NEXT tops our analysis of Missouri 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 Missouri
NEXT tops our Missouri business insurance rankings with a MoneyGeek score of 4.62 out of 5.
Find affordable coverage that protects your small business in Missouri below.
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Updated: August 21, 2025
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Key Takeaways
Small business owners in Missouri can get the best business insurance from NEXT, The Hartford and Simply Business.
The best business insurance in Missouri depends on your specific industry risks, total number of employees and preferred coverage amounts.
To find the best coverage, assess your risks, compare multiple quotes, research provider service quality and maximize available discounts.
Best Business Insurance Companies in Missouri
| NEXT | 4.62 | 3 | 1 | 2 |
| The Hartford | 4.59 | 2 | 2 | 3 |
| Simply Business | 4.48 | 3 | 5 | 1 |
| Nationwide | 4.47 | 5 | 2 | 4 |
| Coverdash | 4.41 | 4 | 6 | 2 |
| biBERK | 4.38 | 7 | 2 | 5 |
| Progressive Commercial | 4.31 | 3 | 7 | 5 |
| Thimble | 4.30 | 1 | 8 | 5 |
| Hiscox | 4.26 | 6 | 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
The Hartford leads Missouri businesses with superior general liability coverage and business owner's policies (BOP), plus workers' compensation insurance. For professional liability insurance, NEXT stands out as the top choice.
| Business Owners Policy | The Hartford | 4.61 |
| Business Owners Policy | NEXT | 4.61 |
| General Liability | The Hartford | 4.55 |
| General Liability | NEXT | 4.55 |
| Professional Liability (E&O) | NEXT | 4.74 |
| Workers Compensation | The Hartford | 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 Missouri Small Business Insurance Reviews
Our research identified the top three business insurance providers in Missouri based on coverage options, rates and customer service. Here's what makes each company stand out for small business owners.
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
$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
$68This 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
3.9/5.0Ranked #4 nationallyOur Survey: Likely to Be Recommended to Others
4.8/5.0Ranked #1 nationally
The Hartford
Best for Affordability
MoneyGeek Rating
4.6/ of 5
4.5/5Affordability
4.6/5Customer Experience
4.7/5Coverage Options
Average Monthly Cost of General Liability Insurance
$89This 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
4.5/5.0Our Survey: Likely to Be Recommended to Others
4.5/5.0
Simply Business
Best for Coverage Availability
MoneyGeek Rating
4.5/ of 5
4.4/5Affordability
4.2/5Customer Experience
4.9/5Coverage Options
Average Monthly Cost of General Liability Insurance
$83This 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
3.7/5Our Survey: Likely to Be Recommended to Others
4.2/5
Cheapest Business Insurance Companies in Missouri
The Hartford provides the most affordable business insurance in Missouri at $88 monthly ($1,053 annually). Simply Business follows with $89 monthly rates, while Thimble rounds out the top three at $93 per month. See the complete list of providers and their rates in the table below.
| The Hartford | $88 | $1,053 |
| Simply Business | $89 | $1,064 |
| Thimble | $93 | $1,114 |
| Progressive Commercial | $98 | $1,182 |
| NEXT | $99 | $1,187 |
| Coverdash | $100 | $1,196 |
| Nationwide | $101 | $1,207 |
| biBERK | $103 | $1,235 |
| Hiscox | $107 | $1,288 |
| Chubb | $116 | $1,396 |
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 Missouri
Simply Business offers Missouri's cheapest general liability coverage at $83 per month. This rate beats The Hartford, which provides the second-lowest monthly premium at $89. The table below compares rates from all general liability insurance providers.
| Simply Business | $83 | $1,001 |
| The Hartford | $89 | $1,069 |
| Nationwide | $96 | $1,153 |
| Progressive Commercial | $99 | $1,189 |
| NEXT | $102 | $1,225 |
| Coverdash | $102 | $1,229 |
| Thimble | $106 | $1,274 |
| Hiscox | $113 | $1,356 |
| biBERK | $113 | $1,357 |
| Chubb | $118 | $1,412 |
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 Missouri
The Hartford offers Missouri's lowest professional liability insurance (E&O) rates at $71 monthly ($849 annually). NEXT provides another affordable option for Missouri business owners.
