The Hartford tops our rankings for the best general liability insurance in Rhode Island, delivering an excellent balance of affordable rates and quality service. NEXT and Nationwide are decent alternatives.
General Liability Insurance in Rhode Island
The Hartford tops our rankings for liability insurance in Rhode Island, with a 4.62 out of 5 score.
Explore low-cost general liability insurance in Rhode Island below.
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Updated: October 30, 2025
Advertising & Editorial Disclosure
Key Takeaways
The Hartford, NEXT and Nationwide are the top general liability insurance providers in Rhode Island.
Selecting the right general liability coverage requires considering your business type, size and coverage requirements.
Compare business insurance quotes from several insurers, research their financial stability, check customer reviews and verify licensing to find quality coverage.
Best General Liability Insurance Companies in Rhode Island
| The Hartford | 4.62 | $90 |
| NEXT | 4.56 | $113 |
| Nationwide | 4.52 | $107 |
| Simply Business | 4.48 | $105 |
| Coverdash | 4.37 | $114 |
| Thimble | 4.35 | $118 |
| biBERK | 4.30 | $125 |
| Progressive Commercial | 4.27 | $110 |
| Chubb | 4.27 | $131 |
| Hiscox | 4.19 | $125 |
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
Protecting your Rhode Island business requires more than just general liability coverage. Explore these comprehensive insurance options:
Best Rhode Island Small Business Insurance Reviews
To help you decide on the right coverage, we've analyzed what makes our top providers stand out for small business owners with general liability insurance requirements.
The Hartford
Best Overall Provider
MoneyGeek Rating
4.6/ 5
4.6/5Affordability
4.6/5Customer Experience
4.7/5Coverage Options
Average Monthly Premium
$90Our Survey: Claims Process
4.5/5Recommend to Others
4.5/5
NEXT
Runner-Up Best Provider
MoneyGeek Rating
4.6/ 5
4.3/5Affordability
4.7/5Customer Experience
4.8/5Coverage Options
Average Monthly Premium
$113Our Survey: Claims Process
3.9/5Recommend to Others
4.8/5
Cheapest General Liability Insurance Companies in Rhode Island
The Hartford offers the cheapest general liability insurance in Rhode Island, with coverage starting at $90 per month ($1,080 annually). Simply Business and Nationwide also provide affordable rates.
| The Hartford | $90 | $1,080 |
| Simply Business | $105 | $1,262 |
| Nationwide | $107 | $1,281 |
| Progressive Commercial | $110 | $1,322 |
| NEXT | $113 | $1,359 |
| Coverdash | $114 | $1,363 |
| Thimble | $118 | $1,411 |
| Hiscox | $125 | $1,501 |
| biBERK | $125 | $1,502 |
| Chubb | $131 | $1,567 |
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 Rhode Island
General liability insurance in Rhode Island costs an average of $113 per month ($1,355 annually), slightly above the national average. Your rates vary depending on your industry, business size, and claims history. Construction companies typically face higher rates due to increased risk.
Average Cost of General Liability Insurance by Industry
Commercial general liability insurance costs vary dramatically by industry in Rhode Island. Pressure washing businesses face the steepest monthly premiums at $1,011, while drone operators pay just $18 per month for coverage. The table below shows how premiums differ across various business types throughout the state.
