NEXT leads Kentucky business insurance providers with outstanding customer service and robust coverage options. The Hartford and Simply Business offer reliable alternatives for the state's business owners seeking quality protection.
Updated: August 20, 2025
Advertising & Editorial Disclosure
Key Takeaways
Small business owners can get the best business insurance in Kentucky from NEXT, The Hartford and Simply Business.
The best business insurance in Kentucky depends on your specific industry risks, number of employees 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 Kentucky
| NEXT | 4.62 | 4 | 1 | 2 |
| The Hartford | 4.62 | 1 | 2 | 3 |
| Simply Business | 4.48 | 5 | 5 | 1 |
| Nationwide | 4.47 | 8 | 2 | 4 |
| Coverdash | 4.41 | 6 | 6 | 2 |
| biBERK | 4.39 | 8 | 2 | 5 |
| Progressive Commercial | 4.32 | 3 | 7 | 5 |
| Thimble | 4.29 | 2 | 8 | 5 |
| Hiscox | 4.27 | 7 | 4 | 6 |
| Chubb | 4.26 | 9 | 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
The Hartford stands out for general liability coverage and business owner's policies (BOP) in Kentucky. NEXT leads for professional liability insurance and workers' compensation coverage.
| Business Owners Policy | The Hartford | 4.64 |
| General Liability | The Hartford | 4.59 |
| Professional Liability (E&O) | NEXT | 4.70 |
| Workers Compensation | NEXT | 4.60 |
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 Kentucky Small Business Insurance Reviews
Our research identified the top three business insurance providers in Kentucky. Each company offers unique advantages for small business owners looking for comprehensive coverage. Here's what makes each stand out.
NEXT
Best Customer Experience
MoneyGeek Rating
4.6/ of 5
4.4/5Affordability
4.7/5Customer Experience
4.8/5Coverage Options
Average Monthly Cost of General Liability Insurance
$82This 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
$64This 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
3.9/5National Ranking: #4Our Survey: Likely to Be Recommended to Others
4.8/5National Ranking: #1
Simply Business
Best for Coverage Options
MoneyGeek Rating
4.5/ of 5
4.4/5Affordability
4.2/5Customer Experience
4.9/5Coverage Options
Average Monthly Cost of General Liability Insurance
$84This 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
$66This 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
4.5/5Ranked #1 nationallyOur Survey: Likely to Be Recommended to Others
4.5/5Ranked #2 nationally
Cheapest Business Insurance Companies in Kentucky
The Hartford provides the most affordable business insurance in Kentucky at $83 monthly ($996 annually). NEXT and Thimble round out the top three budget-friendly options, with rates of $84 and $88 per month respectively. You can compare rates from all providers in the table below to find the best coverage for your business needs.
| The Hartford | $83 | $996 |
| NEXT | $84 | $1,012 |
| Thimble | $88 | $1,053 |
| Simply Business | $90 | $1,082 |
| Progressive Commercial | $92 | $1,109 |
| Coverdash | $94 | $1,131 |
| Nationwide | $95 | $1,135 |
| biBERK | $97 | $1,163 |
| Hiscox | $101 | $1,212 |
| Chubb | $110 | $1,319 |
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 Kentucky
Kentucky business owners can find cheapest general liability coverage through NEXT at $82 monthly. This rate beats The Hartford's second-lowest premium of $84 per month. Compare all provider rates in the table below.
| NEXT | $82 | $980 |
| The Hartford | $84 | $1,005 |
| Simply Business | $89 | $1,071 |
| Nationwide | $90 | $1,085 |
| Progressive Commercial | $93 | $1,119 |
| Coverdash | $96 | $1,157 |
| Thimble | $100 | $1,201 |
| Hiscox | $107 | $1,279 |
| biBERK | $107 | $1,280 |
| Chubb | $111 | $1,330 |
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 Kentucky
The Hartford offers the most affordable professional liability insurance (E&O) at $66 monthly ($790 annually). NEXT is another budget-friendly option for Kentucky businesses.
