How we make this list: we compare pricing pages, product documentation and public user reviews. Ratings come from G2, Capterra or Trustpilot, with the date we checked them.
Key takeaways
- NEXT Insurance is the strongest online starting point for solo owners and trades, with fast quotes, instant certificates, and general liability from about $19 per month in published examples.
- Hiscox is the best pick for professional liability depth, especially for consultants and professional services firms.
- Thimble suits gig, seasonal, and project based work, since coverage can be bought by the hour, day, or month.
- The Hartford and Nationwide suit growing businesses that need a business owner policy, workers compensation, and agent support under one roof.
- Premiums vary widely by industry, location, and coverage limits, so get at least three quotes for the same limits before choosing.
Quick comparison
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The best small business insurance companies
Small business insurance is not one product. Most owners need general liability first, then add professional liability, a business owner policy, workers compensation, or commercial auto as the work requires. The companies below cover that range, from fast online quotes for solo owners to agent led coverage for growing firms. Prices are not directly comparable across companies, since each insurer prices risk differently, so use the starting examples here as a guide and get quotes for your exact business. This is not financial advice, and policy terms, exclusions, and state availability vary.
Starting priceSee website
Free planNo
NEXT Insurance is built for owners who want to buy online without a long broker process. Quotes take about ten minutes in many cases, and certificates of insurance can be issued instantly, which matters when a client requires proof before work starts. General liability is the entry product, with published examples from about $19 per month, and professional liability, workers compensation, and commercial auto can be added. Trade coverage is broad, covering contractors, cleaners, consultants, and many service businesses.
The limit is complexity. Very large firms, unusual risks, or businesses that need detailed risk advice may benefit from an agent or broker. State availability and coverage details also vary, so read the policy terms. For a solo owner or small team that needs solid liability coverage quickly, NEXT is the easiest starting point in this list.
What we like- Fast online quotes
- Instant certificates of insurance
- General liability from about $19 per month in published examples
- Broad trade coverage
Watch out for- Less agent support for complex risks
- Coverage options vary by state
- Larger firms may need a broker
Starting priceSee website
Free planNo
Hiscox focuses on professional services, and that focus shows in its professional liability policies. Consultants, IT professionals, marketers, architects, and similar firms get coverage tailored to their work, including errors and omissions risks that general liability alone does not cover. Published professional liability examples start near $22.50 per month, though actual quotes depend on profession, revenue, and limits. Bundling professional liability with general liability can reduce cost in some cases.
Hiscox is less of a first choice for high risk manual trades, where a carrier with deeper trade and workers compensation options may fit better. Support is largely online and by phone, rather than through a local agent. For a professional firm that lives on advice, design, or client deliverables, Hiscox offers depth that generalist carriers often lack.
What we like- Deep professional liability options
- Tailored coverage by profession
- Online quotes
- Strong small business focus
Watch out for- General liability pricing varies
- Less suited to high risk manual trades
- Claims process is mostly online
Starting priceSee website
Free planNo
Thimble solves a specific problem, short term coverage. A photographer, handyman, event worker, or seasonal contractor can buy general liability for a single job, a day, or a month, instead of paying for a full year. Monthly plans start near $17 per month in published examples, and hourly options suit very short jobs. Buying through the app is fast, and certificates are available quickly.
For full time businesses, Thimble monthly pricing can be less competitive than an annual policy from NEXT or The Hartford. Coverage is also narrower, so owners who need property, workers compensation, and professional liability together may need a second policy. Thimble is best for gig work, side businesses, and seasonal operations where flexibility matters more than a bundled annual plan.
What we like- Coverage by hour, day, week, or month
- Fast app based buying
- Good for seasonal and part time work
- Instant certificates
Watch out for- Monthly pricing can be higher for full time use
- Coverage scope is narrower than a full BOP
- Some professions are excluded
Starting priceSee website
Free planNo
The Hartford is a long established carrier with broad coverage for growing businesses. A business owner policy can combine general liability, property, and business income protection, and workers compensation, commercial auto, and professional liability can be added. Industry specific programs cover restaurants, retailers, contractors, and professional firms, with claims support that many owners value when a loss occurs.
The trade-off is speed and simplicity. Quotes may involve an agent or more questions than a ten minute online form, and pricing varies widely by industry and location. Solo owners who only need basic liability may find NEXT or Thimble faster. For a business adding staff, premises, or vehicles, The Hartford offers a single carrier path that scales.
What we like- Broad BOP options
- Workers compensation and commercial auto
- Industry specific programs
- Agent and online support
Watch out for- Quotes can take longer than online only rivals
- Pricing varies by industry
- Small solo firms may find it more complex
Starting priceSee website
Free planNo
biBERK, part of Berkshire Hathaway, sells direct to small businesses without brokers. The model keeps the buying process simple, with online quotes for general liability, professional liability, workers compensation, and business owner policies. Commercial auto is also available. Owners who know what they need and want a straightforward purchase will find the process clear.
The direct model also means less tailored advice. Businesses with unusual risks, multiple locations, or complex contracts may need a broker to compare carriers and policy wording. biBERK suits simple, well defined businesses that want direct coverage from a financially strong carrier without broker fees.
What we like- Direct model without brokers
- Simple online buying
- Workers compensation and BOP options
- Berkshire Hathaway backing
Watch out for- Less tailored advice
- Coverage options are simpler
- Some complex risks need a broker
Starting priceSee website
Free planNo
Progressive Commercial is the natural pick when vehicles are central to the business. Commercial auto policies cover trucks, vans, and fleets, with options for hired and non-owned auto. General liability, BOP, and workers compensation can be added, making it a one stop option for contractors, delivery firms, and service businesses with vehicles. Buying is available online, by phone, or through an independent agent.
