For the best professional liability insurance in Maryland, NEXT tops our rankings with competitive rates and excellent customer service. The Hartford places second, while Simply Business rounds out the top three.
Professional Liability Insurance in Maryland
NEXT earns the highest score of 4.71 out of 5 in our analysis of the best professional liability insurance in Maryland.
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Updated: December 3, 2025
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Best Professional Liability Insurance in Maryland: Key Takeaways
NEXT is our top pick for professional liability insurance in Maryland, followed by The Hartford and Simply Business.
Your industry risk, client contracts, potential claim costs and budget determine the best Maryland professional liability insurance for you.
Assess your needs first, then compare quotes from multiple providers to find the best professional liability insurance in Maryland.
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Select your industry and state to get a customized quote.
Industry
State
Best Professional Liability Insurance Companies in Maryland
| NEXT Insurance | 4.71 | $70 |
| The Hartford | 4.61 | $68 |
| Simply Business | 4.50 | $73 |
| Coverdash | 4.45 | $74 |
| Nationwide | 4.43 | $79 |
| biBERK | 4.41 | $76 |
| Progressive Commercial | 4.39 | $72 |
| Hiscox | 4.35 | $74 |
| Chubb | 4.25 | $85 |
| Thimble | 4.25 | $72 |
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 coverage is just one part of protecting your Maryland business. Understanding how different coverage types work together creates stronger financial protection for small businesses.
Best Maryland 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 Maryland businesses.
NEXT
Overall Best Provider
MoneyGeek Rating
4.7/ 5
4.7/5Affordability
4.7/5Customer Experience
4.8/5Coverage Points
Average Monthly Premium
$70These 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 Best Provider
MoneyGeek Rating
4.6/ 5
4.6/5Affordability
4.6/5Customer Experience
4.7/5Coverage Points
Average Monthly Premium
$68These 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
4.5/5Recommend to Others
4.5/5
Cheapest Professional Liability Insurance Companies in Maryland
The Hartford offers low-cost professional liability insurance in Maryland at $68 monthly ($815 annually). NEXT provides another budget-friendly option at $70 per month.
| The Hartford | $68 | $815 |
| NEXT Insurance | $70 | $835 |
| Progressive Commercial | $72 | $862 |
| Thimble | $72 | $865 |
| Simply Business | $73 | $875 |
| Coverdash | $74 | $884 |
| Hiscox | $74 | $884 |
| biBERK | $76 | $914 |
| Nationwide | $79 | $942 |
| Chubb | $85 | $1,017 |
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 Maryland
Professional liability insurance costs $74 monthly ($889 annually) in Maryland, which is $4 less than the national average. Home-based businesses pay around $35 per month, while mortgage brokers average $160. Rates also depend on business location, claims history and coverage limits.
| Accountants | $141 | $1,688 |
| Ad Agency | $93 | $1,116 |
| Auto Repair | $79 | $950 |
| Automotive | $71 | $858 |
| Bakery | $51 | $612 |
| Barber | $41 | $490 |
| Beauty Salon | $46 | $558 |
| Bounce House | $56 | $676 |
| Candle | $40 | $481 |
| Cannabis | $120 | $1,446 |
| Catering | $75 | $902 |
| Cleaning | $52 | $621 |
| Coffee Shop | $58 | $699 |
| Computer Programming | $102 | $1,223 |
| Computer Repair | $60 | $720 |
| Construction | $72 | $867 |
| Consulting | $102 | $1,221 |
| Contractor | $61 | $726 |
| Courier | $47 | $562 |
| DJ | $44 | $523 |
| Daycare | $103 | $1,238 |
| Dental | $80 | $961 |
| Dog Grooming | $53 | $632 |
| Drone | $100 | $1,205 |
| Ecommerce | $59 | $704 |
| Electrical | $60 | $722 |
| Engineering | $101 | $1,209 |
| Excavation | $64 | $764 |
| Florist | $36 | $436 |
| Food | $107 | $1,285 |
| Food Truck | $56 | $676 |
| Funeral Home | $78 | $934 |
| Gardening | $38 | $456 |
| HVAC | $77 | $918 |
| Handyman | $52 | $625 |
