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Best General Liability Insurance For Small Business
Small business liability insurance protects you from lawsuits if someone is injured at your business or because of your product. Here are the best general liability insurance policies for small business.
Erica has been writing about small business finance and technology since 2008. She joined Merchant Maverick in 2018 and specializes in researching and reviewing business software, financial products, and other topics to help small businesses manage and grow their operations. Her expertise has been cited in MSN, Reader's Digest, Vox, U.S. News & World Report, and Real Simple. She is a Certified ProAdvisor for QuickBooks Online and QuickBooks Payroll, a graduate of Limestone University, and currently resides in Greenville, South Carolina.
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Erica SeppalaErica has been writing about small business finance and technology since 2008. She joined Merchant Maverick in 2018 and specializes in researching and reviewing business software, financial products, and other topics to help small businesses manage and grow their operations. Her expertise has been cited in MSN, Reader's Digest, Vox, U.S. News & World Report, and Real Simple. She is a Certified ProAdvisor for QuickBooks Online and QuickBooks Payroll, a graduate of Limestone University, and currently resides in Greenville, South Carolina.
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The best general liability insurance for small businesses helps protect against common risks, such as customer injuries or property damage.
We reviewed 18 insurance companies and brokers to identify the best insurance companies based on coverage, pricing, reliability, and claims support.
General liability insurance protects your business from third-party claims involving bodily injury, accidents, or property damage.
For most businesses, it’s a foundational policy and often the first type of coverage to consider.
Note: General liability does not cover employee injuries. You’ll need workers’ compensation coverage for that.
The Best Liability Insurance For Small Business
The best business liability insurance offers reliable coverage at a competitive price and is easy to manage, from day-to-day account access to filing claims.
Pricing varies, with some average cost examples available
Coverage Options
Comprehensive coverage with customizable policies
Quote Speed
Usually same-day
Pros
Broad coverage with specialty options
Same day quotes available
Strong claims support
Cons
No coverage in Alaska or Hawaii
May not be ideal for very small businesses
Why We Chose The Hartford
The Hartford stands out for its broad range of liability and specialty coverage, making it a strong fit for larger businesses with more complex insurance needs.
While it may not be the lowest-cost option, its ability to bundle multiple policies and support more advanced risk profiles makes it a reliable choice for growing companies.
The Hartford Insurance Pricing
The Hartford provides personalized quotes based on your business details. General liability policies may start around $88 per month, though pricing varies.
Quotes are available online or by phone, often within the same day.
The Hartford Features
The Hartford combines standard liability coverage with a wide range of add-ons, allowing businesses to build a policy that fits their needs. In addition to general liability and business owners policies (BOPs), you can add coverage for business income, cyber risks, flood damage, and more.
One area where The Hartford stands out is its risk engineering support, which helps businesses identify workplace risks and improve safety practices. The company also offers a streamlined claims process, with 24/7 reporting and online account management tools that make it easier to manage your policy.
The Hartford Customer Service & Claims
The Hartford allows you to file claims online or by phone at any time. While live customer support is limited to business hours, the company provides solid self-service tools and generally positive claims experiences.
Choose The Hartford If ...
You run a larger or more complex business
You need flexible coverage with specialty options
You want a well-established insurer with strong support tools
ERGO NEXT stands out for its fast, streamlined quote process, making it a good fit for small businesses that need coverage quickly.
While it doesn’t offer as many specialized options as some competitors, it’s a good choice for businesses with straightforward insurance needs.
ERGO NEXT Insurance Pricing
ERGO NEXT offers personalized quotes based on your business details. General liability policies may start around $19 per month for low-risk businesses, though pricing varies.
You can get a quote by entering basic information online, with many users receiving pricing in about 10 minutes.
ERGO NEXT Features
ERGO NEXT focuses on simplicity and speed, offering core liability coverage without a lot of complexity. You can purchase general liability, a business owner’s policy (BOP), workers’ compensation, and other essential policies, with a limited selection of add-ons like product and liquor liability.
The platform is built for convenience, with instant online quotes, a mobile app for managing your policy, and the ability to download a certificate of insurance immediately after purchase. Businesses that bundle multiple policies may also qualify for a 10% discount.
ERGO NEXT Customer Service & Claims
ERGO NEXT provides online account management and claims filing through its website and mobile app. Live support is available via chat during business hours.
Customer feedback praises the insurer for its ease of use and a straightforward experience.
