NEXT tops our North Dakota business insurance provider analysis 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 North Dakota
NEXT tops our North Dakota business insurance rankings with a MoneyGeek score of 4.64 out of 5.
Find affordable coverage that protects your small business in North Dakota below.
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Updated: August 21, 2025
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Key Takeaways
Small business owners can get the best business insurance in North Dakota from NEXT, The Hartford and Simply Business.
The best business insurance in North Dakota varies based on your industry risks, number of employees 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 North Dakota
| NEXT | 4.64 | 3 | 1 | 2 |
| The Hartford | 4.63 | 1 | 2 | 3 |
| Simply Business | 4.50 | 3 | 5 | 1 |
| Nationwide | 4.47 | 7 | 2 | 4 |
| Coverdash | 4.42 | 5 | 6 | 2 |
| biBERK | 4.39 | 8 | 2 | 5 |
| Progressive Commercial | 4.32 | 4 | 7 | 5 |
| Thimble | 4.31 | 2 | 8 | 5 |
| Hiscox | 4.28 | 6 | 4 | 6 |
| Chubb | 4.28 | 9 | 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 North Dakota businesses with the best general liability coverage and business owner's policies (BOP). NEXT provides the state's top professional liability insurance.
| Business Owners Policy | The Hartford | 4.68 |
| General Liability | The Hartford | 4.59 |
| Professional Liability (E&O) | NEXT | 4.74 |
| Workers Compensation | NEXT | 4.63 |
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 North Dakota Small Business Insurance Reviews
Our research team evaluated business insurance providers across North Dakota to identify the top three options for small business owners. Here's what makes each company stand out when looking for comprehensive coverage.
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
$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
N/AThis 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
3.9/5Ranked #4 nationallyOur Survey: Likely to Be Recommended to Others
4.8/5Ranked #1 nationally
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
$72This 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
N/AThis 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
$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
N/AThis 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 North Dakota
The Hartford provides the most affordable business insurance in North Dakota at $78 monthly ($933 annually). Thimble and Simply Business follow as cost-effective alternatives with rates of $89 and $90 per month, respectively. See the complete list of providers and their rates in the table below.
| The Hartford | $78 | $933 |
| Thimble | $89 | $1,065 |
| Simply Business | $90 | $1,083 |
| Nationwide | $95 | $1,135 |
| Progressive Commercial | $95 | $1,142 |
| Coverdash | $95 | $1,143 |
| NEXT | $95 | $1,145 |
| biBERK | $99 | $1,194 |
| Hiscox | $104 | $1,247 |
| Chubb | $111 | $1,331 |
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 North Dakota
The Hartford offers the cheapest general liability coverage in North Dakota at $72 monthly. Simply Business ranks second with rates of $83 per month. Compare all provider rates in the table below.
| The Hartford | $72 | $861 |
| Simply Business | $83 | $995 |
| Nationwide | $84 | $1,014 |
| Progressive Commercial | $88 | $1,054 |
| NEXT | $89 | $1,070 |
| Coverdash | $90 | $1,074 |
| Thimble | $93 | $1,117 |
| Hiscox | $99 | $1,189 |
| biBERK | $99 | $1,190 |
| Chubb | $103 | $1,235 |
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 North Dakota
NEXT offers the most affordable professional liability insurance (E&O) at $63 monthly ($751 annually). The Hartford provides another budget-friendly option for North Dakota businesses.
| NEXT | $63 | $751 |
| The Hartford | $63 | $754 |
| Progressive Commercial | $66 | $791 |
| Simply Business | $66 | $793 |
| Thimble | $66 | $795 |
| Coverdash | $67 | $801 |
| Hiscox | $67 | $805 |
| biBERK | $69 | $828 |
| Nationwide | $72 | $864 |
| Chubb | $77 | $924 |
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 BOP Insurance Companies in North Dakota
The Hartford offers the cheapest BOP rates in North Dakota at $99 per month ($1,185 annually). Business owners can also find affordable BOP insurance with Thimble, Simply Business and Nationwide.
| The Hartford | $99 | $1,185 |
| Thimble | $107 | $1,283 |
| Simply Business | $122 | $1,462 |
| Nationwide | $127 | $1,529 |
| Coverdash | $130 | $1,554 |
| biBERK | $130 | $1,563 |
| Progressive Commercial | $132 | $1,580 |
| NEXT | $134 | $1,613 |
| Hiscox | $146 | $1,748 |
| Chubb | $153 | $1,833 |
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 North Dakota?
Business insurance in North Dakota costs between $68 and $128 monthly, with professional liability offering the most affordable rates and business owner's policies the most expensive. Rates vary based on the coverage type your business needs.
| BOP | $128 |
| General Liability | $90 |
| Professional Liability (E&O) | $68 |
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 North Dakota vary based on industry and coverage types. Monthly premiums range from $15 for drone operator general liability coverage to $1,189 for a pressure washing company's business owner's policy.
