NEXT offers the best professional liability insurance in Vermont, with affordable rates and reliable customer support. The Hartford ranks second overall, while Simply Business takes third place.
Professional Liability Insurance in Vermont
NEXT earns the highest score of 4.71 out of 5 in our analysis of the best professional liability insurance in Vermont.
Get matched to the best professional liability insurance providers for your business in Vermont today.
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Updated: October 28, 2025
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Best Professional Liability Insurance in Vermont: Key Takeaways
NEXT is our top pick for professional liability insurance in Vermont, followed by The Hartford and Simply Business.
Your industry risk, client contracts, potential claim costs and budget determine the best Vermont professional liability insurance for you.
Assess your needs first, then compare quotes from multiple providers to find the best small business insurance for your professional liability requirements in Vermont.
Find Insurance for Your Business
Select your industry and state to get a customized quote.
Industry
State
Best Professional Liability Insurance Companies in Vermont
| NEXT Insurance | 4.71 | $69 |
| The Hartford | 4.59 | $69 |
| Simply Business | 4.49 | $73 |
| Nationwide | 4.45 | $79 |
| Coverdash | 4.45 | $74 |
| biBERK | 4.42 | $77 |
| Progressive Commercial | 4.38 | $72 |
| Hiscox | 4.35 | $74 |
| Chubb | 4.27 | $85 |
| Thimble | 4.20 | $73 |
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 works best alongside other coverage types to create comprehensive financial protection for Vermont businesses.
Best Vermont 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 Vermont businesses.
NEXT
Overall Best Provider
MoneyGeek Rating
4.7/ 5
4.6/5Affordability
4.7/5Customer Experience
4.8/5Coverage Points
Average Monthly Premium
$69These 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
4.5/5Affordability
4.6/5Customer Experience
4.7/5Coverage Points
Average Monthly Premium
$69These 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 Vermont
The Hartford offers the cheapest professional liability coverage in Vermont at $69 monthly ($823 annually). NEXT provides another affordable option for business owners, with premiums starting at $69 each month.
| The Hartford | $69 | $823 |
| NEXT Insurance | $69 | $833 |
| Progressive Commercial | $72 | $865 |
| Simply Business | $73 | $880 |
| Thimble | $73 | $881 |
| Coverdash | $74 | $887 |
| Hiscox | $74 | $888 |
| biBERK | $77 | $919 |
| Nationwide | $79 | $943 |
| Chubb | $85 | $1,022 |
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 Vermont
Professional liability insurance costs $75 monthly ($894 annually) in Vermont, which is $3 less than the national average. Mortgage brokers pay the most at $160 per month, while home-based businesses pay just $36. Your location, claims history and coverage limits also affect rates.
| Accountants | $141 | $1,696 |
| Ad Agency | $93 | $1,111 |
| Auto Repair | $78 | $939 |
| Automotive | $70 | $839 |
| Bakery | $51 | $611 |
| Barber | $41 | $493 |
| Beauty Salon | $47 | $567 |
| Bounce House | $58 | $695 |
| Candle | $40 | $481 |
| Cannabis | $117 | $1,399 |
| Catering | $77 | $925 |
| Cleaning | $52 | $625 |
| Coffee Shop | $59 | $705 |
| Computer Programming | $101 | $1,208 |
| Computer Repair | $60 | $718 |
| Construction | $74 | $886 |
| Consulting | $102 | $1,228 |
| Contractor | $61 | $732 |
| Courier | $48 | $571 |
| DJ | $44 | $523 |
| Daycare | $105 | $1,257 |
| Dental | $80 | $956 |
| Dog Grooming | $53 | $631 |
| Drone | $104 | $1,243 |
| Ecommerce | $60 | $724 |
| Electrical | $61 | $737 |
| Engineering | $100 | $1,204 |
| Excavation | $64 | $767 |
| Florist | $36 | $435 |
| Food | $106 | $1,268 |
