Best general liability insurance coverage for small businesses
Commercial general liability insurance providers offer different types of coverage and support. Here’s how to find the best U.S. insurance carrier for your small business, location, and budget.
What are the best general liability insurance companies in 2026?
Every small business is different, and so is every insurance company. TechInsurance works with 100+ U.S. insurance providers so you can find the best general liability coverage that meets your specific needs. All of our insurance partners are rated excellent or superior by AM Best, a global credit rating agency specializing in the insurance industry.
As an industry-leading online insurance marketplace, we've helped more than 450,000 small businesses secure more than 1.8 million policies. Simply complete our free application, and we'll retrieve quotes from trusted insurance companies that match your small business needs. The most important factors are:
- Best-rated general liability insurance companies, in terms of financial strength
- Best providers for your industry
- Best providers for your business's location
- Best providers for bundling general liability insurance
While some insurers offer general liability designed for specific professions, others operate in limited parts of the country. Many companies offer discounts when you purchase multiple policies, such as a business owner's policy (BOP). A BOP bundles general liability insurance with commercial property insurance at a lower cost than buying the policies individually.
Best-rated general liability insurance providers
When buying general liability insurance with TechInsurance, you'll get quotes from some of the top names in the industry. We'll research so you can compare quotes from carriers that match your needs.
As you compare quotes, remember that the cheapest policy isn't always the best policy. Exclusions, coverage limits, and an insurer's financial stability are some of the key factors to consider when looking for coverage.
Based on financial strength and overall rating, our top providers for general liability insurance include:
The Hartford
The Hartford has proudly delivered insurance to people and businesses since 1810, offering them the support and protection they need to pursue their unique ambitions.
Acuity
Acuity has provided business insurance since 1925, helping entrepreneurs and business owners protect their livelihood.
- AM Best rating: A+
- Customer rating: 96% claims satisfaction
- Coverage area: 30+ states, mostly based in the Midwest
Liberty Mutual
Liberty Mutual delivers tailored business insurance with expertise and care to help protect people, property, and professional reputations.
- AM Best rating: A (Excellent)
- Customer rating: 90% highly satisfied with claims process
- Coverage: Nationwide
Hiscox
Hiscox has insured small businesses since 1901, supplying them with the confidence and risk management tools they need to realize their ambitions.
- AM Best rating: A (Excellent)
- Customer rating: 4.8/5
- Coverage area: Nationwide, except Alaska
Chubb
Chubb provides insurance to a diverse group of clients, and, as an underwriting company, it assesses, assumes, and manages risk with insight and discipline.
- AM Best rating: A++
- Customer rating: 98% satisfaction rate
- Coverage area: Nationwide
How much does general liability insurance cost for small businesses?

Small businesses pay an average premium of $45 per month for general liability insurance. Annual policy premiums generally range from $250 to more than $3,000 per year, with the exact cost depending on several factors specific to your business, including:
- Policy limits
- Business location and operations
- Industry
- Deductible
- Claims history
Best general liability insurance companies by industry
When selecting general liability insurance for your small business, your profession is a key factor. In addition, the best general liability policy for an independent contractor may not suit a limited liability company (LLC).
Having an insurance provider who understands your business's unique risks can ensure you're protected against every exposure. Here are the recommended providers of general liability insurance for our top industries:
IT / technology
Small IT businesses, including software developers and SEO consultants, often choose The Hartford, Chubb, and Hiscox for their general liability coverage.
The Hartford offers a comprehensive business owner's policy for tech companies, which includes general liability, commercial property coverage, and business interruption insurance (also called business income insurance).
Chubb has insured tech companies for more than 40 years and has a team of specialized underwriters who know the risks the tech industry carries.
Hiscox is an affordable option for small tech companies seeking a general liability policy, offering flexible payment options and a dedicated claims representative to ensure the process goes smoothly.
Construction
Contractors and small construction businesses typically prefer Acuity, The Hartford, and Liberty Mutual for general liability insurance.
Acuity is a regional carrier with the strength and resources of a national insurer, providing specialized contractor coverage and an overwhelmingly positive claims experience.
The Hartford has unmatched expertise in the construction industry, with dedicated underwriters. The Hartford's business owner's policy includes business income insurance to financially protect you if property damage forces you to close temporarily.
Liberty Mutual offers a wide range of policies for the construction industry. With tailored concrete contractor coverage, it's the go-to insurance carrier of the American Society of Concrete Contractors.
Cleaning services
Cleaning businesses often go with Acuity, The Hartford, Chubb, and Hiscox for general liability insurance.