| The Hartford | $66 | $790 |
| NEXT | $68 | $814 |
| Progressive Commercial | $70 | $842 |
| Simply Business | $71 | $858 |
| Thimble | $72 | $858 |
| Hiscox | $72 | $866 |
| Coverdash | $73 | $871 |
| biBERK | $74 | $889 |
| Nationwide | $77 | $921 |
| Chubb | $83 | $991 |
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 Kentucky
NEXT offers Kentucky's cheapest workers' comp coverage at $64 monthly ($771 annually). Thimble and The Hartford provide similarly competitive rates, making all three solid choices for Bluegrass State businesses.
| NEXT | $64 | $771 |
| Thimble | $66 | $788 |
| The Hartford | $66 | $793 |
| Progressive Commercial | $66 | $795 |
| Simply Business | $66 | $796 |
| Hiscox | $67 | $801 |
| Coverdash | $68 | $815 |
| biBERK | $70 | $838 |
| Nationwide | $75 | $902 |
| Chubb | $79 | $948 |
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 Kentucky
Thimble offers the cheapest BOP rates in Kentucky, with monthly premiums of $114 ($1,365 annually). Business owners can also find affordable BOP insurance through The Hartford, NEXT and Simply Business.
| Thimble | $114 | $1,365 |
| The Hartford | $116 | $1,396 |
| NEXT | $124 | $1,483 |
| Simply Business | $134 | $1,603 |
| Nationwide | $136 | $1,632 |
| biBERK | $137 | $1,646 |
| Progressive Commercial | $140 | $1,678 |
| Coverdash | $140 | $1,680 |
| Hiscox | $159 | $1,903 |
| Chubb | $167 | $2,006 |
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 Kentucky?
Business insurance in Kentucky costs between $69 to $137 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 | $137 |
| General Liability | $96 |
| Professional Liability (E&O) | $73 |
| Workers Comp | $69 |
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 Kentucky vary widely based on industry and coverage types. For example, workers' compensation for speech therapists costs just $6 monthly, while pressure washing businesses pay $1,276 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 | $30 |
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 Kentucky business insurance premiums are influenced by several key factors. Here's what affects your rates and why they might be higher than expected:
Industry risk level
Your business type drives your insurance costs more than any other factor. A construction company pays much more than a consultant because job sites have higher accident risks. A Kentucky contractor might pay $500 monthly for coverage, while an accountant pays closer to $50.
Geographic location and weather risks
Kentucky businesses face substantial weather-related risks that impact insurance costs. According to FEMA data, Kentucky ranks 7th nationally for major disaster declarations, with severe storms, flooding, and tornadoes driving up commercial property insurance rates across the state.
Business size
Your workforce size directly affects your insurance costs. Workers' compensation rates are calculated per $100 of payroll, while liability costs increase with higher revenue and customer traffic. A retail store with 15 employees and $1 million in sales pays considerably more than a solo consultant working from home.
Claims history
Insurance claims follow your business for years and can quickly increase your rates. Even a single liability claim affects costs across multiple coverage types. Most Kentucky insurers offer better rates to businesses that stay claim-free for three or more years.
Coverage types and limits
Your coverage choices directly impact your costs. Higher liability limits increase premiums, but bundling coverage through a Business Owner's Policy often saves money. Kentucky businesses often save 10-15% by combining property and liability coverage.
Years in business
New Kentucky businesses pay higher premiums since insurers lack data to assess their risk level. Operating claim-free for three to five years often leads to lower rates as you build a solid track record with insurers.
Professional certifications
Safety certifications and professional licenses can reduce your insurance costs, especially in high-risk industries. Kentucky contractors with OSHA safety certifications often qualify for premium discounts up to 15% since they demonstrate commitment to workplace safety.
Kentucky Business Insurance Buying Guide
Running a business takes all your attention, and finding the right insurance coverage shouldn't add to your workload. Getting business insurance in Kentucky follows a clear process, and we'll guide you through each step to help you make smart coverage decisions.
What Coverage Is Required?
We've done the research on Kentucky business insurance requirements for you. Check out our detailed breakdown of coverage requirements in the section below.
