Every business, from home-based startups to expanding franchises, needs protection. Not just for property or employees, but for long-term survival. One accident, lawsuit, or cyberattack can set back even the most well-managed companies. That’s where the right insurance policy steps in — and choosing the right provider can make all the difference.
The business insurance landscape is broad. Dozens of insurers claim to be “best for small business,” “most affordable,” or “top-rated by professionals.” But business owners don’t just need marketing slogans — they need real coverage, responsive support, and peace of mind.
This guide explores 10 of the most prominent business insurance providers in the U.S., based on their offerings, reputation, and how well they align with different business needs. Whether you’re running a creative studio, a food truck, or a warehouse distribution center, there’s a provider on this list worth considering.
1. The Hartford
With more than 200 years in the insurance industry, The Hartford has become a go-to provider for small and mid-sized businesses. It’s especially strong in industries like construction, retail, and healthcare. The company offers standard policies like general liability and workers’ compensation, but also specialized coverage like cyber liability, business income protection, and professional liability for consultants and service-based industries.
One standout feature is its Business Owner’s Policy (BOP), which bundles multiple types of coverage into a single, customizable plan — often at a lower cost than buying each policy individually. For many businesses, this simplifies both billing and claims.
2. Hiscox
Hiscox is widely recognized for its laser focus on small businesses and solo professionals. It’s ideal for freelancers, consultants, and LLCs who don’t have physical storefronts or employees. Policies can often be purchased entirely online, with instant coverage available for liability, errors and omissions (E&O), and professional indemnity.
Their flexibility stands out — Hiscox allows monthly billing, makes adjustments easy, and offers tailored policies for more than 180 industries. Their niche is clear: they’re not trying to serve massive companies, but instead deliver streamlined, no-fuss coverage to entrepreneurs and independent contractors.
3. Travelers
Travelers brings a heavyweight presence to the commercial insurance market. Its product lineup is vast, from commercial auto insurance to equipment breakdown protection and inland marine policies. It serves both small and large businesses and has deep experience with risk engineering — meaning they help businesses prevent losses, not just respond to them.
This makes Travelers a favorite for industries with physical risk exposure, such as manufacturing, energy, or large-scale retail. Its network of independent agents is another advantage for businesses that want one-on-one service and local insight.
4. Chubb
If your business owns valuable assets or caters to a high-income clientele, Chubb is often a name that comes up. Known for its high policy limits and concierge-level service, Chubb provides coverage for business property, executive risk, cyber liability, and foreign operations.
Chubb is a solid choice for companies that operate in multiple states or internationally, or those that require customized underwriting. Their ability to tailor policies based on asset types, locations, or liability thresholds makes them especially popular among real estate firms, luxury brands, and financial services companies.
5. NEXT Insurance
NEXT Insurance is relatively new but has quickly built a strong presence in the small business segment — especially among trades, fitness professionals, cleaning businesses, and consultants. The platform is 100% online, with a mobile-first experience and instant proof-of-insurance certificates.
The coverage is surprisingly comprehensive for a digital-first provider: general liability, tools and equipment, professional liability, commercial auto, and workers’ comp. One of NEXT’s strengths is how quickly business owners can get coverage — many policies are active within 10 minutes, with easy updates as a business grows.
6. State Farm
Best known for its personal auto and home coverage, State Farm is also one of the largest providers of small business insurance in the U.S. What sets State Farm apart is its agent-first model — business owners work directly with a local agent to customize policies that suit their industry, size, and risk level.
Policies are available for general liability, business property, commercial auto, and professional liability. State Farm is especially popular among retailers, restaurant owners, and local service providers who want to sit down with a real person to map out their coverage. The company’s financial strength and wide geographic presence give it long-term reliability, which is something many growing businesses value.
7. Liberty Mutual
Liberty Mutual is a major player in commercial insurance for medium and large enterprises, but it also offers tailored solutions for small businesses through its Liberty Mutual Small Business division. With a strong focus on industry-specific packages, it provides everything from basic liability and property coverage to more complex options like environmental liability, commercial fleet, and inland marine insurance.
Liberty Mutual works primarily through independent agents, but it also offers digital tools that help business owners explore policies online before connecting with a rep. Its size and resources make it a dependable choice for businesses that expect to scale over time or operate across multiple states.
8. Nationwide
Nationwide Business Insurance has earned a reputation for its flexible policy structure and strong claims handling. The company covers a broad range of industries, including agriculture, wholesale, food service, construction, and professional services.
Its Business Owner’s Policy (BOP) bundles liability and property insurance, while add-ons like cyber insurance, employment practices liability, and product liability allow for expansion without switching providers. Nationwide’s commercial umbrella policy is also a highlight for companies that want to go above standard liability limits for additional peace of mind.
9. Progressive Commercial
While many associate Progressive with auto insurance, its Progressive Commercial division is a powerhouse for self-employed individuals, contractors, and small fleets. Progressive makes it easy to bundle commercial auto with general liability and workers’ comp policies — particularly useful for delivery services, food trucks, landscapers, and mobile services.
Their quote system is fast, and policies can often be set up in under an hour. What helps them stand out is their flexible coverage for part-time operators and seasonal businesses. For example, a snow removal business might only need coverage during the winter months — Progressive understands and adapts to that.
10. Biberk (A Berkshire Hathaway Company)
Biberk is a direct-to-consumer insurance company owned by Berkshire Hathaway — the same parent company as GEICO. While it’s newer to the scene, Biberk offers surprisingly robust business coverage with fewer administrative hoops. They focus on simplicity and affordability for small businesses and have earned strong early reviews for clarity and ease of use.
Available coverages include general liability, workers’ comp, business interruption, and cyber insurance. Policies can be quoted, purchased, and managed entirely online, though phone support is available. For small business owners who want coverage without the back-and-forth of agent meetings, Biberk is an increasingly attractive option.
How to Choose the Right Provider for Your Business
While these ten companies all offer solid reputations and useful products, the “right” choice depends entirely on the nature of your business. A tech consultant in a co-working space has very different needs than a mechanic running a three-bay shop. The best approach is to look for industry-aligned experience, policy customization, and long-term flexibility.
It’s also wise to revisit your business insurance at least once a year. As your team grows, as you add new services or move locations, your policy should evolve too. Whether you value digital convenience, local agent support, or risk management tools, one of the insurers listed above is likely a strong match for your goals.
