ERGO NEXT leads Oregon for small business insurance, ranking first in customer service and second in coverage, followed by The Hartford and Simply Business. Solo service providers get fast proof of insurance with ERGO NEXT, cost-conscious owners pay from $78 monthly with The Hartford and contractors needing contract compliance choose Simply Business.
Best Small Business Insurance in Oregon
Oregon's top business insurers are ERGO NEXT, The Hartford and Simply Business, offering coverage starting at just $6 monthly.
Get matched to the best Oregon commercial insurer for you below.

Updated: February 2, 2026
Advertising & Editorial Disclosure
ERGO NEXT leads Oregon in customer service and ranks second for coverage breadth and quality among best small business insurers.
The Hartford, Thimble and Simply Business offer Oregon's cheapest small business insurance, from $78 monthly.
Compare quotes from multiple providers and assess your specific risks to find the right small business insurance coverage.
Best Small Business Insurance Companies in Oregon
| ERGO NEXT | 4.62 | $93 | 1 | 2 |
| The Hartford | 4.61 | $78 | 2 | 3 |
| Simply Business | 4.49 | $90 | 5 | 1 |
| Nationwide | 4.47 | $95 | 2 | 4 |
| Coverdash | 4.41 | $94 | 6 | 2 |
| biBERK | 4.38 | $97 | 2 | 5 |
| Progressive Commercial | 4.32 | $92 | 7 | 5 |
| Thimble | 4.30 | $87 | 8 | 5 |
| Hiscox | 4.26 | $100 | 4 | 6 |
| Chubb | 4.26 | $109 | 3 | 4 |
Note: These rates reflect MoneyGeek's analysis of small businesses with two employees across 79 major industries. Your actual rates vary based on your industry risk factors, claims history, coverage limits and individual insurer underwriting criteria. Contact insurers directly for personalized quotes.
Discover the best or cheapest business insurer in Oregon for your desired coverage type in our resources below:

Best Oregon Business Insurance
Average Monthly Cost of General Liability Insurance
$96This rate is for small businesses with two employees across 79 major industries or business types and focus solely on general liability policies.Average Monthly Cost of Workers' Comp Insurance
$64This 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 in Oregon for customer service
Cheapest workers' comp coverage in Oregon
Instant certificate of insurance available 24/7
A+ Superior financial strength rating from AM Best
consMost expensive BOP coverage
Claims process slower than top competitors
Live phone support limited to weekdays only
ERGO NEXT ranks first in Oregon at $93 monthly ($1,113 annually) because it solves the biggest bottleneck solo service providers face: getting instant certificates for client contracts and venue bookings without fees. Oregon businesses save on workers' comp and professional liability, making it ideal when you need affordable multi-policy coverage plus same-day proof.
ERGO NEXT costs $93 monthly in Oregon and ranks fifth overall, though delivering the state's cheapest workers' comp at $64 monthly, which matters since Oregon requires immediate coverage as soon as you hire your first employee. Professional liability costs $67 monthly (2nd cheapest), while ERGO NEXT's BOP runs $7 above Oregon's $137 average. If you need bundled liability and property protection, it's worth comparing rates from other providers.
ERGO NEXT ranks first nationally for digital experience and policy management because you can add additional insured endorsements, adjust coverage limits and download certificates through the app without calling an agent. Claims processing averages 15 days and live support runs weekdays only, though the 24/7 AI chatbot handles routine policy questions and certificate requests immediately.
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 ERGO NEXT offers equipment breakdown coverage through its BOP, protecting Oregon food service and retail businesses when HVAC systems, refrigeration or POS equipment fails and halts operations. Add cyber liability for data breach notification costs, tools and equipment coverage for contractor gear theft between job sites or hired and non-owned auto when employees use personal vehicles for client visits.

Cheapest Oregon Business Insurance
Average Monthly Cost of General Liability Insurance
$76This 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
$64This 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 first in Oregon for affordability overall
Cheapest for BOP, general liability and professional liability in the state
A+ Superior financial strength rating from AM Best
Founded in 1810 with 215 years of experience
consRanks 10th nationally for digital experience
Agent-based model (no instant online certificates)
Not available in Alaska or Hawaii
The Hartford ranks second overall in Oregon at $78 monthly ($933 annually) while having the cheapest rates for BOP, general liability and professional liability. With 215 years of experience and an A+ Superior rating, it works best for Oregon businesses prioritizing the lowest multi-policy rates and agent support over instant app-based certificate access for same-day client requests.