| Home-based business | $35 | $423 |
| Hospitality | $70 | $839 |
| Janitorial | $48 | $571 |
| Jewelry | $58 | $694 |
| Junk Removal | $64 | $763 |
| Lawn/Landscaping | $49 | $584 |
| Lawyers | $139 | $1,665 |
| Manufacturing | $57 | $689 |
| Marine | $83 | $999 |
| Massage | $102 | $1,219 |
| Mortgage Broker | $160 | $1,919 |
| Moving | $78 | $939 |
| Nonprofit | $48 | $574 |
| Painting | $61 | $731 |
| Party Rental | $52 | $627 |
| Personal Training | $67 | $803 |
| Pest Control | $89 | $1,069 |
| Pet | $45 | $535 |
| Pharmacy | $55 | $654 |
| Photography | $62 | $740 |
| Physical Therapy | $90 | $1,080 |
| Plumbing | $86 | $1,031 |
| Pressure Washing | $54 | $645 |
| Real Estate | $118 | $1,418 |
| Restaurant | $77 | $919 |
| Retail | $53 | $635 |
| Roofing | $92 | $1,100 |
| Security | $96 | $1,158 |
| Snack Bars | $45 | $538 |
| Software | $91 | $1,086 |
| Spa/Wellness | $104 | $1,254 |
| Speech Therapist | $95 | $1,145 |
| Startup | $70 | $839 |
| Tech/IT | $93 | $1,112 |
| Transportation | $91 | $1,096 |
| Travel | $90 | $1,085 |
| Tree Service | $72 | $868 |
| Trucking | $106 | $1,269 |
| Tutoring | $58 | $698 |
| Veterinary | $111 | $1,330 |
| Wedding Planning | $73 | $882 |
| Welding | $73 | $874 |
| Wholesale | $61 | $731 |
| Window Cleaning | $59 | $709 |
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 Maryland?
Professional liability insurance isn't universally required in Maryland, though certain professions like health care and law face specific mandates. Your decision should reflect your risk exposure and client expectations even when the state doesn't require coverage. Many higher-risk fields maintain at least $1 million per occurrence and $3 million aggregate coverage.
Your coverage decision depends on three factors:
Your Industry Risk
Some industries in Maryland carry greater liability exposure than others, directly affecting how much coverage you need. High-risk fields like architects and technology consultants in Baltimore and the DC metro area face more frequent and costly claims. Real estate agents and accountants' professional liability risks are lower, especially if they're based in smaller Maryland cities. Your industry's typical claim frequency and severity should guide your coverage limits.
Client Requirements
Many clients and contracts in Maryland require proof of professional liability insurance at specific minimum limits before work can begin. Corporations, government contracts, and large organizations throughout Maryland often mandate coverage of $1 million or more. Your coverage amount must meet these contractual requirements to secure and maintain business relationships.
Potential Claim Costs
Your coverage should reflect the possible financial impact of a professional liability lawsuit in Maryland's legal environment. Small mistakes might result in thousands of dollars in damages, while errors in major projects could lead to six-figure settlements plus substantial legal fees. Consider the largest project or client you serve when determining appropriate coverage limits.
How to Get the Best Professional Liability Insurance in Maryland
These steps help you get business insurance that fits your professional liability needs in Maryland.
- 1Evaluate Your Risk Exposure
Start by examining what could go wrong in your business and how much it might cost. A Maryland architect faces different risks than a small consulting firm. Check if clients require specific coverage amounts in your contracts.
- 2Find a Local Agent
Look for an agent who knows Maryland's business landscape and understands how the cost of business insurance varies by location and industry. Local expertise helps match your coverage to regional industry standards. They understand which insurers work best for businesses in the state.
- 3Collect Multiple Quotes
Request quotes from at least three insurers, comparing cheap business insurance options, along with policy terms like exclusions and deductibles. A $1 million policy from one company may offer very different protection than another.
