Get answers about general liability insurance in Montana with our research-backed guide to the best business insurance options available. MoneyGeek's analysis provides reliable insights for your most pressing coverage questions:
Best General Liability Insurance in Montana
The Hartford leads Montana general liability insurance as both the top choice and the most affordable at $81 per month.
Get matched to the best and cheapest general liability insurer for you below.
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Updated: November 23, 2025
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Commercial General Liability Insurance in Montana: Fast Answers
Which company offers the best general liability insurance in Montana?
The Hartford ranks as the best general liability insurance company in Montana with a 4.58 overall score out of 5. It provides affordable coverage at $81 per month with reliable claims handling. NEXT takes second place with a 4.56 score, known for its user-friendly digital platform and excellent customer support at $103 per month.
Who offers the cheapest general liability insurance in Montana?
The cheapest general liability insurance companies in Montana offer affordable monthly rates:
- The Hartford: $81 per month
- Simply Business: $95 per month
- Nationwide: $97 per month
- Progressive: $100 per month
- NEXT: $103 per month
Do Montana businesses legally need general liability insurance?
Montana doesn't legally require general liability insurance for most businesses statewide. However, certain licensed professionals like contractors and electricians must carry minimum coverage amounts. Local municipalities may have their own requirements, and most landlords and clients demand proof of insurance before signing contracts.
How much does general liability insurance cost in Montana?
General liability insurance costs between $17 and $916 per month for small Montana businesses with two employees. The drone industry sees the lowest rates at $17 per month, while pressure washing businesses pay the highest at $916 per month. Your actual premium depends on your industry, location, coverage limits and business size.
Best General Liability Insurance Companies in Montana
The Hartford ranks as our top choice for general liability insurance in Montana, offering an excellent balance of affordability and quality service. NEXT and Nationwide are strong alternatives, with NEXT excelling in customer service and coverage options, while Nationwide provides competitive rates and financial stability for small businesses.
| The Hartford | 4.58 | $81 |
| NEXT Insurance | 4.56 | $103 |
| Nationwide | 4.54 | $97 |
| Simply Business | 4.50 | $95 |
| Thimble | 4.40 | $107 |
| Coverdash | 4.39 | $103 |
| biBERK | 4.30 | $114 |
| Progressive Commercial | 4.29 | $100 |
| Chubb | 4.27 | $118 |
| Hiscox | 4.19 | $114 |
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.
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LEARN MORE ABOUT THE BEST BUSINESS INSURANCE IN MONTANA
General liability insurance covers your Montana business against customer injuries and property damage claims, but it won't protect you from every risk. Explore these additional coverage options:
Best Montana General Liability Insurance Reviews
Finding the best general liability insurance in Montana requires looking beyond affordable rates to consider coverage quality and service. Our analysis reveals which business insurers deliver the most value.
The Hartford
Best Montana General Liability Insurer
MoneyGeek Rating
4.6/ 5
4.5/5Affordability
4.6/5Customer Experience
4.7/5Coverage Points
Average Monthly General Liability Premium
$81These 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 Montana 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
$103These 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 Montana
The Hartford offers the cheapest general liability insurance in Montana at $81 per month, saving businesses $21 or 20% compared to the state average. Simply Business and Nationwide also provide affordable coverage options for Montana businesses.
| The Hartford | $81 | $977 |
| Simply Business | $95 | $1,144 |
| Nationwide | $97 | $1,159 |
| Progressive Commercial | $100 | $1,196 |
| NEXT Insurance | $103 | $1,231 |
| Coverdash | $103 | $1,235 |
| Thimble | $107 | $1,281 |
| Hiscox | $114 | $1,363 |
| biBERK | $114 | $1,363 |
| Chubb | $118 | $1,420 |
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 Montana by Industry
Based on MoneyGeek's research, these five providers offer the cheapest general liability insurance across industries in Montana:
- The Hartford: Ranks as the most affordable provider in 22 industries statewide. The company shows strong performance in construction, electrical work, food trucks, and home-based businesses.
- Thimble: Offers the lowest rates in 14 industries and excels in service sectors like cleaning, HVAC, software development and tutoring.
