The Hartford and NEXT lead general liability insurance options in Missouri, both delivering affordable rates and reliable service. Nationwide is also a solid choice, with its strong customer service.
General Liability Insurance in Missouri
The Hartford tops our rankings for general liability insurance in Missouri, scoring 4.55 out of 5 rating.
Explore low-cost general liability insurance in Missouri below.
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Updated: September 16, 2025
Advertising & Editorial Disclosure
Key Takeaways
The Hartford, NEXT and Nationwide are Missouri's leading general liability insurance providers, offering comprehensive coverage options for businesses.
Selecting the right general liability coverage depends on your specific business type, operational scale, desired protection level and available resources.
Business owners should gather multiple quotes, assess company financial strength, and verify customer satisfaction before selecting their general liability provider in Missouri.
Best General Liability Insurance Companies in Missouri
| The Hartford | 4.55 | $89 |
| NEXT | 4.55 | $102 |
| Nationwide | 4.51 | $96 |
| Simply Business | 4.47 | $83 |
| Coverdash | 4.36 | $102 |
| Thimble | 4.35 | $106 |
| biBerk | 4.28 | $113 |
| Progressive Commercial | 4.26 | $99 |
| Chubb | 4.25 | $118 |
| Hiscox | 4.17 | $113 |
How Did We Determine These Rates?
These rates are estimates based on MoneyGeek's analysis of small businesses with two employees across 79 major industries. Actual rates vary based on your specific business location, industry risk factors, claims history, coverage limits and individual insurer underwriting criteria. Contact insurers directly for personalized quotes.
LEARN MORE ABOUT BUSINESS INSURANCE
General liability coverage represents just one layer of business protection. Explore these additional resources for comprehensive coverage:
Best Missouri Small Business Insurance Reviews
We analyzed Missouri's leading general liability insurance providers to help small business owners identify which companies offer the most reliable coverage and standout benefits.
NEXT
Best Overall Provider
MoneyGeek Rating
4.5/ 5
4.3/5Affordability
4.7/5Customer Experience
4.8/5Coverage Options
Average Monthly Premium
$102Our Survey: Claims Process
3.9/5Recommend to Others
4.8/5
The Hartford
Runner-Up Best Provider
MoneyGeek Rating
4.5/ 5
4.3/5Affordability
4.7/5Customer Experience
4.8/5Coverage Options
Average Monthly Premium
$89Our Survey: Claims Process
4.5/5Recommend to Others
4.5/5
Cheapest General Liability Insurance Companies in Missouri
Simply Business offers the most affordable general liability insurance in Missouri, with coverage starting at $83 per month ($1,001 annually). The Hartford and Nationwide also provide competitive pricing.
| Simply Business | $83 | $1,001 |
| The Hartford | $89 | $1,069 |
| Nationwide | $96 | $1,153 |
| Progressive Commercial | $99 | $1,189 |
| NEXT | $102 | $1,225 |
| Coverdash | $102 | $1,229 |
| Thimble | $106 | $1,274 |
| Hiscox | $113 | $1,356 |
| biBerk | $113 | $1,357 |
| Chubb | $118 | $1,412 |
How Did We Determine These Rates?
These rates are for small businesses with two employees across 79 major industries or business types and focus solely on general liability policies. Your actual 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.
Average Cost of General Liability Insurance in Missouri
General liability insurance in Missouri costs an average of $102 monthly or $1,218 annually, closely matching national rates. Your actual premium depends on your industry, business size and claims history. Construction companies typically pay more than low-risk businesses like consulting firms due to higher liability exposure.
Average Cost of General Liability Insurance by Industry
General liability costs vary by industry. Pressure washing businesses pay the most at $911, while drone companies pay just $17 per month for coverage. The table below details costs across various industries.