The Hartford costs $78 monthly in Oregon and ranks first for affordability because it offers the state's lowest rates across almost every major coverage type, helping you manage insurance costs when carrying multiple policies. BOP costs $104 monthly (saving $33), general liability costs $76 monthly (saving $20) and professional liability costs $66 monthly (saving $6).
The Hartford ranks first nationally for service quality, claims process and customer service, meaning faster claim resolutions and more responsive support when you need help after accidents or property damage. The tradeoff shows in digital experience, where it ranks last because you'll work with agents rather than downloading certificates instantly through an app like digital-first competitors offer.
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 includes up to $25,000 employment practices liability insurance in its BOP at no extra cost, covering discrimination and wrongful termination claims from employees, job candidates and even vendors, which protects Oregon restaurants and retailers managing wage disputes with hourly workers. The Hartford's risk engineering team conducts on-site safety assessments to help prevent workplace injuries, reducing your workers' comp premiums over time.

Best Commercial Coverage Options in Oregon
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
$67This 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 in Oregon for coverage options
Compares quotes from 18+ top-rated insurance carriers
Instant certificates of insurance available 24/7 online
Backed by Travelers with 20 years broker experience
consRanks fifth for customer service
Ranks seventh nationally for claims process
Workers' comp costs higher than Oregon average
Simply Business ranks 3rd in Oregon at $90 monthly ($1,081 annually) and first for coverage options because its 18-carrier marketplace includes specialty insurers for hard-to-place industries that single-carrier competitors often decline. It works best for Oregon businesses struggling to find coverage elsewhere or needing specialized policies like inland marine for mobile equipment and contract-required endorsements.
Simply Business costs $90 monthly in Oregon and ranks third for affordability, offering competitive rates for general liability at $89 monthly (saving $7) and BOP at $134 monthly (saving $3). Professional liability costs $71 monthly and workers' comp $67 monthly, both above Oregon's average, so explore other providers if these coverage types are your primary need.
Simply Business ranks fifth for customer service and eighth nationally for claims processing, meaning slower claim resolutions and less responsive support when you need help after accidents or losses. Its platform ranks third nationally for digital experience because you can compare carrier quotes, download certificates and manage policies online, though you'll work directly with whichever carrier underwrites your policy for actual service issues.
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 participates in Amazon's Insurance Accelerator Program and serves Etsy sellers through partnerships with specialty carriers, making it Oregon's go-to option for e-commerce businesses needing platform-compliant coverage that traditional insurers often reject. The multi-carrier marketplace includes Hiscox for professional services, CNA for contractors and Markel for food operations, letting you compare coverage terms across insurers to match specific contract requirements.
Get Matched to the Best Small Business Insurance Providers in Oregon
Select your industry and state to get a customized quote for your Oregon business.
Cheapest Small Business Insurance Providers in Oregon
The Hartford offers Oregon's most affordable small business insurance at $78 monthly, letting you meet client contract and venue requirements without paying more than necessary. Thimble and Simply Business provide budget-friendly alternatives at $87 and $90 monthly with instant certificates, so you can submit proof of insurance to clients immediately and start working faster.
| The Hartford | $78 | $933 |
| Thimble | $87 | $1,045 |
| Simply Business | $90 | $1,081 |
| Progressive Commercial | $92 | $1,101 |
| ERGO NEXT | $93 | $1,113 |
| Coverdash | $94 | $1,125 |
| Nationwide | $95 | $1,135 |
| biBERK | $97 | $1,164 |
| Hiscox | $100 | $1,205 |
| Chubb | $109 | $1,314 |
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 Oregon research covers the companies we surveyed and won't include every rate available to your specific business.
Cheapest Oregon Business Insurance by Coverage Type
The Hartford offers Oregon's lowest rates for professional liability, general liability and business owner's policies, while ERGO NEXT leads for workers' compensation rates. Comparing prices by coverage type helps you manage insurance costs strategically since the most affordable provider changes based on what protection your business needs:
| Workers' Comp | ERGO NEXT | $64 |
| Professional Liability (E&O) | The Hartford | $66 |
| General Liability | The Hartford | $76 |
| Business Owner's Policy | The Hartford | $104 |
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 Oregon research covers the companies we surveyed and won't include every rate available to your specific business.
