The Hartford leads small business insurance in Iowa with the lowest rates and strongest financial stability. It also ranks second for customer service. NEXT and Simply Business offer comprehensive coverage options and competitive pricing for Iowa business owners.
Best Small Business Insurance in Iowa
Iowa's top business insurers are The Hartford, NEXT and Simply Business, offering coverage from just $6 monthly for small businesses.
Get matched to the best Iowa commercial insurer for you below.

Updated: January 6, 2026
Advertising & Editorial Disclosure
The Hartford leads Iowa's best small business insurance market, ranking first in affordability and stability while placing second in customer service.
The Hartford , NEXT and Simply Business have the cheapest small business insurance in Iowa, with rates starting at $80 monthly ($962 annually).
Choosing the right small business insurance coverage means assessing your risks, comparing quotes and stacking discounts.
Get Matched to the Best Small Business Insurance Providers in Iowa
Select your industry and state to get a customized quote for your Iowa business.
Best Small Business Insurance Companies in Iowa
| The Hartford | 4.66 | $80 | 2 | 3 |
| NEXT Insurance | 4.64 | $95 | 1 | 2 |
| Simply Business | 4.51 | $92 | 5 | 1 |
| Nationwide | 4.49 | $96 | 2 | 4 |
| Coverdash | 4.43 | $96 | 6 | 2 |
| biBERK | 4.40 | $100 | 2 | 5 |
| Progressive Commercial | 4.34 | $94 | 7 | 5 |
| Thimble | 4.34 | $89 | 8 | 5 |
| Hiscox | 4.28 | $103 | 4 | 6 |
| Chubb | 4.27 | $112 | 3 | 4 |
Note: These rates reflect MoneyGeek's analysis of small businesses with two employees across 79 major industries. Your actual rates vary based on your industry risk factors, claims history, coverage limits and individual insurer underwriting criteria. Contact insurers directly for personalized quotes.
Discover the best or cheapest business insurer in Iowa for your desired coverage type in our resources below:

Best and Cheapest Iowa Business Insurance
Average Monthly Cost of General Liability Insurance
$102This 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
$69This 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
4.5/5 (1st)Our Survey: Agent Service
4.7/5 (1st)
- pros
Ranks first for affordability
Ranks first for financial stability
Offers responsive customer service with consistently high satisfaction ratings
consRanks third for coverage options
Less user-friendly digital tools and online platform
The Hartford ranks first in MoneyGeek's Iowa analysis while charging just $80 monthly, leaving more cash in your budget than competitors. The company's A+ AM Best rating means your claims get paid even during economic downturns, backed by 200+ years of proven reliability. It's best for Iowa businesses who want the lowest rates without sacrificing financial security when you actually need to file claims.
You'll save $10 to $20 monthly compared to Iowa averages across all major coverage types. General liability costs $78 monthly (below Iowa's $99 average), professional liability runs $68, and business owner's policies cost $109, freeing up budget for operations while maintaining $1M/$2M protection. Workers' compensation at $66 monthly beats most competitors and costs less than the state's $70 average.
You'll get claims resolved faster than with most insurers, as The Hartford ranks first nationally for both claims processing and agent service. Expect occasional delays during peak filing seasons and less streamlined digital tools than app-focused competitors like NEXT. This trade-off works well if you value phone support over self-service apps when problems arise.
Overall Customer Score 4.38 2 Claims Process 4.50 1 Customer Service 4.70 1 Digital Experience 3.80 10 Overall Satisfaction 4.50 1 Policy Management 4.20 4 Recommend to Others 4.50 2 Renewal Likelihood 4.40 2 The Hartford protects Iowa businesses from data breaches through cyber liability coverage and wrongful termination lawsuits through employment practices policies alongside standard coverage. You'll find protection whether you run a construction company, retail shop or professional services firm across 65+ industries. Confirm specialized coverage availability during quoting, as some niche options have regional limitations.