| Accountants | $22 | $263 |
| Ad Agency | $35 | $422 |
| Automotive | $53 | $634 |
| Auto Repair | $151 | $1,808 |
| Bakery | $90 | $1,075 |
| Barber | $44 | $529 |
| Beauty Salon | $66 | $797 |
| Bounce House | $70 | $836 |
| Candle | $54 | $647 |
| Cannabis | $66 | $797 |
| Catering | $87 | $1,045 |
| Cleaning | $132 | $1,579 |
| Coffee Shop | $89 | $1,068 |
| Computer Programming | $29 | $346 |
| Computer Repair | $47 | $567 |
| Construction | $174 | $2,086 |
| Consulting | $22 | $262 |
| Contractor | $253 | $3,035 |
| Courier | $194 | $2,327 |
| Daycare | $33 | $391 |
| Dental | $21 | $255 |
| DJ | $25 | $303 |
| Dog Grooming | $63 | $753 |
| Drone | $17 | $198 |
| Ecommerce | $72 | $866 |
| Electrical | $112 | $1,346 |
| Engineering | $39 | $472 |
| Excavation | $460 | $5,519 |
| Florist | $43 | $511 |
| Food | $107 | $1,284 |
| Food Truck | $141 | $1,695 |
| Funeral Home | $60 | $718 |
| Gardening | $112 | $1,340 |
| Handyman | $242 | $2,907 |
| Home-based | $24 | $283 |
| Home-based | $46 | $546 |
| Hospitality | $65 | $776 |
| HVAC | $243 | $2,922 |
| Janitorial | $136 | $1,633 |
| Jewelry | $40 | $481 |
| Junk Removal | $161 | $1,932 |
| Lawn/Landscaping | $120 | $1,436 |
| Lawyers | $23 | $272 |
| Manufacturing | $64 | $762 |
| Marine | $28 | $334 |
| Massage | $95 | $1,142 |
| Mortgage Broker | $23 | $272 |
| Moving | $123 | $1,476 |
| Nonprofit | $36 | $427 |
| Painting | $142 | $1,707 |
| Party Rental | $79 | $944 |
| Personal Training | $24 | $285 |
| Pest Control | $32 | $384 |
| Pet | $55 | $663 |
| Pharmacy | $61 | $735 |
| Photography | $24 | $288 |
| Physical Therapy | $110 | $1,315 |
| Plumbing | $359 | $4,312 |
| Pressure Washing | $911 | $10,933 |
| Real Estate | $53 | $633 |
| Restaurant | $144 | $1,725 |
| Retail | $65 | $776 |
| Roofing | $385 | $4,625 |
| Security | $136 | $1,638 |
| Snack Bars | $116 | $1,397 |
| Software | $26 | $314 |
| Spa/Wellness | $107 | $1,282 |
| Speech Therapist | $31 | $373 |
| Startup | $29 | $342 |
| Tech/IT | $26 | $314 |
| Transportation | $37 | $447 |
| Travel | $21 | $248 |
| Tree Service | $127 | $1,526 |
| Trucking | $102 | $1,220 |
| Tutoring | $30 | $361 |
| Veterinary | $44 | $533 |
| Wedding Planning | $28 | $331 |
| Welding | $163 | $1,960 |
| Wholesale | $44 | $531 |
| Window Cleaning | $158 | $1,898 |
How Did We Determine These Rates?
These rates are for small businesses with two employees across 79 major industries or business types and focus solely on general liability policies. Your actual 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.
How Much General Liability Insurance Do I Need in Missouri?
Missouri does not require most businesses to carry general liability insurance at the state level. Cities and counties can make their own rules. Certain licensed trades must keep specific coverage to keep their professional licenses active:
Electricians
Missouri requires licensed electricians to keep minimum coverage of $300,000 per occurrence and $600,000 annual aggregate. Completed operations coverage is mandatory.
Electrical Sign Contractors
Electrical sign contractors must carry the same general liability coverage as electricians, with $300,000 per occurrence and $600,000 annual aggregate limits. Completed operations coverage is required.
HVAC Contractors
Class A HVAC contractors need $500,000 per occurrence and $1,000,000 annual aggregate coverage. Class B contractors require lower minimums of $300,000 per occurrence and $600,000 annual aggregate. All classes must include completed operations coverage.
Fire Safety Companies
Fire safety companies must maintain general liability insurance with minimum limits of $500,000 per occurrence and $1,000,000 annual aggregate to obtain and keep their Missouri registration.
General liability insurance becomes important for practical business reasons, even when licensing doesn't require it. Most commercial property owners demand proof of insurance, and large corporations and government agencies will ask for proof of coverage.
How to Choose the Best General Liability Insurance in Missouri
Choosing general liability insurance in Missouri starts with determining what protection your business actually needs and finding coverage that fits your budget.
- 1
Determine your coverage needs
Check if your industry has specific licensing requirements in Missouri first. Many clients demand $1 million in coverage for larger projects, even when state minimums are lower.
- 2
Prepare your business information
Gather details like annual revenue, employee count, business type, and location before requesting quotes. Insurers use this data to calculate premiums, and incorrect information can create audit problems or coverage gaps later.
- 3
Collect multiple insurance quotes
Always compare at least three quotes since pricing varies . The cheapest provider might charge around $83 monthly while others quote $118, with important differences in service quality and coverage terms.
- 4
Examine policy terms carefully
Focus on exclusions and coverage limits rather than small premium differences. Some insurers cover legal defense costs separately from your policy limit, while others deduct these expenses from your total coverage.
- 5
Verify insurer and agent credentials
Use the state insurance department website to confirm licenses and check complaint records. Review AM Best financial ratings to ensure your insurer can handle claims payments reliably.
- 6
Inquire about available discounts
Ask about savings opportunities like bundling multiple policies, implementing safety programs, or maintaining a clean claims history. These discounts can reduce your premium with many insurers.
