If you don't want to spend a fortune on general liability insurance, but you need the protection, find out which business insurance companies offer cheap insurance with great coverage.
Kate HootsAn expert in business banking, consumer finance, and online payments, Kate Hoots has been writing about small business commerce since 2020. A former journalist for the West Linn Tidings and the Wilsonville Spokesman, Kate boasts wide experience in business leadership and communication. She has a degree in English Literature from Lewis & Clark College.
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Business liability insurance is a smart way to protect your assets. Almost every business faces risk in the form of a lawsuit. And if someone is injured in your workplace or while using your products, a general liability policy is your best protection.
We looked at 20+ insurance companies and brokers, looking for the best choices for your small business. We evaluated each company on its reliability, claims responsiveness, and price considerations, among other factors.
A general liability insurance policy protects your business from third-party claims of bodily injury, accidents, or property damage.
If you are thinking about getting insurance coverage for your business, a general liability policy should be your first purchase.
Note: General liability does not protect you if employees are injured on the job. You’ll need workers’ compensation coverage for that.
The Best Liability Insurance For Small Business
The best liability insurance for business offers coverage you can count on at a price you can afford. It’s also important to pick business liability that’s easy to use, whether you’re managing your account or filing a claim.
We think Nationwide, The Hartford, Next, Hiscox, Thimble, biBerk, and CoverWallet offer the best liability coverage for small businesses. Keep reading to learn why.
1. The Hartford: Best Liability Insurance For Larger Businesses
Why We Chose The Hartford For Business Liability Insurance
The Hartford is one of the nation’s top 10 insurance companies, and its business insurance liability is comprehensive. However, it’s not the least expensive option available, so we feel The Hartford is a good choice for larger companies in particular.
The Hartford Insurance Pricing
While The Hartford does provide personalized quotes for liability and other commercial insurance, its general liability coverage starts around $88/month. Your individual coverage may have a slightly different price, of course.
Personalized quotes are available online, and you should receive your quote the same day. You can request a quote from The Hartford by phone, too.
The Hartford Features For Liability Coverage
Along with liability coverage, The Hartford offers some special features to help business owners. Here are a few:
Risk Engineering
The Hartford can help you build a custom safety plan and analyze on-the-job risks.
Simplified Claims
The Hartford’s customers can access a unique claims system, The Hartford Productivity Advantage, to file claims.
Additional Coverage
The Hartford offers a business owner’s policy (BOP) that combines general liability and commercial property coverage. You can add coverage for business income interruption, flood insurance, cyber, home-based business, multi-national and more. The Hartford also provides commercial and construction surety bonds.
Strong Customer Support
Live support is available during normal business hours. Support is available via email and self-help options around the clock. Claims can be filed with The Hartford 24/7.
The Hartford is rated tenth in the nation for overall customer satisfaction among small business insurers, according to a J.D. Power survey. Online reviews from users are generally positive.
High Ratings
The Hartford has an A- (Excellent) credit rating from AM Best. The Better Business Bureau does not accredit the company, but it maintains an A+ rating from the BBB.
Why We Chose CoverWallet For Business Liability Insurance
CoverWallet is a little different than the other companies on this list of the best liability insurance providers. CoverWallet is not a direct insurer; it’s an insurance broker that helps small business owners find the coverage they need. As a broker, CoverWallets help you find and compare quotes from different insurance providers, so you can find the coverage (and price) that suits your business best.
CoverWallet Insurance Pricing
CoverWallet gathers quotes from around ten insurance companies, making it easy for you to comparison shop. Prices will vary depending on providers and your business details, but CoverWallet says that general liability coverage starts at around $39/month. CoverWallet does not charge added broker fees.
CoverWallet Features For Liability Coverage
Take a look at some of CoverWallet’s top features:
Online Access
You can use the My CoverWallet dashboard to view your policies, print certificates, and submit proof of insurance. You can also make payments and file claims online.
Claims Support
No matter which provider you choose to purchase insurance from, CoverWallet will assist you in the claims process.
Additional Coverage
You can buy additional coverage through CoverWallet, including a business owner’s policy (BOP), commercial property, and commercial auto. You can also get umbrella coverage, liquor liability, medical malpractice, inland marine, cyber liability, and directors and officers coverage.
Excellent Customer Support
CoverWallet support is available from live representatives and by email and chat. You can schedule a callback if you call outside normal hours. You can file claims online. Customers say that CoverWallet’s user interface is easy to use and say it’s one of the highlights of working with CoverWallet.
