Running a business has many risks, from lawsuits to accidents and other disasters. With the best general liability insurance and business liability insurance, your business will be very well protected from all the risks. Knowing about your insurance options is important whether you have a budding or an established business.
If you are in a hurry and want to know what is best for something, check them out below.
- Best for Overall: The Hartford
- Best for Cost-Saving: Thimble
- Best for Self-Employed: Next Insurance
- Best for Wide Insurance Type Coverage: Farmers Insurance
In this blog, we will discuss the top 10 best general liability insurance providers for entrepreneurs, the policy’s benefits and features, and an overview of the pros versus cons—the best way to make an informed decision for your business.
The Top 10 Best General Liability Insurance Providers
1. The Hartford
The Hartford is one of the oldest and most trusted names in the insurance industry, with over 200 years of experience. Known for its commitment to small businesses, The Hartford offers a wide range of insurance products tailored to entrepreneurs’ needs. Their general liability insurance is part of a broader suite of products designed to protect businesses from various risks.
Benefits
- Customized Coverage: The Hartford specializes in creating policies that cater specifically to the needs of small businesses.
- Additional Services: They offer extensive risk management resources to help prevent losses.
- Responsive Claims Process: The Hartford is renowned for efficiently handling claims and ensuring businesses can return quickly after a loss.
Insurance Company
Pros/Cons
Ratings
- Excellent customer service and strong support for small businesses.
- Flexible, customizable policies.
- Comprehensive risk management tools.
- Premiums can be higher in certain industries.
- Coverage availability might be limited in some regions.
4.2
Overall Score
User Rating
4.7
All Claims Rating reviews
Features
- Business Owner’s Policy (BOP): Combines general liability with commercial property insurance for a comprehensive package. This includes safeguarding business assets like equipment, merchandise, and office furniture from theft or damage and providing coverage during unforeseen events such as natural disasters.
- No Minimum Premium: Accessible to small businesses with limited budgets.
- Preferred Provider Network: Offers discounts and services through a network of vetted providers.
2. AllState
Allstate is arguably among the most favored and thoroughly equipped insurance companies, and it has a remarkable presence throughout the nation.
It provides various insurance products, including general liability insurance, which is particularly good for small to medium businesses. Allstate has an extensive network of local agents ready to provide the personal service needed to help businesses find the right coverage for their needs.
Benefits
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Comprehensive Coverage: Allstate offers robust insurance options that can cover multiple aspects of your business.
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Discounts: You can save by bundling general liability insurance with other policies, such as property or auto insurance.
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Nationwide Network of Agents: Provides personalized service and advice tailored to local business environments.
Insurance Company
Pros/Cons
Ratings
- Wide range of insurance products with the option to bundle for discounts.
- Strong financial backing and stability.
- Personalized service through local agents.
- Coverage and pricing can vary significantly by location.
- Premiums may be higher for certain types of businesses.
3.8
Overall Score
User Rating
4.1
Claims Handling reviews
Features
- Tailored Coverage: Policies are designed to meet the specific needs of your business.
- Business Interruption Insurance: Option to add this coverage, which protects against income loss if your business is temporarily shut down due to a covered event.
- Bundling Options: Combine various types of insurance, including commercial auto insurance, to receive discounts and comprehensive coverage for your business needs.
- 24/7 Claims Support: Ensures you can get assistance whenever you need it.
3. Next Insurance
Next Insurance is a relatively young company that has won huge traction by adopting a digital-first paradigm. Tailor-made for small businesses, Next Insurance offers its users affordable, easy-to-understand, completely online policies. Its general liability insurance is perfect for entrepreneurs looking for a direct, no-hassle solution.
Benefits
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Affordable Pricing: Next Insurance offers competitive rates well-suited for small businesses.
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Digital Convenience: Everything from getting a quote to managing your policy is handled online, making it fast and easy.
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Flexible Payments: Monthly payment plans are available with no extra fees, helping to manage cash flow.
Insurance Company
Pros/Cons
Ratings
- Easy, user-friendly online platform.
- Affordable and transparent pricing.
- Tailored for small and micro-businesses.
- Limited customization options compared to larger insurers.
- It is not ideal for businesses needing specialized or complex coverage.
4.1
Overall Score
User Rating
4.1
Overall reviews
Features
- Instant Quotes and Coverage: Receive a quote and purchase coverage online in just minutes.