- 7
Obtain your insurance certificate
Request your certificate of insurance immediately after purchasing coverage since clients and landlords often require proof. Some insurers provide instant online access while others need several days for processing.
How to Prevent General Liability Claims in Missouri
No business owner wants to handle liability claims, but Missouri entrepreneurs can prevent most incidents through smart preparation and strategic planning.
Watch out for property hazards
Missouri's severe weather creates ongoing risks with ice storms, heavy rains,and wind damage that can make walkways dangerous. Inspect your property regularly and fix damage. Keep entrances well-lit and maintain clear pathways to prevent slip-and-fall accidents year-round.
Train your people well
Proper employee training reduces workplace accidents and protects customers from harm. Teach staff safe lifting techniques, equipment handling and emergency procedures specific to your business type.
Keep good records
Detailed documentation protects your business when disputes arise or claims get filed.
Get everything in writing
Outline work scope, timeline, payment terms and safety responsibilities for both parties.
Fix problems fast
Quick response to customer concerns can prevent small issues from becoming expensive claims.
General Liability Insurance in Missouri: Bottom Line
The Hartford, NEXT, and Nationwide lead the state's insurance market, but your ideal provider depends on your industry, company size and budget.
Commercial General Liability Insurance in Missouri: FAQ
Our research and analysis helped us answer the most common general liability insurance questions for Missouri business owners below.
What does general liability insurance cover for Missouri businesses?
General liability insurance for Missouri businesses covers bodily injury to third parties, property damage you cause to others and legal defense costs.
How much does general liability insurance cost in Missouri?
Small businesses in Missouri pay between $83 and $118 monthly for general liability insurance. Simply Business leads with the most affordable coverage at $83 per month, while The Hartford and Nationwide follow closely at $89 and $96 respectively.
Do Missouri businesses legally need general liability insurance?
Missouri does not mandate general liability insurance for most businesses. Cities may impose their own requirements, and licensed professionals like contractors and electricians must maintain specific coverage/
Which company offers the best general liability insurance in Missouri?
NEXT ranks as the top general liability insurance provider in Missouri with an overall score of 4.55 out of 5. The company excels in customer service, earning the highest ranking in this category.
What coverage limits should Missouri businesses choose?
Missouri businesses should first verify any minimum coverage requirements for their industry licensing. The standard choice among small businesses is $1 million per occurrence and $2 million aggregate coverage.
How can Missouri businesses prevent general liability claims?
Missouri businesses can reduce general liability claims by promptly addressing property hazards and holding comprehensive employee safety training programs.
Can Missouri businesses get discounts on general liability insurance?
Yes, insurers commonly offer reduced rates for bundling general liability with property or other commercial coverages. Additional savings opportunities include completing workplace safety training programs.
How quickly can Missouri businesses get general liability coverage?
Missouri businesses can obtain general liability coverage within minutes through digital platforms.
What should Missouri businesses do when filing a general liability claim?
Missouri businesses must report incidents to their insurance carrier immediately upon occurrence.
How does general liability differ from professional liability coverage?
General liability insurance protects Missouri businesses from third-party bodily injuries and property damage during operations, such as a customer falling in your store. Professional liability covers errors in services you provide, like a consultant's advice causing client financial losses.
How We Scored the Best General Liability Insurance Companies in Missouri
Missouri small businesses encounter specific liability challenges, from weather-related incidents to workplace injuries across diverse industries. Our evaluation process identified general liability insurers that provide dependable coverage without straining tight business budgets.
What We Evaluated
- Affordability (50%): Cost represents the biggest barrier for Missouri small businesses seeking liability protection. We analyzed premium rates across multiple carriers because reasonable pricing determines whether businesses can maintain important coverage.
- Customer experience (30%): Quality service becomes critical when claims arise. Our analysis incorporated J.D. Power ratings, Missouri state complaint data, and independent agency feedback to assess how insurers handle policyholder needs.
- Coverage options (15%): Missouri businesses span multiple industries with varying liability exposures. We examined how effectively insurers customize general liability policies for different business types across the state.
- Financial strength (5%): Low premiums provide no value if insurers lack financial stability. We reviewed AM Best ratings and financial documentation to ensure recommended companies maintain the resources to honor claims.
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!
Passionate about economics and insurance, he aims to promote transparency in financial topics and empower others to make confident money decisions.
sources
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- NEXT. "Customer Reviews | NEXT." Accessed September 16, 2025.
- Trustpilot. "Next Insurance Reviews." Accessed September 16, 2025.
- Trustpilot. "The Hartford Reviews." Accessed September 16, 2025.
- The Hartford. "When Is Liability Insurance Needed?." Accessed September 16, 2025.
- The Hartford. "What Does General Liability Insurance Cover?." Accessed September 16, 2025.