NEXT leads Mississippi's business insurance providers with exceptional customer service and comprehensive coverage options. The Hartford and Simply Business are also reliable options for small business owners across the state.
Business Insurance in Mississippi
NEXT tops our Mississippi business insurance rankings with a MoneyGeek score of 4.65 out of 5.
Find affordable coverage that protects your small business in Mississippi below.
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Updated: September 21, 2025
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Key Takeaways
Small business owners in Mississippi can get the best business insurance from NEXT, The Hartford and Simply Business.
The best business insurance in Mississippi depends on your specific industry risks, number of employees and desired 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 Mississippi
| NEXT | 4.65 | 3 | 1 | 2 |
| The Hartford | 4.62 | 1 | 2 | 3 |
| Simply Business | 4.50 | 5 | 5 | 1 |
| Nationwide | 4.48 | 8 | 2 | 4 |
| Coverdash | 4.42 | 6 | 6 | 2 |
| biBERK | 4.40 | 9 | 2 | 5 |
| Progressive Commercial | 4.34 | 4 | 7 | 5 |
| Thimble | 4.33 | 2 | 8 | 5 |
| Hiscox | 4.28 | 7 | 4 | 6 |
| Chubb | 4.27 | 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 Mississippi's business insurance market with the best general liability coverage, professional liability insurance and workers' compensation. The Hartford offers the top business owner's policies (BOP).
| Business Owners Policy | The Hartford | 4.71 |
| General Liability | NEXT | 4.57 |
| Professional Liability (E&O) | NEXT | 4.73 |
| 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 Mississippi Small Business Insurance Reviews
We analyzed business insurance providers across Mississippi to identify the top three options for small business owners. Here's what makes each company stand out for comprehensive coverage.
NEXT
Best Customer Experience
MoneyGeek Rating
4.7/ 5
4.5/5Affordability
4.7/5Customer Experience
4.8/5Coverage Options
Average Monthly Cost of General Liability Insurance
$104This 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
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
$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
$70This 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
4.5/5Our Survey: Likely to Be Recommended to Others
4.5/5
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
$96This 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
$71This 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 Mississippi
The Hartford provides the most affordable business insurance in Mississippi at $84 monthly ($1,013 annually). Thimble and Simply Business follow with competitive rates of $94 and $97 per month. Compare full pricing details for these and other providers in the table below.
| The Hartford | $84 | $1,013 |
| Thimble | $94 | $1,131 |
| Simply Business | $97 | $1,170 |
| Progressive Commercial | $100 | $1,198 |
| NEXT | $100 | $1,205 |
| Coverdash | $101 | $1,214 |
| Nationwide | $102 | $1,219 |
| biBERK | $105 | $1,255 |
| Hiscox | $108 | $1,296 |
| Chubb | $119 | $1,423 |
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 Mississippi
Mississippi business owners can find cheapest general liability coverage through The Hartford at $82 monthly. Simply Business offers the second-lowest rate at $96 per month, and you can compare all provider rates in the table below.
| The Hartford | $82 | $986 |
| Simply Business | $96 | $1,154 |
| Nationwide | $97 | $1,170 |
| Progressive Commercial | $101 | $1,207 |
| NEXT | $104 | $1,242 |
| Coverdash | $104 | $1,247 |
| Thimble | $108 | $1,292 |
| Hiscox | $115 | $1,375 |
| biBERK | $115 | $1,376 |
| Chubb | $119 | $1,433 |
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 Mississippi
The Hartford offers the most affordable professional liability insurance (E&O) at $71 monthly ($857 annually). NEXT provides another budget-friendly option for Mississippi business owners.
| The Hartford | $71 | $857 |
| NEXT | $73 | $871 |
| Progressive Commercial | $75 | $905 |
| Simply Business | $76 | $915 |
| Thimble | $77 | $925 |
| Hiscox | $77 | $928 |
| Coverdash | $78 | $933 |
| biBERK | $80 | $956 |
| Nationwide | $82 | $985 |
| Chubb | $89 | $1,068 |
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 Mississippi
NEXT provides the cheapest workers' comp coverage in Mississippi at $69 monthly ($832 annually). The Hartford and Thimble also offer competitive rates, making all three solid choices for affordable business coverage in the state.