Best Iowa Customer Experience
Average Monthly Cost of General Liability Insurance
$98This 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
$65This rate is for small businesses with two employees across 79 major industries or business types and focus solely on workers' comp policies.Our Survey: Digital Experience
4.8/5 (1st)Our Survey: Likely to Be Recommended to Others
4.8/5 (1st)
- pros
Ranks first in Iowa for customer service
Ranks second for comprehensive coverage options
Easy policy management online
consRanks sixth in financial stability
Limited physical offices
NEXT ranks second in MoneyGeek's Iowa analysis at $95 monthly, using technology built specifically for smartphone-era business owners rather than adapted from legacy systems. You can update policies, generate certificates and file claims at 2 a.m. without waiting for business hours. It's best for Iowa businesses who value instant self-service access over phone conversations with agents when handling insurance tasks.
You'll pay $95 monthly or $1,143 annually on average, landing in the middle range for Iowa. Workers' compensation leads at $65 monthly (below Iowa's $70 average), while professional liability ranks second at $69, making standalone coverage affordable. However, business owner's policies cost $149 monthly and rank eighth, running above Iowa's $141 average and making bundled coverage pricier than buying policies separately.
You'll handle most insurance tasks through NEXT's app without phone calls, as nine out of 10 business owners recommend the platform to peers. File claims, update coverage and generate certificates instantly at any hour with the company's first-place customer experience ranking. Complex claims requiring investigation take five to seven days versus two to three days with top-ranked traditional carriers.
Overall Customer Score 4.45 1 Claims Process 3.90 4 Customer Service 4.20 4 Digital Experience 4.80 1 Overall Satisfaction 4.40 2 Policy Management 4.30 1 Recommend to Others 4.80 1 Renewal Likelihood 4.60 1 NEXT's unified digital platform eliminates juggling multiple carrier relationships by providing general liability, professional liability and workers' compensation through one interface for Iowa contractors, consultants and retail shops. You can modify coverage limits and add endorsements immediately online rather than waiting for agent callbacks. Aviation, healthcare and construction specialty trades may need traditional carriers for niche policies NEXT doesn't offer.

