NEXT ranks first for New Hampshire small business insurance with strong customer service, broad coverage options and affordable rates. The Hartford and Simply Business provide reliable alternatives for New Hampshire entrepreneurs. NEXT excels in providing support despite a lower stability ranking, making it the practical choice for small businesses across the state.
Best Small Business Insurance in New Hampshire
New Hampshire's top business insurance companies are NEXT, The Hartford and Simply Business, with coverage starting at just $6 monthly.
Get matched to the best New Hampshire commercial insurer for you below.

Updated: January 6, 2026
Advertising & Editorial Disclosure
NEXT offers the best small business insurance in New Hampshire, ranking first for customer service and second for coverage.
New Hampshire small business owners pay about $100 monthly ($1,199 annually) for four core coverage types that protect against common business risks.
Get the right small business insurance coverage by assessing your risks and comparing quotes from multiple providers.
Best Small Business Insurance Companies in New Hampshire
| NEXT Insurance | 4.63 | $99 | 1 | 2 |
| The Hartford | 4.62 | $83 | 2 | 3 |
| Simply Business | 4.50 | $96 | 5 | 1 |
| Nationwide | 4.48 | $101 | 2 | 4 |
| Coverdash | 4.42 | $100 | 6 | 2 |
| biBERK | 4.40 | $103 | 2 | 5 |
| Progressive Commercial | 4.34 | $98 | 7 | 5 |
| Thimble | 4.33 | $93 | 8 | 5 |
| Hiscox | 4.28 | $107 | 4 | 6 |
| Chubb | 4.28 | $117 | 3 | 4 |
Note: This data represents a small business with 2 employees, $150,000 in payroll and $300,000 in annual revenue. All scores were calculated for four of the most common coverage types in the industry across 79 industries in the United States.
Find the best or most affordable small business insurance provider in New Hampshire for different coverage types below:

Best New Hampshire Business Insurance
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: Digital Experience
4.8/5 (1st)Our Survey: Likely to Be Recommended to Others
4.8/5 (1st)
- pros
Ranks first among the providers MoneyGeek researched
Provides excellent customer service
Provides quotes and coverage in under 10 minutes
A- AM Best rating
consHigher average cost than other providers
No physical offices
NEXT ranks first overall for New Hampshire small business insurance at $99 monthly, helping you manage policies online and get certificates fast when clients or landlords request proof. You'll get responsive support when questions arise, though claims may take longer than top competitors. NEXT works best for small businesses wanting affordable rates and quick access to coverage documents.
NEXT costs $99 monthly ($1,192 annually) and ranks fourth for affordability in New Hampshire. Workers' compensation leads at $69 monthly (lowest statewide), while professional liability costs $72 monthly, $5 below the state average. Business owner's policies run $155 monthly, ranking eighth. For lower workers' comp and professional liability costs, NEXT delivers value; explore other providers for business owner's policies.
NEXT ranks first nationally for policy management and digital experience, making coverage changes and certificate requests fast when you need proof for contracts. Customer service and claims processing rank fourth, meaning longer wait times during complex claims. You get excellent digital tools and quick policy updates but may need patience when filing claims requiring detailed review.
Overall Customer Score 4.45 1 Claims Process 3.90 4 Customer Service 4.20 4 Digital Experience 4.80 1 Overall Satisfaction 4.40 2 Policy Management 4.30 1 Recommend to Others 4.80 1 Renewal Likelihood 4.60 1 NEXT offers instant online quotes and same-day certificates, critical when contractors need proof for job sites or retailers must show coverage to landlords. Coverage includes general liability (customer injuries, property damage), professional liability (work errors), workers' compensation (employee injuries) and business owner's policies across construction, professional services and retail businesses. Standard $1 million per occurrence and $2 million aggregate limits meet most contract requirements.