| NEXT | $69 | $832 |
| The Hartford | $70 | $836 |
| Thimble | $71 | $851 |
| Progressive Commercial | $71 | $852 |
| Simply Business | $71 | $857 |
| Hiscox | $72 | $860 |
| Coverdash | $73 | $877 |
| biBERK | $75 | $903 |
| Nationwide | $81 | $975 |
| Chubb | $85 | $1,021 |
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 Mississippi
The Hartford offers the cheapest BOP rates in Mississippi, with monthly premiums of $114 ($1,372 annually). Business owners can also find the cheapest BOP rates with Thimble, Nationwide and Simply Business.
| The Hartford | $114 | $1,372 |
| Thimble | $121 | $1,455 |
| Nationwide | $146 | $1,748 |
| Simply Business | $146 | $1,753 |
| biBERK | $149 | $1,786 |
| Coverdash | $150 | $1,800 |
| Progressive Commercial | $152 | $1,828 |
| NEXT | $156 | $1,873 |
| Hiscox | $168 | $2,020 |
| Chubb | $181 | $2,170 |
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 Mississippi?
Business insurance in Mississippi costs between $74 and $148 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 | $148 |
| General Liability | $104 |
| Professional Liability (E&O) | $78 |
| Workers Comp | $74 |
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 Mississippi vary by industry and coverage type. While speech therapists pay just $6 monthly for workers' compensation coverage, pressure washing businesses pay $1,362 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 | $32 |
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 Mississippi business insurance rates might seem high. Here are the key factors that affect your premium costs in the state:
Industry Risk Level
Your line of work directly impacts your insurance costs in Mississippi. Construction companies pay much more than office-based businesses because job sites have higher accident rates. A construction firm might pay $500 monthly for coverage, while an accounting practice pays closer to $50.
Geographic Location and Weather Risks
Your location in Mississippi affects your rates significantly. Coastal businesses pay more due to hurricane risks, while inland locations see lower premiums. According to NOAA data, Mississippi ranks fifth nationally for severe weather events, with 33 billion-dollar disasters since 1980. These weather patterns drive up insurance costs statewide.
Business Size
Your employee count and revenue directly affect your rates. Workers' comp costs are calculated per $100 of payroll, while liability coverage is based on your annual revenue and customer traffic. A retail store with 15 employees pays substantially more than a solo consultant working from home.
Claims History
Past insurance claims raise your rates for years. Even one liability claim can increase premiums across all your coverage types. Insurance companies offer their best rates to businesses that maintain claim-free records.
Coverage Types and Limits
Your choice of coverage directly shapes your costs. Higher coverage limits increase your rates, but bundling options like business owner's policies can reduce overall expenses by combining property and liability protection.
Years in Business
Insurance companies charge higher rates for new businesses without established track records. After operating claim-free for several years, your rates decrease as you prove your business is a reliable risk.
Professional Certifications
Safety certifications and professional licenses can lower your insurance costs, especially in high-risk industries. Insurance companies reduce rates for businesses with OSHA certifications and industry-specific safety training.
Mississippi Business Insurance Buying Guide
Running a business takes most of your time and energy. Getting business insurance shouldn't add to your stress. Our guide breaks down everything you need to know about business coverage in Mississippi.
What Coverage Is Required?
We researched Mississippi business insurance requirements for you. Check out our detailed breakdown of state regulations below.
Workers' Comp
Mississippi requires workers' compensation insurance for most businesses, though it's more flexible than many states. You must carry workers' comp if you have five or more employees regularly employed at the same time. This threshold is higher than in most states, making Mississippi more business-friendly for small operations. Corporate officers can opt out of coverage; sole proprietors and business partners are exempt unless they buy coverage. However, you may need coverage regardless of your employee count if you work on government contracts.