- biBerk: Leads affordability in 11 industries with competitive rates for contractors, engineering firms, hospitality businesses, and trucking companies.
- Simply Business: Provides cheap coverage across 10 industries, showing strength in professional services including accounting, consulting, legal practices, and startups.
- NEXT: Secures affordability wins in seven industries, performing best for dental practices, tech companies, photography businesses and spa/wellness services.
Data filtered by:
Select
| Accountants | Simply Business | $14 | $172 |
| Automotive | Coverdash | $110 | $1,320 |
| Ad Agency | Thimble | $99 | $1,190 |
| Auto Repair | Coverdash | $115 | $1,380 |
| Bakery | Simply Business | $85 | $1,024 |
| Barber | Thimble | $98 | $1,176 |
| Bounce House | The Hartford | $55 | $659 |
| Beauty Salon | Progressive Commercial | $112 | $1,347 |
| Candle | Simply Business | $96 | $1,150 |
| Catering | biBERK | $170 | $2,036 |
| Cannabis | The Hartford | $52 | $630 |
| Coffee Shop | Simply Business | $84 | $1,007 |
| Cleaning | Thimble | $84 | $1,002 |
| Computer Programming | Thimble | $98 | $1,176 |
| Computer Repair | The Hartford | $37 | $444 |
| Courier | The Hartford | $166 | $1,989 |
| Construction | The Hartford | $129 | $1,550 |
| Consulting | Simply Business | $14 | $172 |
| Contractor | biBERK | $203 | $2,441 |
| Daycare | The Hartford | $26 | $307 |
| Dental | NEXT Insurance | $13 | $150 |
| Dog Grooming | Thimble | $36 | $429 |
| DJ | Thimble | $84 | $1,002 |
| Ecommerce | biBERK | $84 | $1,004 |
| Drone | The Hartford | $13 | $152 |
| Engineering | biBERK | $17 | $200 |
| Electrical | The Hartford | $84 | $1,011 |
| Excavation | biBERK | $370 | $4,435 |
| Food | Progressive Commercial | $106 | $1,267 |
| Florist | Simply Business | $31 | $367 |
| Funeral Home | NEXT Insurance | $44 | $529 |
| Food Truck | The Hartford | $110 | $1,321 |
| Gardening | Coverdash | $96 | $1,147 |
| Home-based | The Hartford | $17 | $209 |
| Handyman | biBERK | $174 | $2,088 |
| Home-based | NEXT Insurance | $46 | $549 |
| Hospitality | biBERK | $140 | $1,674 |
| HVAC | Thimble | $107 | $1,287 |
| Janitorial | Nationwide | $97 | $1,167 |
| Junk Removal | The Hartford | $126 | $1,511 |
| Jewelry | Thimble | $163 | $1,960 |
| Lawn/Landscaping | Progressive Commercial | $95 | $1,141 |
| Manufacturing | Nationwide | $20 | $240 |
| Lawyers | Simply Business | $14 | $172 |
| Marine | The Hartford | $23 | $280 |
| Mortgage Broker | NEXT Insurance | $16 | $189 |
| Massage | Hiscox | $92 | $1,100 |
| Party Rental | Hiscox | $84 | $1,011 |
| Moving | Nationwide | $86 | $1,028 |
| Nonprofit | biBERK | $26 | $315 |
| Painting | The Hartford | $110 | $1,320 |
| Pest Control | The Hartford | $25 | $300 |
| Personal Training | The Hartford | $19 | $223 |
| Pet | Thimble | $36 | $429 |
| Photography | NEXT Insurance | $13 | $160 |
| Pharmacy | biBERK | $101 | $1,206 |
| Pressure Washing | The Hartford | $850 | $10,201 |
| Physical Therapy | Thimble | $854 | $10,242 |
| Plumbing | Simply Business | $270 | $3,239 |
| Real Estate | Nationwide | $120 | $1,437 |
| Roofing | Thimble | $206 | $2,476 |
| Restaurant | Coverdash | $99 | $1,185 |
| Retail | Progressive Commercial | $91 | $1,096 |
| Security | The Hartford | $110 | $1,314 |
| Snack Bars | The Hartford | $89 | $1,069 |
| Speech Therapist | Nationwide | $20 | $239 |
| Software | Thimble | $84 | $1,002 |
| Spa/Wellness | NEXT Insurance | $85 | $1,015 |
| Speech Therapist | Simply Business | $20 | $239 |
| Startup | Simply Business | $14 | $172 |
| Travel | The Hartford | $16 | $188 |
| Tech/IT | NEXT Insurance | $16 | $189 |
| Transportation | The Hartford | $31 | $373 |
| Tree Service | Nationwide | $86 | $1,028 |
| Trucking | biBERK | $85 | $1,018 |
| Wedding Planning | Thimble | $86 | $1,034 |
| Tutoring | Thimble | $98 | $1,176 |
| Veterinary | biBERK | $25 | $297 |
| Welding | The Hartford | $133 | $1,602 |
| Wholesale | Coverdash | $34 | $404 |
| Window Cleaning | The Hartford | $128 | $1,531 |
Average Cost of General Liability Insurance in Montana
Most small businesses in Montana pay around $102 monthly for general liability insurance. The average cost of general liability coverage changes based on your industry, business size, location and coverage limits.