Cheapest Oregon Small Business Insurance by Industry
Oregon's most affordable small business insurance provider varies by industry since small businesses manage different risk profiles, leading to different premium costs. Comparing rates across Oregon's sectors helps you secure financial protection without overpaying:
- Construction and Specialty Trades: Simply Business saves Oregon electricians the most money at $49 monthly while Hiscox offers contractors the most affordable coverage at $101 monthly, covering financial losses from job-site injury lawsuits and property damage that could exceed project margins.
- Professional Services: The Hartford delivers the most savings for Oregon consultants and accountants at $37 and $43 monthly while biBERK offers engineers the cheapest rates at $39 monthly, covering financial liability from client lawsuits over missed deadlines, project errors and professional negligence.
- Technology and IT Services: Oregon tech firms, computer programmers and software developers get the most affordable coverage through ERGO NEXT at $34 and $35 monthly respectively, covering costs from data breach lawsuits, equipment damage and intellectual property disputes while managing tight development budgets.
- Food Service: Caterers and food trucks pay the lowest rates with ERGO NEXT at $61 and $65 monthly, while Nationwide delivers restaurants the most savings at $86 monthly, covering financial losses from customer injury claims and equipment damage affecting razor-thin margins.
- Healthcare Services: Thimble provides dental practices the most savings at $29 monthly, The Hartford offers physical therapists the lowest rates at $33 monthly and biBERK delivers veterinarians affordable coverage at $46 monthly, covering costs from patient injury and malpractice lawsuits.
- Retail: Coffee shops save the most with Coverdash at $57 monthly, bakeries get the lowest rates from The Hartford at $60 monthly and retail stores find the cheapest coverage through Nationwide at $40 monthly, covering costs from customer injuries and lease compliance.
How to Get the Best Cheap Business Insurance in Oregon
Getting business insurance in Oregon means balancing affordable premiums against coverage for wildfire damage, earthquake liability and strict workers' comp. These six steps help you secure cost-effective policies from financially stable providers without sacrificing financial protection.
- 1
Identify Your Oregon Business Risks and Required Coverage
Assess wildfire exposure, employee count and vehicle usage since Oregon mandates workers' compensation after hiring one employee and $25,000/$50,000/$20,000 commercial auto liability. Licensed contractors need $100,000-$500,000 general liability, while client contracts demand additional insured endorsements, making adequate coverage critical because violations trigger minimum $1,000 penalties and insufficient limits expose you to personal liability.
- 2
Compare Quotes from Oregon's Top-Rated AND Most Affordable Providers
Request quotes from multiple since comparing three providers reveals 30% to 50% rate differences for identical coverage. Oregon's 300+ authorized workers' comp carriers create competitive pricing for Portland food truck owners, Bend tech startups and Salem contractors, making thorough comparison essential to find financially stable insurers offering the lowest premiums for your industry and risk profile.
- 3
Verify Claims Handling and Financial Stability Before Choosing
Check AM Best ratings of A- or higher and reviews focusing on claim speed because Oregon faces Cascadia earthquake risk with 16-22% chance of magnitude 9+ in 50 years, 2024 wildfires requiring federal disaster declarations and January 2024 ice storms causing widespread damage. Prioritize insurer reliability over saving $20 monthly since earthquake and wildfire damage create six-figure repair bills, making proven claims handling more valuable than marginal savings.
- 4
Apply Cost-Saving Strategies Without Sacrificing Protection
Oregon businesses reduce business insurance costs beyond traditional discounts through strategic policy management.
- Bundle policies with one carrier: Combining general liability, property and workers' comp saves 15% to 25% annually while simplifying management in a state where business tax burdens soared 33% between 2019 and 2023, making every cost reduction critical to competitive margins.
- Increase deductibles strategically: Raising property deductibles to $2,500 to $5,000 reduces premiums by 10% to 20% while keeping liability deductibles low since wildfire and earthquake property risks in Oregon make strategic deductible placement more effective than across-the-board increases.
