We researched best business insurance options to bring you reliable answers about general liability coverage in Iowa. These frequently asked questions draw from MoneyGeek's detailed analysis and research:
Best General Liability Insurance in Iowa
The Hartford leads Iowa general liability insurance as both the best and cheapest option, with coverage starting at $78 per month.
Get matched to the best and cheapest general liability insurer for you below.
Select your industry
Select state
Updated: November 21, 2025
Advertising & Editorial Disclosure
Commercial General Liability Insurance in Iowa: Fast Answers
Which company offers the best general liability insurance in Iowa?
The Hartford ranks as the best general liability insurance company in Iowa with an overall score of 4.64 out of 5. It provides affordable coverage at $78 per month and excels in claims handling. NEXT follows closely as the runner-up, offering strong digital tools and customer service for $98 per month.
Who offers the cheapest general liability insurance in Iowa?
The cheapest general liability insurance companies in Iowa are:
- The Hartford: $78 per month
- Simply Business: $91 per month
- Nationwide: $92 per month
- Progressive: $95 per month
- NEXT: $98 per month
Do Iowa businesses legally need general liability insurance?
Iowa doesn't legally require most businesses to carry general liability insurance at the state level. However, certain licensed professionals like contractors and electricians may need coverage to maintain their licenses. Local municipalities can impose their own requirements, and most landlords and clients demand proof of insurance before signing contracts or leases.
How much does general liability insurance cost in Iowa?
General liability insurance costs between $16 and $876 per month for small Iowa businesses with two employees. Drone businesses often have the lowest rates at $16 per month, while pressure washing companies land at the high end at $876 per month. Your actual premium depends on your industry, location, coverage limits, and business size.
Best General Liability Insurance Companies in Iowa
The Hartford is our top pick for general liability insurance in Iowa, offering a strong mix of affordability and quality customer service. NEXT also performs well with reliable customer support and solid coverage options for small businesses. Nationwide completes the top contenders with dependable service and strong financial stability.
| The Hartford | 4.64 | $78 |
| NEXT Insurance | 4.56 | $98 |
| Nationwide | 4.53 | $92 |
| Simply Business | 4.49 | $91 |
| Thimble | 4.40 | $102 |
| Coverdash | 4.38 | $98 |
| biBERK | 4.29 | $109 |
| Progressive Commercial | 4.28 | $95 |
| Chubb | 4.27 | $113 |
| Hiscox | 4.19 | $109 |
How Did We Determine These Rates?
These rates reflect MoneyGeek's analysis of small businesses with two employees across 79 major industries. Actual rates vary based on your business location, industry risk factors, claims history, coverage limits and individual insurer underwriting criteria. Contact insurers directly for personalized quotes.
Get Matched to the Best Cheap Iowa General Liability Insurer
Select your industry and state to get a customized Iowa general liability insurance quote.
Industry
State
LEARN MORE ABOUT THE BEST BUSINESS INSURANCE IN IOWA
General liability insurance covers customer injuries and property damage for Iowa businesses, but most companies need additional protection. Explore these related coverage options:
Best Iowa General Liability Insurance Reviews
Finding the best general liability insurance in Iowa requires looking beyond just affordable rates. Coverage quality and customer service matter too. Our research analyzed top business insurers across the state to help you make an informed choice.
The Hartford
Best Iowa General Liability Insurer
MoneyGeek Rating
4.6/ 5
4.6/5Affordability
4.6/5Customer Experience
4.7/5Coverage Points
Average Monthly General Liability Premium
$78These rates are for small businesses with two employees across 79 major industries or business types and focus solely on general liability policies.Our Survey: Claims Process
4.5/5Our Survey: Likely to Be Recommended to Others
4.5/5
NEXT
Best Iowa Commercial General Liability Customer Experience
MoneyGeek Rating
4.6/ 5
4.3/5Affordability
4.7/5Customer Experience
4.8/5Coverage Points
Average Monthly General Liability Premium
$98These rates are for small businesses with two employees across 79 major industries or business types and focus solely on general liability policies.Our Survey: Claims Process
3.9/5Our Survey: Likely to Be Recommended to Others
4.8/5
Cheapest General Liability Insurance Companies in Iowa
The Hartford offers the cheapest general liability insurance in Iowa at $78 per month, saving businesses $20 or 21% compared to the state average. Simply Business and Nationwide also provide affordable coverage options for Iowa businesses.
| The Hartford | $78 | $933 |
| Simply Business | $91 | $1,093 |
| Nationwide | $92 | $1,108 |
| Progressive Commercial | $95 | $1,142 |
| NEXT Insurance | $98 | $1,177 |
| Coverdash | $98 | $1,181 |
| Thimble | $102 | $1,226 |
| Hiscox | $109 | $1,304 |
| biBERK | $109 | $1,305 |
| Chubb | $113 | $1,357 |
How Did We Determine These Rates?
