NEXT tops our analysis of New Hampshire 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 New Hampshire
NEXT tops our New Hampshire business insurance rankings with a MoneyGeek score of 4.63 out of 5.
Find affordable coverage that protects your small business in New Hampshire below.
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Updated: August 24, 2025
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Key Takeaways
Small business owners in New Hampshire can find the best coverage through NEXT, The Hartford and Simply Business, based on MoneyGeek's analysis.
The best business insurance in New Hampshire 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 New Hampshire
| NEXT | 4.63 | 4 | 1 | 2 |
| The Hartford | 4.62 | 1 | 2 | 3 |
| Simply Business | 4.50 | 4 | 5 | 1 |
| Nationwide | 4.48 | 7 | 2 | 4 |
| Coverdash | 4.42 | 5 | 6 | 2 |
| biBERK | 4.40 | 7 | 2 | 5 |
| Progressive Commercial | 4.34 | 3 | 7 | 5 |
| Thimble | 4.33 | 2 | 8 | 5 |
| Hiscox | 4.28 | 6 | 4 | 6 |
| Chubb | 4.28 | 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 stands out as the top choice for business owner's policies (BOP), professional liability insurance and workers' compensation in New Hampshire. The Hartford leads for general liability coverage.
| Business Owners Policy | NEXT | 4.61 |
| General Liability | The Hartford | 4.61 |
| Professional Liability (E&O) | NEXT | 4.74 |
| Workers Compensation | NEXT | 4.62 |
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 New Hampshire Small Business Insurance Reviews
Our research identified the top three business insurance providers in New Hampshire for small business owners. Each company stands out for its comprehensive coverage options and unique benefits.
NEXT
Best Customer Experience
MoneyGeek Rating
4.6/ of 5
4.5/5Affordability
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
$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
3.9/5National Ranking: #4Our Survey: Likely to Be Recommended to Others
4.8/5National Ranking: #1
The Hartford
Best for Affordability
MoneyGeek Rating
4.6/ of 5
4.6/5Affordability
4.6/5Customer Experience
4.7/5Coverage Options
Average Monthly Cost of General Liability Insurance
$81This 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
4.5/5Our Survey: Likely to Be Recommended to Others
4.5/5
Simply Business
Best for Coverage Availability
MoneyGeek Rating
4.5/ of 5
4.5/5Affordability
4.2/5Customer Experience
4.9/5Coverage Options
Average Monthly Cost of General Liability Insurance
$95This 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 New Hampshire
The Hartford provides the most affordable business insurance in New Hampshire at $83 monthly ($1,002 annually). Thimble and Simply Business round out the top three budget-friendly options with rates of $93 and $96 per month. You can compare rates from these and other leading providers in the table below.
| The Hartford | $83 | $1,002 |
| Thimble | $93 | $1,117 |
| Simply Business | $96 | $1,155 |
| Progressive Commercial | $98 | $1,176 |
| NEXT | $99 | $1,192 |
| Coverdash | $100 | $1,202 |
| Nationwide | $101 | $1,212 |
| biBERK | $103 | $1,241 |
| Hiscox | $107 | $1,285 |
| Chubb | $117 | $1,405 |
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 New Hampshire
New Hampshire business owners can find the  cheapest general liability coverage through The Hartford at $81 monthly. Simply Business offers the next most affordable option at $95 per month. Compare all provider rates in the table below.
| The Hartford | $81 | $976 |
| Simply Business | $95 | $1,142 |
| Nationwide | $96 | $1,158 |
| Progressive Commercial | $100 | $1,194 |
| NEXT | $102 | $1,230 |
| Coverdash | $103 | $1,234 |
| Thimble | $107 | $1,279 |
| Hiscox | $113 | $1,361 |
| biBERK | $114 | $1,362 |
| Chubb | $118 | $1,418 |
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 New Hampshire
The Hartford leads with the most affordable professional liability insurance (E&O) at $71 monthly ($847 annually) in New Hampshire. NEXT offers another budget-friendly option for comprehensive business coverage in the state.