Cheapest New Hampshire Business Insurance
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
4.5/5 (1st)Our Survey: Agent Service
4.7/5 (1st)
- pros
Ranks second among the providers MoneyGeek researched
Offers the lowest rates across all coverage types
Excellent claims process and customer satisfaction
A+ AM Best rating
More than 200 years of insurance industry experience
consRanks last for digital experience
Unavailable in Hawaii and Alaska
The Hartford ranks second overall for New Hampshire small business insurance at $83 monthly, the lowest cost among top providers. You get first-place stability (A+ AM Best rating) and strong customer service, though digital tools lag behind competitors. The Hartford works best for small businesses prioritizing affordable rates and financial strength, especially if you prefer phone support over online policy management.
The Hartford costs $83 monthly ($1,002 annually) and ranks first for affordability in New Hampshire. General liability leads at $81 monthly ($22 below the state average), while professional liability costs $71 monthly and business owner's policies run $113 monthly, both ranking first statewide. Workers' compensation costs $69 monthly, second-lowest in the state. The Hartford delivers the strongest value across all coverage types.
The Hartford ranks first nationally for claims processing and customer service, meaning faster resolutions when you file claims and need support. Policy management ranks fourth, while digital experience ranks tenth, so expect stronger phone support than online tools. You get excellent claims help and responsive service but limited self-service options for coverage changes or certificate requests online.
Overall Customer Score 4.38 2 Claims Process 4.50 1 Customer Service 4.70 1 Digital Experience 3.80 10 Overall Satisfaction 4.50 1 Policy Management 4.20 4 Recommend to Others 4.50 2 Renewal Likelihood 4.40 2 The Hartford offers coverage including general liability (customer injuries, property damage), professional liability (work errors), workers' compensation (employee injuries) and business owner's policies with equipment breakdown and business interruption protection built in. Coverage serves construction, professional services, retail and hospitality businesses common in New Hampshire. Standard $1 million per occurrence and $2 million aggregate limits meet most landlord and client contract requirements.

Best Commercial Coverage Options in New Hampshire
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 Research: Digital Experience
4.5/5Our Survey: Service Quality
4.0/5
- pros
Ranks first for coverage options
Digital-first platform offers quotes in under 10 minutes
Specializes in Amazon seller insurance through Amazon Insurance Accelerator
Above-average digital experience rating
consLower customer service ranking than other carriers
Ranks third to last in claims processing
Simply Business ranks third overall for New Hampshire small business insurance at $96 monthly, leading all providers in coverage breadth and customization. You get the widest range of policy options and can tailor coverage for restaurants, contractors, landlords or professional services, though customer service ranks fifth. Simply Business works best for small businesses in specialized industries needing coverage beyond standard general liability and workers' compensation.
Simply Business costs $96 monthly ($1,155 annually) and ranks fourth for affordability in New Hampshire. General liability costs $95 monthly ($8 below the state average), ranking second statewide. Business owner's policies run $143 monthly, third-lowest in the state. Professional liability costs $76 monthly and workers' compensation costs $71 monthly, both ranking fifth. Simply Business offers competitive pricing for general liability and business owner's policies.
Simply Business ranks third nationally for digital experience, making online quotes and policy management easy when you need quick coverage or certificate updates. Claims processing ranks eighth and customer service ranks sixth, meaning longer resolution times than top-rated competitors. You get strong online tools for policy changes and fast quotes but may experience slower support when filing complex claims or needing phone assistance.
Overall Customer Score 4.14 7 Claims Process 3.70 8 Customer Service 4.00 6 Digital Experience 4.50 3 Overall Satisfaction 4.10 7 Policy Management 4.10 7 Recommend to Others 4.20 8 Renewal Likelihood 4.10 7 Simply Business offers the broadest coverage options in New Hampshire with fast online quotes and instant certificates when clients or landlords request proof. Specialized policies protect restaurants (customer injuries, food liability), contractors (property damage, equipment), landlords (tenant injuries) and professional services (work errors, data breaches). You can customize limits and add cyber liability or employment practices coverage. Standard $1 million per occurrence and $2 million aggregate limits meet most contracts.
How Much Does Business Insurance Cost in New Hampshire?
