NEXT tops our analysis of Delaware business insurance providers because of its strong customer service and comprehensive coverage. The Hartford and Simply Business are also reliable options for small business owners across the state.
Business Insurance in Delaware
NEXT tops our Delaware business insurance rankings with a MoneyGeek score of 4.65 out of 5.
Find affordable coverage that protects your small business in Delaware below.
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Updated: August 25, 2025
Advertising & Editorial Disclosure
Key Takeaways
Small business owners can get the best business insurance in Delaware from NEXT, The Hartford and Simply Business.
The best business insurance in Delaware depends on your industry risks, employee count and preferred coverage limits.
To find the best coverage, assess your risks, compare multiple quotes, research provider service quality and maximize available discounts.
Best Business Insurance Companies in Delaware
| NEXT | 4.65 | 3 | 1 | 2 |
| The Hartford | 4.61 | 1 | 2 | 3 |
| Simply Business | 4.50 | 5 | 5 | 1 |
| Nationwide | 4.48 | 9 | 2 | 4 |
| Coverdash | 4.42 | 6 | 6 | 2 |
| biBerk | 4.40 | 8 | 2 | 5 |
| Progressive Commercial | 4.33 | 4 | 7 | 5 |
| Thimble | 4.33 | 2 | 8 | 5 |
| Hiscox | 4.29 | 7 | 4 | 6 |
| Chubb | 4.28 | 10 | 3 | 4 |
How Did We Determine These Rates?
These rates are for small businesses with two employees across 79 major industries or business types and focus on four coverage types: general liability, professional liability/E&O, workers' comp and business owner's policy. Survey results reflect limited sample data and may not represent all available rates in your area.
Best by Coverage Type
NEXT leads Delaware business coverage, offering the best business owner's policies (BOP) and professional liability insurance, plus top workers' compensation coverage. The Hartford provides superior general liability coverage.
| Business Owners Policy | NEXT | 4.63 |
| General Liability | The Hartford | 4.61 |
| Professional Liability (E&O) | NEXT | 4.76 |
| Workers Compensation | NEXT | 4.61 |
How Did We Determine These Rates?
These rates are for small businesses with two employees across 79 major industries or business types and focus on four coverage types: general liability, professional liability/E&O, workers' comp and business owner's policy. Survey results reflect limited sample data and may not represent all available rates in your area.
Best Delaware Small Business Insurance Reviews
Our research team analyzed business insurance providers across Delaware to identify the top three options. Each company offers unique advantages in coverage, pricing and service that match different business needs.
NEXT
Best Customer Experience
MoneyGeek Rating
4.7/ of 5
4.5/5Affordability
4.7/5Customer Experience
4.8/5Coverage Options
Average Monthly Cost of General Liability Insurance
$111This rate is for small businesses with two employees across 79 major industries or business types and focus solely on general liability policies.Average Monthly Cost of Workers' Comp Insurance
$74These rates are for small businesses with two employees across 79 major industries or business types and focus solely on workers' comp policies.Our Survey: Claims Process
3.9/5Ranked #4 nationallyOur Survey: Likely to Be Recommended to Others
4.8/5Ranked #1 nationally
The Hartford
Best for Affordability
MoneyGeek Rating
4.6/ of 5
4.6/5Affordability
4.6/5Customer Experience
4.7/5Coverage Options
Average Monthly Cost of General Liability Insurance
$97This rate is for small businesses with two employees across 79 major industries or business types and focus solely on general liability policies.Average Monthly Cost of Workers' Comp Insurance
$76This rate is for small businesses with two employees across 79 major industries or business types and focus solely on workers' comp policies.Our Survey: Claims Process
4.5/5The Hartford ranks #1 nationally for claims process satisfactionOur Survey: Likely to Be Recommended to Others
4.5/5The Hartford ranks #2 nationally for customer recommendations
Simply Business
Best for Coverage Availability
MoneyGeek Rating
4.5/ of 5
4.5/5Affordability
4.2/5Customer Experience
4.9/5Coverage Options
Average Cost of General Liability Insurance
$91These rates are for small businesses with two employees across 79 major industries or business types and focus solely on general liability policies.Average Cost of Workers' Comp Insurance
$77These rates are for small businesses with two employees across 79 major industries or business types and focus solely on workers' comp policies.Our Survey: Claims Process
3.7/5Our Survey: Likely to Be Recommended to Others
4.2/5
Cheapest Business Insurance Companies in Delaware
The Hartford provides the most affordable business insurance in Delaware at $96 monthly ($1,150 annually). Simply Business and Thimble follow closely with competitive rates of $96 and $101 per month. You can compare all providers and their rates in the table below.
