Updated: November 21, 2024
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MoneyGeek assessed various factors such as cost, customer satisfaction, financial stability and online quote processes to find the best general liability insurance providers in Minnesota.
Our top pick is Thimble, which offers average monthly policy costs of $54 for limited liability companies (LLCs) with 20 employees and $22 for sole proprietors with no employees. Next provides the most affordable coverage, with rates as low as $25 per month for both LLCs and sole proprietors.
Best General LiabilityMinnesotaBest General Liability Insurance in Minnesota
Why Trust MoneyGeek? We collected 1,229 general liability insurance quotes and analyzed cost information alongside customer satisfaction and financial stability reports to determine the best general liability insurance companies for small businesses in Minnesota.
Coverage costs and company information for general liability insurance providers in Minnesota were last updated in 2023.
Thimble is the top general liability insurance provider in Minnesota, receiving a MoneyGeek score of 92 out of 100. Check out the table below for the MoneyGeek scores and average costs of the Minnesota insurers we evaluated.
How was this MoneyGeek score calculated?
MoneyGeek used the following weights to rank the best general liability insurance in Minnesota:
MoneyGeek used two business profiles to gather general liability quotes:
| Thimble | 92 | $22 | $54 |
| Nationwide | 90 | $33 | $34 |
| The Hartford | 89 | $31 | $47 |
| Next | 88 | $25 | $25 |
| biBERK | 88 | $23 | No Data |
| Hiscox | 83 | $29 | $114 |
Offers affordable rates for single proprietors
Provides a quick online quote process
Receives more complaints than other insurers we researched
Charges higher premiums for LLCs
MoneyGeek identified Thimble as the top general liability insurance company in Minnesota. Thimble offers the lowest rates for sole proprietors in the state at about $22 per month. It has the quickest quoting process, taking just 22 seconds to complete, which is helpful if you’re looking to compare its rates against other providers.
This insurer has an A+ rating from AM Best for financial stability, which gives business owners the assurance that their claims will be paid.
Next is the cheapest general liability insurance provider in Minnesota, with an average cost of $25 per month for both LLCs and sole proprietors.
We calculated an affordability score by combining the monthly costs for LLCs and sole proprietors equally. This means that Next, the most affordable provider in the state, may not have the lowest cost for both business types individually.
How was this MoneyGeek score calculated?
MoneyGeek used the following weights to find the cheapest general liability insurance in Minnesota:
With the lowest prices for LLCs
Quick online estimates
Below average financial stability
Not the cheapest option for sole proprietors
Our analysis found that Next is the cheapest general liability insurance provider in Minnesota. At approximately $25 per month, it offers the cheapest premiums for LLCs and the third lowest for sole proprietors compared to other insurers we evaluated.
Next boasts a swift quote system, taking just over a minute to get an estimate. This allows you to easily compare rates with other providers to ensure you're getting the best deal for your business.
However, AM Best gave Next relatively low financial stability ratings. This suggests that the insurer may have some difficulties meeting its financial obligations.
Nationwide offers the best general liability insurance for employers in Minnesota, with a MoneyGeek score of 97 out of 100 and a monthly premium of approximately $34. Our rankings are based on calculating the average monthly cost of general liability insurance for LLCs with 20 employees.
Workforce size is a crucial consideration in determining insurance expenses. Typically, companies with less than 20 employees pay below the median cost, while those with more than 20 employees tend to pay more.
How was this MoneyGeek score calculated?
MoneyGeek used the following weights to find the best general liability insurance for employers in Minnesota:
Exceptional customer service
Offers the second-lowest rates
Good financial stability
Slow quote process
Nationwide is the best general liability insurance provider for LLCs in Minnesota. It offers affordable rates and excellent customer service, allowing business owners to have a positive experience without breaking the bank.
AM Best gave Nationwide an A+ rating for financial stability. This means that the company is financially secure and able to cover claims from policyholders, which may give you the peace of mind that you will receive your payout when you file a claim.
If you’re a sole proprietor, biBERK is the best general liability insurance provider in Minnesota. It received a MoneyGeek score of 96 out of 100 and has a policy cost of approximately $23 per month.
We calculate our rankings based on the average costs for sole proprietors with no employees. However, those in higher-risk industries, such as construction, are usually subject to higher insurance costs.
How was this MoneyGeek score calculated?