Highly Rated
CoverWallet is accredited with the Better Business Bureau and maintains an A+ rating with the BBB. It is highly rated by customers on review sites like eKomi.
Why We Chose Next For Business Liability Insurance
Operating a business without a general liability insurance policy puts your business at serious risk. If you don’t have liability protection, and you need it now, Next can have you covered within 10 minutes.
Next Insurance Pricing
Next advertises general liability coverage that can start as low as $11/month for small businesses in low-risk categories.
Your cost will depend on the usual factors: business size and location, industry, number of employees, and so on. You can get a quote by entering this kind of basic information, with an estimated time involvement of just 4 minutes. Enter your contact information, and you’ll receive a quote within 10 minutes.
Next Features For Liability Coverage
Although Next offers basic policies, you won’t find a lot of specialized coverage options with this insurer. Here’s a summary of what Next delivers:
Instant Online Quotes
Just type in some basic information online to receive suggestions about the types of coverage your business needs. You should receive a quote within 10 minutes.
Basic Coverage
Next offers general liability, a business owner’s policy (BOP), worker’s compensation, professional liability (E&O), commercial auto, commercial property, and a tools and equipment upgrade.
You’ll also find limited specialty coverage, including liquor liability, product liability, and hired and non-owned auto policies.
Bundle Discounts
If you buy two or more policies from Next, you activate a 10% discount.
Mobile App
Use it to print out your certificate of insurance, submit and manage claims, and update your coverage.
Strong Customer Service
Live, US-based representatives, are available via chat during normal working hours.
High Ratings
Next Insurance has an A- (Excellent) credit rating from AM Best. Customers report that Next offers easy-to-use, basic small business insurance.
Why We Chose Nationwide For Business Liability Insurance
Business liability insurance is a must-have for businesses of all types and sizes. Many businesses should obtain additional coverage, too. And Nationwide offers a variety of policies you can add to your general liability policy.
Nationwide Insurance Pricing
You can request a personalized price quote from Nationwide over the phone or online. If you start the process online, you may need to complete it over the phone. Quotes usually are provided within 30 minutes.
Nationwide Features For Liability Coverage
As a full-spectrum insurance provider, Nationwide delivers a strong feature-set. Here’s a sampling:
Specialty Coverage
You could purchase only general liability coverage from Nationwide. The company also offers an insurance package called a business owner’s policy (BOP) that combines general liability, commercial property, business income, and equipment breakdown coverage.
Nationwide also offers fidelity and surety bonds, group insurance bonds, key person benefits, and retirement plans.
Online Access
Nationwide customers can access their accounts through a secure online portal. That’s the place to manage your billing and start or monitor a claim.
Education Tools
Free resources offer advice and support on a wide range of small business topics, including taxes, cybersecurity, hiring, payroll, and workplace safety.
Loss Control Planning
You might be able to lower your premiums if you take advantage of Nationwide’s tools and resources to review your business operations and procedures. This includes personal assistance from Nationwide’s loss control services team.
24/7 Customer Service
Nationwide customers work directly with an agent, with support available by phone and email. Claims support centers are open 24/7, with a dedicated claims service representative.
Strong Ratings
Nationwide is ranked third in the nation for customer satisfaction among small business insurance customers. The company is rated A+ (Excellent) by AM Best for its financial strength.
May not be suitable for large or complex businesses
Why We Chose Hiscox For Business Liability Insurance
Hiscox offers policies designed specifically for contractors and freelancers. The company maintains a focus on clients with ten or fewer employees.
Hiscox Insurance Pricing
Quick quotes are available from Hiscox by phone or online, and the company says you can be insured within 10 minutes. You’ll need to enter some basic information to get a quote.
While quotes are customized around your specific business details, Hiscox says small business general liability coverage typically costs around $30/month or less.
Hiscox Features For Liability Coverage
Here are a few of the features that helped Hiscox land a spot on this list of the best small business liability coverage:
Support For Home Businesses & Contractors
Hiscox offers special policy packages for sole proprietors, home-based businesses, and contractors.
Monthly Payments
Hiscox customers can make monthly payments instead of paying annually, with no added fees. That’s a standout feature in the insurance world, and it could make a difference to small businesses working on a tight budget.
Quick Quotes & Coverage
Hiscox lets you apply online and receive a quote within minutes. Coverage can start immediately if you want it to.
Small Business Resources
Hiscox offers informative newsletters and maintains an online library of articles. Subscribe to the company’s podcast, “Side Hustle to Small Business” via Apply, Spotify, or Google.