| The Hartford | $96 | $1,150 |
| Simply Business | $96 | $1,156 |
| Thimble | $101 | $1,210 |
| Progressive Commercial | $107 | $1,281 |
| NEXT | $107 | $1,283 |
| Coverdash | $109 | $1,306 |
| Nationwide | $109 | $1,308 |
| biBerk | $112 | $1,342 |
| Hiscox | $116 | $1,390 |
| Chubb | $127 | $1,520 |
How Did We Determine These Rates?
These rates are for small businesses with two employees across 79 major industries or business types and focus on four coverage types: general liability, professional liability/E&O, workers' comp and business owner's policy. Survey results reflect limited sample data and may not represent all available rates in your area.
Cheapest General Liability Insurance Companies in Delaware
Simply Business offers the cheapest general liability coverage in Delaware at $91 per month. The Hartford provides the second-lowest rate at $97 monthly. You can compare rates from all general liability insurance providers in the table below.
| Simply Business | $91 | $1,088 |
| The Hartford | $97 | $1,164 |
| Nationwide | $105 | $1,254 |
| Progressive Commercial | $108 | $1,295 |
| NEXT | $111 | $1,332 |
| Coverdash | $111 | $1,336 |
| Thimble | $115 | $1,383 |
| Hiscox | $123 | $1,471 |
| biBerk | $123 | $1,472 |
| Chubb | $128 | $1,535 |
How Did We Determine These Rates?
These rates are for small businesses with two employees across 79 major industries or business types and focus solely on general liability policies. Survey results reflect limited sample data and may not represent all available rates in your area.
Cheapest Professional Liability Insurance Companies in Delaware
NEXT offers the most affordable professional liability insurance (E&O) at $75 monthly ($903 annually). The Hartford is another budget-friendly choice for Delaware business coverage.
| NEXT | $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 for small businesses with two employees across 79 major industries or business types and focus solely on professional liability/errors and omissions policies. Survey results reflect limited sample data and may not represent all available rates in your area.
Cheapest Workers’ Comp Insurance Companies in Delaware
NEXT offers the cheapest workers' comp coverage in Delaware at $74 monthly ($883 annually). Thimble and Progressive Commercial also provide competitive rates, making all three solid choices for business coverage in the state.
| NEXT | $74 | $883 |
| Thimble | $76 | $912 |
| Progressive Commercial | $76 | $914 |
| The Hartford | $76 | $915 |
| Hiscox | $76 | $917 |
| Simply Business | $77 | $922 |
| Coverdash | $78 | $936 |
| biBerk | $80 | $965 |
| Nationwide | $87 | $1,047 |
| Chubb | $91 | $1,094 |
How Did We Determine These Rates?
These rates are for small businesses with two employees across 79 major industries or business types and focus solely on workers’ comp policies. Survey results reflect limited sample data and may not represent all available rates in your area.
Cheapest BOP Insurance Companies in Delaware
Thimble offers the cheapest BOP rates in Delaware, with an average monthly cost of $129 ($1,547 annually). Business owners can also find affordable BOP insurance with The Hartford, Simply Business and Nationwide.
| Thimble | $129 | $1,547 |
| The Hartford | $134 | $1,603 |
| Simply Business | $136 | $1,634 |
| Nationwide | $156 | $1,869 |
| biBerk | $159 | $1,913 |
| Progressive Commercial | $161 | $1,935 |
| Coverdash | $162 | $1,946 |
| NEXT | $168 | $2,014 |
| Hiscox | $181 | $2,173 |
| Chubb | $192 | $2,308 |
How Did We Determine These Rates?