Commercial Auto Insurance
Small businesses that own vehicles or require employees to drive for work need commercial auto insurance. Mississippi requires all vehicles to carry at least $25,000 per person and $50,000 per accident for bodily injury, plus $25,000 for property damage. These are moderate minimums compared to other states, though businesses should consider higher limits for better financial protection.
Unemployment Insurance
Mississippi requires unemployment insurance for businesses that pay wages of $1,500 or more in any quarter or employ one or more workers for 20 weeks during a calendar year. You must register with the Mississippi Department of Employment Security and pay quarterly contributions based on your payroll and experience rating.
Professional Liability Insurance
You'll need professional liability insurance if you hold a professional license in Mississippi for medical, legal, architectural or engineering work. Health care providers must carry malpractice coverage, while other professionals should check with their licensing boards for specific requirements. The coverage amounts vary by profession and practice type.
Contractor Bonds and Insurance
If you hold a contractor license in Mississippi, you'll need to carry liability insurance and may need to post a surety bond depending on your work type. General contractors typically need at least $100,000 in liability coverage, while specialty contractors have varying requirements. This protects customers if you don't complete work as promised or follow licensing rules.
What Coverage Do We Recommend?
Mississippi keeps business insurance rules simple, leaving you to make the choices. Our analysis shows the best coverage options for the Magnolia State's leading industries:
Food | General liability, product liability, commercial property, equipment breakdown, business interruption, contamination coverage, recall coverage, hurricane coverage, flood coverage, catfish processing coverage | Mississippi food processors handle catfish, poultry, soybeans and cotton with contamination risks and hurricane supply chain disruptions. Catfish processing requires specialized aquaculture liability, while hurricane flooding can trigger massive contamination and product recalls. |
Manufacturing | General liability, product liability, workers' compensation, commercial property, business interruption, environmental liability, hurricane coverage, tornado coverage, shipbuilding coverage, supply chain interruption | Mississippi manufacturers in shipbuilding, automotive and aerospace face hurricane damage, tornado risks and environmental liability from Gulf Coast operations. Shipbuilding requires specialized marine construction liability and hurricane-resistant facility coverage. |
Marine | Marine general liability, hull and machinery, commercial fishing vessel, shrimp boat coverage, hurricane coverage, oil spill liability, Mississippi River barge operations, collision coverage, pollution liability | Mississippi marine businesses face hurricane damage, oil spill liability and collision risks on busy Mississippi River and Gulf waters. Shrimp boat operations require specialized coverage for vessel damage and crew injuries during hurricane season. |
Trucking | Commercial auto, cargo coverage, general liability, workers' compensation, hurricane coverage, flood coverage, agricultural transport, catfish transport, tornado coverage, Mississippi River port operations | Mississippi trucking companies transport agricultural products, catfish and manufactured goods with hurricane evacuation risks and flood damage exposure. Live catfish transportation requires specialized aquaculture transport coverage and time-sensitive delivery protection. |
How to Get the Best Cheap Business Insurance in Mississippi
Running a small business in the Magnolia State means watching every dollar. Get quality business insurance coverage that protects your company without straining your budget by following these money-saving steps:
- 1
Assess Your Business Risks
Evaluate your specific business risks before purchasing insurance. A retail store in Jackson needs different coverage than a construction company in Biloxi, so focus on your actual needs rather than standard packages.
- 2
Compare Multiple Insurance Quotes
Insurance costs vary significantly between providers in Mississippi. Contact at least three different insurance companies to compare rates and coverage options for your specific business needs.
- 3
Evaluate Insurance Provider Quality
Research each provider's reputation and financial stability through ratings agencies and customer reviews. A Mississippi manufacturer needs an insurer with strong equipment coverage, while a consultant requires solid professional liability protection.
- 4
Secure Available Discounts
Ask about bundling commercial property and liability coverage for better rates. Many Mississippi insurers offer discounts for safety programs and claim-free histories.
