4.82 |
| Home-based | NEXT Insurance | 4.82 |
| Home-based business | The Hartford | 4.78 |
| Hospitality | Nationwide | 4.76 |
| Janitorial | NEXT Insurance | 4.66 |
| Jewelry | The Hartford | 4.76 |
| Junk Removal | The Hartford | 4.78 |
| Lawn/Landscaping | Nationwide | 4.67 |
| Lawyers | The Hartford | 4.78 |
| Manufacturing | The Hartford | 4.78 |
| Marine | The Hartford | 4.78 |
| Massage | Nationwide | 4.76 |
| Mortgage Broker | The Hartford | 4.78 |
| Moving | The Hartford | 4.78 |
| Nonprofit | The Hartford | 4.75 |
| Painting | The Hartford | 4.55 |
| Party Rental | The Hartford | 4.78 |
| Personal Training | The Hartford | 4.78 |
| Pest Control | The Hartford | 4.78 |
| Pet | The Hartford | 4.74 |
| Pharmacy | The Hartford | 4.78 |
| Photography | NEXT Insurance | 4.82 |
| Physical Therapy | The Hartford | 4.78 |
| Plumbing | The Hartford | 4.78 |
| Pressure Washing | The Hartford | 4.61 |
| Real Estate | NEXT Insurance | 4.82 |
| Restaurant | Nationwide | 4.76 |
| Retail | Nationwide | 4.76 |
| Roofing | NEXT Insurance | 4.65 |
| Security | NEXT Insurance | 4.63 |
| Snack Bars | The Hartford | 4.78 |
| Software | The Hartford | 4.78 |
| Spa/Wellness | Simply Business | 4.71 |
| Speech Therapist | The Hartford | 4.78 |
| Startup | Simply Business | 4.71 |
| Tech/IT | NEXT Insurance | 4.78 |
| Tech/IT | The Hartford | 4.78 |
| Transportation | The Hartford | 4.78 |
| Travel | The Hartford | 4.78 |
| Tree Service | NEXT Insurance | 4.67 |
| Trucking | The Hartford | 4.78 |
| Tutoring | NEXT Insurance | 4.82 |
| Veterinary | biBERK | 4.70 |
| Wedding Planning | NEXT Insurance | 4.82 |
| Welding | The Hartford | 4.78 |
| Wholesale | The Hartford | 4.73 |
| Window Cleaning | The Hartford | 4.60 |
Best General Liability Insurance Companies By State
Our research found The Hartford provides the best general liability insurance for small businesses across 41 states, with NEXT Insurance leading in the remaining nine.
| Alabama | The Hartford | 4.61 |
| Alaska | NEXT Insurance | 4.58 |
| Arizona | The Hartford | 4.59 |
| Arkansas | The Hartford | 4.63 |
| California | The Hartford | 4.60 |
| Colorado | NEXT Insurance | 4.57 |
| Colorado | The Hartford | 4.57 |
| Connecticut | The Hartford | 4.61 |
| Delaware | The Hartford | 4.61 |
| Florida | The Hartford | 4.60 |
| Georgia | The Hartford | 4.63 |
| Hawaii | NEXT Insurance | 4.55 |
| Idaho | The Hartford | 4.59 |
| Illinois | The Hartford | 4.66 |
| Indiana | The Hartford | 4.57 |
| Iowa | The Hartford | 4.64 |
| Kansas | The Hartford | 4.60 |
| Kentucky | The Hartford | 4.59 |
| Louisiana | The Hartford | 4.56 |
| Maine | The Hartford | 4.60 |
| Maryland | The Hartford | 4.67 |
| Massachusetts | NEXT Insurance | 4.57 |
| Massachusetts | The Hartford | 4.57 |
| Michigan | NEXT Insurance | 4.57 |
| Minnesota | The Hartford | 4.60 |
| Mississippi | NEXT Insurance | 4.57 |
| Missouri | The Hartford | 4.55 |
| Missouri | NEXT Insurance | 4.55 |
| Montana | The Hartford | 4.58 |
| Nebraska | The Hartford | 4.67 |
| Nevada | The Hartford | 4.64 |
| New Hampshire | The Hartford | 4.61 |
| New Jersey | The Hartford | 4.56 |
| New Mexico | The Hartford | 4.63 |
| New York | The Hartford | 4.59 |
| North Carolina | The Hartford | 4.59 |
| North Dakota | The Hartford | 4.59 |
| Ohio | The Hartford | 4.62 |
| Oklahoma | The Hartford | 4.65 |
| Oregon | The Hartford | 4.62 |
| Pennsylvania | The Hartford | 4.64 |
| Rhode Island | The Hartford | 4.62 |
| South Carolina | The Hartford | 4.59 |
| South Dakota | NEXT Insurance | 4.56 |
| South Dakota | The Hartford | 4.56 |
| Tennessee | The Hartford | 4.64 |
| Texas | The Hartford | 4.63 |
| Utah | The Hartford | 4.60 |
| Vermont | The Hartford | 4.63 |
| Virginia | The Hartford | 4.59 |
| Washington | The Hartford | 4.64 |
| West Virginia | The Hartford | 4.62 |
| Wisconsin | NEXT Insurance | 4.55 |
| Wisconsin | The Hartford | 4.55 |
| Wyoming | The Hartford | 4.64 |
Best General Liability Insurance Reviews
Our top three picks for the best general liability insurance companies bring something different to the table. Let's explore what makes them worth considering.
