How much does small business insurance cost?

The first policy that most business owners need – and also the least expensive one – is general liability insurance. In an analysis of 30,000 small business owners who purchased commercial insurance from Insureon, the average cost of general liability insurance is $42 per month or $500 per year.

A business owner's policy (BOP) bundles general liability coverage with commercial property coverage at a discount. The average cost of a business owner's policy (BOP) is $57 per month or $684 annually.

The table below shows average monthly costs for common small business insurance policies. Our figures are sourced from the median cost of policies purchased by Insureon customers. The median offers a better estimate of what your business is likely to pay because it excludes outlier high and low premiums.

See details about small business insurance costs for other common policies:

When deciding how much to charge for a policy, your industry is a top consideration. Insurers take into account any risks that might increase the chance of an expensive claim, such as hazardous machinery that could injure workers, or a greater likelihood of malpractice lawsuits.

Higher risks mean greater odds that you'll file a claim, which means higher premiums for insurance.

For example, general liability insurance covers third-party bodily injuries and property damage, so professionals who engage with the public typically pay more for this policy. That means general liability insurance costs are higher for retailers, but lower for consultants who work on their own.

Similarly, commercial auto insurance costs depend on the type of driving you do, and professional liability insurance costs depend on the type of advice or professional services you provide. If other businesses like yours have a history of claims, that means increased costs for your business too.

You might also run into insurance requirements for your industry. For example, businesses in the construction and cannabis industries are often required to carry general liability insurance.

Learn more about recommended policies and costs for your industry:

Your location can also influence the cost of insurance. For example, businesses in an area with high crime or increased foot traffic may pay more for insurance that covers theft or customer accidents.

State laws also play a role. Most states require businesses with employees to carry workers' comp insurance. The majority of states also require commercial auto insurance for business-owned vehicles.

Finally, you may need a certain policy to work in a specific location. For example, businesses in real estate, insurance, or healthcare may need professional liability insurance (also called errors and omissions insurance) in order to get licensed in their state or work in a specific setting like a hospital.

Insureon is a resource for a wide range of small business owners. We have helped everyone from IT / tech businesses to house cleaners, management consultants, and restaurants with their business insurance needs.

To understand how your business compares, it's helpful to get an idea of who we insure. The majority of our customers have:

• 1 to 4 employees
• Annual revenue ranging from less than $50,000 to more than $200,000
• Five years or less in business

The number of employees can impact your insurance costs, especially for policies like workers' compensation insurance.

The majority of small businesses in this analysis (57%) have only one employee. That means most of our customers are sole proprietors, independent contractors, and similar business owners. Another 29% of businesses have two to four employees.

Your revenue also impacts the cost of small business insurance. For example, a small business that earns less than $1 million in annual revenue may be eligible for a cost-saving business owner's policy.

The average revenue of the small businesses included in this analysis is $80,000. The majority of customers (53%) have less than $100,000 in annual revenue.

Insurance premiums may be lower for companies that have been in business for many years without making a claim.

The majority of companies included in this analysis (69%) have been in business for five years or less.

Insureon partners with top-rated U.S. providers to find the right coverage for your small business. To get started, fill out our easy online application with basic information about your business, such as revenue and number of employees.

You can consult with a licensed insurance agent at any point in the process. Compare quotes and choose the coverage that fits your business needs and your budget. Once you pay for your policy, you can download a certificate of insurance to show clients and others that your business is protected.