New Hampshire small business insurance costs $73 to $146 monthly depending on coverage type. Workers' compensation offers the lowest rates, while business owner's policies cost the most. Your specific rates depend on industry risk and coverage limits. Compare average monthly costs for four common coverage types below:
- General Liability Cost: $103 monthly or $1,235 annually
- Workers' Comp Cost: $73 per month or $878 per year
- Professional Liability (E&O) Cost: $77 per month or $924 annually
- Business Owners Policy (BOP) Cost: $146 monthly or $1,757 annually
| BOP | $146 | $1,757 |
| General Liability | $103 | $1,235 |
| Professional Liability (E&O) | $77 | $924 |
| Workers Comp | $73 | $878 |
Note: We analyzed rates for your two-employee business across 79 industries, focusing on general liability, professional liability, workers' compensation and business owner's policies. Our New Hampshire research covers the companies we surveyed and won't include every rate available to your specific business.
New Hampshire Business Insurance Cost by Industry and Coverage
New Hampshire small business insurance costs vary by industry and coverage type, ranging from $6 to $1,328 monthly ($71 to $15,932 annually). Compare rates below based on your business type and coverage needs.
| Accountants | Business Owners Policy | $32 | $388 |
Note: We analyzed rates for your two-employee business across 79 industries, focusing on general liability, professional liability, workers' compensation and business owner's policies. Our New Hampshire research covers the companies we surveyed and won't include every rate available to your specific business.
What Factors Affect New Hampshire Business Insurance Costs?
Below we've summarized business insurance cost factors that affect your premium, specific to New Hampshire:
- Workers' Compensation Rate Reductions: Workers' compensation rates in New Hampshire have dropped for 13 straight years, declining more than 65% cumulatively. The 2025 decrease of 5.6% means lower premiums when you hire your first employee. Maintaining strong workplace safety records and reducing medical claims keeps rates down. Construction businesses benefit most from these sustained reductions.
- Payroll and Wage Growth: New Hampshire workers earned $33.08 per hour on average in June 2025. Since workers' compensation premiums tie to payroll, rising wages mean higher insurance bills even when rates drop. A construction worker at $26 hourly costs less to insure than a manager at $69 hourly. Premiums adjust annually when you give raises or add higher-paid employees.
- Weather-Related Property Risks: Floods from heavy rains, rapid snowmelt and ice jams pose regular risks in New Hampshire, along with winter blizzards. Business owner's policies exclude flood damage, requiring separate coverage at roughly $500 per year. Landlords often require flood insurance proof for properties near rivers or in flood-prone areas.
- Industry-Specific Risk Profiles: Insurance rates vary widely by industry. Construction and manufacturing face higher workers' comp premiums due to injury risks, while professional services and retail pay less. Healthcare became New Hampshire's largest employment sector, adding 3,039 jobs recently. Construction startups face steeper workers' comp costs than consulting firms, even with identical payrolls.
- Market Pressures (Inflation and Litigation): Inflation, supply chain disruptions and litigation costs affect New Hampshire insurance markets. When equipment replacement costs rise, business property premiums increase to match current values. Liability claims and legal expenses push general liability rates higher statewide. These market-wide pressures affect all businesses, but comparing quotes from multiple providers helps secure competitive rates.
New Hampshire Business Insurance Quotes
Compare quotes from multiple New Hampshire small business insurance providers to find affordable rates for your coverage needs. Match coverage limits and deductibles when comparing providers to ensure accurate pricing. Use MoneyGeek's quote tool below to get matched with insurers offering general liability, workers' compensation, professional liability and business owner's policies in New Hampshire.
Get New Hampshire Business Insurance Quotes from the Best Insurers
Select your industry and state to get a customized quote for your New Hampshire business.
New Hampshire Business Insurance Requirements
New Hampshire takes a minimal regulatory approach to business insurance requirements. Unlike most states, New Hampshire mandates only workers' compensation insurance for employers with employees and unemployment insurance tax for businesses meeting specific payroll thresholds, with conditional requirements for certain industries.
New Hampshire requires workers' compensation insurance, which covers medical costs and lost wages when employees get injured, for every business with employees, including part-time and family members. Sole proprietors and corporations/LLCs with three or fewer officers are exempt until hiring additional employees. Businesses without coverage face $50 daily penalties, and those with five or more employees must offer light-duty work to injured workers.