Data filtered by:Results filtered by:
Select
Coverage Type:Business Owners Policy
Select
Industry:Accountants
| Accountants | Business Owners Policy | $29 |
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 influence your insurance costs in North Dakota:
Industry risk level
Your business type influences insurance costs in North Dakota. Due to higher accident risks, oil field service companies and construction contractors pay much more than consultants. A construction company might pay $500 monthly for basic coverage, while an accounting firm could pay under $50 for similar protection levels.
Geographic location and weather risks
Your location in North Dakota affects insurance rates significantly. According to NOAA data, North Dakota faced 40 billion-dollar weather disasters from 1980-2023. Severe winters, spring floods, and summer storms create substantial risks. Businesses in flood-prone areas like the Red River Valley often pay more than those in other regions.
Business size
Your employee count directly affects insurance costs. Workers' compensation rates are calculated per $100 of payroll, while general liability costs reflect your revenue and customer volume. A manufacturing plant with 50 employees pays substantially more than a small retail shop with five workers.
Claims history
Previous claims affect your rates for years in North Dakota. Even a single property damage claim can increase premiums across multiple coverage types. Insurance companies offer better rates to businesses that maintain claim-free records and implement strong safety programs.
Coverage types and limits
Your choice of coverage types and limits directly impacts costs. Higher coverage limits increase premiums, but bundling coverage through a Business Owner's Policy often reduces overall costs. North Dakota businesses commonly save 10-15% through package policies.
Years in business
New North Dakota businesses pay higher premiums because insurers lack data to assess their risk level. After operating claim-free for three to five years, many businesses qualify for lower rates and additional coverage options.
Professional certifications
Safety certifications and professional licenses can reduce your insurance costs. North Dakota insurers often offer discounts for OSHA safety certifications, industry-specific training programs, and risk management protocols that demonstrate your commitment to workplace safety.
North Dakota Business Insurance Buying Guide
Running a business takes considerable time and energy, which can make getting business insurance feel like another task on your endless to-do list. Our straightforward guide breaks down business insurance requirements in North Dakota into clear, manageable steps you can tackle with confidence.
What Coverage Is Required?
We've researched all North Dakota business insurance requirements so you don't have to. Check out our detailed breakdown of state requirements below.
Workers' comp
North Dakota requires workers' compensation insurance for most businesses through an exclusive state-run system called Workforce Safety & Insurance.
You must carry workers' comp if you have one or more employees, including part-time and seasonal workers. North Dakota is unique because all businesses must buy coverage through the state fund, as private workers' comp insurance isn't available.
Corporate officers can opt out if they own at least 20% of the company, and sole proprietors and business partners are exempt unless they choose coverage. The state system provides comprehensive coverage but limits your insurance options.
Commercial auto insurance
Small businesses that own vehicles or require employees to drive for work need commercial auto insurance. North Dakota requires all vehicles to carry at least $30,000 per person and $60,000 per accident for bodily injury, plus $30,000 for property damage. You'll also need personal injury protection coverage of at least $30,000, which covers medical expenses regardless of fault.
Unemployment insurance
North Dakota requires unemployment insurance for businesses that pay wages of $1,000 or more in any quarter or employ one or more workers for 20 weeks during a calendar year. You must register with Job Service North Dakota and pay quarterly contributions. The state has experienced significant economic changes due to oil industry fluctuations, which can affect unemployment rates and contribution requirements.
Professional liability insurance
If you hold a professional license in North Dakota 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 North Dakota, 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 $50,000 in liability coverage, while specialty contractors have varying requirements. This protects customers if you don't complete work as promised or follow licensing requirements.
What Coverage Do We Recommend?
North Dakota has minimal business insurance regulations, so choosing the right coverage is up to you. We've analyzed the best insurance options for the state's leading industries:
Excavation | General liability, workers' compensation, commercial auto, equipment coverage, environmental liability, oil field support coverage, extreme winter weather protection, pipeline construction | North Dakota excavation companies support Bakken oil field operations with environmental liability from oil spills and contaminated soil disturbance. Extreme winter weather can shut down operations for weeks, while oil field work creates elevated explosion and toxic exposure risks. |
Trucking | Commercial auto, cargo coverage, general liability, workers' compensation, oil field transport coverage, extreme winter weather coverage, hazmat transportation, remote location coverage | North Dakota trucking companies transport oil, fracking materials and agricultural products through extreme weather conditions with elevated accident risks. Oil field trucking requires specialized hazmat coverage, while blizzards can strand drivers for days in remote locations. |
Construction/Contractor | General liability, workers' compensation, commercial auto, builder's risk, professional liability, oil field construction coverage, extreme winter weather delays, pipeline construction | North Dakota construction faces extreme winter weather delays, oil field construction hazards and pipeline installation risks. Bakken oil field construction requires specialized coverage for explosive environments, environmental contamination and remote location emergency response. |
Welding | General liability, workers' compensation, commercial auto, equipment coverage, completed operations coverage, fire damage liability, oil field equipment fabrication, pipeline welding coverage, extreme cold operations | North Dakota welding shops support oil field operations and pipeline construction with specialized liability from high-pressure systems and explosive environments. Extreme cold affects welding quality and creates additional safety risks for oil field equipment repair. |
How to Get the Best Cheap Business Insurance in North Dakota
Getting the right business insurance coverage in North Dakota can strain your budget and time. Here are proven ways to secure reliable protection while keeping your insurance costs manageable:
- 1
Assess your actual risks first
Focus on the risks your North Dakota business faces, not what insurance agents push. A Fargo restaurant needs strong property and liability coverage, while a Bismarck IT consultant should prioritize professional liability and cyber protection.
