NEXT has the best professional liability insurance in Delaware with competitive rates and strong customer support. The Hartford ranks second, while Simply Business takes third place.
Professional Liability Insurance in Delaware
NEXT earns the highest score of 4.76 out of 5 in our analysis of the best professional liability insurance in Delaware.
Get matched to the best professional liability insurance company for your Delaware business below.
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Updated: October 27, 2025
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Key Takeaways
NEXT is our top pick for professional liability insurance in Delaware, followed by The Hartford and Simply Business.
Your industry risk, client contracts, potential claim costs and budget determine the best Delaware professional liability insurance for you.
Assess your needs first, then compare quotes from multiple providers to find the best small business insurance that matches your professional liability requirements in Delaware.
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Select your industry and state to get a customized quote.
Industry
State
Best Professional Liability Insurance Companies in Delaware
| NEXT Insurance | 4.76 | $75 |
| The Hartford | 4.63 | $77 |
| Simply Business | 4.53 | $82 |
| Nationwide | 4.46 | $88 |
| Coverdash | 4.46 | $84 |
| biBERK | 4.46 | $85 |
| Progressive Commercial | 4.40 | $82 |
| Hiscox | 4.38 | $83 |
| Chubb | 4.29 | $95 |
| Thimble | 4.25 | $83 |
How Did We Determine These Rates and Rankings?
These rates are estimates based on MoneyGeek's proprietary analysis of small businesses with two employees across 79 major industries and should not be considered quotes. Your actual rate will differ based on business-specific factors. Contact insurers directly for accurate pricing tailored to your business needs.
LEARN MORE ABOUT BUSINESS INSURANCE
Professional liability insurance works best alongside other coverage types that create comprehensive financial protection for Delaware businesses.
Best Delaware Professional Liability Insurance Reviews
Most professionals need professional liability insurance, but not all providers offer the same value. We've broken down what differentiates these top providers and why they made our list for Delaware businesses.
NEXT
Overall Best Provider
MoneyGeek Rating
4.8/ 5
4.8/5Affordability
4.7/5Customer Experience
4.8/5Coverage Options
Average Monthly Premium
$75These rates are for small businesses with two employees across 79 major industries or business types and focus solely on professional liability policies.Our Survey: Claims Process
3.9/5Our Survey: Recommend to Others
4.8/5
The Hartford
Runner-Up for Best Provider
MoneyGeek Rating
4.6/ 5
4.6/5Affordability
4.6/5Customer Experience
4.7/5Coverage Options
Average Monthly Premium
$77These rates are for small businesses with two employees across 79 major industries or business types and focus solely on professional liability policies.Our Survey: Claims Process
4.5/5Our Survey: Recommend to Others
4.5/5
Cheapest Professional Liability Insurance Companies in Delaware
NEXT offers low-cost professional liability insurance in Delaware at $75 monthly ($903 annually). The Hartford provides another affordable option for business owners at $77 per month.
| NEXT Insurance | $75 | $903 |
| The Hartford | $77 | $919 |
| Progressive Commercial | $82 | $979 |
| Simply Business | $82 | $981 |
| Hiscox | $83 | $998 |
| Thimble | $83 | $998 |
| Coverdash | $84 | $1,005 |
| biBERK | $85 | $1,019 |
| Nationwide | $88 | $1,061 |
| Chubb | $95 | $1,144 |
How Did We Determine These Rates?
These rates are estimates based on MoneyGeek's proprietary analysis of small businesses with two employees across 79 major industries and should not be considered quotes. Your actual rate will differ based on business-specific factors. Contact insurers directly for accurate pricing tailored to your business needs.
Average Cost of Professional Liability Insurance in Delaware
Professional liability insurance costs $83 monthly ($1,001 annually) in Delaware, which is $5 more than the national average. Mortgage brokers pay the most at $179 per month, while florists pay just $40. Your location, claims history and coverage limits also affect rates.