- Annual payment eliminates financing fees: Paying premiums upfront instead of monthly saves $300 to $800 annually on $6,000 to $8,000 policies by eliminating 5% to 10% financing charges while improving cash flow predictability in Oregon's competitive market where cost management drives business retention.
- Safety programs cut workers' comp costs: Documented training and written protocols reduce workers' comp premiums by 10% to 15% since Oregon's one employee coverage threshold creates immediate exposure for growing businesses, making proactive risk management your most effective tool for controlling the largest insurance expense.
- 5
Negotiate Contract-Ready Coverage at Competitive Rates
Request $1 million/$2 million general liability with additional insured endorsements and waiver of subrogation since contractors need certificates within 24 to 48 hours to secure projects while meeting client requirements beyond state minimums. Compare endorsement costs across carriers because additional insured coverage ranges from $25 to $150 annually, and securing contract-ready policies upfront prevents expensive mid-term changes when landing new clients in Oregon's market where businesses face recruiting pressure from other states.
- 6
Review Coverage Annually and Adjust for Business Changes
Update coverage immediately when hiring your first employee since Oregon's workers' comp triggers at one hire, or when expanding to new locations because earthquake and wildfire exposure varies by county. Annual renewal reviews capture rate decreases in Oregon's 300+ carrier market, while adjusting limits when purchasing equipment prevents liability gaps that expose you to personal losses.
Best Business Liability Insurance Oregon: Bottom Line
ERGO NEXT leads Oregon small business insurance for customer service and coverage quality, while The Hartford, Thimble and Simply Business offer the most affordable policies starting at $78 monthly. Compare quotes to find coverage meeting Oregon's strict one-employee workers' comp threshold and contractor licensing requirements without sacrificing the competitive pricing you need in a state where cost management determines whether you'll grow here or join businesses expanding elsewhere.
Business Insurance Oregon: FAQ
Small business owners across Oregon face numerous questions when selecting business insurance coverage. We've compiled answers to the most common concerns below:
What business insurance is required in Oregon, and what coverage do clients or landlords usually require?
Oregon requires workers' compensation after hiring one employee (violations trigger minimum $1,000 penalties) and $25,000/$50,000/$20,000 commercial auto liability. Licensed contractors need $100,000 to $500,000 general liability. Clients typically require $1 million general liability with additional insured endorsements to award contracts.
How much does small business insurance cost per month in Oregon?
Coverage costs for your Oregon business depend on your industry, but here are monthly and annual averages by coverage type:
- General liability insurance: $96 monthly or $1,154 annually
- Workers' compensation insurance: $68 monthly or $820 annually
- Professional liability (E&O) insurance: $72 monthly or $865 annually
- Business Owner's Policy (BOP): $137 monthly or $1,647 annually
How do I get a COI fast in Oregon and add a client or landlord as additional insured?
Request certificates during your quote process and specify additional insured endorsements upfront since losing contracts over slow COI delivery threatens your competitiveness when other states recruit Oregon businesses. Digital providers like ERGO NEXT issue certificates immediately online, while traditional carriers take one to three business days.
Do I need workers' comp insurance in Oregon if it's just me? What if I hire someone or use subcontractors?
Sole proprietors, partners and LLC members don't need workers' comp. Buy coverage before your first employee starts work since Oregon's one-employee threshold triggers immediately and violations cost minimum $1,000 penalties. Verify subcontractors meet independent contractor definitions or you'll need coverage for them too.
What policy covers common risks in Oregon, like customer injuries, property damage or business driving?
General liability insurance covers customer injuries and property damage you cause. Commercial auto covers business driving. A Business Owner's Policy bundles general liability with property coverage for equipment and inventory damage from Oregon's wildfires, earthquakes and ice storms requiring federal disaster assistance.
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.
sources
- Oregon Department of Land Conservation and Development. "Oregon's Natural Hazards." Accessed February 7, 2026.
- Oregon Division of Financial Regulation. "Commercial Auto Insurance." Accessed February 7, 2026.
- Oregon State Legislature. "ORS Chapter 701 — Construction Contractors and Contracts." Accessed February 7, 2026.
- Oregon Workers' Compensation Division. "Workers' Compensation Insurance Overview." Accessed February 7, 2026.
- U.S. Federal Register. "Presidential Declaration of a Major Disaster for Public Assistance Only for the State of Oregon." Accessed February 7, 2026.