Best Commercial Coverage Options in Iowa
Average Monthly Cost of General Liability Insurance
$91This 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
$67This rate is for small businesses with two employees across 79 major industries or business types and focus solely on workers' comp policies.Our Survey: Digital Experience
4.5/5Our Survey: Service Quality
4.0/5
- pros
Ranks first for coverage options
Ranks third for affordability
Offers a user-friendly online quote comparison platform
consRanks fifth for customer service
Ranks mid-range for financial stability
Simply Business charges $92 monthly (third in MoneyGeek's analysis of 10 providers in Iowa) and connects you with over 20 A-rated carriers, eliminating the need to fill out the same business information multiple times for different insurers. You compare quotes simultaneously through one platform rather than juggling carrier websites or scheduling broker calls. It's best for Iowa businesses who want efficient carrier shopping and specialized coverage without pressure sales calls or week-long broker quotes.
You'll pay $92 monthly or $1,100 annually on average, ranking third overall for Iowa affordability. General liability costs $91 monthly and ranks second (below the state average of $99), while business owner's policies cost $136 monthly and rank third. Workers' compensation at $67 monthly beats most competitors, though professional liability at $72 sits in the middle range.
You'll compare quotes from multiple carriers side-by-side through one platform, with nearly 9 out of 10 business owners rating the digital experience excellent. Simply Business earns a 4.6-star Trustpilot average from users praising the quote comparison process and online convenience. However, claims processing ranks eighth, as you work directly with your chosen carrier's claims team without a dedicated Simply Business advocate during stressful claim situations.
Overall Customer Score 4.14 7 Claims Process 3.70 8 Customer Service 4.00 6 Digital Experience 4.50 3 Overall Satisfaction 4.10 7 Policy Management 4.10 7 Recommend to Others 4.20 8 Renewal Likelihood 4.10 7 Simply Business gives Iowa contractors access to specialized equipment coverage and retail shops protection from customer injury claims by partnering with major carriers like Travelers and CNA. You'll compare general liability, professional liability, workers' compensation and business owner's policies from multiple insurers without calling each carrier or completing duplicate applications. This marketplace approach works best for businesses seeking customized protection from niche risks single carriers may not cover comprehensively.
How to Get the Best Cheap Small Business Insurance in Iowa
Getting small business insurance in Iowa means preparing for weather extremes, like the derecho in 2020 that knocked out power across eastern Iowa for weeks, and river flooding that regularly threatens businesses statewide. These steps show you how to find coverage that protects your operation.
- 1
Know what Iowa law requires versus what protects your business
Iowa law requires workers' compensation once you hire anyone and commercial auto at 20/40/15 minimums for work vehicles. General liability isn't state-mandated, but Des Moines landlords require $1 million to lease you space, and clients demand certificates of insurance before signing contracts.
- 2
Match coverage to real risks your Iowa small business faces
Contractors need inland marine when tools get stolen from trucks or damaged during Iowa's harsh winter freeze-thaw cycles. Storefronts need general liability to cover medical bills and legal costs from customer slip-and-falls, especially during icy conditions. Professional services working with agricultural clients need errors and omissions coverage when advice leads to financial losses.
- 3
Compare standard carriers with Iowa specialty programs
NEXT, The Hartford and Simply Business are top options, but Iowa's assigned risk pool provides workers' compensation when you run high-risk operations or have past claims. However, be prepared to pay premiums that are 25% to 50% more than standard market rates.
- 4
Test claims service before committing to low premium
The 2020 derecho generated over 200,000 Iowa insurance claims within weeks, overwhelming adjusters statewide. Ask potential insurers how many adjusters they deployed and their average resolution times, like how NEXT lets you file through their app, while The Hartford maintains regional adjusters experienced with Iowa disasters.
- 5
Stack bundling discounts with Iowa safety incentives
Bundle general liability with commercial property in a business owner's policy to cut premiums 20% to 30%, and pay annually to avoid installment fees adding $200 to $400 yearly. Small businesses qualify for safety training discounts, and going 12 months claim-free earns you renewal discounts.
- 6
Review coverage when you hit common growth triggers
Hiring your first employee makes workers' compensation legally required in Iowa, and buying your first work vehicle means commercial auto becomes required. Larger contracts often demand $2 million aggregate limits instead of the standard $1 million. Review your business insurance costs before signing new contracts or adding staff, not after.
Best Business Liability Insurance Iowa: Bottom Line
The Hartford, NEXT and Simply Business lead Iowa business insurance, though your best choice depends on your risks and budget. Compare their derecho claim handling, stack discounts and match coverage to your actual exposures.
Business Insurance Iowa: FAQ
Small business owners in the Hawkeye State often have questions about choosing the right business insurance. We answer the most common concerns below:
What small business insurance is required in Iowa, and what coverage is recommended for my type of business?
Iowa mandates workers' compensation from your first hire and commercial auto at 20/40/15 minimums for work vehicles. Landlords require $1 million in general liability for leases, and clients demand proof of insurance for contracts. Match additional coverage to your industry risks—grain operations need inland marine.
How much does small business insurance cost in Iowa, and what factors affect the price most?
Coverage costs for your Iowa business depend on your industry, but these are the monthly and annual averages by coverage type:
- General liability insurance: $99 monthly or $1,183 annually
- Workers' compensation insurance: $70 monthly or $839 annually
- Professional liability (E&O) insurance: $74 monthly or $886 annually
- Business owner's policy (BOP): $141 monthly or $1,688 annually
Your employee count, claims history and industry risk level affect rates most. Compare quotes from three insurers to find competitive pricing.
Which insurance companies are the best for small businesses in Iowa, and what makes them a good fit?
The Hartford leads with the lowest rates and strongest financial stability. NEXT offers top-ranked customer service and easy online management. Simply Business provides the most comprehensive coverage options. All three offer instant online quotes. Compare pricing and coverage across providers for your industry.
How do I compare quotes and policies so I get the right coverage without overpaying?
Request quotes from three insurers for identical coverage limits to compare pricing directly. Check each policy's exclusions, deductibles and claim filing process. Ask about their derecho claim resolution times. Bundle general liability with commercial property in a business owner's policy for 20% to 30% savings.
What insurance do I need to meet client, landlord, or vendor requirements?
Most commercial leases require $1 million in general liability coverage. Clients demand certificates of insurance showing adequate liability limits before signing contracts. Some contracts specify $2 million in aggregate coverage. Request certificates of insurance from your insurer to submit for lease or contract compliance.

About Mark Fitzpatrick

Mark Fitzpatrick, a Licensed Property and Casualty Insurance Producer, is MoneyGeek's resident Personal Finance Expert. He has analyzed the insurance market for over five years, conducting original research for insurance shoppers. His insights have been featured in 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
- Iowa Department of Inspections, Appeals, & Licensing. "Compliance." Accessed January 12, 2026.
- Iowa Insurance Division. "Consumer Connection: Auto Insurance Terms to Know." Accessed January 12, 2026.