| The Hartford | $71 | $847 |
| NEXT | $72 | $862 |
| Progressive Commercial | $75 | $895 |
| Thimble | $75 | $905 |
| Simply Business | $76 | $909 |
| Hiscox | $77 | $922 |
| Coverdash | $77 | $924 |
| biBERK | $79 | $944 |
| Nationwide | $81 | $977 |
| Chubb | $88 | $1,058 |
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 New Hampshire
NEXT offers the cheapest workers' comp rates in New Hampshire at $69 monthly ($822 annually). The Hartford and Progressive Commercial also provide competitive rates, making all three solid choices for affordable coverage.
| NEXT | $69 | $822 |
| The Hartford | $69 | $831 |
| Progressive Commercial | $70 | $841 |
| Thimble | $70 | $845 |
| Simply Business | $71 | $848 |
| Hiscox | $71 | $857 |
| Coverdash | $72 | $868 |
| biBERK | $74 | $893 |
| Nationwide | $80 | $962 |
| Chubb | $84 | $1,011 |
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 New Hampshire
The Hartford offers the cheapest BOP rates in New Hampshire, with an average monthly cost of $113 ($1,353 annually). Business owners can also find affordable BOP insurance with Thimble, Simply Business and Nationwide.
| The Hartford | $113 | $1,353 |
| Thimble | $120 | $1,440 |
| Simply Business | $143 | $1,722 |
| Nationwide | $146 | $1,751 |
| biBERK | $147 | $1,763 |
| Progressive Commercial | $148 | $1,774 |
| Coverdash | $148 | $1,782 |
| NEXT | $155 | $1,856 |
| Hiscox | $167 | $1,999 |
| Chubb | $178 | $2,132 |
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 New Hampshire?
Business insurance in New Hampshire costs between $73 and $146 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 | $146 |
| General Liability | $103 |
| 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 New Hampshire vary significantly by industry and coverage type. Our analysis shows speech therapists pay just $6 monthly for workers' compensation, while pressure washing businesses pay $1,328 monthly for a business owners policy.
Data filtered by:Results filtered by:
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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?
Want to know why your premiums are so high? We listed several factors that impact your premiums:
Industry risk level
Your line of business drives insurance costs more than any other factor in New Hampshire. A roofing contractor pays much more than a consultant because construction work carries higher accident risks. A roofer might pay $800 monthly for coverage, while an accountant pays closer to $50 for similar policy limits.
Geographic location and weather risks
Your business location affects insurance rates in New Hampshire. Severe winter storms and flooding pose significant risks to businesses. Coastal areas face higher rates due to hurricane exposure, while inland locations typically see lower premiums. Insurance costs also vary between urban centers like Manchester versus rural areas.
Business size
Larger operations face higher insurance costs in New Hampshire. Workers' compensation rates are calculated per $100 of payroll, while general liability costs increase with higher revenue and customer traffic. A retail store with 15 employees and $1 million in revenue pays much more than a solo consultant working from home.
Claims history
Your claims record impacts rates across all coverage types. Filing multiple claims can double your premiums, while maintaining a clean record often leads to discounts. Insurance companies look back three to five years when setting rates in New Hampshire.
Coverage types and limits
Your choice of coverage directly impacts costs. Basic liability coverage costs less than comprehensive protection. While higher limits increase premiums, bundling coverage through a Business Owner's Policy often saves 15% or more compared to separate policies.
Years in business
New Hampshire startups often pay more for coverage since insurers lack data to assess their risk level. After three years of claims-free operation, many businesses see their premiums decrease by 10% to 25% as they build a positive track record.
Professional certifications
Safety certifications and professional licenses can reduce your insurance costs in New Hampshire. Contractors with OSHA safety certifications often qualify for premium discounts of 5% to 15%. Professional credentials show insurers you follow industry best practices.
New Hampshire Business Insurance Buying Guide
Running a business takes all your focus, and getting business insurance can feel like one task too many. Business insurance in New Hampshire is straightforward, and we'll guide you through each step to help you make confident coverage decisions.