- Transparent Pricing: Clear, upfront pricing with no hidden fees. Next Insurance offers transparent pricing for their general liability insurance policy, ensuring you know exactly what you're paying for without any surprises.
- Flexible Terms: Policies can be adjusted as your business grows or changes, offering flexibility that many traditional insurers lack.
4. Thimble
Thimble is an innovative insurance provider that focuses on flexibility. It offers short-term coverage for businesses that need insurance on a project-by-project basis. This makes it an excellent choice for freelancers, contractors, and small business owners who don’t need a full-year policy but want to be protected during specific jobs or events.
Benefits
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Short-Term Coverage: Thimble allows you to purchase insurance for specific periods, ranging from hours to days, making it perfect for temporary projects.
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Flexibility: You can tailor the policy to your needs, ensuring you’re not paying for more coverage than necessary.
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Quick Application Process: Thimble’s policies can be purchased quickly through an easy-to-use online platform.
Insurance Company
Pros/Cons
Ratings
- Extremely flexible and ideal for freelancers and project-based businesses.
- Quick and easy to get coverage with no long-term commitments.
- Affordable short-term policies.
- Limited to small businesses and freelancers.
- It is not suitable for businesses that require continuous, long-term coverage.
4.5
Overall Score
User Rating
4.5
Overall reviews
Features
- Pay-As-You-Go Insurance: Pay only for the coverage you need when you need it. Thimble also offers commercial auto insurance tailored for businesses, allowing self-employed and small businesses to benefit from flexible, pay-as-you-go policies.
- Mobile App: Manage your policies on the go. You can purchase new coverage or adjust existing policies directly from your smartphone.
- Event-Specific Coverage: This coverage is ideal for businesses that operate on a per-event basis, such as photographers, caterers, and temporary staff providers.
5. Nationwide
Nationwide is one of the world’s largest insurance and financial services companies and offers all insurance products. Its general liability insurance is part of its full selection of business insurance, targeting businesses of any size, especially those who want to bundle multiple types of coverage under one provider.
Benefits
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Comprehensive Policy Options: Nationwide provides a wide variety of insurance products, making it easy to cover all aspects of your business.
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Strong Financial Stability: As a major insurer, Nationwide has the resources to support its claims and offer extensive coverage options.
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Discounts for Bundling: You can save money by bundling general liability with other business policies, such as property or auto insurance.
Insurance Company
Pros/Cons
Ratings
- Extensive coverage options, with the ability to bundle policies for savings.
- Strong financial backing and reputation.
- Customized insurance solutions for different industries.
- Premiums can be high for businesses in certain industries.
- Policy customization may require speaking with an agent.
4.2
Overall Score
User Rating
4.0
Auto insurance reviews
Features
- Business Owner’s Policy (BOP): Includes general liability insurance, property coverage, business interruption insurance, and options for commercial umbrella insurance to extend your coverage limits.
- Industry-Specific Packages: Tailored solutions for various industries, ensuring your business has the coverage it needs.
- 24/7 Claims Service: Nationwide’s customer service is available around the clock, ensuring you can file a claim or get support whenever necessary.
6. Chubb
Chubb is a global leader in insurance, offering extensive coverage options focusing on high-value, high-risk businesses. They are known for providing large coverage limits and specialized insurance products, making them an excellent choice for businesses with complex or international needs.
Benefits
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Global Coverage: Chubb’s insurance solutions are ideal for businesses with international operations, providing coverage across multiple countries.
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High Coverage Limits: Chubb offers some of the highest insurance limits available, making it suitable for larger businesses with significant exposure.
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Risk Engineering Services: Chubb provides in-depth risk management services to help businesses identify and mitigate potential risks before they lead to claims.
Insurance Company
Pros/Cons
Ratings
- Ideal for large businesses with complex, high-risk, or international needs.
- High coverage limits and specialized risk management services.
- Strong reputation for customer service and claims support.
- Not as cost-effective for small businesses.
- Policies can be complex and may require thorough consultation to fully understand.
4.3
Overall Score
User Rating
4.3
reviews
Features
- Business Owner’s Policy (BOP): Includes general liability insurance, property coverage, business interruption insurance, and options for commercial umbrella insurance to extend your coverage limits.