Choose ERGO NEXT If ...
You need coverage quickly
You run a small business with simple insurance needs
You want to bundle insurance policies for a discount
Excellent financial strength (backed by Berkshire Hathaway)
Fast online quotes and same-day coverage
Offers both core and specialty policies
Cons
Not available in all states
Policy availability varies by location
Why We Chose biBERK
biBERK stands out for its exceptional financial strength, backed by Berkshire Hathaway, making it a strong choice for businesses that prioritize stability and reliability.
While availability can be limited depending on your location, it offers a solid mix of core and specialty coverage for small businesses.
biBERK Insurance Pricing
biBERK provides personalized quotes based on your business profile. General liability policies start around $27 per month, though actual costs vary.
The company advertises potential savings compared to competitors, and you can get a quote online or by phone in just a few minutes.
biBERK Features
biBERK combines standard liability coverage with a range of add-ons that allow businesses to customize their policies. In addition to general liability and business owners policies (BOPs), you can add coverage for cyber liability, employment practices, liquor liability, and more.
The company emphasizes speed and convenience, offering near-instant quotes and the ability to purchase coverage the same day. Its backing by Berkshire Hathaway also reinforces its reputation for long-term financial stability.
biBERK Customer Service & Claims
biBERK offers customer support by phone during extended weekday hours, along with online contact options.
Customers frequently highlight responsive service and knowledgeable representatives.
Claims can be initiated online or by phone.
Choose biBERK If ...
You want a financially strong, well-backed insurer
You value fast quotes and same-day coverage
You need access to both basic and specialty liability options
Flexible pricing based on coverage duration and needs
Coverage Options
Basic to moderate coverage with flexible policy options
Quote Speed
Instant online quotes
Pros
Event-based and short-term coverage available
Flexible, adjustable policies
Instant quotes and fast coverage
Cons
Limited specialty options compared to larger insurers
No phone support
Why We Chose Thimble
Thimble stands out for its flexible, on-demand coverage, so it's ideal for businesses with seasonal or event-based needs.
While it doesn’t offer the same depth of coverage as larger insurers, it’s a convenient option for businesses that don’t need year-round policies.
Thimble Insurance Pricing
Thimble offers personalized pricing based on your business and coverage needs. General liability policies start around $17 per month, though costs vary.
You can get a quote online in minutes and start coverage immediately.
Thimble Features
Thimble is designed for flexibility, allowing businesses to purchase coverage by the job, month, or year. You can pause, adjust, or cancel your policy as needed, which is ideal for businesses with fluctuating activity.
In addition to general liability, Thimble offers a range of add-ons, including professional liability, commercial property, workers’ compensation, and cyber insurance. The platform is fully online, with a mobile app that lets you purchase coverage, manage your policy, and access proof of insurance on demand.
Thimble Customer Service & Claims
Thimble offers support via chat and email during business hours, along with online account management and claims filing.
While phone support isn’t available, users generally report a smooth and easy experience.
Limited policy offerings compared to larger insurers
Not ideal for large or complex businesses
Why We Chose Hiscox
Hiscox stands out for its focus on independent contractors and small businesses, making it a good fit for freelancers and sole proprietors.
While it doesn’t offer the range of coverage needed for larger companies, it provides simple, accessible policies designed for smaller operations.
Hiscox Insurance Pricing
Hiscox offers personalized quotes based on your business details. General liability coverage starts around $30 per month, though pricing varies.
You can get a quote online or by phone in minutes, and coverage can begin shortly after approval. Hiscox also offers monthly payment options with no added fees.
Hiscox Features
Hiscox is designed with small businesses in mind, offering straightforward policies for freelancers, contractors, and home-based businesses. In addition to general liability, coverage is often bundled with commercial property through a business owner’s policy (BOP).
One standout feature is its flexible payment structure, allowing monthly payments without extra fees. The company also offers quick online quotes and a streamlined application process, making it easy to get covered without a lengthy setup.
Hiscox Customer Service & Claims
Hiscox offers a 24/7 online claims center, with phone support available on weekdays. Customers are assigned a dedicated claims representative to guide them through the process.
Choose Hiscox If ...