Register for unemployment tax once your quarterly payroll reaches $1,500 or you employ 10 or more workers for 20 weeks in a year, triggers that commonly occur when adding your second or third employee. Registration must occur within 30 days of meeting these thresholds. New employers pay 2.7% on the first $14,000 of each employee's annual wages, approximately $378 per employee annually.
Liquor liability insurance becomes mandatory only after two underage alcohol service violations within 24 months under RSA 178:6-a, making compliance your best prevention strategy. Required coverage limits are $100,000 per person and $300,000 per incident. Meet this requirement through a continuous insurance certificate from an authorized New Hampshire carrier or by depositing securities with the Liquor Commission.
New Hampshire requires surety bonds, which are financial guarantees protecting clients from professional misconduct, only for specific licensed professions. Real estate principal and managing brokers must post $25,000 bonds, bonded warehouses need $10,000 under RSA 348:1 and third-party administrators handling benefit plans require $100,000 minimum per RSA 402-H. General small businesses have no bond requirements.
What Business Insurance Coverage Is Recommended For New Hampshire Companies?
New Hampshire keeps business insurance regulations light, giving you flexibility to choose coverage that fits your needs. We've analyzed what works best for the major industries driving New Hampshire business to help you match coverage to your actual risks.
Restaurant | General liability, workers' compensation, commercial property, liquor liability, business interruption, spoilage coverage | Winter flooding from ice jams can close New Hampshire restaurants for weeks, so business interruption coverage ($500–$800 annually) replaces lost income during repairs. If you serve alcohol, liquor liability becomes legally required after two underage violations under state law, costing around $1,000–$2,000 yearly for required $100,000 coverage. |
Retail | General liability, commercial property, business interruption, cyber liability, crime coverage, workers' compensation | Customer slip-and-falls on icy sidewalks during New Hampshire's harsh winters create liability claims averaging $15,000–$30,000 that general liability covers. Flooding from rapid snowmelt damages retail store inventory (FEMA declared seven flood disasters here in 10 years), so property coverage protects your inventory even if you rent your space. |
Construction | General liability, workers' compensation, commercial auto, tools and equipment, builders risk, umbrella liability | You're legally required to carry workers' compensation once you hire employees, but New Hampshire construction contractors benefit from rates dropping 5.6% in 2025. Commercial auto coverage (around $150–$200 monthly for one truck) protects your vehicles when blizzards cause accidents, with comprehensive covering weather damage to equipment year-round. |
Manufacturing | General liability, workers' compensation, commercial property, product liability, business interruption, equipment breakdown | Product liability (starting around $500–$1,000 annually for small manufacturers) protects when defective goods injure customers or damage their property. Workers' compensation is legally mandatory once you hire employees, covering medical costs and lost wages if someone gets hurt operating your manufacturing equipment. |
Consulting | Professional liability, general liability, cyber liability, business interruption, commercial property, crime coverage | Clients often won't sign contracts with consulting firms unless you carry professional liability insurance (also called errors and omissions), even though New Hampshire doesn't legally require it. Cyber liability costs around $500 yearly for small businesses and covers legal fees and client notification if hackers access the sensitive information you handle. |
Lawn/Landscaping | General liability, workers' compensation, commercial auto, tools and equipment, pollution liability, completed operations | When landscaping companies accidentally cut underground utility lines or damage sprinklers, general liability covers repair costs that average $5,000–$15,000 per incident. Workers' compensation becomes legally required when you hire your first employee (even part-time), protecting you from medical bills if they're injured using mowers or trimmers. |
How to Get the Best Cheap Business Insurance in New Hampshire
Getting business insurance for your New Hampshire business doesn't require insurance expertise, just a clear understanding of your risks and smart comparison shopping. These steps help first-time business owners secure affordable coverage that protects against New Hampshire's weather risks while controlling costs in one of the nation's most expensive states.
- 1Identify the biggest risks your New Hampshire business actually faces
Start with your two mandatory coverages: workers' compensation (once you hire employees) and unemployment insurance tax (when payroll reaches $1,500 quarterly). Then assess optional coverage based on your location and industry. If you operate near rivers or in downtown areas, budget roughly $500 annually for separate flood insurance since standard policies exclude damage from New Hampshire's ice jams and rapid snowmelt.