These rates reflect small businesses with two employees across 79 major industries and focus solely on general liability policies. Your premium depends on where your business is located, what industry you're in, how much coverage you choose and other factors insurers consider. Available options differ by state.
Cheapest General Liability Insurance in Iowa by Industry
Based on MoneyGeek's research, these five providers offer the cheapest general liability insurance across industries in Iowa:
- The Hartford: Ranks as the most affordable option in 23 industries, including construction, cleaning, food trucks and transportation businesses.
- Simply Business: Leads in affordability for 11 industries, with strong results among professional services like accountants, lawyers and software companies.
- Thimble: Offers the cheapest coverage in 10 industries, excelling in service-based sectors such as barbershops, coffee shops and HVAC contractors.
- biBerk: Wins affordability in nine industries, performing well for catering, engineering and veterinary businesses.
- NEXT and Progressive: Each dominate seven industries. NEXT excels in dental and tech sectors, while Progressive leads in retail and beauty services.
Data filtered by:
Select
| Accountants | Simply Business | $14 | $164 |
| Ad Agency | Thimble | $95 | $1,138 |
| Bakery | Progressive Commercial | $84 | $1,013 |
| Automotive | Coverdash | $105 | $1,262 |
| Auto Repair | Coverdash | $110 | $1,319 |
| Barber | Thimble | $94 | $1,126 |
| Beauty Salon | Progressive Commercial | $107 | $1,287 |
| Bounce House | The Hartford | $52 | $629 |
| Candle | Simply Business | $92 | $1,100 |
| Catering | biBERK | $162 | $1,949 |
| Cannabis | The Hartford | $50 | $602 |
| Cleaning | The Hartford | $95 | $1,137 |
| Coffee Shop | Thimble | $89 | $1,068 |
| Computer Programming | Thimble | $94 | $1,126 |
| Computer Repair | The Hartford | $35 | $424 |
| Construction | The Hartford | $123 | $1,481 |
| Consulting | Simply Business | $14 | $164 |
| Daycare | The Hartford | $24 | $293 |
| Contractor | biBERK | $195 | $2,337 |
| Courier | The Hartford | $158 | $1,900 |
| DJ | Simply Business | $11 | $132 |
| Dental | NEXT Insurance | $12 | $143 |
| Ecommerce | Simply Business | $92 | $1,100 |
| Dog Grooming | Thimble | $34 | $411 |
| Drone | The Hartford | $12 | $146 |
| Electrical | Nationwide | $97 | $1,162 |
| Engineering | biBERK | $16 | $192 |
| Food | Progressive Commercial | $101 | $1,210 |
| Excavation | biBERK | $354 | $4,246 |
| Florist | Simply Business | $29 | $351 |
| Gardening | Coverdash | $91 | $1,097 |
| Food Truck | The Hartford | $105 | $1,263 |
| Funeral Home | NEXT Insurance | $42 | $505 |
| HVAC | Thimble | $103 | $1,232 |
| Handyman | biBERK | $167 | $1,999 |
| Home-based | The Hartford | $17 | $200 |
| Home-based | NEXT Insurance | $44 | $525 |
| Hospitality | biBERK | $134 | $1,603 |
| Janitorial | Nationwide | $93 | $1,116 |
| Jewelry | Thimble | $156 | $1,876 |
| Junk Removal | The Hartford | $120 | $1,444 |
| Lawn/Landscaping | Progressive Commercial | $91 | $1,090 |
| Lawyers | Simply Business | $14 | $164 |
| Marine | The Hartford | $22 | $267 |
| Manufacturing | Nationwide | $19 | $229 |
| Massage | Hiscox | $88 | $1,053 |
| Mortgage Broker | NEXT Insurance | $15 | $181 |
| Moving | The Hartford | $91 | $1,090 |
| Painting | The Hartford | $105 | $1,261 |
| Nonprofit | biBERK | $25 | $301 |
| Party Rental | Chubb | $91 | $1,087 |
| Personal Training | The Hartford | $18 | $212 |
| Pest Control | The Hartford | $24 | $287 |
| Pet | Thimble | $34 | $411 |
| Photography | NEXT Insurance | $13 | $153 |
| Pharmacy | biBERK | $96 | $1,155 |
| Physical Therapy | Nationwide | $19 | $228 |
| Plumbing | Simply Business | $258 | $3,097 |
| Pressure Washing | Progressive Commercial | $846 | $10,150 |
| Restaurant | Coverdash | $94 | $1,133 |
| Real Estate | Nationwide | $114 | $1,373 |
| Retail | Progressive Commercial | $87 | $1,047 |
| Security | The Hartford | $105 | $1,256 |
| Roofing | Thimble | $198 | $2,370 |