- Industry-Specific Packages: Tailored solutions for various industries, ensuring your business has the coverage it needs.
- 24/7 Claims Service: Nationwide’s customer service is available around the clock, ensuring you can file a claim or get support whenever necessary.
7. CNA
CNA is a leading commercial insurance provider known for its industry-specific insurance solutions. They offer a wide range of products tailored to meet the unique needs of businesses across various sectors, from healthcare to manufacturing. CNA’s general liability insurance is part of a comprehensive package designed to protect businesses from various risks.
Benefits
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Industry-Specific Coverage: CNA’s insurance solutions are tailored to specific industries, ensuring your business gets the protection it needs based on its unique risks.
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Strong Risk Control Services: CNA provides robust risk management resources to help businesses minimize potential liabilities and prevent losses.
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Flexible Policies: CNA offers scalable insurance solutions that can grow with your business, making it easy to adjust coverage as needed.
Insurance Company
Pros/Cons
Ratings
- Tailored coverage for specific industries.
- Strong risk management and loss prevention services.
- Flexible and scalable policies that can grow with your business.
- Premiums may be higher for businesses in high-risk industries.
- Online policy management tools are less developed compared to competitors.
4.5
Overall Score
User Rating
4.5
Customer Service reviews
Features
- Comprehensive BOP: Combines general liability coverage with property insurance and other coverages customized for your industry. This ensures protection against common risks such as bodily injury and property damage, fulfilling contractual obligations, and mitigating financial implications from lawsuits or claims.
- Risk Management Resources: Access to industry-specific risk control services helps you prevent losses before they occur.
- Specialized Programs: Offers insurance programs tailored to sectors like healthcare, manufacturing, professional services, and more.
8. Farmers Insurance
Farmers Insurance is a well-established insurer focusing strongly on small to mid-sized businesses. Known for its personalized service, Farmers offers a variety of business insurance products, including general liability. Their approach emphasizes the importance of local agents who can provide tailored advice and support to business owners.
Benefits
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Personalized Service: Farmers provide highly personalized service through local agents who understand the unique risks in your area.
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Customizable Policies: Farmers allows you to tailor your policy to match your specific business needs, offering a wide range of endorsements.
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Focus on Small Businesses: Farmers are well-suited for small to mid-sized businesses, providing specialized solutions catering to their needs.
Insurance Company
Pros/Cons
Ratings
- Strong focus on the needs of small businesses.
- Flexible policy options with many available endorsements.
- Accessible customer service through local agents.
- Digital tools and online policy management are less robust than some competitors.
- Coverage options may vary depending on your location.
4.3
Overall Score
User Rating
4.7
Coverage reviews
Features
- Business Owner’s Policy (BOP): Includes general liability insurance, property insurance, and additional coverages in one package.
- Endorsements: Add extra coverage options to your policy, such as data breach insurance or employee dishonesty coverage. When choosing an insurance company, consider its endorsements to ensure it offers the specific coverage you need.
- 24/7 Claims Support: Farmers offers around-the-clock claims support, ensuring you can file a claim or get assistance whenever necessary.
9. Frankenmuth
Frankenmuth Insurance is a regional insurer that provides personalized insurance solutions for small—to mid-sized businesses. It strongly emphasizes local service and community involvement. It offers a range of business insurance products, including general liability, tailored to meet the needs of businesses in its regions.
Benefits
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Personalized Coverage: Frankenmuth emphasizes a personalized approach to insurance, working closely with business owners to understand their specific needs.
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Local Focus: As a regional insurer, Frankenmuth offers a deep understanding of local risks and a commitment to serving the communities in which they operate.
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Comprehensive Risk Management: Offers robust risk management services to help businesses prevent losses before they occur.
Insurance Company
Pros/Cons
Ratings
- Strong focus on personalized, local service.
- Comprehensive risk management support.
- Tailored policy options for small to mid-sized businesses.
- Limited geographic coverage may restrict availability.
- May not offer as many specialized insurance products as larger national insurers.
4.5
Overall Score
User Rating
4.8
Auto insurance reviews
Features
- Customized BOP: Combines general liability with property insurance and other coverages tailored to your business.
- Risk Management Services: Provides tools and resources to help businesses identify and mitigate potential risks, including the importance of workers compensation insurance to cover medical expenses and lost wages for employee injuries.
