Do I Need Business Insurance? Coverage, Costs, & How To Choose
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Apr 24, 2026
Filed under: Business Insurance
Best General Liability Insurance For Small Business
Protect your business with the right general liability insurance policy.
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WRITTEN & RESEARCHED BY
Editor & Senior Staff Writer
UPDATED
Our content reflects the editorial opinions of our experts. While our site makes money through referral partnerships, we only partner with companies that meet our standards for quality, as outlined in our independent rating and scoring system.
We researched 18 insurance companies and brokers based on coverage, pricing, reliability, claims support, and overall value. These are our top picks.
Compare Our Top Picks
| Provider | Best For | Pricing | Quote Speed | Next Steps |
|---|---|---|---|---|
 | Best For Larger Businesses | Starts around $88/month | Same day | |
 | Best For Quick Liability Coverage | Starts around $19/month | Under 10 minutes | |
 | Best For Reliability | Starts around $27/month | Instant | |
 | Best For On-Demand Coverage | Starts around $17/month | Instant | |
 | Best For Independent Contractors | Starts around $30/month | About 10 minutes | |
| Show More Options | ||||
 | Best For Specialty Coverage | Custom quotes | About 30 minutes | |
| Show Fewer Options |
The Hartford Small Business Insurance
Best OverallBest For Larger Businesses
The Hartford is a solid option for larger or growing businesses with more complex insurance needs.
It offers general liability, BOPs, specialty coverage, policy bundling, risk engineering support, 24/7 claims filing, and online account management. Pricing isn't necessarily the cheapest, but The Hartford offers strong coverage flexibility and solid self-service tools.
Best For
Larger businesses that need comprehensive coverage
Online Quotes
Online Claims
PROS
- Speciality options available
- Same day quotes available
- Strong claims support
CONS
- No coverage in Alaska or Hawaii
- Not ideal for very small businesses
ERGO NEXT Business Insurance
Best For Quick Liability Coverage
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.
Best For
Fast, simple coverage for small businesses
Online Quotes
Online Claims
PROS
- Instant quotes
- Discounts for bundling policies
- Easy-to-use mobile app
CONS
- Limited specialty coverage options
- Not ideal for large or complex businesses
biBERK
Best For Reliability
biBERK is a great choice for small businesses that want reliable coverage backed by Berkshire Hathaway’s financial strength.
It offers general liability, BOPs, cyber liability, employment practices liability, liquor liability, online quotes, same-day coverage, and online or phone claims filing. Availability may vary by location, but biBERK is a solid option for stability and convenience.
Best For
Financial stability and strong backing
Online Quotes
Online Claims
PROS
- Fast online quotes
- Same-day coverage
- Core and specialty policies
CONS
- Not available in all states
- Policy availability varies by location
Thimble
Best For On-Demand Coverage
Thimble is a solid choice for businesses that need flexible, on-demand coverage for seasonal work, events, or short-term jobs.
Businesses can buy coverage by the job, month, or year, then adjust, pause, or cancel as needed. Thimble also offers online quotes, instant proof of insurance, mobile policy management, and online claims filing.
Best For
Event-based and seasonal businesses
Online Quotes
Online Claims
PROS
- Short-term coverage available
- Flexible, adjustable policies
- Instant quotes and fast coverage
CONS
- Limited specialty options
- No phone support
Hiscox Business Insurance
Best For Independent Contractors
Hiscox works well for freelancers, contractors, sole proprietors, and small businesses that need simple general liability coverage.
It offers online quotes, monthly payments with no added fees, BOP coverage, 24/7 online claims filing, weekday phone support, and dedicated claims representatives. It may not have the coverage that larger businesses need, but it’s easy to get started.
Best For
Freelancers, contractors, and home-based businesses
Online Quotes
Online Claims
PROS
- Fast quotes and coverage
- Monthly payments
- Great for smaller businesses
CONS
- Limited policy offerings
- Not ideal for large or complex businesses
Nationwide Commercial Insurance
Best For Specialty Coverage
Nationwide is best suited for businesses that need more than basic general liability coverage.
It offers general liability, BOPs, workers’ compensation, cyber liability, professional liability, umbrella insurance, risk management tools, and specialty products such as surety bonds and key person coverage. The quote process may be more involved, but Nationwide offers broad coverage and 24/7 claims support.
Best For
Businesses that need a wide range of coverage options
Online Quotes
Limited
Online Claims
PROS
- Core and specialty policies
- Fast quotes available
- Strong risk management
CONS
- Not available in every state
- Phone call may be required to receive quote
Best General Liability Insurance For Small Business
Frequently Asked Questions
Erica Seppala
Editor & Senior Staff Writer at Merchant Maverick
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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