What Coverage Is Required?
We've researched all the business insurance requirements in the state so you don't have to. Check out our detailed breakdown of New Hampshire's insurance requirements in the section below.
Workers' comp
New Hampshire requires workers' compensation insurance for most businesses, but it's one of the few states where you can self-insure more easily. You must carry workers' comp if you have one or more employees, including part-time and seasonal workers. However, New Hampshire allows businesses to self-insure if they can prove financial ability to pay claims directly. Corporate officers can opt out of coverage, and sole proprietors and business partners are exempt unless they choose coverage. The state also allows group self-insurance programs for qualifying businesses.
Commercial auto insurance
Small businesses that own vehicles or require employees to drive for work need commercial auto insurance. New Hampshire is unique because it doesn't require auto insurance for vehicles, but you must prove financial responsibility if you're in an accident. Most businesses choose insurance because proving financial responsibility requires posting a $50,000 cash bond or securities with the state.
Unemployment insurance
New Hampshire 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 New Hampshire Department of Employment Security and pay quarterly contributions based on your payroll and experience rating.
Professional liability insurance
If you hold a professional license in New Hampshire 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 New Hampshire, you'll need to carry liability insurance and may need to post a surety bond depending on your work type. Home improvement contractors must carry at least $50,000 in liability coverage, while other contractors have varying requirements. This protects customers if you don't complete work as promised or follow licensing rules.
What Coverage Do We Recommend?
New Hampshire gives business owners significant freedom in choosing insurance coverage, but this flexibility means you need to select wisely. Here's our analysis of the best coverage options for the state's leading industries:
Manufacturing | General liability, product liability, workers' compensation, commercial property, business interruption, precision manufacturing coverage, nor'easter protection, ice storm coverage, supply chain interruption | New Hampshire manufacturers in electronics, machinery, and medical devices face nor'easter damage, ice storm power outages, and product liability from precision components. Winter weather can disrupt operations and damage sensitive manufacturing equipment. |
Retail | General liability, commercial property, business interruption, nor'easter coverage, tax-free shopping liability, cross-border customer coverage, cyber liability, commercial crime, seasonal tourism | New Hampshire retailers benefit from tax-free shopping but face nor'easter business interruptions and liability from out-of-state customers. Border retail locations require specialized coverage for high customer volumes and cross-border shopping liability. |
Restaurant | General liability, product liability, commercial property, equipment breakdown, business interruption, nor'easter coverage, seasonal tourism coverage, liquor liability, workers' compensation | New Hampshire restaurants face nor'easter closures, seasonal tourism fluctuations, and winter weather supply chain disruptions. Mountain resort dining requires specialized coverage for seasonal operations and outdoor recreation customer liability. |
Construction/Contractor | General liability, workers' compensation, commercial auto, builder's risk, professional liability, nor'easter coverage, ice storm protection, winter weather delays, mountain construction coverage | New Hampshire construction faces nor'easter damage, ice storms, and short building seasons due to harsh winters. Mountain construction projects have seasonal access limitations and specialized challenges from steep terrain and weather exposure. |
Tech/IT | Professional liability (E&O), cyber liability, general liability, commercial property, intellectual property insurance, business interruption, nor'easter coverage, power outage protection | New Hampshire tech companies face cyber attacks, intellectual property disputes, and nor'easter power outages affecting data centers. Proximity to Boston creates opportunities but also elevated cyber targeting and competitive IP risks. |
How to Get the Best Cheap Business Insurance in New Hampshire
Getting the right business insurance in the state can be costly and complex for small business owners. Here are steps to secure reliable coverage while keeping your insurance costs manageable:
- 1
Assess your business risks
Start by listing potential risks specific to your New Hampshire business operations. A retail store needs different coverage than a contractor, so focus on your actual exposures rather than generic recommendations.
- 2
Compare multiple insurance quotes
Contact at least three different insurance providers for quotes on your needed coverage types. Insurance companies evaluate risk differently, leading to price variations for the same coverage levels.
