Best Business Insurance Providers for 2025: Compare Policies for Small Businesses & Gig Workers 🛡️

Choosing the right business insurance is critical for protecting your company, whether you’re a small business owner, freelancer, or gig worker. Unexpected accidents, lawsuits, or disruptions can threaten your livelihood if you’re not properly insured.

This guide compares the best business insurance providers for 2025, helping you find the right coverage—whether you run a brick-and-mortar business, work as an independent contractor, or drive for rideshare companies.

We’ve broken down top-rated insurers into two categories:

  1. Small businesses – Need coverage like general liability, business owner’s policies (BOP), and workers’ comp.
  2. Gig workers & freelancers – Require specialized policies like occupational accident insurance and professional liability.

Let’s dive in and find the best business insurance for your needs! You can also learn more about how to apply for business insurance online.

Why Business Insurance is Essential ❓

  1. Legal Requirements
    • Many states require business insurance, especially for employees (workers’ comp) or certain industries (construction, healthcare). See business insurance requirements by state.
    • Some clients or contracts may demand proof of insurance before working with you.
    • Gig workers in some states (like California’s AB5 law) may be required to have independent contractor coverage.
  2. Risk Protection
    • Covers legal fees, medical expenses, and damages if someone sues your business.
    • Protects against property damage (fire, theft, or vandalism).
    • Some policies cover lost income if you can’t operate due to a covered event.

Best Business Insurance Providers for Small Businesses in 2025 🏢

1. Next Insurance – Best Overall for Small Businesses 🏆

✅ Why We Recommend It: Affordable, fully online process, tailored policies for different industries.

💡 Best for: General liability, professional liability, and business owner’s policies (BOP).

📌 Pros:

  • Instant online quotes and flexible monthly payments.
  • Customizable policies for over 1,300 small business types.
  • No brokers or middlemen—direct online access.

⚠️ Cons: Limited coverage options for high-risk industries (like trucking).

2. Hiscox – Best for Professional Services & Home-Based Businesses 🏡

✅ Why We Recommend It: Strong coverage for consultants, freelancers, and home-based businesses.

💡 Best for: Professional liability (E&O), cyber liability.

📌 Pros:

  • Tailored policies for consultants, IT professionals, and freelancers.
  • Monthly payment options.
  • Covers home-based businesses that traditional insurers often exclude.

⚠️ Cons: Some policies may have lower coverage limits than competitors.

3. Chubb – Best for High-Risk Industries 🚧

✅ Why We Recommend It: Excellent for industries like construction, healthcare, and finance.

💡 Best for: Workers’ comp, commercial property insurance, umbrella policies.

📌 Pros:

  • Comprehensive coverage for industries with complex risks.
  • Strong financial backing and high customer satisfaction.
  • Offers business interruption insurance.

⚠️ Cons: Policies can be more expensive compared to online-first insurers.

4. The Hartford – Best for Workers’ Compensation Insurance 👷

✅ Why We Recommend It: One of the most trusted names in workers’ comp coverage.

💡 Best for: Employers needing workers’ compensation and general liability.

📌 Pros:

  • Extensive experience in handling workers’ comp claims.
  • Industry-specific insurance packages.
  • Nationwide availability.

⚠️ Cons: May be pricier than competitors for smaller businesses.

Best Business Insurance Providers for Gig Workers & Freelancers in 2025 🧑‍💻

1. Thimble – Best for Flexible, On-Demand Coverage ⏱️

✅ Why We Recommend It: Perfect for freelancers, gig workers, and part-time business owners needing short-term policies.

💡 Best for: General liability, professional liability, event-based coverage.

📌 Pros:

  • Buy insurance by the hour, day, or month—perfect for project-based work.
  • Covers a wide range of gig workers, including photographers, consultants, and handymen.
  • Quick online quotes and instant coverage.

⚠️ Cons: Not ideal for businesses needing long-term coverage.

2. Simply Business – Best for Comparing Multiple Quotes 🤝

✅ Why We Recommend It: A great marketplace to compare different policies in one place.

💡 Best for: Gig workers needing affordable general liability and professional liability coverage.

📌 Pros:

  • Aggregates quotes from multiple providers.
  • Tailored coverage for independent contractors.
  • Easy online quote process.

⚠️ Cons: Doesn’t underwrite policies themselves—just connects you with insurers.

3. Bunker – Best for Contract-Based Gig Workers 📝

✅ Why We Recommend It: Provides instant COIs (Certificates of Insurance) to meet client contract requirements.

💡 Best for: Independent contractors needing proof of insurance for client work.

📌 Pros:

  • Instant digital proof of coverage.
  • Designed for consultants, IT professionals, and remote freelancers.
  • Offers both short-term and long-term options.

⚠️ Cons: Limited coverage for physical businesses.

For more information, check out gig economy insurance.

How to Choose the Right Business Insurance Provider 🤔

Not sure which provider is best for you? Consider the following:

✅ Business Type: Are you a sole proprietor, LLC, or incorporated business?

✅ Industry: Some providers cater better to certain industries (e.g., construction vs. consulting).

✅ Coverage Needs: Do you need liability insurance, workers’ comp, or a bundle? Consider exploring cheapest business insurance options.

✅ Budget: Compare costs and choose a provider that balances affordability and coverage.

Frequently Asked Questions ❓

Q: What’s the difference between small business and gig worker insurance?

A: Small businesses usually need general liability, workers’ comp, and business property insurance. Gig workers often need occupational accident insurance and professional liability coverage.

Q: Can I get business insurance instantly?

A: Yes! Many online providers like Next Insurance, Thimble, and Simply Business offer instant coverage after completing a short application.

Q: Do gig workers legally need insurance?

A: Some states and platforms (Uber, Lyft) require it. Even if not required, having coverage can protect you from liability and lost wages due to accidents.

Final Thoughts 💭

Finding the best business insurance in 2025 doesn’t have to be complicated. Whether you’re a small business owner needing general liability or a gig worker looking for affordable coverage, there are great providers available.