- 5
Schedule Annual Coverage Reviews
Set calendar reminders to review your coverage each year as your business grows. A small retail shop that expands to multiple locations needs updated coverage to protect its larger operation.
Mississippi Business Insurance: Bottom Line
Based on our analysis, NEXT, The Hartford and Simply Business are Mississippi's best business insurance providers. 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 Mississippi: FAQ
Small business owners in Mississippi often have questions about insurance coverage, so we've gathered expert answers to the most common questions below:
What business insurance is required by law in Mississippi?
Mississippi requires commercial auto insurance with minimum limits of $25,000/$50,000/$25,000 and workers' compensation for businesses with five or more employees. Professional contractors must carry surety bonds.
How much does business insurance cost in Mississippi?
Business insurance in Mississippi ranges from $74 to $148 monthly, depending on coverage. Workers' compensation costs $74 monthly, while business owner's policies run $148. Actual costs depend on your industry, business size and claims history.
Which company has the cheapest business insurance in Mississippi?
The Hartford offers the lowest rates at $84 monthly in Mississippi, with Thimble ($94) and Simply Business ($97) following behind. Compare multiple quotes since rates vary by business risk factors.
What business insurance do I need for my small business in Mississippi?
Start with general liability to protect against customer injuries and property damage claims. If you employ staff, add workers' compensation insurance and commercial auto for company vehicles. Construction companies require builder's risk coverage, while retail stores need property insurance.
What is the best business insurance company in Mississippi?
NEXT leads Mississippi's business insurance market with a MoneyGeek score of 4.65 out of 5. The Hartford and Simply Business are also excellent choices. Consider comparing multiple providers to determine which best matches your business requirements.
Do small businesses in Mississippi need workers' compensation insurance?
Workers' compensation insurance is required for businesses with five or more employees. However, those with government contracts must provide coverage regardless of employee count, and going without leaves businesses vulnerable to injury lawsuits.
What factors affect business insurance costs in Mississippi?
Your industry type significantly impacts costs. Construction businesses pay higher premiums than retail stores. Coastal locations in Mississippi face steeper rates due to hurricane risks. Employee count affects workers' compensation, while claims history and safety measures influence rates.
How do I get cheap business insurance in Mississippi?
Compare quotes from multiple insurers like The Hartford and NEXT. Bundle policies, implement safety programs and assess your actual coverage needs to secure lower rates.
What's the difference between general liability and errors and omissions (professional liability) insurance in Mississippi?
General liability protects against physical incidents like customer injuries and property damage. Professional liability (E&O) covers service-related mistakes, including missed deadlines and incorrect professional advice. Service businesses often need both coverages.
Can I get business insurance quotes online in Mississippi?
Yes, top insurance providers offer online quotes in Mississippi. Have your business information ready for accurate quotes, though complex businesses may need an agent for specialized coverage options.
How We Scored the Best Business Insurance Companies in Mississippi
Small business owners in Mississippi need reliable coverage that protects their operations without breaking their budgets. We designed our methodology to help Mississippi entrepreneurs navigate challenges like hurricane risks and the state's 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 compare premiums across providers using standardized business profiles, analyzing both initial rates and potential discounts.
- Customer experience (30% of score): Our evaluation includes claims processing speed, digital tools quality and responsiveness of customer support channels.
- Coverage options (15% of score): We assess policy customization options, industry-specific endorsements and coverage limit flexibility.
- Financial strength (5% of score): We review AM Best ratings and other financial stability indicators to ensure reliable claims payment ability.
This approach helps Mississippi 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 19, 2025.
- Simply Business. "Simply Business Offers Insurance to Third-Party Sellers Through Amazon Insurance Accelerator." Accessed August 19, 2025.
- The Hartford. "Customer Claims Ratings and Reviews." Accessed August 19, 2025.
- Trustpilot. "NEXT." Accessed August 19, 2025.
- Trustpilot. "Simply Business US." Accessed August 19, 2025.
- Trustpilot. "The Hartford." Accessed August 19, 2025.