| Speech Therapist | Nationwide | $19 | $228 |
| Snack Bars | The Hartford | $85 | $1,022 |
| Software | Simply Business | $14 | $164 |
| Spa/Wellness | Progressive Commercial | $102 | $1,219 |
| Speech Therapist | Simply Business | $19 | $228 |
| Tech/IT | NEXT Insurance | $15 | $181 |
| Startup | Simply Business | $14 | $164 |
| Tree Service | The Hartford | $96 | $1,157 |
| Transportation | The Hartford | $30 | $357 |
| Travel | The Hartford | $15 | $180 |
| Trucking | Coverdash | $96 | $1,157 |
| Tutoring | Thimble | $94 | $1,126 |
| Wholesale | Coverdash | $32 | $386 |
| Veterinary | biBERK | $24 | $284 |
| Wedding Planning | NEXT Insurance | $11 | $138 |
| Welding | The Hartford | $128 | $1,530 |
| Window Cleaning | The Hartford | $122 | $1,463 |
Average Cost of General Liability Insurance in Iowa
Most small businesses in Iowa pay around $98 monthly for general liability insurance. The average cost of general liability coverage depends on your industry, business size, location and coverage limits. Manufacturing companies often have higher premiums because of increased risk exposure, while accounting firms pay less due to lower liability concerns. Sole proprietors usually see cheaper rates compared to businesses with employees since they have fewer risk factors.
Average Cost of General Liability Insurance in Iowa by Industry
General liability insurance costs in Iowa vary widely by industry, ranging from $16 monthly for drone businesses to $876 for pressure washing companies. Your industry determines your rate more than any other factor. Review the table below to find typical general liability coverage costs for your business type.
Data filtered by:
Select
| Accountants | $21 | $253 |
| Ad Agency | $34 | $406 |
| Automotive | $51 | $612 |
| Auto Repair | $145 | $1,744 |
| Bakery | $86 | $1,037 |
| Barber | $42 | $509 |
| Beauty Salon | $64 | $767 |
| Bounce House | $67 | $806 |
| Candle | $53 | $631 |
| Cannabis | $64 | $769 |
| Catering | $84 | $1,006 |
| Cleaning | $127 | $1,521 |
| Coffee Shop | $86 | $1,030 |
| Computer Programming | $28 | $334 |
| Computer Repair | $46 | $547 |
| Construction | $168 | $2,014 |
| Consulting | $21 | $252 |
| Contractor | $244 | $2,926 |
| Courier | $187 | $2,244 |
| Daycare | $31 | $377 |
| Dental | $21 | $247 |
| DJ | $24 | $291 |
| Dog Grooming | $61 | $728 |
| Drone | $16 | $191 |
| Ecommerce | $70 | $840 |
| Electrical | $108 | $1,291 |
| Engineering | $38 | $457 |
| Excavation | $445 | $5,346 |
| Florist | $41 | $492 |
| Food | $103 | $1,236 |
| Food Truck | $136 | $1,627 |
| Funeral Home | $58 | $693 |
| Gardening | $108 | $1,291 |
| Handyman | $234 | $2,802 |
| Home-based | $23 | $273 |
| Home-based | $44 | $525 |
| Hospitality | $62 | $749 |
| HVAC | $235 | $2,816 |
| Janitorial | $131 | $1,574 |
| Jewelry | $39 | $463 |
| Junk Removal | $155 | $1,865 |
| Lawn/Landscaping | $115 | $1,380 |
| Lawyers | $22 | $262 |
| Manufacturing | $61 | $734 |
| Marine | $27 | $322 |
| Massage | $92 | $1,100 |
| Mortgage Broker | $22 | $263 |
| Moving | $119 | $1,424 |
| Nonprofit | $34 | $412 |
| Painting | $138 | $1,651 |
| Party Rental | $76 | $912 |
| Personal Training | $23 | $274 |
| Pest Control | $31 | $370 |
| Pet | $54 | $643 |
| Pharmacy | $59 | $710 |
| Photography | $23 | $277 |
| Physical Therapy | $106 | $1,266 |
| Plumbing | $346 | $4,150 |
| Pressure Washing | $876 | $10,509 |
| Real Estate | $51 | $610 |
| Restaurant | $139 | $1,665 |
| Retail | $63 | $751 |
| Roofing | $371 | $4,455 |
| Security | $133 | $1,597 |
| Snack Bars | $112 | $1,348 |
| Software | $25 | $302 |
| Spa/Wellness | $102 | $1,225 |
| Speech Therapist | $30 | $358 |
| Startup | $27 | $328 |
| Tech/IT | $25 | $303 |
| Transportation | $36 | $432 |
| Travel | $20 | $239 |
| Tree Service | $124 | $1,490 |
| Trucking | $98 | $1,178 |
| Tutoring | $29 | $348 |
| Veterinary | $43 | $514 |
| Wedding Planning | $27 | $318 |
| Welding | $158 | $1,893 |
| Wholesale | $43 | $513 |
| Window Cleaning | $152 | $1,828 |
How Did We Determine These Rates?