Manufacturing companies pay higher premiums due to increased risk exposure, while accounting firms pay less because of lower liability concerns. Sole proprietors usually secure cheaper rates compared to businesses with several employees.
Average Cost of General Liability Insurance in Montana by Industry
Montana businesses pay between $17 and $916 monthly for general liability coverage, depending on industry type. Drone businesses often get the lowest rates at about $17 per month, while pressure washing companies see the highest costs at roughly $916 monthly. Review this table for rates specific to your business type.
Data filtered by:
Select
| Accountants | $22 | $265 |
| Ad Agency | $35 | $425 |
| Automotive | $53 | $640 |
| Auto Repair | $152 | $1,824 |
| Bakery | $90 | $1,085 |
| Barber | $44 | $532 |
| Beauty Salon | $67 | $802 |
| Bounce House | $70 | $843 |
| Candle | $55 | $659 |
| Cannabis | $67 | $805 |
| Catering | $88 | $1,052 |
| Cleaning | $133 | $1,590 |
| Coffee Shop | $90 | $1,077 |
| Computer Programming | $29 | $349 |
| Computer Repair | $48 | $572 |
| Construction | $175 | $2,105 |
| Consulting | $22 | $263 |
| Contractor | $255 | $3,060 |
| Courier | $196 | $2,346 |
| Daycare | $33 | $395 |
| Dental | $22 | $258 |
| DJ | $25 | $304 |
| Dog Grooming | $63 | $762 |
| Drone | $17 | $200 |
| Ecommerce | $73 | $878 |
| Electrical | $112 | $1,350 |
| Engineering | $40 | $478 |
| Excavation | $466 | $5,590 |
| Florist | $43 | $514 |
| Food | $108 | $1,292 |
| Food Truck | $142 | $1,701 |
| Funeral Home | $60 | $725 |
| Gardening | $112 | $1,349 |
| Handyman | $244 | $2,931 |
| Home-based | $24 | $285 |
| Home-based | $46 | $549 |
| Hospitality | $65 | $783 |
| HVAC | $245 | $2,945 |
| Janitorial | $137 | $1,646 |
| Jewelry | $40 | $484 |
| Junk Removal | $163 | $1,950 |
| Lawn/Landscaping | $120 | $1,443 |
| Lawyers | $23 | $274 |
| Manufacturing | $64 | $767 |
| Marine | $28 | $336 |
| Massage | $96 | $1,150 |
| Mortgage Broker | $23 | $275 |
| Moving | $124 | $1,489 |
| Nonprofit | $36 | $431 |
| Painting | $144 | $1,726 |
| Party Rental | $80 | $954 |
| Personal Training | $24 | $287 |
| Pest Control | $32 | $387 |
| Pet | $56 | $673 |
| Pharmacy | $62 | $742 |
| Photography | $24 | $290 |
| Physical Therapy | $110 | $1,323 |
| Plumbing | $362 | $4,340 |
| Pressure Washing | $916 | $10,989 |
| Real Estate | $53 | $638 |
| Restaurant | $145 | $1,741 |
| Retail | $65 | $785 |
| Roofing | $388 | $4,658 |
| Security | $139 | $1,670 |
| Snack Bars | $117 | $1,409 |
| Software | $26 | $316 |
| Spa/Wellness | $107 | $1,281 |
| Speech Therapist | $31 | $375 |
| Startup | $29 | $344 |
| Tech/IT | $26 | $317 |
| Transportation | $38 | $452 |
| Travel | $21 | $251 |
| Tree Service | $130 | $1,558 |
| Trucking | $103 | $1,231 |
| Tutoring | $30 | $363 |
| Veterinary | $45 | $538 |
| Wedding Planning | $28 | $333 |
| Welding | $165 | $1,979 |
| Wholesale | $45 | $536 |
| Window Cleaning | $159 | $1,912 |
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 Montana General Liability Insurance Costs?