Referrals Program
You can be entered into a monthly drawing for one of ten Amazon.com gift cards worth $50 each when you share a referral link with friends or share it on your social media accounts.
Strong Customer Support
Hiscox’s online claims center is open 24/7, with live agents available by phone every weekday. If you file a claim, you’ll be assigned to a claims representative who will stay with you through the claims process.
Strong Ratings
Hiscox has a credit rating of A (Excellent) from AM Best and has been rated 4.5/5 stars by actual customers commenting via Consumer Affairs.
Why We Chose Thimble For Business Liability Insurance
If your business is cyclical, with predictable or sudden downtimes, Thimble can be a great choice. That’s because this is one insurance company that allows you to adjust your coverage periodically.
Thimble also offers insurance for events. So if you are a wedding photographer, a landscaper, or a crafter who participates in seasonal events like fairs or farmers’ markets, you won’t need to carry insurance during the months you might not need coverage.
Thimble Insurance Pricing
Thimble policies start at $17/month, though you may pay more depending on factors such as your business size and location. Thimble policies are underwritten by Benchmark Insurance Company.
Thimble Features For Liability Coverage
Here are some other notable features:
Adjustable Coverage
You can purchase Thimble coverage by the job, by the month, or annually. You can change your coverage, too, pausing, modifying, or canceling as needed.
Monthly Payments
Thimble allows customers to pay annually or monthly with no added fees. That’s a standout, budget-friendly feature.
Instant Quotes & Coverage
Thimble’s online quote process is one of the easiest I’ve seen. You’ll be guided through a series of basic questions about your business, and you’ll be able to see your personalized quote instantly. Make a payment online, and your coverage starts immediately.
Additional Coverage
You can purchase additional coverage from Thimble in addition to general liability. The company offers a business owner’s policy (BOP), professional liability, business equipment protection, commercial property, workers’ compensation, business interruption, equipment breakdown, auto liability, hired and non-owned auto coverage, product liability, and cyber insurance.
Mobile App
Download the highly-rated Thimble app from the Apple App Store or the Google Play store, and you’ll be able to purchase insurance on the spot or provide proof of insurance, update your coverage, get a refund, and more.
Good Customer Service
Thimble offers chat and email support on weekdays during normal business hours (Eastern Time).
High Ratings
AM Best rates Thimble A (Excellent) for financial strength. The company is accredited by the Better Business Bureau, with an A+ rating. Customer reviews indicate that Thimble is easy to use and hassle-free.
Why We Chose biBERK For Business Liability Insurance
All the companies on this list of the best liability insurance for business are highly rated. biBERK stands out for its financial stability and A++ (Superior) rating from AM Best. If you want a rock-solid insurance provider, biBERK is backed by Berkshire Hathaway and will be there when you need it.
Despite its size and reputation, biBERK offers general liability and other coverage to small business owners, including freelancers, contractors, and home-based businesses.
biBERK Insurance Pricing
Like most insurance companies, biBERK offers personalized price quotes. The company states that small business owners can save 20% on their premium purchases from biBERK. Policies start around $27.50/month, though yours may cost more depending on your location, business size, number of employees, and other factors.
You can get a quote from biBERK online or by phone, with near-instant quotes and coverage.
biBERK Features For Liability Coverage
biBERK offers useful features that enhance its value to small business owners. Here’s a sampling:
Instant Quotes & Coverage
Apply online and receive a quote in minutes. You can even purchase coverage on the same day.
Additional Coverage
Add endorsements to your general liability policy to cover cyber liability, hired and non-owned auto liability, employment-related practices liability, employee benefits liability, liquor liability, and contractors installation, tools and equipment policies.
biBERK also offers standard business coverage, including a business owners policy (BOP), workers’ compensation, professional liability, errors & omissions, commercial auto, and umbrella policies.
Excellent Customer Service
Customers rave about biBERK service, frequently mention representatives by name, and praise their helpfulness and knowledge. Customer service is available by phone on weekdays from 7 AM-9 PM ET and via a contact form on the website.
Outstanding Ratings
biBERK is accredited by the Better Business Bureau and has an A+ rating. biBERK’s financial stability is rated A++ (Superior) by AM Best.
Our Methodology For Choosing The Best Liability Insurance For Business
In compiling this list of the best liability insurance for business, we looked at 20+ companies and evaluated how easy it is to get a quote for coverage, how quickly coverage is available, overall customer satisfaction, and more.