These rates reflect small businesses with two employees across 79 major industries and focus solely on general liability policies. Your premium depends on where your business is located, what industry you're in, how much coverage you choose and other factors insurers consider. Available options differ by state.
What Factors Affect Iowa General Liability Insurance Costs?
General liability insurance costs for Iowa businesses depend on factors such as industry, location, business size and selected coverage limits.
Iowa's Tort Reform Legislation
Iowa lawmakers passed major tort reform in 2023 to address rising insurance costs. The new laws cap non-economic damages at $5 million for trucking accidents, $1 million for medical malpractice claims, and $250,000 for dram shop cases.
For your small business, these caps mean insurers have lower maximum payouts on liability claims. Over time, this should help stabilize your general liability premiums as the market adjusts to the reduced risk exposure.
Iowa's Agricultural Economy
Agriculture drives Iowa's economy, contributing $44 billion annually. This dominance shapes the liability landscape for all Iowa businesses. Farming operations carry distinct risks: equipment-related injuries, contaminated products and customer accidents on agricultural property.
When insurers price general liability coverage in Iowa, they factor in this agricultural concentration. The industry's unique exposures influence your rates, even if your business operates outside the farming sector.
Iowa's Economic Inflation Trends
Inflation hits general liability insurance from multiple angles. Medical costs for treating injuries keep climbing. Repair expenses for property damage have surged since the pandemic. Supply chain disruptions and labor shortages push costs even higher.
When your business receives a liability claim, insurers pay more to settle it today than they did two years ago. To cover these rising claim costs, insurers raise premiums. Your rates reflect this economic reality across Iowa's business landscape.
Iowa's Comparative Negligence Law
Iowa adopted modified comparative fault in 1982, changing how liability works in the state. Under this system, injured parties can recover damages as long as they're 50% or less responsible for their injuries.
If your business gets sued and the court finds you 50% or more at fault, you become liable for all economic damages. This rule makes it easier for people to win liability claims and increases what businesses might owe. Insurers price this higher risk into your general liability premiums.
How Much General Liability Insurance Do I Need in Iowa?
Iowa doesn't mandate general liability insurance for most businesses, but specific licensed trades must carry coverage to operate legally. Understanding the requirements for commercial general liability insurance helps you stay compliant and avoid penalties. Licensed electricians have the strictest mandates, while other trades follow different coverage thresholds. Below are Iowa's profession-specific general liability requirements:
- Standard electrical contractors and those specializing in residential work must maintain $1 million in general liability coverage under Iowa Code Chapter 103.
- Professionals installing irrigation systems, electrical signs, and HVAC disconnects must have at least $1 million in contractor liability insurance. You need this coverage to maintain your specialized license.
Iowa public liability insurance requirements for electricians
Iowa public liability insurance requirements for alarm system contractors
Need at least $1 million per occurrence for both property damage and public liability. The state sets this threshold to protect property owners from installation errors.
Iowa public liability insurance requirements for commercial pesticide applicators
Can choose between two coverage options—$100,000 each for property damage and public liability separately, or $100,000 per occurrence with $300,000 annual aggregate. Your license depends on maintaining one of these minimum levels.
Note: State insurance rules change often. Check current requirements with the Iowa Insurance Division or talk with a licensed insurance agent before selecting coverage.
How to Choose the Best General Liability Insurance in Iowa
Finding the right general liability coverage starts with understanding your Iowa business risks and budget constraints. Learning how to get business insurance that matches your needs protects you from expensive lawsuits while keeping premiums manageable.
- 1Determine Coverage Needs
Iowa law doesn't require general liability insurance for most businesses, but electrical contractors and certain licensed trades must carry at least $1 million in business insurance coverage.