- 2
Get quotes from multiple insurers
Insurance companies calculate North Dakota business risks differently, leading to varied pricing for the same coverage. Contact at least three providers to compare rates. Local agents often understand North Dakota regulations better than national carriers.
- 3
Choose providers based on service quality
Check each insurer's financial strength and claims processing speed before deciding. An agricultural business needs an insurer familiar with crop damage claims, while a retail store wants quick response times for property damage.
- 4
Maximize every discount
Combine policies where possible and maintain good safety records for better rates. A Minot manufacturing company could save by bundling property and general liability coverage while documenting workplace safety measures.
- 5
Review coverage annually
Business needs change with growth and market conditions. A Grand Forks startup that began with basic liability coverage might need expanded protection after adding delivery services or hiring employees.
North Dakota Business Insurance: Bottom Line
Based on our analysis, NEXT, The Hartford and Simply Business are North Dakota'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 North Dakota: FAQ
Small business owners in North Dakota face many questions when choosing the right business insurance, so we've gathered answers to the most common questions below:
What business insurance is required by law in North Dakota?
North Dakota mandates workers' compensation for most employers and commercial auto coverage ($30,000/$60,000/$30,000) for business vehicles. Contractors must carry surety bonds based on contract value. General liability isn't legally required, but is often needed for contracts.
How much does business insurance cost in North Dakota?
Our analysis shows that business insurance costs in North Dakota range from $68 to $128 monthly. Professional liability is the most affordable at $68, while BOPs cost $128. Actual costs depend on your industry, business size and claims history.
Which company has the cheapest business insurance in North Dakota?
The Hartford offers the lowest rates at $78 monthly in North Dakota, with Thimble ($89) and Simply Business ($90) following behind. Compare quotes since rates vary by business risk factors.
What business insurance do I need for my small business in North Dakota?
Start with general liability to protect against customer injuries and property damage claims. Add workers' compensation for employees and commercial auto for company vehicles. Construction companies need builder's risk coverage, while retail stores should add property insurance.
What is the best business insurance company in North Dakota?
NEXT leads business insurance providers in North Dakota with a MoneyGeek score of 4.64 out of 5.0. Hartford and Simply Business are excellent alternatives. Compare multiple providers to secure coverage that matches your business requirements.
Do small businesses in North Dakota need workers' compensation insurance?
North Dakota requires workers' compensation for most businesses with one or more employees through the state-run system. However, certain exemptions apply for corporate officers, sole proprietors, and business partners. Most small business owners purchase coverage to protect against potentially devastating injury claims.
What factors affect business insurance costs in North Dakota?
Your industry type significantly impacts costs. Construction businesses pay higher premiums than retail stores. Location within North Dakota affects rates, with flood-prone areas costing more. Employee count drives workers' comp expenses, while claim history and safety training influence rates.
How do I get cheap business insurance in North Dakota?
Assess actual business risks before purchasing coverage. Compare quotes from top-rated insurers like NEXT and The Hartford. Bundle policies and implement safety programs to secure better rates.
What's the difference between general liability and errors and omissions (professional liability) insurance in North Dakota?
General liability insurance protects against physical injuries and property damage at your business. Professional liability (E&O) covers financial losses from service mistakes, missed deadlines or incorrect advice.
Can I get business insurance quotes online in North Dakota?
Yes, top insurance providers offer online quotes in North Dakota. Keep your business information handy for accurate estimates. Complex businesses may need agent assistance for specialized coverage.
How We Scored the Best Business Insurance Companies in North Dakota
Small business owners in North Dakota need reliable coverage that protects their operations without breaking their budgets. We designed our methodology to help North Dakota entrepreneurs navigate challenges like severe weather risks and the state's unique workers' compensation requirements.
We studied thousands of quotes from 79 industries across four coverage types for a two-employee firm with $300,000 annual revenue and $150,000 payroll. All policies included $1 million per occurrence and $2 million total per year, with BOPs adding $5,000 business property coverage.
- Affordability (50% of score): We compared premiums across multiple carriers, factoring in industry-specific rates and coverage levels to identify the most cost-effective options for North Dakota businesses.
- Customer experience (30% of score): Our analysis examined claims processing speed, customer support availability and digital tools to evaluate service quality.
- Coverage options (15% of score): We assessed policy customization options, including industry-specific endorsements and coverage limit flexibility.
- Financial strength (5% of score): We evaluated each insurer's ability to pay claims using ratings from independent agencies.
This approach helps North Dakota 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
- National Centers for Environmental Information. "Billion-Dollar Weather and Climate Disasters." Accessed August 21, 2025.
- NEXT. "NEXT Empowers Agents with Enhanced Products, Cutting-Edge Digital Tools, Opening New Revenue Opportunities and Sparking Momentum in Small Business Insurance." Accessed August 21, 2025.
- 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.