NEXT leads Massachusetts business insurance providers with outstanding customer service and competitive rates. Our analysis shows that NEXT ranks first in customer service and second in coverage options and affordability. The Hartford and Simply Business provide strong alternatives.
Business Insurance in Massachusetts
NEXT tops our business insurance Massachusetts rankings with a MoneyGeek score of 4.63 out of 5.
Find affordable coverage that protects your small business in Massachusetts below.
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Updated: September 21, 2025
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Key Takeaways
Small business owners can get the best business insurance in Massachusetts from NEXT, The Hartford and Simply Business.
The best business insurance in Massachusetts 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 Massachusetts
| NEXT | 4.63 | 2 | 1 | 2 |
| The Hartford | 4.61 | 1 | 2 | 3 |
| Simply Business | 4.49 | 3 | 5 | 1 |
| Nationwide | 4.47 | 6 | 2 | 4 |
| Coverdash | 4.41 | 4 | 6 | 2 |
| biBERK | 4.39 | 7 | 2 | 5 |
| Progressive Commercial | 4.32 | 3 | 7 | 5 |
| Thimble | 4.30 | 1 | 8 | 5 |
| Hiscox | 4.27 | 5 | 4 | 6 |
| Chubb | 4.26 | 8 | 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 Massachusetts businesses with top-rated general liability coverage, professional liability insurance and workers' compensation. The Hartford offers the best business owner's policies (BOP) and ranks second for general liability.
| Business Owners Policy | The Hartford | 4.66 |
| General Liability | NEXT | 4.57 |
| General Liability | The Hartford | 4.57 |
| Professional Liability (E&O) | NEXT | 4.71 |
| 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 Massachusetts Small Business Insurance Reviews
We detailed why these three providers ranked highest in our research on business insurance for small business owners in Massachusetts. If you're looking for comprehensive coverage, here's what makes each company stand out.
NEXT
Best Customer Experience
MoneyGeek Rating
4.6/ 5
4.5/5Affordability
4.7/5Customer Experience
4.8/5Coverage Options
Average Monthly Cost of General Liability Insurance
$108This 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
$72This 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
3.9/5Our Survey: Likely to Be Recommended to Others
4.8/5
The Hartford
Best for Affordability
MoneyGeek Rating
4.6/ 5
4.6/5Affordability
4.6/5Customer Experience
4.7/5Coverage Options
Average Monthly Cost of General Liability Insurance
$86This 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
$73This 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/ 5
4.5/5Affordability
4.2/5Customer Experience
4.9/5Coverage Options
Average Monthly Cost of General Liability Insurance
$100This 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
$75This 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
3.7/5Our Survey: Likely to Be Recommended to Others
4.2/5
Cheapest Business Insurance Companies in Massachusetts
The Hartford leads Massachusetts business insurance rates at $88 monthly ($1,054 annually). Thimble and Simply Business round out the top three most affordable options with rates of $99 and $101 per month. See the complete list of providers and their rates in the table below.
| The Hartford | $88 | $1,054 |
| Thimble | $99 | $1,183 |
| Simply Business | $101 | $1,216 |
| Progressive Commercial | $104 | $1,252 |
| NEXT | $105 | $1,255 |
| Coverdash | $106 | $1,271 |
| Nationwide | $107 | $1,285 |
| biBERK | $109 | $1,306 |
| Hiscox | $113 | $1,357 |
| Chubb | $124 | $1,484 |
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 Massachusetts
Massachusetts business owners can find the cheapest general liability coverage through The Hartford at $86 monthly. Simply Business offers the second-lowest rates at $100 per month. Compare all provider rates in the table below.
| The Hartford | $86 | $1,031 |
| Simply Business | $100 | $1,205 |
| Nationwide | $102 | $1,222 |
| Progressive Commercial | $105 | $1,261 |
| NEXT | $108 | $1,298 |
| Coverdash | $108 | $1,302 |
| Thimble | $112 | $1,348 |
| Hiscox | $120 | $1,434 |
| biBERK | $120 | $1,435 |
| Chubb | $125 | $1,496 |
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 Massachusetts
The Hartford offers the lowest-cost professional liability insurance (E&O) at $75 monthly ($900 annually). NEXT provides another budget-friendly option for business owners in the state.