Workers' comp
Kentucky requires all employers to carry workers' compensation insurance, even if they have only one part-time employee. This applies to virtually all public and private-sector employers. Limited exceptions include domestic workers in private homes (with fewer than two full-time employees), workers covered under federal workers' compensation programs, and homeowners employing residential maintenance workers for up to 20 consecutive workdays. However, these exempt employees may voluntarily participate in their organization's workers' comp program. Fines for operating without coverage can reach $1,000 per employee for each day of non-compliance.
Commercial auto insurance
All business-owned or leased vehicles in Kentucky must be covered by commercial auto insurance with minimum liability limits of $25,000/$50,000/$25,000. This means $25,000 for bodily injury per person, $50,000 for bodily injury per accident and $25,000 for property damage per accident. Kentucky is a no-fault state, so commercial policies must also include a minimum of $10,000 in personal injury protection (PIP) coverage that pays medical expenses regardless of fault. Alternatively, businesses can opt for a single combined limit of $60,000 with basic PIP benefits.
Unemployment insurance tax
Kentucky employers must register with the Office of Unemployment Insurance and pay unemployment insurance taxes when they meet specific wage or employment thresholds. You become liable if you pay at least $1,500 in gross wages in a single calendar quarter, or have at least one worker performing service in any part of 20 different weeks out of a calendar year. You must register using the Kentucky Business One Stop Portal to receive your Kentucky Employer Identification Number (KEIN). Tax rates vary based on your industry classification and claims history.
What Coverage Do We Recommend?
Kentucky keeps business insurance regulations minimal, leaving you to determine the right coverage for your company. Our analysis reveals the most effective coverage options for the state's leading industries:
Manufacturing | General liability, product liability, workers' compensation, commercial property, business interruption, bourbon/alcohol manufacturing coverage, tornado coverage, flood coverage, environmental liability | Kentucky manufacturers in bourbon distilling, automotive, and appliances face tornado damage, flooding risks, and specialized liability from alcohol production. Bourbon aging warehouses require coverage for fire, collapse, and contamination of aging inventory. |
Food | General liability, product liability, commercial property, equipment breakdown, business interruption, contamination coverage, recall coverage, tornado coverage, flood coverage, workers' compensation | Kentucky food processors handle poultry, bourbon barrel cooperage, and agricultural products with contamination risks. Flooding from Kentucky River systems can contaminate facilities, while tornado damage can trigger widespread product recalls. |
Veterinary | Professional liability, general liability, cyber liability, commercial property, equine specialty coverage, thoroughbred insurance, large animal coverage, racing injury liability, emergency transport coverage | Kentucky veterinarians serve the thoroughbred racing industry with specialized equine malpractice exposure and high-value horse injury liability. Racing veterinary work requires elevated professional liability limits due to multi-million dollar thoroughbred values. |
How to Get the Best Cheap Business Insurance in Kentucky
Getting the right business insurance in Kentucky can strain your budget and time as a small business owner. Here are practical steps to secure reliable coverage while keeping your costs under control:
- 1
Assess your actual risks first
Review your business operations to identify real risks specific to Kentucky requirements. A retail store in Louisville needs different coverage than a farming operation in rural Kentucky. Focus on coverage that protects against likely scenarios rather than every possible risk.
- 2
Get quotes from multiple insurers
Contact several insurance providers licensed in Kentucky to compare rates. Local insurance costs can vary by hundreds or even thousands of dollars for the same coverage. Request quotes from at least three providers to find the most competitive rates for your business type.
- 3
Choose providers based on service quality
Check each insurer's Kentucky reputation and financial strength ratings. A Lexington restaurant needs an insurer with quick claim response times, while a Kentucky construction company requires an insurer experienced with contractor coverage.
- 4
Maximize every discount
Look for ways to reduce costs through policy bundling and safety programs. A Kentucky retail store can save by combining general liability with property insurance. Many insurers offer discounts for security systems and employee safety training.
- 5
Review coverage annually
Evaluate your insurance needs each year as your business changes. A small Kentucky consulting firm that grows from two to ten employees needs different coverage than when it started. Regular reviews ensure you maintain appropriate coverage at competitive rates.