| The Hartford | $71 | $849 |
| NEXT | $72 | $859 |
| Progressive Commercial | $75 | $896 |
| Simply Business | $75 | $902 |
| Thimble | $75 | $904 |
| Coverdash | $77 | $918 |
| Hiscox | $77 | $921 |
| biBERK | $79 | $945 |
| Nationwide | $82 | $982 |
| Chubb | $88 | $1,054 |
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 Missouri
NEXT offers Missouri's cheapest workers' comp rates at $68 monthly ($819 annually). The Hartford and Thimble provide similarly competitive rates, making all three solid choices for affordable business coverage in the state.
| NEXT | $68 | $819 |
| The Hartford | $69 | $825 |
| Thimble | $70 | $839 |
| Simply Business | $70 | $840 |
| Progressive Commercial | $70 | $844 |
| Hiscox | $71 | $851 |
| Coverdash | $72 | $863 |
| biBERK | $74 | $889 |
| Nationwide | $80 | $960 |
| Chubb | $84 | $1,007 |
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 Missouri
Thimble offers the cheapest BOP rates in Missouri, with monthly premiums of $120 ($1,439 annually). Business owners can also find affordable coverage through The Hartford, Simply Business and Nationwide.
| Thimble | $120 | $1,439 |
| The Hartford | $122 | $1,467 |
| Simply Business | $126 | $1,512 |
| Nationwide | $144 | $1,734 |
| biBERK | $146 | $1,749 |
| Coverdash | $148 | $1,773 |
| Progressive Commercial | $150 | $1,797 |
| NEXT | $154 | $1,843 |
| Hiscox | $169 | $2,025 |
| Chubb | $176 | $2,110 |
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 Missouri?
Business insurance in Missouri ranges from $73 to $145 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 | $145 |
| General Liability | $102 |
| Professional Liability (E&O) | $77 |
| Workers Comp | $73 |
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 Missouri vary widely based on industry and coverage types. Our research shows workers' compensation for speech therapists costs just $6 monthly, while pressure washing businesses pay $1,324 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?
Here are the key factors that determine your Missouri business insurance premiums. Understanding these elements helps explain why your rates may be higher than expected.
Industry risk level
Your business type drives your insurance costs more than any other factor. Construction companies pay much more than consultants because their work sites have higher accident rates. A Missouri construction firm might pay $200 monthly for basic coverage, while an accounting firm pays just $40 for similar protection.
Geographic location and weather risks
Missouri businesses face higher insurance costs due to frequent severe weather. According to NOAA data, Missouri ranks 6th nationally for natural disasters, with over 70 billion-dollar weather events since 1980. Insurers price coverage higher in areas prone to tornadoes and flooding, especially in the state's tornado alley regions.
Business size
Your employee count and revenue directly affect your rates. A retail store with 15 employees and $1 million in annual sales pays more than a solo consultant working from home. Workers' compensation costs increase with each $100 of payroll, while liability rates rise with higher customer traffic and sales volume.
Claims history
Your claims record impacts rates across all coverage types. Filing multiple claims within three years can double your premiums. Insurance companies reward claim-free businesses with lower rates and better coverage options.
Coverage types and limits
Your coverage choices shape your costs. Higher liability limits increase rates, but bundling coverage through a business owner's policy saves 15% or more. Adding specialized coverage like cyber or professional liability increases costs but provides essential protection.
Years in business
Insurance companies charge more for new businesses because they lack a track record. After three years of claims-free operation, most Missouri businesses see their rates decrease as insurers gain confidence in their risk management practices.
Professional certifications
Safety certifications and professional licenses can reduce your insurance costs. Missouri contractors with OSHA safety certifications often receive premium discounts of 5% to 10%. Industry-specific credentials show insurers you follow best practices for risk management.
Missouri Business Insurance Buying Guide
Running a business takes all your focus, and getting business insurance can feel like one task too many. Missouri business insurance is straightforward, and we'll guide you through each step to help you make smart coverage choices.
What Coverage Is Required?