| The Hartford | $75 | $900 |
| NEXT | $76 | $908 |
| Progressive Commercial | $79 | $947 |
| Simply Business | $80 | $959 |
| Hiscox | $81 | $967 |
| Thimble | $81 | $976 |
| Coverdash | $82 | $982 |
| biBERK | $83 | $1,001 |
| Nationwide | $86 | $1,037 |
| Chubb | $93 | $1,118 |
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 Massachusetts
NEXT offers Massachusetts' cheapest workers' comp coverage at $72 monthly ($868 annually). Hartford and Thimble provide similar competitive rates, making all three solid choices.
| NEXT | $72 | $868 |
| The Hartford | $73 | $871 |
| Thimble | $74 | $888 |
| Progressive Commercial | $74 | $888 |
| Simply Business | $75 | $895 |
| Hiscox | $75 | $899 |
| Coverdash | $76 | $913 |
| biBERK | $78 | $941 |
| Nationwide | $85 | $1,019 |
| Chubb | $89 | $1,067 |
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 Massachusetts
The Hartford offers the cheapest BOP rates in Massachusetts, with monthly premiums averaging $118 ($1,415 annually). Business owners can also find affordable BOP insurance through Thimble, Simply Business and biBERK.
| The Hartford | $118 | $1,415 |
| Thimble | $127 | $1,521 |
| Simply Business | $151 | $1,807 |
| biBERK | $154 | $1,847 |
| Nationwide | $155 | $1,862 |
| Coverdash | $157 | $1,888 |
| Progressive Commercial | $159 | $1,911 |
| NEXT | $162 | $1,947 |
| Hiscox | $177 | $2,128 |
| Chubb | $188 | $2,254 |
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 Massachusetts?
Business insurance in Massachusetts ranges from $77 to $155 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 | $155 |
| General Liability | $109 |
| Professional Liability (E&O) | $82 |
| Workers Comp | $77 |
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 Massachusetts vary widely based on industry and coverage types. Speech therapists pay just $6 monthly for workers' compensation, while pressure washing businesses pay $1,416 monthly 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 | $34 |
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 Massachusetts business insurance premiums reflect several key factors. Here's what influences your coverage costs in the state:
Industry Risk Level
Your business type affects insurance costs more than any other factor. Construction companies in Massachusetts pay much higher rates than office-based businesses because they face more physical risks. A local contractor might pay $300 monthly for coverage, while a business consultant pays around $50.
Geographic Location and Weather Risks
Your location in Massachusetts influences your rates significantly. Coastal businesses face higher costs due to nor'easter and flood risks. According to NOAA data, Massachusetts experienced 14 billion-dollar weather disasters since 1980, with coastal storm damage driving up insurance costs for businesses near the shore.
Business Size
Your employee count directly impacts insurance costs. Workers' compensation rates are calculated per $100 of payroll, while general liability costs reflect your revenue and customer volume. A retail store with 15 employees pays substantially more than a solo web designer working from home.
Claims History
Previous claims increase your rates for years afterward. Even one liability claim can raise premiums across multiple coverage types. Insurance companies offer better rates to Massachusetts businesses that maintain claim-free records.
Coverage Types and Limits
Your premium reflects your chosen coverage types and limits. Higher protection levels mean higher costs, but bundling coverages through a Business Owner's Policy can reduce overall expenses.
Years in Business
New Massachusetts businesses pay more for coverage because insurers lack data to assess risk. Operating claim-free for several years helps reduce your rates as you build a reliable track record.
Professional Certifications
Safety certifications and professional licenses can lower your insurance costs, especially in high-risk industries. Massachusetts insurers often offer discounts for OSHA certifications and industry-specific safety training programs.
Massachusetts Business Insurance Buying Guide
Getting business insurance can feel overwhelming when you're busy running your company. We've created a simple guide to help Massachusetts business owners understand their insurance options and make confident coverage decisions.
What Coverage Is Required?
Massachusetts requires specific business insurance coverage types. Find a complete breakdown of state-mandated coverage below.