The Hartford: Best Overall
pros
Offers the most affordable rates nationwide
Ranks first for its claims process
Provides excellent customer service
Has over 200 years of insurance experience
cons
Ranked last in digital experience
Ranked lower than other providers studied for policy management
Doesn’t offer general liability insurance in Hawaii and Alaska
COMPANY HIGHLIGHTS
The Hartford offers small businesses the best combination of low rates and reliable financial protection. With an average monthly cost of $83 ($1,001 annually) for general liability coverage, it offers the most affordable option in our analysis while maintaining AM Best's A+ Superior Financial Strength Rating. You'll get excellent claims service and customer support, though you'll need to work with agents rather than handling everything online.
NEXT Insurance: Best for Customer Experience
pros
Ranks first in digital experience and policy management
Likely to be recommended by present customers to others
Provides instant online quotes and coverage setup
Offers policies in all 50 states
cons
Has higher rates than most competitors
Primarily digital-first with limited agent support
COMPANY HIGHLIGHTS
NEXT Insurance excels in digital experience and customer service. Founded in 2016 by three entrepreneurs, it has a 4.6-star rating on Trustpilot while serving over 600,000 businesses. MoneyGeek’s research puts general liability policies averaging at $102 monthly (around $1,223 annually). You'll pay more for your general liability insurance policy, but you'll get instant online quotes, immediate coverage and easy certificate management. NEXT is an excellent option for tech-savvy businesses that value convenience and speed, though traditional businesses preferring agent relationships may find options limited.
Nationwide: Best for Construction Businesses and Restaurants
pros
Ranks second overall among all providers studied and second in policy management
Ranks third for financial stability with an A (Excellent) AM Best rating
Specializes in high-risk industries
Offers coverage for unique and unusual business classes
Has nearly 100 years of insurance experience
cons
GL policies are more expensive than other insurers analyzed
Claims process ranks fifth nationally
COMPANY HIGHLIGHTS
Nationwide was the top pick for seven industries, including construction and restaurants. These industries face daily liability exposure from job site accidents, customer injuries and property damage, making specialized underwriting crucial. It also ranked second overall in our analysis.
Its expertise lies in high-risk and specialty businesses, from general contractors and demolition work to restaurants and special events, which sets it apart. Construction businesses pay an average of $78 monthly ($932 annually) while restaurants average $83 monthly ($994 annually) for general liability coverage from Nationwide.
How To Get The Best General Liability Insurance
Finding the best general liability insurance doesn't have to be overwhelming. Follow these steps to get coverage that fits your business and budget:
Finding the best general liability insurance doesn't have to be overwhelming. Follow these steps to get coverage that fits your business and budget:
- 1
Assess your business risk profile.
Think about what might happen in your business, like customer injuries, property damage or lawsuits and how much it would cost. It'll help you choose the right coverage without paying for protection you don't need. For example, a bakery faces slip-and-fall risks and food poisoning liability, while a marketing agency mainly worries about data breaches and professional errors.
- 2
Determine your coverage needs.
Most businesses need $1 million in general liability coverage, but requirements vary by industry and contracts. Due to higher risk exposure, general liability insurance for contractors often requires $2 million for commercial projects, while a freelance graphic designer might only need $500,000.
- 3
Gather business information.
Prepare your business license, tax ID, revenue projections, employee information, claims history and safety protocols for faster, more accurate quotes. A restaurant owner, for instance, should have liquor licenses, food safety certifications, and employee training records ready, as these often qualify for discounts.
- 4
Shop multiple providers.
Get quotes from traditional carriers, digital-first companies and independent agents. Insurers evaluate your business differently so that you can get varying rates for the same coverage. Shopping multiple providers lets you see price differences you wouldn't have noticed otherwise.
- 5
Compare beyond price.
A plumbing business should prioritize insurers with strong water damage coverage and responsive claims service, not just low premiums. Beyond cost, evaluate AM Best ratings, coverage exclusions and available discounts. Check claims handling reviews to see how quickly and fairly insurers handle claims when you file a claim.
- 6
Negotiate and optimize.
You can lower your general liability costs by bundling with other types of business insurance, choosing higher deductibles and paying annually. A small retail store can bundle general liability with professional liability insurance and add safety training to reduce premiums and improve overall coverage.
- 7
Review and adjust annually.
Review your policy yearly as your business grows and needs change. Don't auto-renew without comparing options since you might qualify for better rates. Picture a growing tech startup that should increase coverage limits, or mature businesses with clean records that qualify for loyalty discounts.