| Food Truck | $57 | $679 |
| Funeral Home | $77 | $918 |
| Gardening | $38 | $460 |
| HVAC | $77 | $926 |
| Handyman | $53 | $632 |
| Home-based business | $36 | $431 |
| Hospitality | $70 | $839 |
| Janitorial | $48 | $581 |
| Jewelry | $59 | $706 |
| Junk Removal | $65 | $781 |
| Lawn/Landscaping | $48 | $582 |
| Lawyers | $139 | $1,665 |
| Manufacturing | $57 | $684 |
| Marine | $84 | $1,004 |
| Massage | $101 | $1,212 |
| Mortgage Broker | $160 | $1,921 |
| Moving | $78 | $941 |
| Nonprofit | $49 | $582 |
| Painting | $61 | $735 |
| Party Rental | $53 | $632 |
| Personal Training | $67 | $805 |
| Pest Control | $91 | $1,097 |
| Pet | $44 | $528 |
| Pharmacy | $56 | $666 |
| Photography | $61 | $727 |
| Physical Therapy | $89 | $1,071 |
| Plumbing | $86 | $1,029 |
| Pressure Washing | $55 | $659 |
| Real Estate | $122 | $1,459 |
| Restaurant | $79 | $949 |
| Retail | $52 | $629 |
| Roofing | $95 | $1,136 |
| Security | $98 | $1,179 |
| Snack Bars | $45 | $539 |
| Software | $91 | $1,095 |
| Spa/Wellness | $106 | $1,267 |
| Speech Therapist | $96 | $1,152 |
| Startup | $70 | $834 |
| Tech/IT | $95 | $1,142 |
| Transportation | $89 | $1,069 |
| Travel | $92 | $1,102 |
| Tree Service | $73 | $872 |
| Trucking | $108 | $1,293 |
| Tutoring | $58 | $702 |
| Veterinary | $112 | $1,349 |
| Wedding Planning | $73 | $880 |
| Welding | $75 | $895 |
| Wholesale | $60 | $723 |
| Window Cleaning | $59 | $702 |
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 Vermont?
Professional liability insurance requirements in Vermont depend on your specific profession. Health care providers, attorneys and certain licensed professionals often face mandatory coverage rules, while other fields rely on client contracts and industry standards. Even without legal mandates, the right coverage amount reflects your risk exposure and what clients expect. Higher-risk professions typically carry $1 million per occurrence and $3 million aggregate coverage.
Your coverage decision depends on three factors:
Your Industry Risk
Some industries in Vermont carry greater liability exposure than others, affecting how much coverage you need. Technology consultants in Burlington's growing tech sector and architects designing major developments face higher risks and need more coverage. Professional liability insurance for accountants in Montpelier or real estate agents in smaller Vermont towns generally have lower limits because they face less risks. Your industry's typical claim frequency and severity should guide your coverage amount decision.
Client Requirements
Many clients and contracts in Vermont require proof of professional liability insurance at specific minimum limits before work can begin. Large Vermont employers, state government contracts, and corporations often demand coverage of $1 million or more as a condition of doing business. Meeting these requirements ensures you can compete for valuable contracts and maintain client relationships.
Potential Claim Costs
Your coverage should reflect the possible financial impact of a professional liability lawsuit in Vermont's market. Small mistakes might result in claims of a few thousand dollars, while errors on major projects could lead to six-figure damages plus substantial legal fees. Consider the size and scope of your typical projects when determining appropriate coverage limits.
How to Get the Best Professional Liability Insurance in Vermont
Our step-by-step guide explains how to get business insurance in Vermont that matches your professional liability needs and budget.
- 1Evaluate Your Business Risks
Different Vermont businesses face varying liability exposures. A local architect typically needs higher coverage limits than an independent marketing consultant. Review your industry standards and any client contract requirements that specify minimum coverage amounts.