Liability pricing alone is not always the lowest in published comparisons, with median figures above NEXT and Thimble for some profiles. Owners who do not need commercial auto may find better liability value elsewhere. For a business where vehicles, drivers, and liability must be covered together, Progressive Commercial is a strong fit.
What we like- Strong commercial auto coverage
- Online and agent buying
- Liability and BOP options
- Useful for fleets and contractors
Watch out for- Median liability pricing is higher than online leaders in some comparisons
- Auto focus may distract from other coverages
- Quotes vary by state
Starting priceSee website
Free planNo
Nationwide offers broad small business coverage through agents and online channels. Business owner policies, general liability, professional liability, workers compensation, and commercial auto are available, with programs for farms, retailers, contractors, and other sectors. The agent network suits owners who want a local contact for claims, renewals, and coverage reviews.
The buying experience is less streamlined than online only carriers, and pricing is quote based, so comparison takes more effort. Agent quality can also vary by location. Nationwide fits owners who value a relationship with an agent and a carrier that can cover many needs as the business grows, rather than the fastest online quote.
What we like- Large agent network
- Broad BOP and liability options
- Farm, retail, and contractor programs
- Strong financial strength
Watch out for- Pricing is quote based and varies
- Online buying is less streamlined than NEXT
- Local agent quality varies
Starting priceSee website
Free planNo
Simply Business is a marketplace, not a direct insurer, and that distinction matters. One form generates quotes from multiple carriers, which saves time for owners who want to compare prices and terms without filling out many applications. It covers a wide range of professions, including niche and creative work, and the comparison view makes differences in limits and price easier to see.
The final policy is issued by the chosen carrier, so claims service, renewals, and policy wording depend on that carrier, not Simply Business. Owners should still read the policy from the issuing carrier before paying. For comparison shopping, especially for a first policy or a niche profession, Simply Business is a useful starting point.
What we like- Compares quotes from multiple carriers in one form
- Useful for niche professions
- Online buying
- Clear quote comparison
Watch out for- Final policy comes from a third party carrier
- Service depends on that carrier
- Not a direct insurer
How we chose
We compared pricing pages, carrier documentation, and public reviews on G2, Capterra, and Reddit, focusing on general liability and professional liability availability, BOP options, quote speed, certificate handling, and state coverage. We checked published starting prices and median figures from carrier pages and independent comparisons, and noted where pricing is quote based rather than published. Company size was considered for financial strength and claims capacity, but smaller and marketplace options were included when they offered a clear speed or comparison advantage. This is not financial advice, and actual premiums depend on industry, revenue, location, limits, and claims history.
What coverage do you actually need
Start with the risks your work creates. General liability covers third party bodily injury and property damage, which most clients and landlords require. Professional liability covers errors, omissions, and advice related claims, which matters for consultants, designers, and IT firms. A business owner policy bundles liability with property and business income, which suits firms with premises or equipment. Workers compensation is required in most states once you hire staff, and commercial auto is needed when vehicles are used for work.
Limits, deductibles, and certificates
Choose limits that match client contracts and realistic loss sizes, not just the cheapest option. A $1 million per occurrence limit is common for general liability, but some clients require $2 million or an umbrella policy. Check deductibles, exclusions, and whether subcontractors are covered. Keep certificates of insurance ready, since many clients ask for proof before work starts, and confirm that additional insured endorsements are included when a contract requires them.
Frequently asked questions
What is the best small business insurance company overall?
NEXT Insurance is the best starting point for most solo owners and small teams, thanks to fast online quotes and instant certificates. Hiscox is better for professional liability depth, and The Hartford suits growing firms that need a BOP and workers compensation. Compare at least three quotes for the same limits.
How much does small business insurance cost?
Costs vary widely by industry, location, revenue, and limits. Published general liability examples start near $19 per month for NEXT and near $17 per month for Thimble, while broader BOP averages in independent comparisons run near $100 per month for a small firm. Your actual quote may be higher or lower, so treat published figures as a guide only.
Do I need general liability and professional liability?
Many businesses need both, since they cover different risks. General liability covers third party injury and property damage, while professional liability covers errors and advice related claims. A consultant who visits client sites and delivers advice usually needs both, while a retailer may prioritize general liability and property coverage.
Can I buy coverage by the job?
Yes, Thimble offers coverage by the hour, day, week, or month for eligible professions. That model suits gig, seasonal, and project based work. Full time businesses usually save with an annual policy, so compare the total annual cost before choosing short term coverage.
Is a marketplace better than a direct insurer?
A marketplace like Simply Business saves time by comparing multiple carriers in one form, which is useful for niche professions. A direct insurer like NEXT or biBERK may offer faster service and clearer ownership of the policy. The best choice depends on whether you value comparison or direct service more.
What should I check before buying a policy?
Check coverage limits, exclusions, deductibles, state availability, and whether certificates and additional insured endorsements are included. Read the policy wording for subcontractor coverage, professional services exclusions, and claims reporting deadlines. Confirm that the carrier is licensed in your state.
Sources we checked (8)
- https://www.nextinsurance.com
- https://www.hiscox.com
- https://www.thimble.com
- https://www.thehartford.com
- https://www.biberk.com
- https://www.progressive.com/commercial
- https://www.nationwide.com
- https://www.simplybusiness.com
Is your product missing or out of date?
We review this list regularly. Vendors can request a listing, send updated pricing or ask about featured placement.
Shihab Mia · Founder, Rankite
Shihab has 5+ years in B2B and SaaS SEO. He writes Rankite's software buying guides from pricing pages, documentation and public user reviews. More about Shihab.
NEXT Insurance
Hiscox
Thimble
The Hartford
biBERK
Progressive Commercial
Nationwide
Simply Business