NEXT offers Missouri's best professional liability insurance, with competitive rates and strong customer support. The Hartford ranks second, while Simply Business takes third place.
Professional Liability Insurance in Missouri
NEXT earns the highest score of 4.74 out of 5 in our analysis of the best professional liability insurance in Missouri.
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Updated: December 5, 2025
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Best Professional Liability Insurance in Missouri: Key Takeaways
NEXT is our top pick for professional liability insurance in Missouri, followed by The Hartford and Simply Business.
Your industry risk, client contracts, potential claim costs and budget determine the best Missouri professional liability insurance for you.
Assess your needs first, then compare quotes from multiple providers to find the best small business insurance to suit your professional liability needs in Missouri.
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Industry
State
Best Professional Liability Insurance Companies in Missouri
| NEXT Insurance | 4.74 | $72 |
| The Hartford | 4.61 | $71 |
| Simply Business | 4.53 | $75 |
| Coverdash | 4.46 | $77 |
| Nationwide | 4.45 | $82 |
| biBERK | 4.44 | $79 |
| Progressive Commercial | 4.40 | $75 |
| Hiscox | 4.37 | $77 |
| Chubb | 4.28 | $88 |
| Thimble | 4.25 | $75 |
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 essential, but Missouri businesses need multiple coverage types working together for complete financial protection.
Best Missouri 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 Missouri businesses.
NEXT
Overall Best Provider
MoneyGeek Rating
4.7/ 5
4.7/5Affordability
4.7/5Customer Experience
4.8/5Coverage Points
Average Monthly Premium
$72These 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 Points
Average Monthly Premium
$71These 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 Missouri
The Hartford provides the cheapest professional liability insurance in Missouri at $71 monthly ($849 annually). NEXT offers another affordable option for business owners, with coverage starting at $72 per month.
| The Hartford | $71 | $849 |
| NEXT Insurance | $72 | $859 |
| Progressive Commercial | $75 | $896 |
| Simply Business | $75 | $902 |
| Thimble | $75 | $904 |
| Coverdash | $77 | $918 |
| Hiscox | $77 | $921 |
| biBERK | $79 | $945 |
| Nationwide | $82 | $982 |
| Chubb | $88 | $1,054 |
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 Missouri
Professional liability insurance costs $77 monthly ($923 annually) in Missouri, $1 less than the national average. Home-based businesses pay around $36 per month, while mortgage brokers average $165. Rates also vary based on business location, claims history and coverage limits.
| Accountants | $145 | $1,737 |
| Ad Agency | $99 | $1,182 |
| Auto Repair | $83 | $1,002 |
| Automotive | $75 | $899 |
| Bakery | $53 | $631 |
| Barber | $42 | $506 |
| Beauty Salon | $47 | $568 |
| Bounce House | $57 | $685 |
| Candle | $42 | $505 |
| Cannabis | $121 | $1,453 |
| Catering | $80 | $955 |
| Cleaning | $54 | $652 |
| Coffee Shop | $61 | $736 |
| Computer Programming | $104 | $1,246 |
| Computer Repair | $62 | $740 |
| Construction | $76 | $912 |
| Consulting | $107 | $1,280 |
| Contractor | $63 | $751 |
| Courier | $49 | $582 |
| DJ | $45 | $542 |
| Daycare | $107 | $1,279 |
| Dental | $83 | $995 |
| Dog Grooming | $54 | $653 |
| Drone | $103 | $1,240 |
| Ecommerce | $61 | $735 |
| Electrical | $64 | $765 |
| Engineering | $105 | $1,265 |
| Excavation | $70 | $834 |
| Florist | $37 | $444 |
| Food | $109 | $1,308 |
| Food Truck | $58 | $700 |
| Funeral Home | $79 | $944 |
| Gardening | $40 | $479 |
| HVAC | $81 | $977 |
| Handyman | $54 | $648 |
| Home-based business | $36 | $435 |
| Hospitality | $73 | $875 |
| Janitorial | $49 | $591 |
