Find quotes for your Manchester business
Save money by comparing insurance quotes from multiple carriers.
Choose from the nation's best insurance providers
Get the right commercial insurance for your Manchester business
Learn about Manchester's business requirements
Explore resources and expert policy recommendations
Complete one application to compare multiple quotes
Which insurance policies are recommended for Manchester businesses?
New Hampshire is a business-friendly state with abundant opportunities for small businesses. Protect your business with these insurance products.
General liability insurance
General liability pays for legal costs from customer accidents, along with defamation and copyright infringement claims. Commercial leases in Manchester often require this coverage.
BEST FOR
- Customer accidents at your business
- Damage to a customer's property
- Slander and other advertising injuries
Professional liability insurance
A professional liability policy covers legal costs related to claims of negligence, such as advice that caused a client to lose money. It's sometimes called errors and omissions insurance (E&O).
BEST FOR
- Mistakes that cause financial loss
- Accusations of professional negligence
- Missed deadlines
Cyber liability insurance
Cyber insurance helps small businesses in Manchester recover after a data breach or a cyberattack. Every business that handles customer information should have this coverage.
BEST FOR
- Data breach notification costs
- Fraud monitoring services
- PR campaigns after a breach
Business owner’s policy
A business owner's policy is an affordable way to buy general liability coverage and commercial property insurance together. It's recommended for low-risk small businesses in Manchester.
BEST FOR
- Customer slip-and-fall injuries
- Damaged business property
- Theft and vandalism
Workers’ compensation insurance
Workers' comp is required for Manchester businesses with employees, with few exceptions. It also covers work-related injuries for sole proprietors, which health insurance may deny.
BEST FOR
- Medical bills from job-related injuries
- Disability benefits
- Legal fees from workplace injuries
Commercial auto insurance
Manchester businesses aren't required to carry auto insurance, but it is highly recommended for all small businesses. This policy primarily covers injuries and property damage caused by your vehicle.
BEST FOR
- Injuries from an auto accident
- Damage caused by your vehicle
- Lawsuits from an auto accident
Errors and omissions insurance
E&O insurance protects consultants and professional services against legal defense costs from dissatisfied clients. It's also called professional liability insurance.
BEST FOR
- Errors and oversights
- Breach of contract
- Professional negligence
Commercial property insurance
This policy covers physical damage to a Manchester business's building and its contents, including any computers and equipment. You can bundle it with general liability in a BOP.
BEST FOR
- Burglaries
- Fires
- Storm damage
Commercial umbrella insurance
An umbrella policy provides coverage once the limit is reached on your underlying general liability insurance, commercial auto insurance, or employer's liability insurance.
BEST FOR
- Customer lawsuits
- Auto accident lawsuits
- Employee injury lawsuits
Looking for different coverage? See more policies.
Verified business insurance reviews
Hear from customers like you who purchased small business insurance.
Which business insurance policies are required in Manchester, NH?
State and local laws can determine the type of insurance you need. These policies help you comply with Manchester business insurance requirements.
Workers' compensation insurance
New Hampshire state law requires workers' compensation for all small businesses with employees, whether they're full-time, part-time, temporary or seasonal. There are a few exceptions to this rule, including:
- Railroad employees involved in interstate commerce
- Direct sellers
- Certain real estate brokers, agents, and appraisers
Workers' compensation helps pay for medical expenses related to work-related injuries.
Most workers' comp policies also include employer's liability coverage, which protects the business from injury-related lawsuits.
Single-person businesses, such as sole proprietors and independent contractors, should also carry workers' comp, though they are not required by state law. This policy can help with medical bills related to work injuries, or may be a requirement for certain contracts.
Commercial auto insurance
New Hampshire small businesses with company-owned vehicles are not required to carry commercial auto insurance. This is the only state where commercial auto coverage is not strictly required.
However, auto insurance protects your business if you or your employees are involved in an accident with company vehicles while performing work-related activities and errands.
New Hampshire small businesses must meet the state's Motor Vehicle Financial Responsibility Requirements if an employee is at fault in an accident. These requirements are as follows:
- $25,000 bodily injury liability per person
- $50,000 bodily injury liability per accident
- $25,000 property damage liability per accident
- $25,000 uninsured/underinsured motorist coverage per person
- $50,000 uninsured/underinsured motorist coverage per accident
- $1,000 in medical payments coverage
Certain businesses, such as trucking businesses or those that use utility or cargo trailers, may require higher limits.
