The Hartford tops our rankings for 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: September 15, 2025
Advertising & Editorial Disclosure
Key Takeaways
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 quality coverage.
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.
Compare Small Business Insurance Rates
Ensure you are getting the best rate for your insurance. Compare quotes from the top insurance companies.
LEARN MORE ABOUT BUSINESS INSURANCE
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.

The Hartford
Best Overall Provider
Average Monthly Premium
$81Our Survey: Claims Process
4.5/5Recommend to Others
4.5/5

NEXT
Runner-Up Best Provider
Average Monthly Premium
$103Our Survey: Claims Process
3.9/5Recommend to Others
4.8/5
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.
Electricians
Need minimum limits of $100,000 per occurrence and $300,000 annual aggregate.
Electrical Sign Contractors
Must carry $100,000 per occurrence and $300,000 annual aggregate limits.
HVAC Contractors
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
Fire safety companies need minimum limits of $500,000 per occurrence and $1,000,000 annual aggregate.
General liability insurance becomes a business necessity 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.
- 1
Determine your coverage needs
Research Montana's industry licensing requirements for your business type first.
- 2
Prepare essential business information
Gather details like annual revenue, employee count, business type and location before requesting quotes
- 3
Collect multiple insurance quotes
Request quotes from at least three different insurers to compare options.
- 4
Examine policy terms carefully
Focus on exclusions and coverage details. Some policies include legal defense expenses above your coverage limit.
- 5
Verify insurer and agent credentials
Use the Montana insurance department website to confirm licensing and check complaint records.
- 6
Inquire about available discounts
Ask about savings opportunities like safety program participation or policy bundling.
- 7
Obtain 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 liability claims, but Montana companies can prevent most issues through smart preparation and proactive planning.
Watch out for property hazards
Montana's harsh winters create serious slip and fall risks from October through April. Clear ice and clear snow after storms.
Train your people well
Seasonal workers and new hires need consistent safety training to prevent workplace accidents.
Keep good records
Document incidents immediately with photos, witness statements, and detailed written reports.
Get everything in writing
Written contracts prevent misunderstandings about work scope, timelines and responsibilities.
Fix problems fast
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 can Montana businesses prevent general liability claims?
Montana businesses can reduce general liability claims by addressing property hazards such as icy walkways and broken steps.
Can Montana businesses get discounts on general liability insurance?
Yes, Montana businesses can secure discounts on general liability insurance through various methods. Insurers commonly offer reduced rates for bundling general liability with property or other commercial coverages.
How quickly can Montana businesses get general liability coverage?
Montana businesses can obtain general liability coverage rapidly through digital platforms, with many insurers providing immediate quotes and certificates of insurance.
What should Montana businesses do when filing a general liability claim?
Montana businesses must notify their insurance carrier immediately when an incident occurs. Thoroughly document the scene with photographs..
How does general liability differ from professional liability coverage?
General liability insurance protects businesses from third-party bodily injuries and property damage during operations.
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!
Passionate about economics and insurance, he aims to promote transparency in financial topics and empower others to make confident money decisions.
sources
- NEXT. "NEXT: Small Business Insurance Quotes Online." Accessed September 19, 2025.
- NEXT. "Customer Reviews | NEXT." Accessed September 19, 2025.
- Trustpilot. "Next Insurance Reviews." Accessed September 19, 2025.
- Trustpilot. "The Hartford Reviews." Accessed September 19, 2025.
- The Hartford. "When Is Liability Insurance Needed?." Accessed September 19, 2025.
- The Hartford. "What Does General Liability Insurance Cover?." Accessed September 19, 2025.