| Accountants | $24 | $292 |
| Ad Agency | $39 | $468 |
| Automotive | $59 | $706 |
| Auto Repair | $168 | $2,012 |
| Bakery | $100 | $1,197 |
| Barber | $49 | $587 |
| Beauty Salon | $74 | $885 |
| Bounce House | $78 | $931 |
| Candle | $61 | $728 |
| Cannabis | $74 | $888 |
| Catering | $97 | $1,160 |
| Cleaning | $146 | $1,755 |
| Coffee Shop | $99 | $1,189 |
| Computer Programming | $32 | $385 |
| Computer Repair | $53 | $631 |
| Construction | $194 | $2,323 |
| Consulting | $24 | $290 |
| Contractor | $281 | $3,377 |
| Courier | $216 | $2,589 |
| Daycare | $36 | $435 |
| Dental | $24 | $285 |
| DJ | $28 | $335 |
| Dog Grooming | $70 | $841 |
| Drone | $18 | $221 |
| Ecommerce | $81 | $969 |
| Electrical | $124 | $1,489 |
| Engineering | $44 | $528 |
| Excavation | $514 | $6,169 |
| Florist | $47 | $567 |
| Food | $119 | $1,426 |
| Food Truck | $157 | $1,878 |
| Funeral Home | $67 | $800 |
| Gardening | $124 | $1,489 |
| Handyman | $270 | $3,234 |
| Home-based | $26 | $315 |
| Home-based | $51 | $606 |
| Hospitality | $72 | $864 |
| HVAC | $271 | $3,250 |
| Janitorial | $151 | $1,816 |
| Jewelry | $44 | $533 |
| Junk Removal | $179 | $2,152 |
| Lawn/Landscaping | $133 | $1,592 |
| Lawyers | $25 | $302 |
| Manufacturing | $71 | $846 |
| Marine | $31 | $371 |
| Massage | $106 | $1,269 |
| Mortgage Broker | $25 | $303 |
| Moving | $137 | $1,643 |
| Nonprofit | $40 | $475 |
| Painting | $159 | $1,905 |
| Party Rental | $88 | $1,053 |
| Personal Training | $26 | $316 |
| Pest Control | $36 | $427 |
| Pet | $62 | $743 |
| Pharmacy | $68 | $818 |
| Photography | $27 | $320 |
| Physical Therapy | $122 | $1,458 |
| Plumbing | $399 | $4,790 |
| Pressure Washing | $1,011 | $12,129 |
| Real Estate | $59 | $705 |
| Restaurant | $160 | $1,921 |
| Retail | $72 | $866 |
| Roofing | $428 | $5,141 |
| Security | $154 | $1,843 |
| Snack Bars | $130 | $1,556 |
| Software | $29 | $349 |
| Spa/Wellness | $118 | $1,414 |
| Speech Therapist | $34 | $414 |
| Startup | $32 | $379 |
| Tech/IT | $29 | $350 |
| Transportation | $42 | $498 |
| Travel | $23 | $276 |
| Tree Service | $143 | $1,720 |
| Trucking | $113 | $1,359 |
| Tutoring | $33 | $401 |
| Veterinary | $49 | $594 |
| Wedding Planning | $31 | $367 |
| Welding | $182 | $2,185 |
| Wholesale | $49 | $592 |
| Window Cleaning | $176 | $2,110 |
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 Rhode Island?
Rhode Island doesn't require most businesses to carry general liability insurance at the state level. Operating without coverage typically won't trigger statewide penalties or fines.
However, individual 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 Rhode Island keeps general requirements minimal, certain licensed trades must maintain specific coverage to keep their professional licenses active:
Electricians
Rhode Island requires licensed electricians to carry general liability insurance with minimum limits of $300,000 per occurrence and $600,000 annual aggregate. This coverage must include completed operations protection for work performed.
Electrical Sign Contractors
Electrical sign contractors in Rhode Island must maintain the same general liability coverage as electricians, with $300,000 per occurrence and $600,000 annual aggregate limits including completed operations coverage.
HVAC Contractors
Rhode Island HVAC licensing requirements vary by contractor class. Basic HVAC contractors need $300,000 per occurrence and $600,000 annual aggregate coverage, while master-level contractors must carry $500,000 per occurrence and $1,000,000 annual aggregate limits.
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 maintain their Rhode Island registration.
Your Rhode Island business insurance should include general liability coverage. You'll need it before you can sign a lease for commercial property. Your coverage amounts should meet your licensing requirements and clients' requests.
How to Choose the Best General Liability Insurance in Rhode Island
Rhode Island businesses need general liability insurance. To get business insurance, evaluate your specific coverage requirements against what you can realistically afford.
