Find the Best Business Insurance Options in Minnesota

There are over 534,000 small businesses in Minnesota, representing 99.4% of the businesses in the state. Small businesses employ 1.3 million people in Minnesota, making small businesses essential to the state’s economy. 

Business owners in Minnesota face numerous risks, including property damage caused by crime, severe weather, fires, and natural disasters. And a liability claim or a lawsuit can lead to financial devastation that is difficult to overcome for any business. 

A comprehensive business insurance program can help you repair and rebuild damaged property after a disaster. And it can help you stay in business and pay for your defense if you are faced with a lawsuit.

An independent insurance agent can help you compare business insurance quotes in Minnesota.

Best Business Insurance Companies in Minnesota

Where should you start your search for business insurance in MN? We’ve noted some of the best business insurance companies near you. They are highly rated for their mix of valuable coverage offerings and competitive pricing. 

  • Liberty Mutual: Liberty Mutual is headquartered in Boston, MA, and has been offering business insurance since 1912. Today the company offers a flexible, multiline range of coverages designed to meet the needs of any business, regardless of size or industry. 
  • Progressive: Progressive is based in Ohio but offers business insurance across all 50 states, including Minnesota. Minnesota business owners can look to Progressive for most of their business insurance needs. 
  • Hanover Insurance GroupTogether with local independent agents, Hanover Insurance Group offers standard and specialized insurance protection for small and mid-sized businesses. 
  • Nationwide: Nationwide provides business insurance and other popular types of insurance coverage in Minnesota. The company is headquartered in Columbus, OH, and is represented by independent insurance agents in 50 states, including Minnesota. 
  • West Bend: West Bend is a relationship-based company with core values that emphasize excellence, integrity, and responsibility. The company offers highly-rated business insurance in Minnesota. 

An independent insurance agent in your area can help you learn more about these and other Minnesota business insurance companies. A local agent can help you get competitive quotes for the coverage that fits your Minnesota business insurance needs.

Minnesota Business Insurance Requirements

Business insurance is a package of insurance policies that cover your property and liability risks. Business insurance is not required in Minnesota, but if your business owns any vehicles, you will likely have to buy commercial vehicle insurance that complies with the state’s car insurance laws.

In addition, employers in Minnesota with one or more employees must also obtain workers’ compensation insurance. Workers’ compensation insurance covers employees who are injured on the job. It pays for their injury-related medical care and lost wages if they can’t return to work while recovering. 

An independent insurance agent near you can help you learn more about Minnesota’s business insurance requirements. 

What Business Insurance Covers in Minnesota

When you purchase business insurance in Minnesota, you’ll buy several individual policies or a package of policies designed for your type of business. Business insurance in Minnesota will typically include the following types of policies that cover your property and liability risks:

  • Commercial general liability insurance (CGL): Protects your business from lawsuits related to bodily injury and property damage claims. It pays for medical expenses, legal fees, and financial settlements or judgments. Your CGL policy even covers personal injury claims such as libel and slander.
  • Commercial property insurance: This covers damage to a building and its contents if damaged by a weather event, fire, theft, vandalism, and other covered perils. 
  • Business interruption coverage: Protects your earnings and pays certain expenses if your business cannot operate because of damage after a fire, hail, wind, equipment breakdown, or another covered event. If you are forced to close for a while to make repairs or rebuild your business, this coverage pays for rent, employee salaries, lost income, relocation fees, and more.
  • Commercial auto insurance: Protects your business-owned cars and trucks from property damage and liability claims. 
  • Workers’ compensation insurance: Pays for medical expenses and a portion of an employee's lost wages after a work-related injury. 

Your business insurance in Minnesota may include additional coverage types or policies that cover your unique risks. 

Liability Coverage Options for Small Businesses in Minnesota

Lawsuits against businesses are common. Whether a store owner is responsible for a customer trip and fall or a food manufacturer is responsible for sickening hundreds with tainted products, negligence claims can quickly destroy a business. 

commercial general liability (CGL) policy is a type of small business liability insurance that offers broad protection from lawsuits. It covers the injured party's medical expenses and any property damage you are responsible for. And it covers court costs, attorney fees, and even settlements or judgments that you must pay to injured parties. 

Most businesses need general liability coverage, but a CGL policy does not cover every kind of liability risk. Additional small business liability policies are available when your CGL policy isn’t sufficient.