- 2Compare insurers and explore New Hampshire small business resources
Request quotes from at least three insurers, asking each for identical coverage limits (the maximum they'll pay per claim) and deductibles (what you pay before coverage starts). While comparing, contact the New Hampshire Small Business Development Center for free advising on which coverages you actually need versus nice-to-have options. SBDC counselors help translate insurance jargon and identify cost-saving state programs like NHSaves energy rebates.
- 3Choose insurers with New Hampshire agents who explain your policy
Price matters, but claims support matters more when your business floods or an employee gets injured. Select insurers with licensed agents in New Hampshire who can visit your location, explain why workers' comp dropped 5.6% in 2025, and guide you through filing requirements. Local agents understand New Hampshire's specific risks, such as blizzards, floodingand housing costs affecting employee retention, better than national call centers.
- 4Bundle coverage to lower your total insurance costs
Combining your general liability (covers customer injuries and property damage) with property coverage (protects your building and equipment) in a business owner's policy saves roughly $1,200 to $2,400 annually compared to buying separately. For a $300,000 revenue business paying around $100 monthly for insurance, that's 10% to 20% savings. Affordable business insurance becomes realistic when you bundle policies and maintain a claims-free record.
- 5Review your coverage each year as your business grows
Schedule an annual insurance review every January to catch savings opportunities and coverage gaps. If you added employees, you'll need workers' compensation (legally required). Relocated away from flood zones? Drop that $500 annual cost. Revenue grew from $200,000 to $400,000? Increase liability limits from $500,000 to $1 million to protect your growing assets as small changes prevent costly surprises.
Best Business Liability Insurance New Hampshire: Bottom Line
NEXT, The Hartford and Simply Business lead New Hampshire's small business insurance market, but the right choice depends on your industry risks and whether you have employees. Compare coverage options, maximize available discounts and choose policies that protect your business without straining your budget.
Business Insurance New Hampshire: FAQ
Small business owners in New Hampshire often ask about coverage requirements and costs. We answer the most common questions below:
What business insurance is required by law in New Hampshire?
New Hampshire requires commercial auto insurance for business vehicles with $30,000/$60,000/$25,000 limits. Workers' compensation remains optional except for government contractors, while licensed contractors must carry surety bonds.
How much does business insurance cost in New Hampshire?
Our analysis shows that costs range from $73 to $146 monthly, depending on coverage. Workers' comp is the cheapest at $73, while BOPs cost $146. The Hartford averages $83 monthly in our study across all coverage types. 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 most affordable business insurance in New Hampshire at $85 monthly, with Thimble at $94 and Simply Business at $98 following close behind.
The Hartford also dominates individual coverage categories with general liability at $83, professional liability at $72, and workers' compensation at $70. However, rates fluctuate significantly based on your business's unique risk profile, so obtaining personalized quotes from multiple carriers remains essential for finding your best deal.
What business insurance does my small business need in New Hampshire?
Start with general liability and workers' compensation (required once you hire). New Hampshire restaurants need liquor liability, while construction contractors add commercial auto and tools coverage.
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 compared company rates across all coverage types to identify the most cost-effective options for small businesses that need comprehensive financial protection without overpaying.
- Customer experience (30% of score): We analyzed J.D. Power satisfaction ratings, NAIC complaint data, online review sites and independent agency feedback to assess real-world service quality when you need claims handled quickly.
- Coverage options (15% of score): We evaluated the breadth of coverage types, policy limits and add-on options available to accommodate growing businesses and New Hampshire's diverse industry needs.
- Financial strength (5% of score): We reviewed AM Best ratings, Moody's assessments and company financial reports to ensure insurers can reliably pay claims, especially important given New Hampshire's frequent weather disasters.
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. He has analyzed the insurance market for over five years, conducting original research for insurance shoppers. His insights have been featured in 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!
He writes about economics and insurance, breaking down complex topics so people know what they're buying.
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