We've researched Missouri business insurance requirements so you don't have to. Check out our detailed breakdown of state coverage rules in the section below.
Workers' comp
Missouri requires workers' compensation insurance for most businesses, with some flexibility for small operations. You must carry workers' comp if five or more employees are regularly employed simultaneously. This higher threshold makes Missouri more business-friendly than states requiring coverage with just one employee. Corporate officers can opt out if they own at least 10% of the company, and sole proprietors and business partners are exempt unless they choose coverage. Construction businesses face stricter rules and may need coverage regardless of employee count for specific government contracts.
Commercial auto insurance
Small businesses that own vehicles or require employees to drive for work need commercial auto insurance. Missouri 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. The state also requires uninsured motorist coverage at the same limits, which protects you if you're hit by a driver without insurance.
Unemployment insurance
Missouri 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 Missouri Department of Labor and pay quarterly contributions. New employers pay a standard rate until they establish an experience rating based on their claims history.
Professional liability insurance
If you hold a professional license in Missouri for medical, legal, architectural or engineering work, you'll typically need professional liability insurance. Healthcare 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 Missouri, you'll need to carry liability insurance and may need to post a surety bond depending on your work type. Residential contractors typically need at least $50,000 in liability coverage, while commercial contractors may need higher amounts. This protects customers if you don't complete work as promised or follow licensing rules.
What Coverage Do We Recommend?
Missouri keeps business insurance regulations simple, but this means you need to make smart coverage choices. Here's our analysis of the best insurance coverage for the state's leading industries:
Trucking | Commercial auto, cargo coverage, general liability, workers' compensation, tornado coverage, flood coverage, ice storm coverage, I-70/I-44 corridor coverage, agricultural transport, hazmat transportation | Missouri trucking companies navigate major interstate crossroads with high accident rates and serve as a central logistics hub. Severe weather including tornadoes, flooding and ice storms create cargo damage risks and elevated accident exposure on busy freight corridors. |
Manufacturing | General liability, product liability, workers' compensation, commercial property, business interruption, aerospace manufacturing coverage, tornado coverage, flood coverage, supply chain interruption, environmental liability | Missouri manufacturers in aerospace, automotive and food processing face tornado damage, flooding from Missouri and Mississippi Rivers and supply chain disruptions. Aerospace manufacturing requires specialized product liability for safety-critical components with global supply chain exposure. |
Food | General liability, product liability, commercial property, equipment breakdown, business interruption, contamination coverage, recall coverage, tornado coverage, flood coverage, agricultural processing | Missouri food processors handle soybeans, corn, beef and pork with contamination risks and recall liability. Flooding from major river systems can contaminate facilities, while tornado damage can trigger widespread product recalls and contamination issues. |
Construction/Contractor | General liability, workers' compensation, commercial auto, builder's risk, professional liability, tornado coverage, flood coverage, ice storm coverage, river construction coverage, aerospace facility construction | Missouri construction faces tornado damage, river flooding and ice storm delays. Aerospace facility construction requires specialized clean room and precision manufacturing facility coverage, while river construction projects need specialized flood and erosion protection. |
Restaurant | General liability, product liability, commercial property, equipment breakdown, business interruption, tornado coverage, flood coverage, barbecue restaurant coverage, liquor liability, workers' compensation | Missouri restaurants face tornado damage, flooding from river systems and ice storm closures. Kansas City and St. Louis barbecue establishments require specialized liability for outdoor cooking and smoking operations, while tourism areas need coverage for visitor injuries. |
How to Get the Best Cheap Business Insurance in Missouri
Small business owners in Missouri often struggle to find affordable insurance coverage that fits their needs. Here are strategies to secure quality protection while keeping your costs under control:
- 1
Assess your actual risks first
Take inventory of your specific business risks before shopping for coverage. A retail store in Kansas City needs protection that is different from that of a St. Louis consulting firm. Focus on real threats to your operation rather than unnecessary add-ons.
- 2
Get quotes from multiple insurers
Insurance companies evaluate business risks differently, leading to price variations. Contact at least three providers to compare rates. Missouri business owners often find savings of 15% to 30% by shopping around.