- 3
Evaluate insurance provider quality
Check insurer ratings through agencies like AM Best and read customer reviews from other New Hampshire businesses. A reputable provider with good claim service can save money long-term despite slightly higher premiums.
- 4
Look for available discounts
Ask about bundling commercial property and liability coverage into a business owner's policy (BOP). Many insurers offer discounts for safety programs, security systems and maintaining a claims-free record.
- 5
Review Coverage Annually
Schedule yearly reviews as your business grows and changes. A small retail shop that adds online sales needs cyber liability coverage, while a contractor taking larger projects needs higher liability limits.
New Hampshire Business Insurance: Bottom Line
Based on our analysis, NEXT, The Hartford and Simply Business are New Hampshire'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 New Hampshire: FAQ
Finding the right business insurance in New Hampshire raises many questions for small business owners. Below, we answer the most frequently asked questions:
What business insurance is required by law in New Hampshire?
New Hampshire has minimal insurance mandates. Workers' comp is required for businesses with employees. Commercial auto requires liability coverage of $25,000/$50,000/$25,000. Most clients expect general liability coverage, though it's not legally required.
How much does business insurance cost in New Hampshire?
Our analysis shows that business insurance costs range from $73 to $146 monthly, depending on coverage. Workers' comp starts at $73, while business owner's policies run $146. Actual costs depend on your industry, business size and claims history.
Which company has the cheapest business insurance in New Hampshire?
The Hartford offers the lowest rates at $83 monthly in New Hampshire, with Thimble ($93) and Simply Business ($96) following behind. Always compare quotes since rates vary based on specific risks.
What business insurance do I need for my small business in New Hampshire?
Start with general liability insurance to protect against customer injuries and property damage claims. Include workers' compensation for employees and commercial auto for company vehicles. A retail store needs general liability and property coverage, while contractors require additional builders' risk insurance.
What is the best business insurance company in New Hampshire?
NEXT is the leading business insurance provider in New Hampshire, with a MoneyGeek score of 4.63/5. The Hartford and Simply Business round out the top choices. Consider comparing multiple insurance providers to find coverage that best matches your business requirements.
Do small businesses in New Hampshire need workers' compensation insurance?
Workers' compensation insurance is optional for most New Hampshire businesses. However, companies with government contracts must have coverage, and most businesses choose to buy it for protection against lawsuits.
What factors affect business insurance costs in New Hampshire?
Your industry type significantly impacts costs. Construction businesses pay higher premiums than retail stores. Location affects rates, with coastal areas paying more due to hurricane risks. Employee count drives workers' comp costs, while claim history and safety training influence rates.
How do I get cheap business insurance in New Hampshire?
Compare quotes from multiple insurers like NEXT and The Hartford, the top-rated providers in New Hampshire. Bundle policies and implement safety programs to secure additional discounts.
What's the difference between general liability and errors and omissions (professional liability) insurance in New Hampshire?
General liability insurance protects against physical incidents like customer injuries and property damage. Professional liability insurance covers service-related mistakes, including missed deadlines and incorrect professional advice.
Can I get business insurance quotes online in New Hampshire?
Yes, you can get quotes online. Most insurers provide digital quotes, though complex businesses like contractors may need an agent for specialized coverage options.
How We Scored the Best Business Insurance Companies in New Hampshire
Small business owners in New Hampshire need reliable coverage that protects their operations without breaking their budgets. We designed our methodology to help New Hampshire 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 compare premiums across multiple carriers for standard coverage levels, weighing costs against industry averages and New Hampshire market rates.
- Customer experience (30% of score): Our analysis examines claims handling, customer service response times and user-friendly digital tools.
- Coverage options (15% of score): We evaluate policy customization options, industry-specific endorsements and coverage flexibility.
- Financial strength (5% of score): We review insurer stability through independent ratings from AM Best and other agencies.
This approach helps New Hampshire 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
- Trustpilot. "NEXT." Accessed August 25, 2025.