Businesses that use personal, rented, or leased vehicles will need another policy called a hired and non-owned (HNOA) policy.
It's important to keep in mind that personal car insurance will typically not cover claims related to accidents that occur during business use, so having the right policy is essential.
How much does business insurance in Manchester cost?
Small businesses, from Merrimack to Nashua, don't have to pay a lot for commercial insurance. Here are a few average costs for New Hampshire businesses:
General liability: $49 per month
Workers' comp: $44 per month
Professional liability/E&O: $59 per month
Business insurance costs depend on factors such as:
- Type of business
- Business revenue
- Business operations
- Number of employees
- Policy limits and deductibles
- Claims history
FAQs about Manchester business insurance
Review answers to common questions about Manchester business insurance.
How do I get a certificate of insurance for my business?
With Insureon, New England business owners can get same-day insurance solutions in three easy steps:
- Fill out our easy online application to get quotes from top-rated insurance carriers.
- Choose the coverage option that suits your insurance needs and pay for it online.
- Download a certificate of insurance by logging into your account.
Our licensed insurance agents will help you get the best insurance plans for your Manchester company that matches your specific business needs and your budget.
Most businesses can get their certificate of insurance within a few hours. With this certificate, you can demonstrate proof of insurance for contracts, bids, and other agreements.
Can my business be held liable for a data security breach?
Yes, your business could be held responsible for a data breach, which is why cyber insurance is so important.
Small businesses are a common target of cyberattacks and ransomware attacks since they often have fewer security measures in place.
New Hampshire data breach laws require Manchester businesses to notify any residents and the Attorney General if they're exposed in a data breach. Additionally, if more than 1,000 residents are impacted, the nationwide consumer reporting agencies must also be alerted.
Your business could also end up paying for a data breach investigation, a PR campaign, and other costs related to a breach or cyberattack.
Cyber insurance covers these costs and provides resources so you can get back to business fast.
Does my industry affect Manchester insurance requirements?
Manchester requires business licenses for many of its small businesses, and there may be special requirements for business insurance and bonds, depending on the type of work you do.
Businesses that require licenses include retail stores, tattoo shops, and restaurants. Not all businesses must obtain a license, so it's important to check the laws and regulations around your industry.
Here are a few examples of businesses with other obligations:
- Contractors do not need commercial general liability insurance to operate in New Hampshire. However, they might need a surety bond to sign a contract or bid on a project.
- Real estate agents and brokers are not required to carry errors and omissions (E&O) insurance but the firm where they work may require it.
- Notaries public in New Hampshire are not required to carry insurance or surety bonds, but it's highly recommended.
- Physicians aren't required by law to carry malpractice insurance in New Hampshire, but some healthcare facilities require it.
- Lawyers in New Hampshire aren't required to carry professional liability, but their clients or law firms may require it.
When running a business in Manchester, it's essential to be aware of laws and regulations for New Hampshire, the city of Manchester, and Hillsborough County.
How can I get help starting a small business in Manchester, NH?
The City of Manchester provides ample support for new and growing small businesses.
Here's a list of local organizations available to provide guidance and resources:
- Manchester Development Corporation assists small business owners with loans and financial support.
- The City of Manchester provides business resources to help entrepreneurs relocate to the area, obtain permits and licensing, research the local area, and more.
- SCORE New Hampshire works with local small business owners to provide mentorship and education.
- New Hampshire Community Loan Fund offers coaching and financial services for current and prospective New Hampshire business owners.
- The U.S. Small Business Administration New Hampshire District offers events, guides, and education for small business owners in Manchester and beyond.
Keep in mind that many lenders will require you to first obtain business insurance coverage before they will approve a loan.
How can I save money on Manchester business insurance?
Small business owners can save money on insurance by comparing quotes from different insurance companies.
With Insureon, you can get free New Hampshire business insurance quotes from top-rated providers by filling out one easy application.
There are a few other ways to save, such as:
- Bundle policies for a discount. The most popular option is a business owner's policy.
- Choose less expensive policy options, such as lower limits or a higher deductible.
- Focus on minimizing workplace exposures and risk management. Fewer accidents mean fewer claims, which helps keep your premium low.
Learn more about how to find cheap business insurance. You can also speak to one of Insureon's agents to discuss your insurance coverage needs.