- 4Check Insurer Reliability
When researching business insurance in Maryland, look beyond price. Check AM Best ratings for financial strength and read reviews from other professionals. Strong claims handling matters when you need coverage most.
- 5Explore Bundling Options
Many insurers offer discounts when you get different business insurance coverage types for comprehensive financial protection. Combine professional liability with general liability or business owner's policies. Bundling can reduce your overall insurance costs while simplifying policy management.
- 6Keep Coverage Continuous
Professional liability policies only cover claims filed while active. Gaps in coverage leave you exposed to lawsuits from past work. Buy tail coverage or ensure prior acts protection when switching insurers.
How to Prevent Professional Liability Claims in Maryland
Most professional liability claims stem from miscommunication and unclear client expectations, not actual service errors. Even minor disputes can cost thousands in legal fees. Follow these strategies to prevent conflicts and protect your Maryland business from expensive claims.
Document Everything
Keep written proof of all client interactions, including email confirmations, scope changes and project approvals. This documentation serves as your first line of defense in disputes by providing a clear record of what was agreed upon. Thorough documentation can often prevent claims from escalating to litigation.
Use Detailed Contracts With Clear Scope
Create contracts that clearly define your responsibilities, project timelines and specific deliverables. Outline exactly what services are included in your fee and what constitutes additional work requiring separate payment. This clarity helps prevent disputes over scope creep and additional charges.
Communicate Project Changes Immediately
Confirm all client-requested changes in writing before proceeding with any additional work. Document how these changes will affect project timelines, budgets and final deliverables. This practice protects you from claims about unauthorized work or unexpected costs.
Set Realistic Expectations Upfront
Be transparent with clients about project timelines, potential challenges and expected results from the beginning. Honest communication about your capabilities and limitations helps avoid overpromising and reduces the likelihood of client dissatisfaction. Clear expectations lead to better client relationships and fewer disputes.
Keep Detailed Project Records
Maintain thorough records of all work performed, decisions made and the reasoning behind your professional recommendations. These records demonstrate your diligence and professional standards if your work is later questioned. Detailed documentation can provide crucial protection when defending against professional liability claims.
Maryland Professional Liability: Bottom Line
Choose professional liability insurance in Maryland based on your business risks and client needs. NEXT leads our rankings, but your industry requirements, contract obligations and budget should drive your decision. Start by evaluating your risks, then work with a local agent to compare coverage that protects your finances when claims arise.
Maryland Professional Liability Insurance: FAQ
Here are frequently asked questions about professional liability insurance in Maryland.
What does professional liability insurance cost in Maryland?
Professional liability insurance in Maryland costs between $68 and $85 monthly. Your premium depends on your industry's risk level, claims history, coverage limits and business location. Rates vary between providers based on your individual circumstances.
Which professional liability insurance company is best in Maryland?
NEXT ranks as the best professional liability insurance company in Maryland, scoring 4.71 out of 5 for affordable rates and excellent customer service. The Hartford follows at 4.61, and Simply Business rounds out the top three at 4.5.
How much professional liability coverage do I need in Maryland?
Your professional liability coverage needs depend on your industry's risk level, client contract requirements and potential lawsuit costs. High-risk professions like architects and consultants need higher coverage limits. Lower-risk businesses can carry less comprehensive protection.
What's the difference between professional liability and E&O insurance?
Professional liability and errors and omissions (E&O) insurance are two names for the same coverage. Both protect you from claims about mistakes in your services. Some industries prefer one term, but they work the same way.
How We Scored the Best Professional Liability Insurance Companies in Maryland
A professional liability lawsuit can destroy a small business in Maryland overnight. We evaluated insurers across the state to identify which companies provide the most reliable financial protection for businesses from startups to 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%): Claims can make or break a business during stressful times. We analyzed 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 serve local professional service needs effectively.
- Financial strength (5%): AM Best financial ratings confirmed each recommended insurer maintains the stability to pay claims when businesses need it 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 December 22, 2025.