The best liability insurance providers understand that small business owners don’t have the time or resources to work hard to find and keep their liability coverage. The companies on this list offer fast quotes, some almost instantly, and let you start your coverage right away.
We also looked at unincentivized reviews from actual customers on sites like the Better Business Bureau and Consumer Reports. We factor in users’ actual experiences with the companies whenever possible to ensure the best experience for our readers.
If you’d like more information on other top-rated business insurance providers, we have compiled a list of the best business insurance. These providers were selected not just for their general liability coverage but also for their specialized policies and other factors.
Finding The Cheapest 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.
It’s reasonable that cost is a factor when you’re shopping around. But is cheap business liability insurance worth 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, simply may not offer the protection your small business needs.
The average size of what’s known as 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 prove to be very costly.
How Much Does Business Liability Insurance Cost?
The good news is that general liability insurance typically is 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. And 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 a number of factors. These factors include your business location, number of employees, and your industry or type of business.
How To Find The Cheapest General Liability Insurance
The price of your liability coverage is not completely out of your control. Though you can’t change your location or business type, you can take action to bring the cost down.
Here are our suggestions:
Shop Around
Most insurance companies offer general liability insurance for business. If you already have coverage, you could start by asking your agent or broker to quote you a price. You can also use a business insurance broker like Simply or CoverWallet to get quotes.
Bundle Up
One of the best ways to save is to bundle your general liability policy with commercial property protection in a Business Owner’s Policy or BOP. Savings typically come in at around 10% vs. buying separate policies.
Remember that if you have more than one employee, you are required to provide worker’s compensation insurance, disability, and unemployment insurance, so when you bundle your general liability policy with these other insurance policies, your costs could decrease.
Don't Overestimate Your Costs
To give you an accurate quote, insurance companies will want to know how much it costs to run your business. This is not the time to inflate your value, because the more you make, the more expensive your policy can become.
Be accurate but conservative in assessing your gross worth and payroll expenses.
Choose The Right Deductible
When you file an insurance claim, you pay a set amount that you agree to pay before the insurance company steps in to cover the rest of the costs. The amount you pay is called your deductible, and you can choose the amount.
Generally speaking, if your policy comes with a low deductible, your coverage will be more expensive. The more you’re expected to kick in, the lower your premiums will be. Think about your typical level of cash on hand. How much would you be comfortable paying before insurance starts to pay? A common deductible for general business liability is $500.
Pay Your Premium In Full
Many insurance companies offer a discount if you pay your yearly premium in full instead of paying monthly. Some insurers will offer a break if you set up automatic payments. Ask your insurance agent or broker to explore payment options that could lower your premiums.
Manage Risks
Taking extra steps to manage and minimize risks could save you some money. Sometimes this is as simple as proving to your insurance company that you are compliant in all safety guidelines and have invested in teaching safety rules to employees. Your insurer may offer risk assessment assistance, too. Finding ways to mitigate risks will lower your insurance premiums.
FAQS: General Liability Insurance For Business
What is the cheapest liability insurance for business?
Both Next and Thimble offer reliable general liability insurance for small business with costs starting around $11/month.
What is business liability insurance?
General liability insurance (also known as commercial liability) offers protection for these types of situations:
Bodily injury or property damage because of your products or employees
Liability for a faulty product
Lawsuits for slander, libel, or copyright infringement
Reputational harm
Medical payments and legal defense costs
“Slip and fall” injuries
How much does business liability insurance cost?
The average cost of general liability insurance is about $42/month or $500/year, according to Insureon. Price quotes are typically personalized by insurance providers and your cost will vary depending on a number of factors, including your business location, business size and type, your number of employees, and so on.
Do I need insurance for my business?
Business liability insurance typically is not required by law. However, with the average lawsuit for a “slip and fall” case approaching $30,000, it’s smart to sign up for some insurance coverage unless you’re comfortable risking your business without it.
Is liability insurance for business the most important insurance to have?
Liability insurance protects you from lawsuits related to unavoidable risks of doing business. Liability does not protect your business property from damage; you should strongly consider adding commercial property and auto insurance, at a minimum. Look into purchasing a business owner’s policy (BOP), as that type of policy often combines liability and property coverage.
In Summary: The Best Liability Insurance For Small Business
An expert in business banking, consumer finance, and online payments, Kate Hoots has been writing about small business commerce since 2020. A former journalist for the West Linn Tidings and the Wilsonville Spokesman, Kate boasts wide experience in business leadership and communication. She has a degree in English Literature from Lewis & Clark College.
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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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