Best General Liability Insurance in New York (2024)

Finding the best general liability insurance provider in New York requires careful consideration of various key factors, including coverage options, pricing, financial strength and customer satisfaction.

In our in-depth analysis, Thimble emerged as the best overall company and also the most affordable for general liability insurance in the state. For LLCs, Thimble offers monthly rates of $69, making it an attractive choice. Sole proprietors with no employees can enjoy a monthly cost of just $22.

MoneyGeek found that Thimble is the best general liability insurance provider in Rhode Island, earning an overall MoneyGeek score of 94 out of 100.

The table below presents the costs and MoneyGeek scores for all the companies we analyzed in New York, ranked from least to most expensive. Our ranking may be a valuable resource for business owners searching for the best general liability insurance that aligns with their specific needs. It allows for easy comparison and informed decision-making when selecting an insurance provider.

Thimble ranks as the most affordable general liability insurance company in New York. It offers competitive average rates of $69 per month for LLCs and $22 per month for sole proprietors.

Our comprehensive affordability score, which considers the monthly costs for both business types, enables us to rank companies and determine the cheapest options. It's important to note that the winner may not always offer the lowest price for both entity types.

With a MoneyGeek score of 97 out of 100, Nationwide is the best general liability insurance provider for employers.

These rankings are based on the average monthly cost for LLCs with 20 employees. Nationwide's average monthly rate for LLCs is $90.

Note that employee count can significantly impact the cost of general liability insurance. Companies that employ less than 20 people can expect to pay less than our average cost, whereas a company with a greater employee count may pay more.

With an impressive MoneyGeek score of 97 out of 100, biBERK ranks as the best provider for sole proprietors. We evaluated the average cost for sole proprietors with no employees, and biBERK stands out with a remarkably low monthly cost of just $23. It's worth noting that sole proprietors in riskier industries, like construction, may incur higher premiums.

Although New York State does not legally mandate general liability coverage, buying general liability coverage is still important for business owners. While commercial auto insurance and workers' compensation are compulsory, general liability insurance may be necessary to acquire business licenses or secure contracts in certain industries. It covers potential liabilities and can protect your business in case of unforeseen incidents or legal claims.

General liability insurance protects your business from losses arising from claims related to injuries, property damage and associated costs like legal fees, medical expenses and property repairs. Having general liability coverage can help safeguard a business's reputation and assets in the event of accidents or incidents during business operations. It is an essential component of comprehensive business insurance.

In New York, businesses must have workers' compensation insurance if they have employees, with a few exceptions. Sole proprietors and business owners without employees may be exempt from this requirement. This coverage ensures employees receive benefits for work-related injuries or illnesses, including medical expenses, disability benefits and lost wages.

On the other hand, commercial auto insurance is required for all vehicles owned by businesses in New York, regardless of the number of employees. This insurance protects against property damage and bodily injury liability resulting from car accidents. Companies must obtain commercial auto insurance for their company-owned vehicles with minimum coverage limits that include the following:

• $25,000 per person
• $50,000 per accident for bodily injury
• $10,000 for property damage

Both workers' compensation and commercial auto insurance are essential parts of a comprehensive business insurance plan.

In New York, the average monthly cost of general liability insurance is $186 for LLCs and $31 for sole proprietors. These costs may vary depending on factors such as the size and nature of the business.

General liability insurance typically includes a $2 million aggregate limit, a $1 million occurrence limit and a $0 deductible. The aggregate limit is the maximum amount the insurance company will pay for all covered claims during the policy period. The occurrence limit represents the maximum amount the insurance company will pay for a single claim. The $0 deductible means the business owner would not have to pay any out-of-pocket expenses before the insurance coverage is applied. These policy limits provide financial protection and coverage for potential liabilities and damages that may occur while in business operations.

General liability insurance costs vary depending on several aspects that impact coverage costs and premiums. Policy limits determine the level of protection and can influence premiums, with higher limits often leading to higher costs.

The size of your business, including its number of employees and payroll costs, can also affect insurance expenses, as companies with more employees and higher payrolls may face higher premiums. The location of your business also plays a role, with riskier areas incurring increased insurance costs. Previous claims histories and the industry type of your business also contribute to pricing.

The following table highlights the average costs of general liability insurance for cleaning businesses, software development companies and general contractors in New York.

New York business owners should prioritize considering general liability insurance for their companies. To assist them in finding the best and most affordable insurers in the state and provide valuable insights into coverage details and requirements, we have answered some commonly asked questions.