Acuity is a top option for small cleaning companies seeking a general liability policy with competitive rates and high customer service scores.
The Hartford is one of the nation's most trusted providers, offering tailored coverage for small cleaning businesses.
Hiscox offers flexible payment options and a dedicated claims representative when you need one.
Chubb is a well-established company with a wide range of customized coverage solutions for cleaning companies.
Healthcare
The Hartford, Chubb, and Hiscox offer general liability insurance for a variety of healthcare professionals and caregivers.
The Hartford specializes in insurance for outpatient healthcare, offering coverage for chiropractors and home health aides.
Hiscox offers general liability insurance for healthcare professionals, including customized policies for EMS workers and nurses.
Chubb has dedicated professionals who know the risks of the healthcare industry, pairing specialized coverage with affordability.
Food and beverages
Food and beverage businesses have several strong options when it comes to insurance, including The Hartford, Travelers, Liberty Mutual, and Chubb.
The Hartford offers a range of liability coverage for food services, ranging from coffee shops to full-service restaurants.
Travelers has years of industry experience and is a trusted source of insurance for restaurants and catering companies.
Liberty Mutual offers specialized insurance for food services, including coverage for fast food restaurants.
Chubb has a dedicated program for small businesses in the food industry, offering coverage for unique risks for everything from food trucks to banquet halls.
Best general liability insurance companies by state
When it comes to finding the best general liability insurance carrier, your state plays an important part. Every state has different rates for litigation, healthcare, and other expenses relevant to claims, impacting coverage availability and insurance costs by location.
Here are the most popular small business insurance companies in our top five states, based on the number of general liability policies sold:
State | Top 3 general liability insurance companies |
|---|---|
The Hartford Acuity Liberty Mutual | |
The Hartford | |
Acuity The Hartford Chubb | |
The Hartford Liberty Mutual Hiscox | |
The Hartford Hiscox Liberty Mutual |
Best providers for bundling general liability insurance
Bundling your coverage is a great way to save money on your insurance. Most small, low-risk businesses are eligible for a BOP. Another popular bundle is a commercial package policy (CPP), which combines general liability and business property insurance, offering a broader range of coverage options and higher limits than a business owner's policy.
These insurance carriers offer some of the best options for general liability packages:
The Hartford
The Hartford includes business income insurance in its business owner's policy, which most insurers don't automatically include. This coverage ensures your business can survive the financial impact of a temporary closure due to a fire or other covered property claim.
You can add extra coverage to a BOP, including:
- Data breach insurance
- Business income for off-premises utility services
Liberty Mutual
Liberty Mutual offers a business owner's policy and a commercial package to more than 300 types of businesses. You can also add other coverages, such as:
- Commercial auto insurance
- Commercial umbrella insurance
- Workers' compensation insurance
- Inland marine insurance
- Equipment breakdown coverage
Acuity
Acuity's version of a business owner's policy is called a Bis-Pak, which combines property insurance, general liability, and business income coverage. This package includes a few extras, such as coverage for additional business locations or projects, and $10,000 in ordinance or law coverage.
You can customize your policy with a range of property and liability endorsements, such as employment practices liability insurance (EPLI) or errors and omissions insurance (E&O).
Travelers
Travelers sells a business owner's policy with an option for lost income coverage, along with additional options like:
- Hired and non-owned auto insurance (HNOA)
- Cyber insurance
- Commercial crime insurance
- Tools and equipment insurance
Chubb
Chubb's BOP is available for small business owners with up to $30 million in revenue across more than 500 different professions. The company offers a wide range of customizations, including:
- Privacy and data breach
- Employment practices liability
- Equipment breakdown
- Electronic data liability
- Professional liability insurance, for some professions

What risks do businesses face without general liability insurance?
Many small businesses purchase a general liability policy to sign a client contract, get a license, or rent a commercial space. But even if it's not required, GL covers many common risks, including lawsuits over:
- A client's bodily injury
- Third-party property damage
- Personal and advertising injuries, such as libel and copyright infringement
- Harm caused by products
If you're sued by a third party, the legal costs can be financially devastating. That's where a general liability policy comes in, covering attorney fees, medical expenses, and other related costs to protect the financial health of your small business.
Get the right general liability insurance for your small business
TechInsurance helps you find the right business liability insurance for your needs from the nation's top-rated carriers. Get free quotes for general liability, workers' comp, and other policies in one place by filling out our easy online application.
Our licensed insurance agents are here to answer questions and help you find the best insurance solutions. Once you pick the right policy, you can typically start coverage and get a certificate of insurance (COI) within 24 hours.
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