These rates are for small businesses with two employees across 79 major industries or business types and focus solely on BOP policies. Survey results reflect limited sample data and may not represent all available rates in your area.
How Much Does Business Insurance Cost in Delaware?
Business insurance in Delaware costs between $79 and $158 monthly, with workers compensation being the most affordable and business owner's policies the most expensive. Rates vary based on the coverage type your business needs.
| BOP | $158 |
| General Liability | $111 |
| Professional Liability (E&O) | $83 |
| Workers Comp | $79 |
How Did We Determine These Rates?
These rates are for small businesses with two employees across 79 major industries or business types and focus on four coverage types: general liability, professional liability/E&O, workers' comp and business owner's policy. Survey results reflect limited sample data and may not represent all available rates in your area.
Cost of Business Insurance by Industry and Coverage
Business insurance costs in Delaware vary significantly by industry and coverage type. Speech therapists pay as little as $6 monthly for workers' compensation, while pressure washing businesses can pay up to $1,452 for a business owner's policy.
Data filtered by:Results filtered by:
Select
Coverage Type:Business Owners Policy
Select
Industry:Accountants
| Accountants | Business Owners Policy | $35 |
How Did We Determine These Rates?
These rates are for small businesses with two employees across 79 major industries or business types and focus on four coverage types: general liability, professional liability/E&O, workers' comp and business owner's policy. Survey results reflect limited sample data and may not represent all available rates in your area.
What Factors Influence My Costs?
Your Delaware business insurance premiums might be higher than expected. Here are the key factors that determine your insurance costs in the state.
Industry Risk Level
Your business type largely determines your insurance costs. Construction companies pay more than consultants because of higher accident risks. A construction firm might pay $500 monthly for coverage, while a consulting business often pays under $50 for similar protection levels.
Geographic Location and Weather Risks
Delaware businesses face unique location-based risks that affect insurance costs. Coastal areas near Rehoboth Beach pay more due to flood risks, while inland locations like Dover see lower rates. According to NOAA data, Delaware experiences fewer natural disasters than neighboring states, helping keep rates stable for most businesses.
Business Size
Your employee count and revenue directly impact insurance costs. A retail store with 15 employees and $1 million in annual revenue pays substantially more than a solo consultant working from home. This reflects the increased liability exposure and higher workers' compensation requirements for larger operations.
Claims History
Your claims record affects rates across all coverage types. Even a single property damage claim can increase your premiums by 10% to 20%. Most insurers look back three to five years when setting rates, rewarding claim-free businesses with lower premiums.
Coverage Types and Limits
Your coverage choices shape your premium costs. Basic liability coverage starts around $300 per year, but adding property protection or higher limits increases rates. Many Delaware businesses save 10% to 15% by choosing a business owner's policy that bundles multiple coverages.
Years in Business
Insurance companies charge higher rates for new Delaware businesses due to limited operating history. After three years of stable operation, many businesses qualify for lower premiums and additional coverage options.
Professional Certifications
Industry certifications and safety training programs can reduce your insurance costs. Delaware contractors with OSHA safety certifications often save 5% to 15% on workers' compensation premiums. Professional licenses show insurers you follow industry best practices.
Delaware Business Insurance Buying Guide
Running a business takes considerable time and energy, which can make getting business insurance feel like an overwhelming task. Our guide breaks down business insurance requirements in Delaware into simple, actionable steps.
What Coverage Is Required?
We've researched all Delaware business insurance requirements to save you time. Find a complete breakdown of what coverage your business needs in the section below.
Workers' Comp
Delaware requires workers' comp insurance for businesses with one or more employees, full-time and part-time. This covers employees who get injured or ill while working. Under Delaware law, farm workers are exempt from this requirement, though their employers may choose to carry workers' comp coverage voluntarily. Employers cannot charge employees any amount for coverage costs. Workers' comp covers medical bills for work-related injuries and illnesses, plus part of the wages lost while the employee recovers and cannot work.