- 1Figure out coverage needs
Start by checking Rhode Island's licensing requirements for your specific industry. Many clients and contractors will require $1 million in coverage even when state minimums are lower.
- 2Prepare business information
Gather details like annual revenue, employee count, business type and location before requesting quotes
- 3Compare multiple quotes
Always request quotes from at least three insurers since business liability insurance cost varies .
- 4Review policy terms
Don't focus only on affordable business insurance options when comparing policies. Some policies include legal defense expenses.
- 5Research insurer credentials
Verify company and agent licenses through the Rhode Island insurance department website. Check AM Best financial ratings.
- 6Ask about discounts
Many insurers offer reduced rates for bundling multiple types of business insurance coverage, implementing safety programs or maintaining clean claims histories.
- 7Obtain insurance certificates
Request your certificate of insurance immediately after purchasing coverage.
How to Prevent General Liability Claims in Rhode Island
No business owner wants to handle commercial insurance claims, but Rhode Island companies can prevent most general liability issues through smart preparation and proactive planning.
Watch out for property hazards
Rhode Island's harsh winters and coastal weather create serious slip-and-fall risks for businesses. Inspect and address problems as soon as possible.
Train your people well
Consistent safety training reduces workplace accidents and customer injuries.
Keep good records
Thorough documentation protects your business when disputes arise or claims get filed.
Get everything in writing
Written agreements prevent misunderstandings that often lead to liability claims.
Fix problems fast
Quick response to complaints and incidents prevents small issues from becoming major liability claims.
General Liability Insurance in Rhode Island: Bottom Line
Securing quality general liability insurance in Rhode Island requires assessing your business needs and researching reliable providers. The Hartford, NEXT, and Nationwide represent top choices in the state, but your ideal match depends on industry type, company size, and budget constraints. Get quotes from multiple insurers and verify their credentials before making your final decision.
Commercial General Liability Insurance in Rhode Island: 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 Rhode Island businesses?
General liability insurance for Rhode Island businesses covers third-party bodily injuries, property damage you cause to others and legal defense costs.
How much does general liability insurance cost in Rhode Island?
General liability insurance costs for Rhode Island small businesses range from $90 to $131 monthly. The Hartford costs $90 per month, while Simply Business and Nationwide offer competitive alternatives at $105 and $107, respectively.
Do Rhode Island businesses legally need general liability insurance?
Rhode Island does not legally require general liability insurance for most businesses.
Which company offers the best general liability insurance in Rhode Island?
The Hartford ranks as Rhode Island's top general liability insurance provider, earning high marks for financial stability and affordability at around $90 monthly. NEXT also performs well.
What coverage limits should Rhode Island businesses choose?
Rhode Island businesses should first verify minimum coverage requirements for their specific industry licenses. The standard choice is $1 million per occurrence and $2 million aggregate general liability coverage. This combination provides adequate protection for most small businesses while meeting typical client contract requirements and industry expectations.
How We Scored the Best General Liability Insurance Companies in Rhode Island
Rhode Island businesses encounter specific liability challenges, including weather-related property damage and workplace injuries across diverse industries. We analyzed general liability insurance providers to identify companies offering comprehensive protection at reasonable rates for local small businesses.
What We Evaluated
- Affordability (50%): Cost remains the biggest concern for Rhode Island small businesses operating with limited cash flow. We examined rates across multiple insurers because reasonable pricing determines whether businesses can actually maintain coverage.
- Customer experience (30%): Quality claims service becomes critical when accidents happen. We analyzed J.D. Power ratings, state complaint statistics, and independent agent feedback to assess how effectively insurers handle policyholder needs.
- Coverage options (15%): Rhode Island businesses span many sectors, each with distinct liability exposures. We evaluated how insurers customize general liability policies for different industries, from food service to construction companies.
- Financial strength (5%): Low premiums mean nothing if the insurer cannot pay valid claims. We checked AM Best ratings and financial stability reports to confirm each company maintains adequate reserves.
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.