| Jewelry | $60 | $715 |
| Junk Removal | $65 | $785 |
| Lawn/Landscaping | $50 | $605 |
| Lawyers | $146 | $1,751 |
| Manufacturing | $58 | $699 |
| Marine | $87 | $1,045 |
| Massage | $104 | $1,244 |
| Mortgage Broker | $165 | $1,981 |
| Moving | $81 | $975 |
| Nonprofit | $50 | $602 |
| Painting | $62 | $741 |
| Party Rental | $54 | $646 |
| Personal Training | $70 | $835 |
| Pest Control | $96 | $1,148 |
| Pet | $46 | $553 |
| Pharmacy | $56 | $668 |
| Photography | $63 | $752 |
| Physical Therapy | $93 | $1,120 |
| Plumbing | $89 | $1,069 |
| Pressure Washing | $57 | $678 |
| Real Estate | $124 | $1,486 |
| Restaurant | $81 | $973 |
| Retail | $55 | $658 |
| Roofing | $96 | $1,158 |
| Security | $101 | $1,206 |
| Snack Bars | $46 | $556 |
| Software | $92 | $1,109 |
| Spa/Wellness | $111 | $1,327 |
| Speech Therapist | $97 | $1,163 |
| Startup | $73 | $872 |
| Tech/IT | $97 | $1,164 |
| Transportation | $94 | $1,122 |
| Travel | $97 | $1,159 |
| Tree Service | $76 | $913 |
| Trucking | $109 | $1,307 |
| Tutoring | $59 | $712 |
| Veterinary | $116 | $1,391 |
| Wedding Planning | $76 | $914 |
| Welding | $77 | $926 |
| Wholesale | $60 | $724 |
| Window Cleaning | $61 | $736 |
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 Missouri?
Professional liability insurance requirements differ by profession in Missouri, with some fields like health care and law facing potential mandates. Most professionals aren't legally required to carry coverage, but client contracts often demand it. The right amount depends on your risk exposure and industry standards. Higher-risk professions carry $1 million per occurrence and $3 million aggregate coverage.
Your coverage decision depends on three factors:
Your Industry Risk
Professional liability risks for accountants preparing tax returns are different than tech consultants in Kansas City and St. Louis. Architects and engineers working on major developments need more coverage than real estate agents or bookkeepers.
Client Requirements
Many clients and contracts in Missouri require proof of professional liability insurance at specific limits before you can begin work. Large corporations, government contracts and major organizations throughout Missouri often set minimum coverage levels of $1 million or more. Meeting these requirements is essential for securing and maintaining business relationships with significant clients.
Potential Claim Costs
Your coverage should reflect the possible financial impact of a professional liability lawsuit in Missouri courts. Small mistakes might result in damages of a few thousand dollars, while errors in larger projects could lead to six-figure damages plus legal fees. Defense costs alone often exceed $100,000 in Missouri, even for claims that are ultimately dismissed.
How to Get the Best Professional Liability Insurance in Missouri
Our process provides you the steps to get business insurance that fits your Missouri professional liability needs and budget.
- 1Evaluate Your Risk Exposure
Different businesses face varying liability risks across Missouri. A consulting firm typically needs lower coverage limits than an engineering company handling major projects. Review your client contracts and industry standards to determine appropriate coverage amounts.
- 2Partner With Local Agents
Look for an agent who knows Missouri's business landscape and understands how business liability insurance cost varies by location and industry. Local expertise helps match your coverage needs with insurers who understand Missouri's professional service industries and regulatory requirements.
- 3Collect Multiple Detailed Quotes
Request quotes from at least three insurers, comparing cheap insurance for business and policy terms like exclusions and deductibles. A $1 million policy from one carrier may offer significantly different protection than another.