Many important factors influence what Montana businesses pay for general liability insurance.
Montana's Environmental and Natural Disaster Risks
Montana ranks second in the nation for wildfire risk, with more than half of homes exposed to high levels of direct threat. From 2019 to 2024, the state saw a 44.3% increase in insurance rates largely due to worsening wildfire conditions. Severe summer hailstorms and thunderstorms also contribute to property damage and create injury risks for customers.
Montana also ranks second for animal–vehicle collisions, which increases liability exposure for businesses that rely on commercial vehicles or operate outdoor customer areas. Together, these environmental hazards raise both claim frequency and claim severity, pushing general liability costs higher for many businesses.
Montana's Geographic and Infrastructure Challenges
Montana's rural geography and remote business locations increase liability claim severity. Longer ambulance response times in rural areas (30 to 60 minutes or more) worsen injury outcomes, expanding medical costs that liability policies cover. Businesses outside major cities deal with elevated accident exposure on unpaved roads, mountain passes and agricultural routes.
Vast distances mean minor customer injuries can escalate into major claims due to delayed emergency care. Insurers price these geography-driven severity increases into premiums for mobile businesses and isolated locations.
Montana's Economic and Industry Composition
Montana's economy centers on higher-risk primary industries including agriculture (28,000 farms), construction, forestry, mining and tourism rather than lower-risk office work. Industries carry vastly different liability exposures: pressure washing businesses pay $916 monthly while drone companies pay $17.
Montana's strong economic growth (2% GDP increase in 2024) and low unemployment (1.5 points below national average) increase commercial activity and claim frequency. Higher GDP per capita ($51,458) correlates with larger jury awards, as juries base damages on regional economic capacity and income levels.
Montana's Legal and Healthcare Cost Environment
Social inflation has increased liability claims by 57% over the past decade, with personal injury filings surging 78% in 2024. Rising attorney representation and aggressive litigation tactics are pushing settlement costs higher for Montana businesses, even for straightforward claims.
About 70% of claimants receive compensation, and 95% of cases settle before trial, so most claims end in payouts. Montana's healthcare spending has grown faster than the state economy since the mid-1960s, increasing bodily injury claim costs. These dual inflationary pressures force insurers to raise premiums.
Montana's Legal and Regulatory Environment
Montana doesn't require most businesses to carry general liability insurance at the state level, but cities and counties establish their own requirements. Licensed contractors must maintain minimum limits of $100,000 per occurrence and $300,000 annual aggregate. This patchwork forces businesses operating across multiple counties to purchase more expensive policies meeting the highest requirements.
The Montana Legislature adopted House Joint Resolution 61 in 2025 to study increasing insurance rates, creating regulatory uncertainty. Insurers factor potential future regulation into current pricing while navigating varying local requirements.
How Much General Liability Insurance Do I Need in Montana?
Montana doesn't mandate general liability insurance for most businesses at the state level. The Montana Board of Plumbers is the primary exception, requiring licensed plumbers to carry minimum coverage of $300,000 per occurrence for property damage.
State law imposes few requirements for commercial general liability insurance, but businesses still encounter coverage demands from other sources. Cities and counties can establish local insurance mandates. Landlords routinely require proof of coverage before signing leases, and clients often make insurance a contractual condition with limits from $100,000 to $1 million per occurrence.