Many Iowa businesses choose limits between $500,000 and $2 million per occurrence based on their industry risk and client contracts. It also helps to review your lease agreements and vendor requirements, as many Iowa landlords and large contractors set their own coverage thresholds regardless of state law.
- 2Prepare Business Information
Collect your business details before requesting quotes, including your Iowa business registration number, federal EIN, annual revenue, and employee count. Iowa insurers price premiums based on your industry classification, location within the state, and claims history. Having your tax documents and Iowa contractor registration (if applicable) ready speeds up the quote process and helps insurers provide accurate rates.
- 3Compare Multiple Quotes
Request quotes from at least three insurers licensed by the Iowa Insurance Division, as business insurance costs can vary between carriers for identical coverage. Compare policy limits, deductibles and whether legal defense costs apply to your coverage limit or remain separate. Iowa's competitive insurance market means comparison shopping often uncovers savings of several hundred dollars annually.
- 4Look Beyond Price
Choosing a provider solely on cheap business insurance premiums can leave dangerous coverage gaps when you file a claim. Read policy exclusions carefully to understand what situations aren't covered, such as professional errors, pollution liability, or cyber incidents. Iowa businesses often discover too late that low-cost policies exclude critical protections their operations actually need.
- 5Verify Insurer Credentials
Check that any insurer you consider holds an active license through the Iowa Insurance Division's online database at iid.iowa.gov. Review the company's AM Best financial strength rating and research complaint ratios to find the best insurance for your business among financially stable carriers. Iowa businesses benefit from choosing insurers with strong complaint records, as the state Insurance Division tracks these patterns and can intervene during claim disputes.
- 6Ask About Discounts
Iowa insurers frequently offer discounts for bundling general liability with property or commercial auto coverage, potentially reducing your total premiums by 10% to 25%. Claims-free histories, documented safety programs, and annual payment options can lower your costs further. Installing security systems or implementing employee training programs demonstrates reduced risk to insurers and often qualifies Iowa businesses for additional premium reductions.
- 7Obtain Certificate of Insurance
Iowa contractors, vendors, and landlords routinely require certificates of insurance before allowing work to begin or signing lease agreements. Most insurers provide digital certificates instantly through online portals, though some take up to 48 hours for processing. Keep your insurance agent's contact information accessible for urgent certificate requests, as project delays in Iowa often stem from missing or expired insurance documentation.
- 8Review Coverage Annually
Reassess your general liability coverage each year, especially after hiring employees, expanding into new Iowa cities, or adding services to your business. Compare renewal quotes against competitor rates 60 to 90 days before your policy expires to ensure you're getting fair pricing. Iowa businesses that fail to update coverage limits risk compliance issues during audits or find themselves underinsured when revenue growth outpaces their protection.
Top General Liability Insurance in Iowa: Bottom Line
Finding the right general liability insurance in Iowa starts with understanding your specific business needs and comparing providers thoroughly. The Hartford, NEXT and Nationwide lead our analysis, but your ideal choice depends on your industry, company size and budget. Get quotes from multiple insurers and verify their credentials before making your final decision.
About Mark Fitzpatrick
Mark Fitzpatrick, a Licensed Property and Casualty Insurance Producer, is MoneyGeek's resident Personal Finance Expert. With over five years of experience analyzing the insurance market, he conducts original research and creates tailored content for all types of buyers. His insights have been featured in publications like CNBC, NBC News and Mashable.
Fitzpatrick holds a master’s degree in economics and international relations from Johns Hopkins University and a bachelor’s degree from Boston College. He's also a five-time Jeopardy champion!
He writes about economics and insurance, breaking down complex topics so people know what they're buying.
sources
- Iowa Capital Dispatch. "Gov. Kim Reynolds Signs New Medical Malpractice Liability Limits Into Law." Accessed November 29, 2025.
- Iowa Capital Dispatch. "Legislature Approves Cap on Noneconomic Damages in Malpractice Lawsuits." Accessed November 29, 2025.
- Iowa Department of Agriculture and Land Stewardship. "USDA NASS Census Proves Agriculture Is Vital to Iowa's Economy." Accessed November 29, 2025.
- Iowa Legislature. "Iowa Code Chapter 668 - Liability in Tort — Comparative Fault." Accessed November 29, 2025.
- Iowa Legislature. "Senate File 228." Accessed November 29, 2025.
- Iowa State Bar Association. "Statutory Modifications to Iowa Tort Law 1982 - 2023." Accessed November 29, 2025.
- USDA National Agricultural Statistics Service. "Iowa." Accessed November 29, 2025.