- 2Find a Knowledgeable Local Agent
Look for agents who know Vermont's business landscape and understand how business insurance costs vary by location and industry. They can recommend coverage that fits your specific profession and client base. Local expertise helps you avoid gaps in protection while meeting regional business expectations.
- 3Collect and Compare Quotes
Request quotes from at least three insurers, comparing affordable business insurance rates and policy terms like exclusions and deductibles. A $1 million policy from one carrier may offer different protections than another's identical limit.
- 4Research Insurer Financial Strength
When researching business insurance in Vermont, look beyond price. Check AM Best ratings and claims handling reviews before choosing a carrier. Strong financial ratings indicate the company can pay claims when needed. Look for insurers with experience in your industry and positive feedback from other professionals.
- 5Explore Bundling Opportunities
Many insurers offer discounts when you combine different types of business insurance coverage. For example, getting professional liability with general liability or business owner's policies can reduce your total insurance costs while simplifying policy management. Ask agents about available package deals in Vermont.
- 6Maintain Continuous Coverage
Professional liability policies protect you only from lawsuits filed while your policy is active, even if the work happened years ago. A consultant switching carriers should ensure their new policy covers prior acts or purchase tail coverage (extended reporting coverage) from their old insurer.
How to Prevent Professional Liability Claims in Vermont
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 creates a clear record of agreements and decisions that can prevent disputes and provide legal protection if conflicts arise.
Use Detailed Contracts With Clear Scope
Create contracts that clearly define responsibilities, timelines and deliverables for every project. Outline what work is included and what falls outside the scope to prevent conflicts over additional services and ensure both parties understand expectations.
Communicate Project Changes Immediately
Confirm all client-requested changes in writing before proceeding with any modifications. Document how these changes affect project timelines, budgets and final deliverables to maintain transparency and avoid misunderstandings.
Set Realistic Expectations Upfront
Be transparent about project timelines, potential challenges and expected results from the beginning. Honest communication about your capabilities helps avoid overpromising and reduces the likelihood of disputes over unmet expectations.
Keep Detailed Project Records
Maintain thorough records of all work performed, decisions made and the reasoning behind key choices. These detailed records demonstrate professional diligence and provide valuable protection if your work methods or results are later questioned.
Vermont Professional Liability: Bottom Line
Professional liability insurance decisions in Vermont start with understanding your business risks and client needs. NEXT leads our rankings, but your industry requirements, contracts and budget matter most. Assess your specific risks first, then connect with a local agent to compare coverage options that deliver solid financial protection for your business.
Vermont Professional Liability Insurance: FAQ
Here are frequently asked questions about professional liability insurance in Vermont.
What does professional liability insurance cost in Vermont?
Professional liability insurance in Vermont costs between $69 and $85 monthly, depending on your provider. Your actual premium varies based on your industry's risk level, claims history, coverage limits and business location within the state.
Which professional liability insurance company is best in Vermont?
NEXT ranks as the best professional liability insurance company in Vermont, scoring 4.71 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 options for Vermont businesses.
How much professional liability coverage do I need in Vermont?
Professional liability coverage needs in Vermont depend on your industry's risk level, client contract demands, and potential lawsuit expenses. Higher-risk professions like architects and consultants need larger coverage limits, while lower-risk businesses can often get by with smaller amounts.
Is there a 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 Vermont
A professional liability claim can destroy a small business in Vermont or force it to close permanently. We reviewed insurers throughout the state to identify which companies provide the most reliable financial protection for businesses from new 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 Vermont Department of Insurance.
- Coverage options (15%): We reviewed how flexible each policy is and examined exclusions that affect local professional service providers.
- Financial strength (5%): We checked AM Best financial ratings to confirm each insurer has the resources to pay claims when businesses need protection 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 November 14, 2025.
- Better Business Bureau. "The Hartford Insurance Company | BBB Business Profile." Accessed November 14, 2025.