You’re a freelancer, contractor, or sole proprietor
Pricing varies based on coverage and business profile
Coverage Options
Comprehensive coverage with customizable policy options
Quote Speed
Approximately 30 minutes
Pros
Wide range of core and specialty policies
Fast quotes available
Strong risk management and support tools
Cons
Not available in every state
Phone call may be required to receive quote
Why We Chose Nationwide
Nationwide's core and specialty coverage make it a good choice for businesses with more complex insurance needs.
While the quote process can be more involved than some online-first insurers, it offers a wide range of policy options that go beyond basic liability coverage.
Nationwide Insurance Pricing
Nationwide offers customized pricing based on your business profile. Quotes are available online or by phone, though you may need to complete the process with an agent.
Many businesses receive quotes within about 30 minutes.
Nationwide Features
Nationwide offers one of the most comprehensive coverage selections on this list. In addition to general liability and business owners policies (BOPs), you can add coverage for workers’ compensation, cyber liability, professional liability, umbrella insurance, and more.
The company also stands out for its risk management tools, including loss control planning and access to resources that can help reduce claims over time. Businesses with more advanced needs can access specialty products such as surety bonds, key person coverage, and retirement-related benefits.
Nationwide Customer Service & Claims
Nationwide provides 24/7 claims support, with dedicated representatives to guide you through the process. Customers typically work with an agent, and support is available by phone and email.
Choose Nationwide If ...
You want access to a wide range of specialty policies
Merchant Maverick has been researching and reviewing business insurance since 2020. Our writers have tested over twenty different major insurance companies. In each review, we evaluate pricing, features, customer service, and user reviews.
When comparing different business insurance companies, we consider many data points, including relative pricing, the number of standard insurance policies available, and the ability to create custom policies. Our lists of the best business insurance providers include only those we’ve deemed worthwhile from multiple vantage points and often share qualities such as low cost, a variety of niche business insurance policies, multiple ways to file claims, and excellent customer support.
We spend an average of 10-15 hours researching and updating each one of our lists, ensuring that the business insurance companies included meet our internal standards for quality and reputation.
How To Find The Best Small Business Liability Insurance
Even when you know how important general liability insurance is, it may be hard to find room in the budget to pay for it.
Why Cheap Liability Insurance Isn’t Always Better
When it comes to business liability insurance, cheaper isn’t always better. A cheap policy, which could come with a high deductible and numerous exclusions, may not offer the protection your small business needs.
The average size of a “slip and fall” lawsuit is $30,000. If a customer or vendor is injured at your workplace or because of your products, a “cheap” liability policy could be very costly.
How Much Does Business Liability Insurance Cost?
The good news is that general liability insurance is typically not expensive. Keep in mind that many factors influence the cost of business insurance.
According to Insureon, an independent business insurance agency, the average cost of general liability is about $42/month or about $500/year. Many small businesses will pay even less for their liability coverage.
Almost all insurance companies provide personal price quotes for business coverage. Your premium, or the amount you pay for your general liability policy, will depend on several factors. These factors include your business location, number of employees, and your industry or type of business.
Interested in keeping costs down? To make sure you’re getting the best price on your coverage, gather and compare quotes from two or three insurance providers. Choose the right deductible, and manage or mitigate known risks to lower your premiums.
Erica has been writing about small business finance and technology since 2008. She joined Merchant Maverick in 2018 and specializes in researching and reviewing business software, financial products, and other topics to help small businesses manage and grow their operations. Her expertise has been cited in MSN, Reader's Digest, Vox, U.S. News & World Report, and Real Simple. She is a Certified ProAdvisor for QuickBooks Online and QuickBooks Payroll, a graduate of Limestone University, and currently resides in Greenville, South Carolina.
View Erica Seppala's professional experience on LinkedIn.
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The vendors that appear on this list were chosen by subject matter experts on the basis of product quality, wide usage and availability, and positive reputation.
Merchant Maverick’s ratings are editorial in nature, and are not aggregated from user reviews. Each staff reviewer at Merchant Maverick is a subject matter expert with experience researching, testing, and evaluating small business software and services. The rating of this company or service is based on the author’s expert opinion and analysis of the product, and assessed and seconded by another subject matter expert on staff before publication. Merchant Maverick’s ratings are not influenced by affiliate partnerships.
Our unbiased reviews and content are supported in part by affiliate partnerships, and we adhere to strict guidelines to preserve editorial integrity. The editorial content on this page is not provided by any of the companies mentioned and has not been reviewed, approved or otherwise endorsed by any of these entities. Opinions expressed here are author’s alone.
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