MoneyGeek used the following weights to find the best general liability insurance for sole proprietors in Minnesota:
Offers low rates for general liability insurance
Provides excellent customer service
Has outstanding financial stability
Relatively lengthy quote process
MoneyGeek’s analysis shows that biBERK is the best choice for sole proprietors looking for general liability insurance in Minnesota. On average, its policies cost $23 per month, making it the second most affordable option in our study.
biBERK has an A++ rating from AM Best, which is the highest rating available. Additionally, the company has a reputation for outstanding customer satisfaction and receives fewer complaints than the industry average. This should give you confidence in knowing that you are covered by a reliable and trustworthy insurer.
Although the state of Minnesota does not require general liability insurance, we highly advise acquiring it so you can be financially protected against third-party liability claims. This insurance coverage includes the following protections:
General liability coverage might be required to obtain business licenses or contracts in certain industries. In addition, the state requires that you get other forms of business insurance if you meet certain qualifications.
Businesses in Minnesota with one or more employees are required to purchase workers' compensation insurance. You’re also required to get commercial auto insurance for your company-owned vehicles.
The minimum coverage limit for auto insurance in Minnesota is:
The Small Business Assistance Office (SBAO) provided by the Minnesota Department of Employment and Economic Development (DEED) serves as a valuable resource for small businesses in the state. Through the SBAO, small businesses can receive free consultation services, access funding opportunities and receive guidance on state regulations and permits.
Business owners in Minnesota can expect to pay an average of $55 per month for general liability insurance if they have 20 employees, and sole proprietors may pay an average of $27 per month. These rates are for a policy with a $2 million aggregate limit, a $1 million occurrence limit and a $0 deductible.
The insurance provider's maximum payout for claims during the policy period is represented by the aggregate limit, whereas the occurrence limit is the maximum coverage amount per claim. The deductible is the amount that the business owner must pay before the insurance coverage kicks in.
Below are specific factors that affect the cost of general liability insurance for each business:
Policy limits
Opting for a policy with higher coverage limits can provide greater protection but may result in higher premiums. Meanwhile, lower coverage limits can help reduce your expenses, but that may leave your business vulnerable to financial loss if a claim exceeds your coverage limit.
Number of employees and payroll costs
If your business has a larger payroll and more employees, you may have greater exposure to liability claims. Insurers generally consider these types of businesses as riskier and may charge higher premiums as a result. This can be seen in the $28 price difference between LLCs and sole proprietors in Minnesota.
Business location
Businesses operating in densely populated areas or areas with higher risk of liability claims are generally charged higher rates by insurance companies. Statewide averages may change based on the city.
Claims history
Insurance companies consider past claims when assessing the risk associated with a business, and this can influence the cost of general liability insurance. A business with a history of claims is viewed as a higher risk, leading to more expensive premiums.
Industry
The nature of a business's industry can impact the cost of its general liability insurance, with industries that are considered high-risk, such as construction, usually facing higher premiums. The table below illustrates the average cost of general liability insurance in Minnesota, categorized by industry, providing insights into the potential costs businesses might face.
| General Contractor | $114 | $1,975 |
| Software Development | $28 | $55 |
| Cleaning | $41 | $1,043 |
To make an informed decision about the best general liability insurance for your business, it's important to consider various factors and your specific needs. We responded to some frequently asked questions to help you find the right coverage.
Thimble is our pick as the best general liability insurer in Minnesota. It offers a convenient online quote process and affordable premiums for sole proprietors. The best provider for you may differ depending on factors such as business size, payroll expenses, employee count and your coverage amounts.
Next offers the most affordable general liability insurance in Minnesota, with the lowest premiums for LLCs and the third lowest rates for sole proprietors. Nonetheless, the cheapest option for your business will ultimately depend on your needs and situation.
In Minnesota, general liability insurance can protect your business from potential financial losses due to third-party bodily injuries, third-party property damage and personal and advertising injury claims. It's important to note that it doesn't cover other types of risks such as professional errors, intentional or criminal acts, employee injuries, damage to your own property or auto accidents.
Although general liability insurance is not mandatory in Minnesota, it is a wise purchase for businesses that want to safeguard themselves against liability claims from third parties.
About Melissa Wylie
Melissa Wylie is the Content and SEO Manager at MoneyGeek, with nearly a decade of editorial experience and six years of work in financial content focused on small businesses. She previously held SEO positions at Bankrate and LendingTree, with bylines on ValuePenguin and MagnifyMoney.
Wylie has a journalism degree from the University of North Texas. Her strong foundation in journalism helps her craft content that simplifies complex financial topics to help everyone feel confident when making decisions with their money.