Talk to your independent insurance agent about why you might need other liability coverage options like commercial umbrella insuranceemployment practices liability insurancecyber liability insuranceprofessional liability insurance, or any additional customized small business liability protection. 

Property Coverage Options for Small Businesses in Minnesota

Commercial property losses can originate in various ways and cause tremendous financial harm to your business. These basic business property coverage options can help you repair or rebuild your physical losses and can even compensate you for lost income while you recover after a covered property loss. 

Commercial property insurance protects you when your commercial property is damaged by someone else or by some type of unforeseen event like a fire or severe weather. You need business property insurance if you own your building or have tangible business assets (furniture, computers, fixtures, inventory, materials, tools, etc.). It helps you pay for repairs or to replace damaged or destroyed commercial property after a covered loss. 

Business interruption insurance is a separate coverage that is typically included as part of a commercial property policy. It is designed to protect your earnings if your business cannot operate because of damage after a fire, hail, wind, equipment breakdown, or another covered event. This means that if you’re forced to close your doors for some time in order to make repairs or rebuild, this coverage pays for rent, employee salaries, lost income, relocation fees, and more. 

A local independent insurance agent can help you get quotes for business property insurance in Minnesota.

Other Insurance Options for Small Business Owners in Minnesota

Most businesses in Minnesota are likely to need more than just basic property and liability insurance. Other insurance options for small business owners in Minnesota include:

  • Business owners policy (BOP): A package policy that includes commercial liability insurance, commercial property insurance, and business interruption insurance. 
  • Workers’ compensation insurance: Typically required for any business that has employees. It pays for lost income and medical expenses for employees that are injured on the job.
  • Commercial vehicle insurance: Covers your vehicles and drivers in the event of an accident or other types of vehicle damage. 
  • Cyber liability insurance: Provides coverage in the event of a data breach involving your business.
  • Employment practices liability insurance: Protects you if an employee sues you for discriminatory employment practices. 
  • Flood or hurricane insurance: Your basic commercial property policy does not cover flood or hurricane damage. Talk to your agent about flood and hurricane insurance if you live in an area that is prone to these events.
  • Professional liability insurance: Protects you if a client claims you have been negligent in providing professional services.
  • Commercial umbrella insurance: Provides excess liability coverage above and beyond the limits of your applicable underlying commercial liability policies. 

This is not an exhaustive list of your business insurance options in Minnesota. An independent insurance agent can ensure all of your Minnesota business insurance needs are met. 

Average Cost of Business Insurance in Minnesota

Every business has different coverage needs and the types and amounts of coverage you need probably have the greatest impact on the cost of your business insurance. And a variety of other important factors, such as the following, are used to determine how much you'll pay for your business coverage:

  • The company’s annual gross sales and payroll
  • The company’s employee count
  • The size and physical location of the company
  • The company's physical assets (buildings, vehicles, machines, equipment, inventory, etc.)
  • The nature of the business (What does the company do?)
  • The company’s prior insurance claims history

An independent insurance agent can help you understand all of the risks you face and get quotes for affordable business insurance in Minnesota.

How does your Minnesota city measure up?

Number of businesses in the US: 30,819,176

Burglary rate per 1,000 residents in the US: 3.76

Auto theft rate per 1,000 vehicles in the US: 2.29

CityNo. of businessesBurglaries / 1,000 peopleAuto thefts / 1,000 cars
Bloomington9,7352.131.92
Brooklyn Park5,0683.683.71
Duluth6,1075.62.47
Eagan6,6211.391.08
Eden Prairie7,2131.050.34
Edina6,6192.640.92
Maple Grove6,1880.980.51
Minneapolis44,7027.886.73
Minnetonka7,4651.670.69
Plymouth8,2741.890.55
Rochester8,9002.381.07
St. Cloud5,5773.292.55
St. Louis Park6,0242.621.84
St. Paul27,1476.577.79
Woodbury5,4501.990.37

How Does Your Minnesota City Measure Up?

Property: Property crime is one of the biggest threats to your business assets. If your business is robbed or vandalized, you could face a financial nightmare. Business insurance can protect you from property losses related to crime, as well as property damage due to severe weather, fire, and other unforeseen events. But be aware that if you live in an area with a high property crime rate, you may pay more than average for your Bloomington business insurance. 