- Local Expertise: Benefit from the insurer’s knowledge of local market conditions and regulations.
10. The Hanover
The Hanover is a well-established insurance provider known for offering specialized insurance products to businesses across various industries. They provide a range of business insurance options, including general liability, focusing on industry-specific solutions and strong risk management support. The Hanover is particularly well-suited for businesses that require tailored coverage options.
Benefits
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Industry-Specific Solutions: The Hanover offers tailored insurance solutions designed to meet the unique needs of different industries, from technology to manufacturing.
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Strong Risk Management Services: Provides businesses with tools and resources to manage risks effectively and prevent losses.
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Flexible Payment Options: The Hanover offers various payment plans, making it easier for businesses to manage their insurance costs.
Insurance Company
Pros/Cons
Ratings
- Tailored insurance solutions for specific industries.
- Comprehensive risk management support and resources.
- Flexible payment plans.
- Premiums can be higher for businesses in certain sectors.
- Policy customization may require working closely with an agent.
4.7
Overall Score
User Rating
4.7
reviews
Features
- Customized BOP: Combines general liability with other essential coverages customized for your industry.
- Specialized Coverage Options: Includes cyber liability, professional liability insurance, and more, depending on your business needs. Professional liability insurance is crucial for businesses providing professional services, protecting against claims from errors or omissions.
- Risk Management Support: Access to resources and support to help reduce risks and lower insurance costs.
What Is General Liability Insurance and How Does it Work?
General Liability Insurance (GLI) protects your business from financial loss due to bodily injury, property damage, and personal and advertising injury claims. This type of insurance covers legal costs, settlements, and medical expenses if your business is found liable for these types of claims. GLI is essential for businesses of all sizes, providing a safety net to prevent financial ruin in case of a lawsuit or other claim.
Compare the Best Commercial Business Insurance Companies
Here’s a comparison table that evaluates some of the best commercial business insurance companies based on their coverage areas, availability of 24/7 claim service, and whether online quotes are available:
This table provides a quick overview to help you compare the companies based on key aspects relevant to commercial business insurance.
| Insurance Company | Coverage Areas | 24/7 Claim Service | Online Quotes Available |
|---|---|---|---|
| The Hartford | General Liability, Property Insurance, Workers' Compensation, Business Owner’s Policy (BOP), Commercial Auto, Professional Liability | ||
| Allstate | General Liability, Property Insurance, Commercial Auto, Business Interruption, BOP, Professional Liability, Workers' Compensation | ||
| Next Insurance | General Liability, Workers' Compensation, Professional Liability, Commercial Auto, Tools & Equipment, BOP | ||
| Thimble | General Liability, Professional Liability, Event Insurance, BOP | ||
| Nationwide | General Liability, Property Insurance, Workers' Compensation, BOP, Commercial Auto, Professional Liability | ||
| Chubb | General Liability, Property Insurance, Professional Liability, Cyber Liability, Environmental Liability, BOP, International Coverage | ||
| CNA | General Liability, Property Insurance, Workers' Compensation, BOP, Commercial Auto, Cyber Liability, Professional Liability | ||
| Farmers Insurance | General Liability, Property Insurance, Workers' Compensation, BOP, Commercial Auto, Professional Liability, Business Interruption, Cyber Liability | ||
| Frankenmuth | General Liability, Property Insurance, Workers' Compensation, BOP, Commercial Auto, Professional Liability | ||
| The Hanover | General Liability, Property Insurance, Workers' Compensation, BOP, Professional Liability, Cyber Liability, Commercial Auto |
Dario's Experience
Choosing the right general liability insurance provider is crucial for any entrepreneur. The key is to balance cost with the appropriate level of coverage, ensuring that your business is protected without overpaying for unnecessary features. Whether running a small business or managing a larger operation, the right GLI policy provides the peace of mind and financial security necessary to focus on growing your business.
Frequently Asked Questions
General Liability Insurance typically covers third-party bodily injury, property damage, and personal or advertising injury.
Costs vary depending on factors like business size, industry, location, and coverage limits.
Yes, home-based businesses can also benefit from GLI, as it covers risks not typically included in homeowner’s insurance.
Yes, many providers offer bundling options like a Business Owner’s Policy (BOP) that includes GLI and property insurance.
Most insurance companies offer 24/7 claims support, either online, by phone, or through an agent.