Kentucky Business Insurance: Bottom Line
Based on our analysis, NEXT, The Hartford and Simply Business are Kentucky'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 Kentucky: FAQ
Kentucky business owners have many questions about insurance coverage for their companies, and we provide expert answers to the most common questions below.
What business insurance is required by law in Kentucky?
Kentucky requires workers' compensation if you have three or more employees. Commercial auto insurance minimums are $25,000/$50,000/$25,000. Contractors need surety bonds, while general liability remains optional but commonly required by clients.
How much does business insurance cost in Kentucky?
Our analysis shows that Kentucky business insurance costs range from $69 to $137 monthly, depending on coverage. Workers' comp is the lowest at $69, while BOPs run $137. Actual costs depend on your industry, business size and claims history.
Which company has the cheapest business insurance in Kentucky?
The Hartford offers the lowest rates at $83 monthly in Kentucky, with NEXT ($84) and Thimble ($88) following behind. Compare multiple quotes since rates vary based on business-specific factors.
What business insurance do I need for my small business in Kentucky?
Begin with general liability insurance to protect against customer injuries and property damage. Include workers' compensation for employees and commercial auto for company vehicles. Professional service businesses need E&O coverage, while retail stores require property and inventory protection.
What is the best business insurance company in Kentucky?
NEXT and The Hartford tie as Kentucky's top business insurance providers, both with MoneyGeek scores of 4.62 out of 5.0. Simply Business and Nationwide follow closely behind. Consider comparing multiple insurance providers to secure coverage that aligns with your business requirements.
Do small businesses in Kentucky need workers' compensation insurance?
Kentucky businesses must carry workers' compensation insurance if they have one or more employees. However, some exceptions exist for agricultural and domestic workers. Coverage protects both employers and workers from workplace injuries.
What factors affect business insurance costs in Kentucky?
Your industry significantly impacts costs. Construction businesses pay higher premiums than retail stores. Location within Kentucky affects rates, with flood-prone areas costing more. Employee count drives workers' comp expenses, while claim history and safety programs influence rates.
How do I get cheap business insurance in Kentucky?
Compare quotes from multiple insurers like The Hartford and NEXT, which offer competitive rates in Kentucky. Bundle policies, implement safety programs and carefully assess your coverage needs for maximum savings.
What's the difference between general liability and errors and omissions (professional liability) insurance in Kentucky?
General liability covers physical incidents like customer injuries and property damage on business premises. Errors and omissions insurance protects against service-related mistakes, including poor advice or missed deadlines.
Can I get business insurance quotes online in Kentucky?
Yes, leading providers offer online business insurance quotes in Kentucky. Have your business information ready for accurate quotes, though complex businesses may need agent assistance for specialized coverage.
How We Scored the Best Business Insurance Companies in Kentucky
Small business owners in Kentucky need reliable coverage that protects their operations without breaking their budgets. We designed our methodology to help Kentucky entrepreneurs navigate challenges like hurricane risks and the state's optional workers' compensation laws.
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 carriers, considering factors like industry type, location and coverage limits. Our research prioritizes finding sustainable rates that fit small business budgets.
Customer experience (30% of score): We evaluate claims processing speed, customer support availability and digital tools. This helps identify insurers who make policy management and claims filing straightforward.
Coverage options (15% of score): We assess available endorsements, industry-specific coverage and policy customization flexibility. This ensures businesses can tailor protection to their unique risks.
Financial strength (5% of score): We review AM Best ratings and other financial metrics to confirm insurers can reliably pay claims. This provides confidence in long-term carrier stability.
This approach helps Kentucky 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
- NEXT. "NEXT Empowers Agents with Enhanced Products, Cutting-Edge Digital Tools, Opening New Revenue Opportunities and Sparking Momentum in Small Business Insurance." Accessed July 25, 2025.
- Simply Business. "Simply Business Offers Insurance to Third-Party Sellers Through Amazon Insurance Accelerator." Accessed July 25, 2025.
- The Hartford. "Customer Claims Ratings and Reviews." Accessed July 25, 2025.
- Trustpilot. "NEXT." Accessed July 25, 2025.
- Trustpilot. "Simply Business US." Accessed July 25, 2025.
- Trustpilot. "The Hartford." Accessed July 25, 2025.