Commercial Auto Insurance
All business-owned vehicles in Delaware must carry commercial auto insurance. Delaware requires all vehicles must have $25,000 per person, $50,000 per accident for injuries and $10,000 for property damage (25/50/10). Delaware also requires personal injury protection coverage of $15,000 per person and $30,000 per accident for business vehicles. This no-fault coverage pays for medical costs and lost wages no matter who caused the accident.
What Coverage Do We Recommend?
Delaware keeps business insurance regulations light, letting you choose the protection that fits your needs. Our experts have identified the best coverage options for the state's leading industries:
Manufacturing | General liability, product liability, workers' compensation, commercial property, environmental liability, business interruption, hurricane coverage, supply chain interruption | Delaware manufacturers in the chemical corridor face environmental contamination risks, hurricane damage, and strict EPA regulations. DuPont legacy sites require specialized pollution liability coverage for historical contamination cleanup. |
Consulting | Professional liability (E&O), general liability, cyber liability, employment practices liability, commercial property, business interruption, directors & officers (D&O) | Delaware consulting firms serving Fortune 500 headquarters face high-stakes corporate liability from strategic advice failures. Proximity to major corporations creates elevated professional liability exposure and cyber attack targeting. |
Lawyers | Professional liability (malpractice), general liability, cyber liability, employment practices liability, commercial property, business interruption, cyber crime coverage | Delaware law firms handle corporate formations and complex business litigation with massive financial stakes. Legal malpractice claims can exceed policy limits, while client data breaches create substantial cyber liability exposure. |
Retail | General liability, commercial property, business interruption, cyber liability, commercial crime, hurricane coverage, employment practices liability, tax-free shopping coverage | Delaware retailers benefit from no sales tax but face hurricane business interruptions and high customer volumes from neighboring states. Shopping centers near borders require specialized coverage for out-of-state customer liability claims. |
Restaurant | General liability, product liability, commercial property, equipment breakdown, business interruption, hurricane coverage, liquor liability, workers' compensation, coastal flooding coverage | Delaware restaurants along the coast face hurricane closures, flooding damage, and seasonal tourism fluctuations. Beachfront establishments require specialized coverage for storm surge damage and evacuation-related business interruption. |
How to Get the Best Cheap Business Insurance in Delaware
Small business owners in Delaware often struggle to find the right insurance coverage at reasonable rates. Here are practical steps to secure reliable business protection while keeping your insurance costs under control:
- 1
Assess Your Actual Risks First
Start by evaluating real risks specific to your Delaware business operations. A retail store in Dover needs different coverage than a Wilmington consulting firm. Focus on protecting against likely scenarios rather than purchasing excessive coverage.
- 2
Get Quotes from Multiple Insurers
Insurance costs vary significantly between providers in Delaware. Contact at least three insurance companies to compare rates. A small retail business could save hundreds annually by getting multiple quotes for the same coverage levels.
- 3
Choose Providers Based on Service Quality
Look beyond just the premium costs when selecting an insurer. Check financial strength ratings and read reviews from other Delaware business owners. A restaurant needs an insurer with quick claim response times for equipment breakdown coverage.
- 4
Maximize Available Discounts
Take advantage of multi-policy discounts and safety program credits. A Delaware retail store could save by bundling property and liability coverage. Installing security systems and maintaining a clean claims record can also reduce costs.
- 5
Review Coverage Annually
Business needs change as your company grows. A small Sussex County shop that adds delivery services needs different coverage than when it started. Regular reviews ensure you maintain appropriate coverage at competitive rates.
Delaware Business Insurance: Bottom Line
Based on our analysis, NEXT, The Hartford and Simply Business are Delaware's best business insurance providers. However, what's ideal for you depends on your business risks and employee needs. Research each company's service quality, maximize discounts and select coverage that fits your budget.