These steps make getting business insurance much more manageable and cost-effective. You'll end up with better coverage that works for your budget.
Best Small Business General Liability Insurance: Bottom Line
The Hartford, Nationwide and Simply Business offer the best general liability insurance for small businesses in 2025. Finding the right commercial general liability insurance depends on your industry, business size, state and coverage needs. Consider service quality, coverage options and how they handle claims, not just price.
Best General Liability Insurance: FAQ
If you're trying to find the best general liability insurance for your business, these frequently asked questions cover what everyone wants to know:
What is general liability insurance and how does it work?
General liability insurance protects you financially if someone sues your business. It pays for legal defense costs, court judgments and settlements up to your policy limits when someone sues your business for property damage or injuries.
How much does general liability insurance cost for a small business?
Our research showed that general liability insurance costs range from $17 to $916 monthly, depending on industry risk. Low-risk businesses like software ($21/month) and consulting ($22/month) pay less, while high-risk industries like construction ($158/month) and pressure washing ($916/month) have higher premiums.
What does general liability insurance cover for small businesses?
General liability covers bodily injury (like a customer slipping at your business), property damage (like accidentally breaking client equipment), and personal/advertising injury (like copyright infringement lawsuits, libel or slander in your advertising).
Do I need general liability insurance for my small business?
Most states don't legally require it, but clients often demand proof of coverage for contracts, landlords require it for leases and professional licenses may mandate specific amounts. Without coverage, lawsuits could threaten your personal assets since business debts can become personal liabilities.
What's NOT covered by general liability insurance?
General liability excludes your business property, professional errors, employee injuries, business vehicles, cyber attacks, intentional acts, pollution, employment lawsuits, product recalls and business interruption losses. You'll need separate policies for these specific risks.
Which is better: business owners policy vs general liability?
Choose a business owner's policy when you need general liability plus property coverage, as bundling costs less than buying them separately. Business owner's policy vs. general liability depends on your needs: BOPs suit retail stores and restaurants, while standalone general liability works better for contractors and consultants.
How much general liability coverage should my business have?
Most businesses start with $1 million per occurrence and $2 million aggregate coverage. For example, higher-risk businesses like contractors need $2 million per occurrence, while low-risk consultants might consider $500,000. Your coverage should exceed your assets since larger settlements become personal responsibility.
What's the difference between professional liability insurance vs general liability?
General liability and professional liability serve different purposes. General liability handles physical injuries and property damage, while professional liability covers service mistakes and errors. Many businesses need both. For example, consultants need professional liability for bad advice and general liability for client injuries.
How fast can I get general liability insurance?
You can get coverage the same day through digital-first insurers like Thimble, which offer instant quotes and same-day certificates. Traditional insurers take one to three business days. To speed up the process, prepare your business information like revenue, employee count and coverage limits before applying.
Can I get cheap general liability insurance with bad credit?
Bad credit affects small business insurance costs, so expect higher premiums. Focus on insurers like Thimble or NEXT Insurance that specialize in high-risk businesses. Consider higher deductibles to reduce premiums and emphasize safety improvements when applying to offset credit concerns.
Commercial General Liability Insurance: Expert Advice
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How We Chose the Best General Liability Insurance Companies
We gathered thousands of quotes from 79 industries across four coverage types: professional liability, general liability, workers' compensation and business owner's policies.
Our research used a two-employee business with $300,000 annual revenue and $150,000 payroll for accurate rate comparisons. Coverage included $1 million per claim and $2 million aggregate limits.
Our Scoring Model
- Affordability (50%): Cost drives most small business decisions. Using our research, we compared each company's rates across all four insurance types.
- Customer Experience (30%): When filing claims, service quality matters. We used J.D. Power ratings, National Association of Insurance Commissioners complaint data, review sites and independent agency ratings.
- Coverage Options (15%): Business needs vary, so flexibility counts. We assessed coverage breadth, policy limits and customization options each company offers.
- Financial Strength (5%): Great rates don't help if companies can't pay claims. We evaluated stability using AM Best and Moody's ratings, financial reports and business longevity.
This approach reflects real priorities: affordable coverage from stable companies that handle claims smoothly. By testing identical business profiles, you can see how rates and services compare for businesses like yours.
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
- AM Best. "AM Best Affirms Credit Ratings of Nationwide Mutual Insurance Company and Its Key Operating Subsidiaries.." Accessed July 6, 2025.
- AM Best. "AM Best Revises Issuer Credit Rating Outlook to Positive for The Hartford Financial Services Group, Inc. and Its Subsidiaries." Accessed July 6, 2025.
- Nationwide. "E&S/Specialty Insurance: Who We Are." Accessed July 6, 2025.
- NEXT Insurance. "Customer Reviews.." Accessed July 6, 2025.
- Trustpilot.. "nextinsurance.com.." Accessed July 6, 2025.