Workers' Comp
Massachusetts requires workers' compensation insurance for nearly all businesses, with very few exceptions allowed. You must carry workers' comp if you have one or more employees, including part-time, seasonal and temporary workers. Massachusetts has stricter rules than most states: corporate officers and LLC members who work in the business are automatically covered unless they meet specific exemption criteria and formally opt out. Even sole proprietors in construction must carry coverage. The state also requires coverage for most independent contractors unless they meet strict qualification tests.
Commercial Auto Insurance
Small businesses that own vehicles or require employees to drive for work need commercial auto insurance. Massachusetts requires all vehicles to carry at least $20,000 per person and $40,000 per accident for bodily injury, plus $5,000 for property damage. You'll also need personal injury protection coverage of at least $8,000, which covers medical expenses and lost wages regardless of fault.
Unemployment Insurance
Massachusetts requires unemployment insurance for businesses that pay wages of $1,500 or more in any quarter or employ one or more workers for 13 weeks during a calendar year. You must register with the Massachusetts Department of Unemployment Assistance and pay quarterly contributions. The state also requires coverage for some independent contractors who don't meet strict exemption criteria.
Temporary Disability Insurance
Massachusetts requires temporary disability insurance through payroll deductions from employees. This coverage provides partial wage replacement for workers who can't work due to non-work-related injuries, illnesses or pregnancy. Employers must participate in the state program or provide equivalent private coverage that meets or exceeds state benefits.
Professional Liability Insurance
You'll need professional liability insurance if you hold a professional license in Massachusetts for medical, legal, architectural or engineering work. Health care providers must carry malpractice coverage with minimum amounts that vary by specialty, while other professionals should check with their licensing boards for specific requirements.
What Coverage Do We Recommend?
Massachusetts keeps business insurance requirements minimal, but smart coverage choices protect your company's future. Here's recommended coverage for the state's leading industries:
Tech/IT | Professional liability (E&O), cyber liability, general liability, commercial property, intellectual property insurance, directors & officers (D&O), clinical trial coverage, nor'easter business interruption | Tech companies face high liability risks from data breaches, software errors and intellectual property disputes. Massachusetts tech firms serving health care and biotech clients need specialized coverage for regulatory compliance and clinical trial work. |
Manufacturing | General liability, product liability, workers' compensation, commercial property, business interruption, biotech manufacturing coverage, precision equipment coverage, nor'easter protection, environmental liability | Massachusetts manufacturers in biotechnology, medical devices and precision instruments face product liability from life-critical applications and FDA regulatory violations. Nor'easter damage to clean rooms and precision equipment creates substantial business interruption exposure. |
Consulting | Professional liability (E&O), general liability, cyber liability, employment practices liability, commercial property, business interruption, clinical consulting coverage, regulatory compliance liability | Massachusetts consultants serving biotech, financial services and health care face high-stakes liability from strategic advice failures and regulatory violations. FDA consulting and clinical trial advisory work create specialized professional liability exposure. |
Restaurant | General liability, product liability, commercial property, equipment breakdown, business interruption, nor'easter coverage, student population coverage, liquor liability, workers' compensation, food allergy liability | Massachusetts restaurants face nor'easter closures, student population liability near major universities and specialized food allergy risks. Cambridge and Boston establishments require elevated coverage due to high customer density and reputation risks from academic and business clientele. |
How to Get the Best Cheap Business Insurance in Massachusetts
Small business owners in the Bay State often struggle to find affordable insurance coverage. Here's how to secure the protection your business needs while keeping costs manageable with these proven money-saving steps:
- 1
Assess Your Actual Risks First
Start by evaluating risks specific to your Massachusetts business operations. A Boston restaurant needs strong liability and property coverage, while a Cape Cod retail shop might focus more on seasonal business interruption insurance.
- 2
Get Quotes from Multiple Insurers
Insurance costs vary significantly between providers in Massachusetts. To find the best rates, contact at least three different insurers and compare their offerings for the same coverage levels.
- 3
Choose Providers Based on Service Quality
When selecting a Massachusetts insurer, look beyond price. Check its financial strength ratings and read reviews from other local business owners about their claims handling experience.
- 4
Maximize Available Discounts
Many Massachusetts insurers offer multi-policy discounts. A commercial property owner could save by bundling property and general liability coverage while maintaining strong protection.
