How Much Does Business Insurance Cost?

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How Much Does Small Business Insurance Cost?

business insurance costsOn average, small business customers of The Hartford pay about $85 per month and $1,019 per year in business insurance costs.1 However, what a small business pays for business insurance will often depend on several different factors, like the coverage you need and the industry you’re in.
 
Want to learn more about how much business insurance will cost for your business? Get a quote from The Hartford today.

Business Insurance Costs by Industry

Insurance premiums will often vary between industries because each industry faces unique risks. The best way to safeguard your business is to find the right type of insurance customized to your business’ needs. Although costs will vary, you can learn what certain industries pay on average for a Business Owner’s Policy (BOP) with The Hartford in the table below.
Industry Avg. Monthly Premium for a Business Owner’s Policy3
Business Consulting $86
Accountants $85
Engineering $107
Retail Stores $152
Restaurants $413
Manufacturers $115
Photographers $72
Beauty Salons $113
Barbershops $110

How Business Insurance Costs Are Calculated

Many people ask what the median cost of business insurance is, but it really depends on what kind of business you have. For example, higher risk companies can expect to pay more for insurance. That’s why looking at this average isn’t always helpful for small business owners that want an estimate of their own costs. Instead, focus on the average costs in your specific industry.
 
In many cases, it’s more realistic to plan your insurance costs based on your:
 
  • Industry type: Your industry may impact the cost for business insurance because of the risk factors associated with the work you do.
  • Business operations’ size: If your business has expanded its operations and increased in overall size, you’ll most likely need to get additional coverage.
  • Number of employees: If you have more employees, you’ll need more coverages to keep them protected from risks like customer lawsuits and accidents, injuries or illnesses they might experience on the job.
  • Coverage needs: Each business has different coverage needs because each business is unique. Some companies may be legally required to carry certain coverages depending on what you do and where you’re located.
  • Industry risk: Typically, riskier businesses pay more for insurance. Risk factors can include financial and physical risks to your business, employees, vendors and customers. Learn more about business insurance by industry today.
  • Business location: Companies located in heavily populated areas often experience a higher likelihood of crime or vandalism, which can cause your rates to go up. State business insurance requirements also vary, which can impact your commercial property insurance cost.
  • Public visibility: People may target well-known businesses in the public eye more often than lesser known companies. For this reason, insurance rates may increase as you gain more of a reputation.
  • Payroll size: Your payroll helps determine your workers’ compensation benefits. The larger your payroll, the higher your premium will be because there’s a higher risk for bodily injuries.
  • Coverage levels: The more coverage you add to your policy and the higher the limits, the more you’ll pay. Sometimes, choosing a higher deductible can help lower your monthly or annual premiums.

How To Save on Business Insurance

We know how important it is to protect the business that you’ve worked so hard to build. Without the protection of business insurance, your business would have to pay out of pocket for costly claims. If you’re ready to get business insurance, be sure to consider these ways to save money while getting the coverages you need:
 
  • Bundle your policies: You can save money on business insurance by bundling essential coverage into one policy. For instance, a Business Owner’s Policy (BOP) combines business income, commercial property and general liability insurance into one convenient policy.
  • Pay your premium up front: It’s always an option to pay your premium monthly, but if you pay the entire cost upfront each year, you could get a discount on your business insurance costs.
  • Raise your deductible: Your deductible is the amount you’ll pay out of pocket before your insurance company will cover a claim. By increasing your deductible, you may be able to lower your total insurance costs per month.

Get a Quote for Business Insurance From The Hartford

We’re an insurance company you can trust to help protect your business. Learn more about what business insurance is and when to get business insurance. We also offer free online insurance quotes you can get quickly and easily.
 
 
Last Updated: March 11, 2024
 
1,2,3 Premium amounts presented are based on monthly premium paid by The Hartford's Small Business customers between 1/1/22 and 9/14/23 for 12-month policies. Premium is derived from a number of factors specific to your business and may vary.
 
Additional disclosures below.
The Hartford shall not be liable for any damages in connection with the use of any information provided on this page. Please consult with your insurance agent/broker or insurance company to determine specific coverage needs as this information is intended to be educational in nature.
 
The information contained on this page should not be construed as specific legal, HR, financial, or insurance advice and is not a guarantee of coverage. In the event of a loss or claim, coverage determinations will be subject to the policy language, and any potential claim payment will be determined following a claim investigation.
 
Certain coverages vary by state and may not be available to all businesses. All Hartford coverages and services described on this page may be offered by one or more of the property and casualty insurance company subsidiaries of The Hartford Financial Services Group, Inc. listed in the Legal Notice.
 
The Hartford Financial Services Group, Inc., (NYSE: HIG) operates through its subsidiaries under the brand name, The Hartford, and is headquartered in Hartford, CT. For additional details, please read The Hartford’s Legal Notice.
 
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