Small Business Insurance in Delaware: FAQ
Delaware business owners often have questions about finding the right insurance coverage for their companies. Here are answers to the most common questions:
What business insurance is required by law in Delaware?
Delaware requires workers' compensation for businesses with one or more employees. Commercial auto insurance is mandatory with minimum limits of $25,000/$50,000/$10,000. General liability isn't required but is strongly recommended.
How much does business insurance cost in Delaware?
Business insurance in Delaware ranges from $79 to $158 per month, depending on coverage. Workers' compensation is the lowest at $79, while Business Owner's Policies cost $158. Actual costs depend on your industry, business size and claims history.
Which company has the cheapest business insurance in Delaware?
The Hartford offers the lowest rates at $96 monthly in Delaware, followed by Simply Business ($96) and Thimble ($101). Always compare quotes since rates vary based on your specific risks.
What business insurance do I need for my small business in Delaware?
Start with general liability to protect against customer injuries and property damage. Add workers' compensation for employees and commercial auto for company vehicles. Retailers need property coverage, while contractors require builder's risk and equipment insurance.
What is the best business insurance company in Delaware?
NEXT leads Delaware's business insurance market with a MoneyGeek score of 4.65 out of 5. The Hartford and Simply Business are also excellent choices. Compare multiple providers to determine which best matches your business requirements.
Do small businesses in Delaware need workers' compensation insurance?
Yes, Delaware businesses must carry workers' compensation insurance if they have one or more employees. Coverage protects both employers and workers from financial losses due to workplace injuries.
What factors affect business insurance costs in Delaware?
Your industry impacts costs the most. Construction businesses pay higher premiums than retail stores. Coastal Delaware locations face higher rates due to hurricane risks. Employee count affects workers' compensation costs, while claims history and safety certifications influence rates.
How do I get cheap business insurance in Delaware?
Compare quotes from multiple insurers like NEXT and The Hartford, which offer competitive rates in Delaware. Bundle policies and implement safety programs to secure additional discounts.
What's the difference between general liability and errors and omissions (professional liability) insurance in Delaware?
General liability insurance covers property damage and physical injuries at your business. Professional liability (E&O) covers financial losses from service-related mistakes, missed deadlines or negligent advice.
Can I get business insurance quotes online in Delaware?
All major insurance providers offer online quotes in Delaware. Have your business information ready for accurate quotes. Complex businesses may need an agent for specialized coverage options.
How We Scored the Best Business Insurance Companies in Delaware
Small business owners in Delaware need reliable coverage that protects their operations without exceeding their budgets. We designed our methodology to help Delaware entrepreneurs navigate challenges like hurricane risks and the state's workers' compensation requirements.
We studied thousands of quotes from 79 industries across four coverage types for a two-employee firm with $300,000 annual revenue and $150,000 payroll. All policies included $1 million per occurrence and $2 million total per year, with BOPs adding $5,000 business property coverage.
- Affordability (50% of score): We analyze premium costs across multiple industries and coverage types, comparing rates for similar coverage levels to identify insurers offering the best value for Delaware businesses.
- Customer experience (30% of score): Our team evaluates claims processing, customer service response times and digital tools to assess how well each insurer serves small business clients.
- Coverage options (15% of score): We examine policy customization options, industry-specific endorsements and coverage limits to ensure businesses can get appropriate protection.
- Financial strength (5% of score): We review insurer stability ratings from major agencies to confirm their ability to pay claims long term.
This approach helps Delaware small business owners compare insurers on what matters most: affordable premiums, reliable service, adequate coverage and financial stability.
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
- National Centers for Environmental Information. "Billion-Dollar Weather and Climate Disasters." Accessed August 25, 2025.
- The Hartford. "Customer Claims Ratings and Reviews." Accessed August 25, 2025.
- Trustpilot. "NEXT." Accessed August 25, 2025.
- Trustpilot. "Simply Business US." Accessed August 25, 2025.
- Trustpilot. "The Hartford." Accessed August 25, 2025.