| Accountants | $155 | $1,863 |
| Ad Agency | $104 | $1,251 |
| Auto Repair | $90 | $1,075 |
| Automotive | $82 | $983 |
| Bakery | $57 | $680 |
| Barber | $45 | $544 |
| Beauty Salon | $53 | $634 |
| Bounce House | $63 | $761 |
| Candle | $45 | $542 |
| Cannabis | $130 | $1,565 |
| Catering | $85 | $1,018 |
| Cleaning | $58 | $698 |
| Coffee Shop | $66 | $791 |
| Computer Programming | $113 | $1,360 |
| Computer Repair | $67 | $804 |
| Construction | $83 | $999 |
| Consulting | $116 | $1,396 |
| Contractor | $67 | $806 |
| Courier | $53 | $638 |
| DJ | $50 | $594 |
| Daycare | $116 | $1,397 |
| Dental | $90 | $1,080 |
| Dog Grooming | $60 | $718 |
| Drone | $113 | $1,356 |
| Ecommerce | $66 | $787 |
| Electrical | $69 | $823 |
| Engineering | $109 | $1,313 |
| Excavation | $73 | $872 |
| Florist | $40 | $476 |
| Food | $120 | $1,443 |
| Food Truck | $65 | $780 |
| Funeral Home | $87 | $1,045 |
| Gardening | $43 | $521 |
| HVAC | $88 | $1,055 |
| Handyman | $58 | $695 |
| Home-based business | $40 | $481 |
| Hospitality | $79 | $942 |
| Janitorial | $53 | $632 |
| Jewelry | $65 | $777 |
| Junk Removal | $72 | $863 |
| Lawn/Landscaping | $56 | $669 |
| Lawyers | $158 | $1,893 |
| Manufacturing | $65 | $776 |
| Marine | $96 | $1,153 |
| Massage | $113 | $1,353 |
| Mortgage Broker | $179 | $2,144 |
| Moving | $88 | $1,058 |
| Nonprofit | $54 | $643 |
| Painting | $68 | $816 |
| Party Rental | $60 | $717 |
| Personal Training | $77 | $924 |
| Pest Control | $101 | $1,215 |
| Pet | $49 | $589 |
| Pharmacy | $61 | $731 |
| Photography | $68 | $819 |
| Physical Therapy | $103 | $1,240 |
| Plumbing | $96 | $1,150 |
| Pressure Washing | $62 | $745 |
| Real Estate | $134 | $1,605 |
| Restaurant | $89 | $1,067 |
| Retail | $59 | $709 |
| Roofing | $104 | $1,249 |
| Security | $107 | $1,284 |
| Snack Bars | $51 | $614 |
| Software | $103 | $1,239 |
| Spa/Wellness | $117 | $1,409 |
| Speech Therapist | $106 | $1,267 |
| Startup | $76 | $914 |
| Tech/IT | $106 | $1,277 |
| Transportation | $103 | $1,237 |
| Travel | $103 | $1,237 |
| Tree Service | $82 | $981 |
| Trucking | $119 | $1,434 |
| Tutoring | $65 | $781 |
| Veterinary | $126 | $1,508 |
| Wedding Planning | $82 | $979 |
| Welding | $82 | $984 |
| Wholesale | $65 | $784 |
| Window Cleaning | $66 | $796 |
How Did We Determine These Rates?
These rates are estimates based on MoneyGeek's proprietary analysis of small businesses with two employees across 79 major industries and should not be considered quotes. Your actual rate will differ based on business-specific factors. Contact insurers directly for accurate pricing tailored to your business needs.
How Much Professional Liability Insurance Do I Need in Delaware?
Professional liability insurance requirements in Delaware depend on your specific profession. Healthcare providers and attorneys often face mandatory coverage rules, while other fields rely more on client contracts and industry standards. Even without legal requirements, most professionals carry at least $1 million per occurrence and $3 million aggregate coverage to protect against claims.
Your coverage decision depends on three factors:
Your Industry Risk
Some industries in Delaware carry greater liability exposure than others, directly affecting your coverage needs. Professional liability risks for accountants or real estate agents serving smaller Delaware communities are lower than those for technology consultants and architects working on major projects in Wilmington. Your industry's typical claim frequency and severity should guide your coverage amount decisions.
Client Requirements
Many clients and contracts in Delaware require proof of professional liability insurance at specific minimum limits before work can begin. Large corporations, government contracts, and major organizations throughout Delaware often mandate coverage levels ranging from $1 million to $5 million or more. Meeting these requirements is essential for securing and maintaining business relationships.
Potential Claim Costs
Your coverage should reflect the possible financial impact of a professional liability lawsuit in Delaware's legal environment. Small mistakes might result in minor penalties and legal fees under $50,000, while errors on larger projects could lead to six-figure damages plus substantial attorney costs. Consider both the size of your typical projects and worst-case scenario exposure when selecting coverage limits.
How to Get the Best Professional Liability Insurance in Delaware
Follow our guide on how to get business insurance that matches your budget and professional liability needs in Delaware.
- 1Evaluate Your Risk Exposure
Different businesses face varying liability risks in Delaware. A consulting firm typically needs lower coverage limits than an engineering company or healthcare practice. Review your client contracts to understand required coverage amounts and industry standards.
- 2Find a Local Agent
Look for an agent who knows Delaware's business landscape and understands how your business insurance cost varies by location and industry. They can recommend coverage tailored to industries common in the state. This expertise helps you avoid gaps in protection while finding competitive rates.