- 4Verify Provider Financial Strength
When researching business insurance in Missouri, look beyond price. Research each insurer's AM Best rating and claims-handling reputation before making decisions. Strong financial ratings and positive professional reviews indicate reliable coverage when filing a claim. Industry-specific experience also matters for specialized professions.
- 5Explore Package Deal Savings
Many insurers offer discounts when combining professional liability with other types of small business insurance coverage, like general liability or business owner's policies. These bundled packages often reduce overall premiums while simplifying policy management for busy entrepreneurs throughout the state.
- 6Maintain Uninterrupted Policy Coverage
Professional liability operates on a claims-made basis, covering only incidents reported while your policy remains active. Purchase tail coverage or ensure prior acts protection when switching carriers to avoid dangerous coverage gaps that could expose you.
How to Prevent Professional Liability Claims in Missouri
Professional liability claims in Missouri often result from poor communication and vague client expectations rather than genuine mistakes. Small disputes can still trigger expensive legal battles costing thousands. These proven strategies help prevent conflicts and shield your business from costly 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 questions arise about project decisions or deliverables.
Use Detailed Contracts with Clear Scope
Your contracts should define responsibilities, timelines and deliverables in specific terms. Outline what is included and excluded from your services to avoid conflicts over additional work. Clear scope boundaries protect both you and your client from misunderstandings that lead to disputes.
Communicate Project Changes Immediately
Confirm all client-requested changes in writing before moving forward with the work. Document how these changes affect timelines, budgets and deliverables to maintain transparency. This practice prevents scope creep and ensures both parties understand the impact of modifications.
Set Realistic Expectations Upfront
Be transparent about timelines, potential challenges and expected results from the beginning of each project. Honest communication about your capabilities helps avoid overpromising and reduces client disputes. Managing expectations early prevents disappointment and builds stronger professional relationships.
Keep Detailed Project Records
Maintain thorough records of your work, decisions and the reasoning behind your professional choices. This documentation demonstrates your diligence and can provide crucial protection if your work is questioned later. Detailed records show you followed proper procedures and made informed decisions throughout the project.
Missouri Professional Liability: Bottom Line
Professional liability insurance in Missouri requires understanding your specific business risks first. NEXT leads our rankings, but your industry needs, client contracts and budget matter most in your final choice. Start by evaluating your coverage requirements, then connect with a local agent to compare options that fit your situation and provide solid financial protection.
Missouri Professional Liability Insurance: FAQ
Here are frequently asked questions about professional liability insurance in Missouri.
What does professional liability insurance cost in Missouri?
Professional liability insurance in Missouri ranges from $71 to $88 monthly, based on provider data. Your premium depends on your industry's risk level, claims history, coverage limits and business location within the state.
Which professional liability insurance company is best in Missouri?
NEXT ranks as the best professional liability insurance company in Missouri, scoring 4.74 out of 5 for its affordable rates and excellent customer service. The Hartford follows closely in second place, while Simply Business rounds out the top three with competitive coverage options for Missouri professionals.
How much professional liability coverage do I need in Missouri?
Professional liability coverage needs in Missouri depend on your industry's risk level, client contract requirements and potential lawsuit costs. Higher-risk professions like architects and consultants need larger coverage limits, while lower-risk businesses can often secure adequate protection with smaller policy limits.
Are professional liability and E&O insurance the same thing?
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. But the financial protection works the same way.
How We Scored the Best Professional Liability Insurance Companies in Missouri
A professional liability lawsuit can devastate a small business in Missouri or force it to close permanently. We evaluated insurers statewide 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 significant stress for business owners. We assessed service quality through J.D. Power ratings and complaint records from the state's Department of Insurance.
- Coverage options (15%): We analyzed policy flexibility and exclusions to ensure they match the diverse needs of local professional services.
- 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.
- Better Business Bureau. "The Hartford Insurance Company | BBB Business Profile." Accessed December 22, 2025.