Advertiser Disclosure

? Save money on credit card processing with one of our top 5 picks for 2026

Best Small Business Insurance Companies

Every business has different insurance needs. Explore top providers to find coverage that fits your business.

    Erica Seppala
  • Last updated onUpdated

  • Shelbi Wescott
  • REVIEWED BY

    Shelbi Wescott

    Expert Contributor

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 evaluated top small business insurance providers based on coverage, industry availability, quote process, policy management tools, customer support, claims support, and overall value. These are our top picks.

Compare Our Top Picks

ProviderBest ForAvailabilityQuote SpeedNext Steps
Best For Multi-State Coverage48 statesTypically same day
Best For Instant QuotesNationwideInstant
Best For Flexible Coverage49 statesInstant
Best For Basic CoverageNationwideSame day
Best For Freelancers49 states + D.C.Minutes
Show More Options
Best For Specialized Coverage40+ states30 minutes
Best For Comparing Quotes48 states + D.C.Minutes
Chubb Business Insurance
Not Yet Reviewed
Best For Global BusinessesNationwide and internationallyVaries
Best For Risk ManagementNationwideAgent quote required
Show Fewer Options

The Hartford Small Business Insurance

Best Overall

Best For Multi-State Coverage

The Hartford is a small business insurance provider for businesses that need broad coverage options and support across multiple states.

The Hartford offers general liability, business owners’ policies, commercial property, business income, workers’ compensation, cyber, and specialty coverage options. Quotes are personalized based on your business, location, industry, and coverage needs.

Best For
Small businesses operating in multiple states
Online Quotes
Provider Type
Direct insurer

PROS

  • Multi-state availability
  • Broad coverage options
  • 24/7 claims reporting

CONS

  • Not available in Alaska or Hawaii

ERGO NEXT Business Insurance

Best For Instant Quotes

ERGO NEXT is a small business insurance provider for owners who want a fast online quote and policy management process.

Businesses can get quotes online, buy coverage digitally, manage policies through the website or mobile app, and access common coverage types such as general liability, BOP, commercial property, workers’ compensation, professional liability, and commercial auto.

Best For
Small businesses that need quick coverage
Online Quotes
Provider Type
Digital insurer

PROS

  • Instant quotes and fast coverage
  • Simple, fully online application
  • Discount for policy bundles

CONS

  • Limited specialty coverage
  • Not for large or complex businesses

Thimble

Best For Flexible Coverage

Thimble is a small business insurance provider for businesses that need flexible coverage by the job, day, month, or event.

Businesses can get quotes online, purchase coverage quickly, and choose from policies such as general liability, BOP, commercial property, workers’ compensation, professional liability, and event liability. Coverage can also be adjusted, paused, or canceled as business needs change.

Best For
Seasonal, event-based, and gig businesses
Online Quotes
Provider Type
Digital insurance broker

PROS

  • On-demand coverage
  • Instant quotes
  • Event-based or seasonal policies

CONS

  • Not available in Washington
  • Not for large or complex businesses
  • Limited support

Simply Business Insurance

Best For Basic Coverage

Simply Business is a small business insurance broker for owners who want to compare quotes from multiple providers with one application.

Businesses can get online quotes and compare coverage options for basic policies such as general liability, workers’ compensation, professional liability, and commercial property. Simply Business helps with shopping and account management, but claims are handled by the insurer you choose.

Best For
Comparing basic insurance options
Online Quotes
Provider Type
Online insurance broker

PROS

  • Available in all 50 states
  • Compare multiple quotes at once
  • Fast and simple quote process

CONS

  • Not a direct provider
  • Coverage and claims vary by carrier

Hiscox Business Insurance

Best For Freelancers

Not Yet Reviewed

Hiscox is a small business insurance provider for freelancers, independent contractors, solo business owners, and small teams.

Businesses can get online quotes and customize core policies, such as general liability, professional liability, commercial property, and workers’ compensation. Hiscox also supports home-based businesses and a wide range of service-based industries.

Best For
Freelancers, ICs, and home-based businesses
Online Quotes
Provider Type
Direct insurer

PROS

  • Monthly payment options
  • Supports home-based businesses
  • Fast online quotes

CONS

  • Limited policies
  • Not for large or complex businesses

Nationwide Commercial Insurance

Best For Specialized Coverage

Nationwide is a small business insurance provider for businesses that need specialty coverage, industry-specific packages, or more customized policy options.

