Best General Liability Insurance for Small Businesses of 2025
Finding the right general liability insurance is critical for small businesses. This coverage, often sold separately or as part of a business owner’s policy (BOP), protects against the financial fallout from accidents and lawsuits. Given that a single liability claim could potentially bankrupt a business, the selection of an insurance provider offering both robust coverage and dependable service is paramount.
To help small business owners navigate this important decision, Investopedia evaluated 15 companies based on key criteria including available coverage limits, customer complaint data, and financial stability. After thorough review, Investopedia has identified the leading providers for 2025.
Our Top Picks
- Best Overall, Best for Short-Term Liability Coverage: Thimble
- Best Business Owner’s Policy: The Hartford
- Best for Few Complaints: Huckleberry
- Best for Financial Strength: Travelers
- Best Online Experience: NEXT Insurance
Why Trust Us
Investopedia was established in 1999 and has been assisting readers in choosing the best small business insurance since 2020. Our reviews are unbiased and based on in-depth research conducted on each insurance firm, allowing individuals to make well-informed choices for their businesses. Our evaluation process considered several factors to determine the top providers of general liability insurance, including company data, market share, and search trends.
Methodology
The Investopedia team reviewed 15 companies, assessing each based on 20 distinct criteria. The research was conducted between February 4 and February 18, 2025. This included an analysis of financial strength assessments from AM Best, customer satisfaction ratings from J.D. Power’s 2024 Small Commercial Insurance Study, and complaint records from the National Association of Insurance Commissioners. Additionally, the team examined the types of coverage offered, coverage limits, and available digital services. The companies were ranked according to a set of weighted categories.
Rating Categories and Weights
- Customer Complaints: 30%
- Financial Strength: 25%
- Coverage Limits: 16%
- Plan Types: 12%
- Digital Features: 12%
- Discounts: 5%
Company Reviews
Thimble
Investopedia’s Rating: 4.8
Thimble stands out as the best overall choice and is particularly well-suited for those needing short-term liability coverage. The company’s liability insurance business sees very few customer complaints, and provides a fast and simple online quote process.
:max_bytes(150000):strip_icc():format(webp)/GettyImages-1326612309-6ae491b89be149beb13683e08ae63126.jpg)
Pros: Offers coverage with short policy terms; few customer complaints; online quotes available.
Cons: Claims are handled by other companies; doesn’t offer employment practices liability coverage.
Thimble is one of only two companies Investopedia reviewed that offer short-term liability coverage. This allows businesses to tailor their policies to projects. The company allows policy terms as short as a month, or aligned to specific project start and end dates, helping to prevent you from paying for coverage you don’t need. Policies start at around $42 per month, but the price will vary based on business risk and insurance requirements.
Although fast quotes and coverage in minutes are promised, keep in mind that Thimble operates as an insurance broker, not an insurer. Claims and customer service are managed through Markel Insurance Company or National Specialty Insurance Company, which back the policies. This means the customer experience could differ than that of a direct insurer.
Founded in 2018, Thimble was acquired by Arch Insurance in 2023.
The Hartford
Investopedia’s Rating: 4.8
The Hartford is a strong choice for business owners seeking general liability coverage as part of a business owner’s policy (BOP). The Hartford is also known for its higher coverage limits and bundling discount opportunities. However, its commercial liability insurance receives a comparatively large number of customer complaints.
Pros: Offers high coverage limits and a discount for bundling business owner’s and workers’ compensation insurance.
Cons: The Hartford receives high number of customer complaints for its general liability business. Customer satisfaction is below average, according to J.D. Power.
The Hartford’s BOP bundles both commercial property and liability coverages. The company is also offers separate general liability policies with limits as high as $4 million for independent contractors. The company offers up to a 10% bundling discount if purchasing a BOP alongside workers’ compensation insurance. Optional endorsements include coverage for data breaches, professional liability, and commercial auto. However, the company receives a higher-than-expected rate of complaints indicating possible issues with the customer service. It has a below-average customer satisfaction score from J.D. Power’s 2024 U.S. Small Commercial Insurance Study.
The Hartford was founded in 1810, and is located in Hartford, Connecticut.
Huckleberry
Investopedia’s Rating: 4.5
Huckleberry stands out as the company with the fewest complaints for its commercial liability insurance. You can buy liability insurance through Huckleberry as a standalone policy or as part of a business owner’s package policy.
Pros: Few customer complaints; a broad range of business insurance options.
Cons: Claims are handled by other companies.
Huckleberry maintains a low complaint rate for its general liability coverage, indicating a good level of customer service. The company promises fast coverage–in about five minutes for most customers–through an online portal. However, it does not offer digital claims service. To file a claim, you need to call or contact the carrier directly. Business owners can buy general liability insurance through Huckleberry as a standalone policy or as part of a business owner’s package policy. It offers a variety of other coverages as well.
Huckleberry is a broker, not an insurer. When you buy your policy, the policy comes from another company. Policies are provided by Markel, which also sees relatively few complaints. Huckleberry is owned by Paychex, which was founded in 1971, and is based in Rochester, New York.
Travelers
Investopedia’s Rating: 4.2
Travelers has strong financial ratings, allowing it to handle costly claims without issue. You can secure general liability coverage via a business owner’s policy or as a standalone option.
Pros: Financially stable; few customer complaints.
Cons: No online quotes.
The Travelers BOP is made to protect small businesses in a range of industries, including financial services, healthcare, and retail. Travelers’ liability insurance business receives few complaints, indicating a favorable customer experience. However, online quotes are unavailable; you must contact an agent in person or by phone.
Travelers was founded in 1864 and is based in Hartford, Connecticut.
NEXT Insurance
Investopedia’s Rating: 3.6
NEXT Insurance is recognized for its smooth online experience, and offers features like live customer service chat and online claim filing.
Pros: Live chat, digital proof of insurance, and online claims. Online quotes are available.
Cons: Lower general liability coverage limits; high number of customer complaints.
NEXT Insurance is known for its online accessibility, including live chat and digital insurance certificates. NEXT has a goal of responding to claims within one business day and claims are resolved in a median of 15 days. However, the liability limits offered on its business owner’s policy (up to $2 million) are lower than some other insurers reviewed (as high as $6 million). Customer complaints about its liability business, are higher than expected.
NEXT is based in Palo Alto, California, and was founded in 2016.
Conclusion
General liability insurance plays an important role in protecting small businesses against unexpected financial burdens. Choosing the right provider involves careful consideration of various factors, including customer service, financial strength, and coverage options. The information above offers a starting point to help small business owners find the best fit for their specific needs.
:max_bytes(150000):strip_icc():format(webp)/GettyImages-1326612309-6ae491b89be149beb13683e08ae63126.jpg){kind=link}