Note: State insurance requirements in Montana change regularly. Always verify current requirements with the Montana Commissioner of Securities and Insurance or a licensed agent before purchasing coverage.
How to Choose the Best General Liability Insurance in Montana
Choosing general liability insurance in Montana requires balancing coverage needs against budget constraints while considering your industry's specific risks. Getting business insurance that protects your operations starts with evaluating policy limits, understanding what your coverage excludes, and comparing quotes from multiple insurers licensed in Montana.
- 1Assess Coverage Needs
Montana doesn’t require general liability insurance for most businesses, but cities like Billings, Missoula, and Great Falls may set their own rules. Montana State University asks contractors to carry $1 million per occurrence and $2 million aggregate limits, which aligns with common business insurance coverage standards in the state.
Licensed trades such as contractors must meet minimums of $100,000 per occurrence and $300,000 annual aggregate and many landlords or clients still ask for $1 million in coverage before signing agreements.
- 2Prepare Business Information
Montana insurers calculate premiums using your business classification code, annual revenue, employee count, and physical location within the state. Montana's industry composition, with agriculture, construction, forestry and tourism dominating the economy, means insurers price general liability based on industry-specific risks.
Have your Federal Employer Identification Number, Montana business registration from the Secretary of State and recent tax returns ready when requesting quotes to expedite the underwriting process.
- 3Compare Multiple Quotes
Request quotes from at least three insurers licensed by the Montana Commissioner of Securities and Insurance since business insurance costs vary widely between carriers. We found that Montana businesses pay between $17 and $916 monthly for general liability coverage depending on industry: drone businesses average $17 monthly while pressure washing companies pay $916. Compare whether defense costs count toward your policy limit or sit outside it, as this affects the cost of your coverage during claims.
- 4Evaluate Policy Details
Don't choose a policy based solely on price, as the cheapest coverage options often come with restrictive exclusions that leave Montana businesses exposed during claims. Read your policy's exclusions section carefully to understand what's not covered since standard general liability policies exclude professional errors, pollution liability and employee injuries.
Montana businesses deal with unique risks like wildfire liability and severe weather damage, which may require additional endorsements or separate policies to fill coverage gaps.
- 5Verify Insurer Credibility
Check insurer legitimacy through the Montana Commissioner of Securities and Insurance website, which maintains complaint records and licensing information. Review AM Best ratings to confirm financial stability of A- or better, ensuring carriers can pay large claims. File complaints through the Commissioner's office at 800-332-6148 if you experience claim delays, coverage disputes, or premium problems with any Montana insurer.
- 6Explore Available Discounts
Montana insurers offer discounts for bundling general liability with commercial property or auto insurance, saving 10% to 25% on combined premiums. Many carriers reduce rates for businesses with documented safety training programs, claims-free histories of three years or more, and annual payment plans rather than monthly installments.
Installing security systems, implementing workplace safety protocols or joining industry associations can also lower your general liability costs.
- 7Obtain Coverage Certificate
Request a certificate of insurance immediately after purchasing coverage since Montana landlords, contractors and clients often require these documents before work begins. Most insurers licensed in Montana provide digital certificates within 24 hours through online portals, though some may take 48 hours for first-time requests.
Keep your insurance agent's contact information accessible for urgent certificate needs when bidding new projects or signing lease agreements.
- 8Schedule Annual Reviews
Reassess your coverage each year before your policy renews, especially after hiring employees, expanding into new Montana counties, or increasing annual revenue beyond $500,000. Montana experienced a 44.3% insurance rate increase from 2019 to 2024, so compare quotes 60 to 90 days before renewal to find competitive rates.
Updating your policy limits prevents coverage gaps and avoids surprise audit adjustments that insurers charge when your actual business operations exceed what you originally reported.
Top General Liability Insurance in Montana: Bottom Line
Finding the right general liability insurance in Montana starts with understanding your specific coverage needs and comparing providers thoroughly. The Hartford, NEXT and Nationwide represent strong options in the market, but your ideal choice depends on your industry, business size and available budget. Compare 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.