- 5
Review Coverage Annually
Business needs change, especially in Massachusetts's dynamic economy. A small tech startup that begins offering new services or hiring employees should reassess coverage needs yearly to ensure adequate protection at the best rates.
Massachusetts Business Insurance: Bottom Line
NEXT, The Hartford and Simply Business are Massachusetts' 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 Massachusetts: FAQ
Massachusetts business owners often struggle to find the right business insurance coverage. Common questions about business insurance requirements and options:
What business insurance is required by law in Massachusetts?
Massachusetts requires workers' compensation if you have employees and commercial auto insurance for business vehicles (20/40/5 limits). General liability isn't mandatory but is often required by clients and landlords.
How much does business insurance cost in Massachusetts?
Depending on coverage, business insurance costs range from $77 to $155 monthly. Workers' comp is the cheapest at $77, while BOPs cost $155. Actual costs depend on your industry, business size and claims history.
Which company has the cheapest business insurance in Massachusetts?
The Hartford offers the lowest rates at $88 monthly in Massachusetts, with Thimble ($99) and Simply Business ($101) following behind. Always compare quotes since rates vary based on specific risks.
What business insurance do I need for my small business in Massachusetts?
General liability insurance provides essential protection for customer injuries and property damage. Workers' compensation is required for businesses with employees, while commercial auto covers business vehicles. IT companies need professional liability, while retailers should add property and inventory coverage.
What is the best business insurance company in Massachusetts?
NEXT leads Massachusetts business insurance providers with a MoneyGeek score of 4.63 out of 5.0. The Hartford and Simply Business round out the top choices.
Compare multiple insurance providers to match your business requirements for optimal coverage.
Do small businesses in Massachusetts need workers' compensation insurance?
Yes, Massachusetts requires all businesses with employees to carry workers' compensation insurance. The only exceptions are sole proprietors and independent contractors without employees.
What factors affect business insurance costs in Massachusetts?
Your industry type significantly impacts costs. Construction businesses pay higher premiums than retail stores. Coastal locations in Massachusetts face steeper rates due to storm exposure. Employee count affects workers' compensation, while claim history and safety programs influence rates.
How do I get cheap business insurance in Massachusetts?
Compare quotes from top insurers like The Hartford, NEXT and Simply Business. Research their service quality and claims handling. Bundle policies and implement safety programs for better rates.
What's the difference between general liability and errors and omissions (professional liability) insurance in Massachusetts?
General liability insurance protects against physical injuries and property damage at your business. Professional liability (E&O) covers financial losses from service mistakes, poor advice or missed deadlines in your work.
Can I get business insurance quotes online in Massachusetts?
Yes, leading insurers provide online quotes in Massachusetts. Keep your business information handy for accurate estimates. Complex businesses may require an agent's expertise for specialized coverage options.
How We Scored the Best Business Insurance Companies in Massachusetts
Small business owners in Massachusetts need reliable coverage that protects their operations without breaking their budgets. We designed our methodology to help Massachusetts entrepreneurs navigate challenges like storm 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 compared premium costs across providers, factoring in coverage limits and deductibles to determine value. Lower premiums for equivalent coverage earned higher scores.
- Customer experience (30% of score): We examined claims processing speed, customer service responsiveness and digital tools. We evaluated complaint ratios and satisfaction scores from verified customers.
- Coverage options (15% of score): We assessed the range of endorsements, industry-specific coverage and customization flexibility each insurer offers Massachusetts businesses.
- Financial strength (5% of score): We reviewed AM Best ratings and other financial metrics to ensure recommended insurers can reliably pay claims.
This approach helps Massachusetts 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
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- NEXT. "NEXT Empowers Agents with Enhanced Products, Cutting-Edge Digital Tools, Opening New Revenue Opportunities and Sparking Momentum in Small Business Insurance." Accessed August 20, 2025.
- Simply Business. "Simply Business Offers Insurance to Third-Party Sellers Through Amazon Insurance Accelerator." Accessed August 20, 2025.
- The Hartford. "Customer Claims Ratings and Reviews." Accessed August 20, 2025.
- Trustpilot. "NEXT." Accessed August 20, 2025.
- Trustpilot. "Simply Business US." Accessed August 20, 2025.
- Trustpilot. "The Hartford." Accessed August 20, 2025.