- 3
Choose providers based on service quality
Investigate each insurer's financial strength and reputation for handling claims. A Missouri manufacturing company needs an insurer with strong equipment coverage expertise, while a restaurant requires quick response times for property claims.
- 4
Maximize every discount
Look for opportunities to bundle policies and implement safety programs. A Missouri retail store could combine general liability with property insurance for better rates. Document your safety measures and claims-free history for additional savings.
- 5
Review coverage annually
Reassess your insurance needs as your business evolves. A small Springfield bakery that expands to catering needs additional vehicle coverage, while a growing Jefferson City tech firm requires increased cyber liability protection.
Missouri Business Insurance: Bottom Line
Based on our analysis, NEXT, The Hartford and Simply Business are Missouri's best business insurance providers. However, what's best 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 Missouri: FAQ
Small business owners in Missouri 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 Missouri?
Missouri requires workers' compensation insurance for companies with five or more employees. Commercial auto insurance is mandatory with minimum limits of $25,000/$50,000/$25,000. Construction contractors need surety bonds.
How much does business insurance cost in Missouri?
Our analysis shows that business insurance costs in Missouri range from $73 to $145 monthly. Workers' compensation is the most affordable at $73, while BOPs cost $145. Actual costs depend on your industry, business size and claims history.
Which company has the cheapest business insurance in Missouri?
The Hartford offers the lowest rates at $88 monthly in Missouri, with Simply Business ($89) and Thimble ($93) following. Always compare quotes since rates vary based on specific risks.
What business insurance do I need for my small business in Missouri?
Start with general liability insurance to protect against customer injuries and property damage. Include workers' compensation for employees and commercial auto for company vehicles. Retail stores need property coverage, while contractors require builder's risk and equipment insurance.
What is the best business insurance company in Missouri?
NEXT leads Missouri's business insurance market with a MoneyGeek score of 4.62 out of 5.0. The Hartford and Simply Business are also excellent choices. Consider comparing several providers to match your specific business requirements.
Do small businesses in Missouri need workers' compensation insurance?
Missouri businesses can choose whether to carry workers' compensation insurance. However, those with government contracts must provide coverage to protect against employee injury lawsuits.
What factors affect business insurance costs in Missouri?
Your industry type significantly impacts costs. Construction businesses pay higher premiums than retail stores. Location within Missouri affects rates, with urban areas typically costing more. Company size and claims history influence premiums, while safety programs can reduce costs.
How do I get cheap business insurance in Missouri?
Compare quotes from top insurers like NEXT, The Hartford and Simply Business. Research their service quality and bundle policies when possible to maximize discounts.
What's the difference between general liability and errors and omissions (professional liability) insurance in Missouri?
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.
Can I get business insurance quotes online in Missouri?
Yes, Missouri business insurance quotes are available online. Leading insurers offer digital quotes, though complex businesses may need an agent for specialized coverage options.
How We Scored the Best Business Insurance Companies in Missouri
Small business owners in Missouri need reliable coverage that protects their operations without breaking their budgets. We designed our methodology to help Missouri entrepreneurs navigate challenges like severe weather 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 compared carrier rates for identical coverage levels, analyzing both base premiums and available discounts. Lower costs earned higher scores.
- Customer experience (30% of score): Our analysis factored in claims handling, online tools and customer support quality based on verified policyholder feedback.
- Coverage options (15% of score): We evaluated policy customization options, endorsements and industry-specific coverage availability.
- Financial strength (5% of score): We reviewed AM Best ratings and other financial stability metrics to ensure reliable claims-paying ability.
This approach helps Missouri 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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- Simply Business. "Simply Business Offers Insurance to Third-Party Sellers Through Amazon Insurance Accelerator." Accessed August 21, 2025.
- The Hartford. "Customer Claims Ratings and Reviews." Accessed August 21, 2025.
- Trustpilot. "NEXT." Accessed August 21, 2025.
- Trustpilot. "Simply Business US." Accessed August 21, 2025.
- Trustpilot. "The Hartford." Accessed August 21, 2025.
- National Centers for Environmental Information. "Billion-Dollar Weather and Climate Disasters." Accessed August 21, 2025.