Starting a business? Man, that’s a wild ride—super thrilling, but also loaded with stuff that can mess you up if you’re not careful. Insurance is like your startup’s safety net. It’s not just some boring legal requirement; it’s what keeps lawsuits, hackers, freak accidents, and all sorts of chaos from blowing up everything you’re building. Picking the right coverage isn’t just nice—it’s survival mode for your business and your sanity.
Top Business Insurance Picks for Startups in 2025
1. Next Insurance
Basically the MVP for most startups. Their site’s easy; you can tweak coverage for whatever you need—liability, workers’ comp, property, auto, the whole shebang. Fast quotes, no fuss. Downside? No face-to-face help, and if you’re in a weird industry, you might be out of luck.
2. Embroker
If you’re running a venture-backed or tech-heavy startup, this is your jam. They’ve got cyber coverage, key people insurance (because, yeah, founders are irreplaceable sometimes), and stuff like commercial crime protection. Instant quotes and startup bundles, but not a ton of reviews, and—seriously?—still no mobile app.
3. The Hartford
Old-school but in a good way. Perfect for businesses with an actual physical spot. People trust these guys, and their professional liability rates are pretty sweet. The catch? Getting set up online isn’t as slick.
4. Thimble
Solopreneurs, freelancers, weekend hustlers—this one’s for you. Insurance by the gig or by the month. Super flexible.
5. Tivly
Not an insurer, but a place to shop around and compare offers from a bunch of companies. Less hassle, more options.
Key Startup Insurance Types
– General Liability: The OG coverage. If someone slips on your floor or claims you trashed their rep, this saves you.
– Professional Liability: When you mess up professionally—bad advice, missed deadlines, whatever—this covers the fallout.
– Workers’ Comp: Got employees? Legally, you probably need this. Handles injuries on the job.
– Commercial Property: Covers your stuff—office, gear, inventory—if disaster hits.
– Business Owner’s Policy (BOP): A bundle deal. Liability plus property in one neat package. Saves you cash and headaches.
How Much Is This Going to Cost?
It’s all over the place, honestly. Depends on your industry, team size, where you are, and how risky your business is. Ballpark figures:
– General Liability: $14 to $54 per month
– Workers’ Comp: Can be as low as $6 monthly (wild, right?)
– Professional Liability: Around $64 a month
– BOP: Somewhere between $21 to $78 per month
Simply Business is cheap for the basics; The Hartford and Nationwide are more middle-of-the-road but solid on service.
How to Actually Pick Insurance That Won’t Screw You Over
– Know your risks. Every startup’s got its own landmines.
– Choose companies with cash in the bank. You want them paying out, not ghosting you on claims.
– Make sure the coverage can grow with you.
– Decide if you want to talk to a real human or just click around online.
– Don’t get blinded by low premiums—read the fine print on what’s actually covered.
What’s Next? Trends You Have to Know
– Cyber Insurance: Not optional anymore. Hackers are everywhere.
– Embedded Insurance: Getting coverage right inside your other apps (like banking or payroll). So easy your grandma could do it.
– Usage-Based: Pay-as-you-go models are hot—especially if your team size changes every season.
The Bottom Line
Look, insurance isn’t difficult, but it’s the difference between a bump in the road and a total wipeout. Companies like Next, Embroker, and The Hartford have something for just about every flavor of startup. Don’t cheap out—protect your dream so you can actually see it grow.