Nationwide offers core policies such as general liability, BOP, commercial property, workers’ compensation, cyber liability, professional liability, and umbrella coverage, plus specialty options for industries such as agribusiness, food production, healthcare, senior living, and religious organizations.

Best For
Businesses with complex or specialized needs
Online Quotes
(may require follow-up)
Provider Type
Direct insurer + agents

PROS

  • Extensive specialty coverage
  • Supports complex business needs
  • Industry-specific packages

CONS

  • Not available in all states
  • Quote process may require more detailed information

CoverWallet

Best For Comparing Quotes

CoverWallet is a small business insurance broker for owners who want to compare quotes and manage policies from one platform.

Businesses can shop coverage from multiple insurance partners, including general liability, BOP, commercial property, commercial auto, professional liability, umbrella, cyber, liquor liability, and inland marine coverage. Claims are handled by the selected carrier, though CoverWallet may help with the process.

Best For
Comparing pricing across multiple insurers
Online Quotes
Provider Type
Online insurance broker

PROS

  • Easily compare multiple quotes
  • Wide range of coverage
  • Online policy management

CONS

  • Not a direct provider
  • Quotes aren't instant

Chubb Business Insurance

Best For Global Businesses

Not Yet Reviewed

Chubb is a small business insurance provider for larger small businesses and companies with complex or international coverage needs.

Chubb offers business owners’ policies, general liability, commercial property, workers’ compensation, professional and management liability, cyber coverage, and international insurance options. Businesses may also get global claims coordination and support for overseas operations or business travel.

Best For
Larger businesses and global operations
Online Quotes
Limited for larger businesses
Provider Type
Direct insurer + agents

PROS

  • Strong support for large businesses
  • International coverage
  • Dedicated claims representatives

CONS

  • Online quotes may not be available
  • Possibly too complex for small businesses

Travelers Small Business Insurance

Best For Risk Management

Travelers is a small business insurance provider for businesses that want strong risk management support alongside traditional coverage.

Travelers offers business owners’ policies, general liability, commercial property, workers’ compensation, cyber liability, excess coverage, and specialty options such as environmental liability, inland marine, ocean marine, and surety bonds. Businesses can also access risk control tools, planning resources, and loss prevention support.

Best For
Risk management and loss prevention
Online Quotes
Provider Type
Direct insurer + agents

PROS

  • Strong risk management tools
  • Wide range of coverage
  • Specialty policies available

CONS

  • No online quotes available

Our Rating Methodology

Each provider gets 10–15 hours of research, is scored by a subject-matter expert, and is reviewed by a second expert before publication. Ratings are not influenced by our referral partnerships.

Pricing
45%
Features
30%
Customer Service
20%
User Reviews
5%

Best Small Business Insurance Companies

Frequently Asked Questions

What types of insurance does a small business need?

Most small businesses should start with general liability insurance. Depending on your business, you may also need other types of business insurance, including professional liability, workers’ compensation, commercial property insurance, or a Business Owner’s Policy.

Businesses that store customer data or accept online payments may also want cyber liability insurance.

Is business insurance required by law?

Some types of business insurance may be required by law. For example, most states require workers’ compensation insurance if you have employees.

Other requirements depend on your state, industry, license, contracts, or landlord. Even when insurance isn’t legally required, it can still help protect your business from major claims or losses.

How do I choose the best insurance company for my small business?

Choose an insurer that offers the coverage your business actually needs, with clear pricing and an easy claims process.

Compare more than just the monthly premium. Look at coverage limits, exclusions, deductibles, customer reviews, and how easy it is to get help when you need it.

What is a Business Owner's Policy (BOP)?

A Business Owner’s Policy, or BOP, bundles general liability insurance and commercial property insurance into one policy.

BOPs are often a cost-effective option for small businesses. Depending on the insurer, you may also be able to add extra coverage, such as business interruption or cyber liability insurance.

How much does small business insurance cost?

Small business insurance costs vary based on your coverage, industry, location, business size, and risk level. General liability may cost as little as $20 to $90 per month, while a Business Owner’s Policy often costs around $50 to $200+ per month.

Workers’ compensation is usually based on payroll, so costs vary even more. To get the most accurate price, compare quotes based on your specific business profile.

Erica Seppala

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.
Erica Seppala
View Erica Seppala's professional experience on LinkedIn.
Erica Seppala

Latest posts by Erica Seppala (see all)

Compare Providers 0 of 4 selected