The Hartford tops our rankings for the best general liability insurance in Montana, delivering a balance of affordable rates and reliable service. NEXT and Nationwide are good alternatives.
General Liability Insurance in Montana
The Hartford tops our rankings for general liability insurance in Montana, scoring 4.58 out of 5.
Explore low-cost general liability insurance in Montana below.

Updated: October 30, 2025
Advertising & Editorial Disclosure
The Hartford, NEXT and Nationwide lead Montana's general liability insurance market.
Your business specifics and coverage requirements will help you decide on the best provider.
Compare quotes from several insurers, research their financial stability, check customer reviews and verify licensing to find the best small business insurance.
Best General Liability Insurance Companies in Montana
| The Hartford | 4.58 | $81 |
| NEXT | 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 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.
Ensure you are getting the best rate for your insurance. Compare quotes from the top insurance companies.
Comprehensive business protection in Montana requires more than just general liability insurance. Review these related coverage options:
Best Montana Small Business Insurance Reviews
To help you choose the right general liability insurance, we've analyzed what makes our top providers stand out for small business owners with general liability coverage needs.

The Hartford
Best Overall Provider
Average Monthly Premium
$81Our Survey: Claims Process
4.5/5Recommend to Others
4.5/5
- pros
Ranks first overall provider in Montana
Strong AM Best A+ Superior financial strength rating
Comprehensive digital portal with instant certificate access
Established since 1810 with proven claims-paying ability
consPremiums typically higher than several competitors
Below-average customer satisfaction in J.D. Power study
The Hartford is the top general liability insurance provider in Montana, combining customer service with competitive rates. It delivers reliable coverage backed by superior claims processing and personalized support.
Overall Score 4.63 1 Affordability Score 4.59 2 Customer Service Score 4.55 2 Coverage Score 4.70 3 Stability Score 4.98 1 The Hartford offers competitively priced general liability coverage in Montana, with premiums averaging $81 monthly or $977 annually.Â
The company ranks second in affordability among Montana insurers while maintaining high service standards. It provides the lowest rates for 22 business types in Montana, including construction, electrical work, and food trucks.
Data filtered by:AccountantsAccountants $17 2 The Hartford delivers outstanding customer service and support. It maintains a strong reputation for personalized support and efficient claims handling.
Overall Customer Score 4.38 2 Claims Process 4.50 1 Customer Service 4.70 1 Digital Experience 3.80 10 Overall Satisfaction 4.50 1 Policy Management 4.20 4 Recommend to Others 4.50 2 Renewal Likelihood 4.40 2 The Hartford offers comprehensive general liability coverage with flexible policy limits. It provides standard protections against third-party bodily injury and property damage claims, with options like contractual liability. The company's strong financial backing ensures reliable claims payment capabilities.