- 3Request Multiple Quotes
Request quotes from at least three insurers, comparing the cheapest business insurance available and policy terms like exclusions and deductibles. A $1 million policy from one carrier may offer significantly different protection than another.
- 4Research Insurance Companies
When researching business insurance in Delaware, look beyond price. Before deciding, check each insurer's AM Best financial rating and claims handling reputation. Look for carriers with experience in your specific industry and positive reviews from other professionals. Strong financial ratings indicate the company can pay claims when needed.
- 5Bundle for Savings
Many insurers offer discounts when you combine professional liability with our types of business insurance coverage, like general liability or business owner's policies. These bundling discounts can make comprehensive coverage more affordable for Delaware businesses. Ask about package deals during the quote process.
- 6Maintain Continuous Coverage
Professional liability policies only cover claims filed while your policy remains active. If you switch carriers, ensure your new policy includes prior acts coverage or purchase tail coverage from your old insurer. Coverage gaps leave you vulnerable to expensive lawsuits.
How to Prevent Professional Liability Claims in Delaware
Many professional liability claims happen because of miscommunication and unclear client expectations, not actual mistakes. Even small disputes can lead to thousands in legal fees. Use these strategies to avoid problems and protect your business from expensive claims.
Document Everything
Keep written proof of all client interactions, including email confirmations, scope changes and client approvals. This documentation helps prevent disputes by providing a clear record of what was agreed upon. Written records serve as your first line of defense when disagreements arise about project details or deliverables.
Use Detailed Contracts With Clear Scope
Create contracts that define responsibilities, timelines and deliverables in specific terms. Outline what is included and excluded from your services to avoid conflicts over additional work requests. Clear scope boundaries protect both you and your client by establishing realistic expectations from the start.
Communicate Project Changes Immediately
Confirm all client-requested changes in writing before moving forward with new work. Document how these changes affect timelines, budgets and final deliverables. This practice prevents disputes about additional costs and ensures both parties understand the impact of modifications.
Set Realistic Expectations Upfront
Be transparent about timelines, potential challenges and expected results during initial client discussions. Honest communication about your capabilities helps avoid overpromising and reduces the likelihood of disputes. Clients appreciate realistic assessments more than optimistic projections that lead to disappointment.
Keep Detailed Project Records
Maintain thorough records of work performed, decisions made and the reasoning behind your professional choices. This documentation demonstrates your diligence and can provide strong protection if your work is later questioned. Detailed records show that you followed proper procedures and made informed decisions throughout the project.
Delaware Professional Liability: Bottom Line
Professional liability insurance selection in Delaware requires understanding your business risks and client demands. NEXT leads our rankings, but your industry requirements, contract obligations and budget determine the best fit. Assess your coverage needs first, then work with a local agent to compare options that deliver solid financial protection for your business.
Delaware Professional Liability Insurance: FAQ
Here are frequently asked questions about professional liability insurance in Delaware.
What does professional liability insurance cost in Delaware?
Professional liability insurance in Delaware costs between $75 and $95 monthly. Your premium depends on your industry's risk level, claims history, coverage limits and business location, with rates varying between providers and individual circumstances.
Which professional liability insurance company is best in Delaware?
NEXT leads professional liability insurance in Delaware with a 4.76 out of 5 score, excelling in affordability and customer service. The Hartford ranks second at 4.63, while Simply Business comes third at 4.53, both offering solid coverage options for businesses.
How much professional liability coverage do I need in Delaware?
Professional liability coverage amounts in Delaware depend on your industry's risk level, client contract requirements and potential lawsuit costs. Higher-risk professions like architects and consultants typically need larger coverage limits, while lower-risk businesses can often get by with smaller amounts of protection.
How are professional liability and E&O insurance different in Delaware?
Professional liability and errors and omissions (E&O) insurance both cover mistakes in your professional services. The different names come from industry preferences: lawyers often say E&O while healthcare providers say professional liability.
How We Scored the Best Professional Liability Insurance Companies in Delaware
A professional liability lawsuit can destroy a small business in Delaware or force it to close permanently. We evaluated insurers throughout the state to identify which companies provide the most reliable financial protection for businesses from startups to well-established firms.
Our Scoring System
- Affordability (50%): Cost drives most small business insurance choices. We gave affordability the highest weight because finding quality coverage within budget is essential for business survival.
- Customer experience (30%): Professional liability claims create major stress for business owners. We analyzed service quality through J.D. Power ratings and complaint records from the state's Department of Insurance.
- Coverage options (15%): We reviewed policy flexibility and exclusions to ensure they work for the diverse professional services market in the state.
- Financial strength (5%): AM Best financial ratings helped us confirm that recommended insurers have the resources to pay professional liability claims when businesses need them most.
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.
sources
- Alliance Health. "Provider Insurance Requirements." Accessed October 31, 2025.