NEXT
Runner-Up Best Provider
Average Monthly Premium
$103Our Survey: Claims Process
3.9/5Recommend to Others
4.8/5
- pros
Ranks first in Montana for customer service
Ranks second statewide for coverage options
Instant certificates and digital policy management tools
Strong financial backing from Munich Re acquisition
consHigher premiums than several Montana competitors
Service delays reported during policy changes and claims
NEXT is Montana's premier digital-first general liability insurance provider, combining exceptional customer service with innovative technology. Founded in 2016 and backed by Munich Re, it provides AI-powered instant quotes and coverage.
Overall Score 4.58 2 Affordability Score 4.32 6 Customer Service Score 4.70 1 Coverage Score 4.80 2 Stability Score 4.78 6 NEXT provides general liability coverage in Montana at a moderately high average cost of $103 monthly ($1,231 annually). It offers the most competitive rates for seven industries in the state, including dental practices, tech companies and home-based businesses.
Data filtered by:AccountantsAccountants $18 3 NEXT delivers outstanding customer service in Montana. It excels in digital policy management, offering instant certificate generation and 24/7 policy management.
Overall Customer Score 4.45 1 Claims Process 3.90 4 Customer Service 4.20 4 Digital Experience 4.80 1 Overall Satisfaction 4.40 2 Policy Management 4.30 1 Recommend to Others 4.80 1 Renewal Likelihood 4.60 1 NEXT offers comprehensive general liability coverage with customizable options. It provides standard protection against third-party bodily injury and property damage claims, and options for product liability and completed operations coverage.Â
The insurer provides policy customization for over 1,300 business types. While NEXT excludes coverage for independent contractors and business interruption, it allows bundling for savings.
Cheapest General Liability Insurance Companies in Montana
The Hartford offers the most affordable general liability insurance in Montana, with coverage starting at $81 monthly or $977 annually. Small business owners seeking budget-friendly options can also consider Simply Business and Nationwide.
| The Hartford | $81 | $977 |
| Simply Business | $95 | $1,144 |
| Nationwide | $97 | $1,159 |
| Progressive Commercial | $100 | $1,196 |
| NEXT | $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 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 Montana
General liability insurance in Montana costs an average of $103 monthly or $1,228 annually, which is similar to national rates. Your actual premium varies based on your industry risk level, business size and claims history. Construction companies typically face much higher costs than lower-risk businesses due to increased liability exposure.
Average Cost of General Liability Insurance by Industry
General liability insurance costs vary dramatically by industry in Montana. Pressure washing businesses face the highest monthly premiums at $916, while drone companies pay the most affordable rates at just $17 per month. The table below shows how premiums differ across various business types throughout the state.
| 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 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 Montana?
Montana does not require most businesses to carry general liability insurance at the state level. Cities and counties can establish their own insurance requirements. Check with your local government offices to understand what rules apply in your specific area.
While the state keeps broad requirements minimal, certain licensed trades must maintain specific coverage.
Need minimum limits of $100,000 per occurrence and $300,000 annual aggregate.
Must carry $100,000 per occurrence and $300,000 annual aggregate limits.
Basic HVAC licenses require minimum coverage of $50,000 per occurrence and $150,000 annual aggregate, while master-level contractors must maintain $100,000 per occurrence and $300,000 annual aggregate limits.
Fire safety companies need minimum limits of $500,000 per occurrence and $1,000,000 annual aggregate.
The best small business insurance in Montana always includes general liability insurance, even when Montana doesn't require it for licensing. Most commercial landlords demand proof of coverage before they'll lease space to your business. Large companies and government agencies typically won't work with contractors unless they can provide a current insurance certificate. Your coverage amounts should satisfy both your licensing requirements and client demands to keep business opportunities open.
How to Choose the Best General Liability Insurance in Montana
Choosing general liability insurance in Montana starts with identifying your business risks and finding affordable coverage that protects what matters most. These steps help you get business insurance that matches your needs.
- 1Determine your coverage needs
Research Montana's industry licensing requirements for your business type first.
- 2Prepare essential business information
Gather details like annual revenue, employee count, business type and location before requesting quotes
- 3Collect multiple insurance quotes
Request quotes from at least three different insurers to compare business insurance costs.
- 4Examine policy terms carefully
Focus on exclusions and coverage details. Some affordable business insurance policies include legal defense expenses above your coverage limit.
- 5Verify insurer and agent credentials
Use the Montana insurance department website to confirm licensing and check complaint records.
- 6Inquire about available discounts
Ask about savings opportunities like safety program participation or bundling several coverage types.
- 7Obtain your insurance certificate
Request your certificate of insurance immediately after purchasing coverage.
How to Prevent General Liability Claims in Montana
Business owners never want to handle commercial liability insurance claims, but Montana companies can prevent most issues through smart preparation and proactive planning.
Montana's harsh winters create serious slip and fall risks from October through April. Clear ice and clear snow after storms.
Seasonal workers and new hires need consistent safety training to prevent workplace accidents.
Document incidents immediately with photos, witness statements, and detailed written reports.
Written contracts prevent misunderstandings about work scope, timelines and responsibilities.
Address customer complaints and safety concerns immediately.
General Liability Insurance in Montana: Bottom Line
Selecting quality general liability insurance in Montana requires matching coverage to your specific business needs. The Hartford, NEXT, and Nationwide stand out as top providers in the state.
Commercial General Liability Insurance in Montana: FAQ
We've answered the most common questions about general liability insurance to help you make informed decisions.
What does general liability insurance cover for Montana businesses?
General liability insurance for Montana businesses covers customer injuries, property damage you cause to others and legal defense costs.
How much does general liability insurance cost in Montana?
General liability insurance costs for Montana small businesses range from $81 to $118 monthly. The Hartford costs $81 per month, while Simply Business and Nationwide offer competitive alternatives at $95 and $97 monthly, respectively.
Do Montana businesses legally need general liability insurance?
Montana does not legally require general liability insurance for most businesses. Certain municipalities may impose their own requirements, and certain licensed professionals like contractors and electricians must maintain coverage.
Which company offers the best general liability insurance in Montana?
The Hartford leads Montana's general liability insurance market with exceptional financial stability and competitive rates averaging $81 monthly. NEXT ranks second, excelling in customer service while offering comprehensive coverage options at $103 per month.
What coverage limits should Montana businesses choose?
Montana businesses should first verify any minimum coverage requirements mandated by their industry licensing boards. The standard choice for most small businesses is $1 million per occurrence and $2 million aggregate coverage.
How We Scored the Best General Liability Insurance Companies in Montana
Montana businesses encounter specific liability challenges, from weather-related incidents to workplace injuries across diverse industries. We analyzed general liability providers to identify insurers offering dependable coverage at reasonable rates for small business owners.
What We Evaluated
- Affordability (50%): Montana small businesses typically operate with limited budgets. We examined premium costs across multiple carriers because reasonable pricing determines whether businesses can maintain essential protection.
- Customer experience (30%): Effective claims service is critical when accidents occur. We analyzed J.D. Power ratings, state complaint data, and independent agency feedback to assess how insurers treat policyholders during claim situations.
- Coverage options (15%): Business risks vary across sectors. We evaluated how insurers customize general liability policies for different Montana enterprises, from retail shops to construction companies.
- Financial strength (5%): Low premiums become meaningless if insurers cannot honor claims. We examined AM Best ratings and financial documentation to ensure recommended companies maintain solid financial foundations.
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
- NEXT. "NEXT: Small Business Insurance Quotes Online." Accessed November 5, 2025.
- NEXT. "Customer Reviews | NEXT." Accessed November 5, 2025.
- Trustpilot. "Next Insurance Reviews." Accessed November 5, 2025.
- Trustpilot. "The Hartford Reviews." Accessed November 5, 2025.
- The Hartford. "When Is Liability Insurance Needed?." Accessed November 5, 2025.
- The Hartford. "What Does General Liability Insurance Cover?." Accessed November 5, 2025.