Commercial auto: Commercial auto insurance protects your company vehicles and drivers just like your personal auto insurance protects your family. Likewise, the auto theft rate in your city plays a role in what you will pay to cover your autos, including your commercial vehicles. Bloomington has a relatively low rate of auto theft, which may help you save some money on your business auto insurance. 

Workers’ compensation: Pays for medical bills and lost wages for workers who are injured on the job. It is required for most Minnesota employers. Every workplace has unique risks and hazards for its workers, which is why workers' compensation rates vary significantly depending on your industry.

Property: You need to protect your Brooklyn Park business from a number of threats, including fire, burst pipes, severe weather, or a break-in. All of these can cause damage to your business property and can place a heavy financial burden on you, as well. Brooklyn Park has a somewhat higher property crime rate than many cities in Minnesota, which means you have an increased risk for thefts, break-ins, and vandalism. You may pay more than average for your commercial property insurance as a result. 

Commercial auto: Commercial auto insurance premiums depend on several unique factors, including the number of vehicles you need to insure, the types of vehicles covered, and the risk of theft and collisions in your city. If you live in an area with a high rate of auto theft, expect your commercial auto insurance rates to be higher than average. 

Workers’ compensation: Pays for medical bills and lost wages for workers who are injured on the job. It is required for most Minnesota employers. Every workplace has unique risks and hazards for its workers, which is why workers' compensation rates vary significantly depending on your industry.

Property: Severe weather and fire aren’t the only risks for your Coon Rapids business property. Crimes like theft, arson, and vandalism can also pose a serious risk to your assets if you don't have the right commercial insurance coverage for your business. But remember, if you live in an area with a high crime rate, you might pay more than average for your coverage. 

Commercial auto: You need protection for your commercial vehicles regardless of where your business is located. It protects your business-owned vehicles just like your personal auto insurance protects your family. What you pay is based on several factors, like the makes and models of the covered vehicles, what the vehicles are used for, and the risk of theft and collisions in your city. Auto theft is not a serious problem in Coon Rapids, so it is likely to have little impact on the cost of coverage. 

Workers’ compensation: Pays for medical bills and lost wages for workers who are injured on the job. It is required for most Minnesota employers. Every workplace has unique risks and hazards for its workers, which is why workers' compensation rates vary significantly depending on your industry.

Property: Any number of events can cause damage to your business property, including severe weather, property crimes, or an unexpected fire. Duluth business insurance protects your business from losses and helps you repair the damage. You might pay slightly more for commercial property insurance in Duluth, since the property crime rate is higher than the national average and higher than many other cities in Minnesota. 

Commercial auto: Auto theft can create a major challenge for businesses that own vehicles. If a company car is stolen, your commercial auto insurance will help you replace your vehicle without taking a hit to your bottom line. Car owners in Duluth experience less theft than the national average, which may help to keep commercial auto insurance rates lower than average, too. 

Workers’ compensation: Pays for medical bills and lost wages for workers who are injured on the job. It is required for most Minnesota employers. Every workplace has unique risks and hazards for its workers, which is why workers' compensation rates vary significantly depending on your industry.

Property: Whether property damage comes from severe weather, vandalism, or fire, it is an expensive problem for your business. Without the right Eagan commercial insurance coverage, you'll have to pay to repair damage and replace property out of your pocket. Your risk of property crime is low in Eagan, so your rates for commercial property insurance may be lower than average, too. 

Commercial auto: Whether you have one company car or a fleet of trucks, you need commercial auto insurance to protect your vehicles and drivers. The cost for coverage will be based on the number of cars you need to insure, the make and model of the vehicles, and the risk for auto thefts and collisions in your area. Auto theft is rare in Eagan, helping to keep your commercial auto insurance rates down. 

Workers’ compensation: Pays for medical bills and lost wages for workers who are injured on the job. It is required for most Minnesota employers. Every workplace has unique risks and hazards for its workers, which is why workers' compensation rates vary significantly depending on your industry.

Property: The cost of Eden Prairie commercial property insurance depends on several factors, such as the crime rate and your risk for other types of property loss or damage due to weather events, fires, and other unforeseen circumstances. Eden Prairie’s property crime rate is lower than the national average. You're likely to pay less for Eden Prairie commercial property insurance as a result. 

Commercial auto: If your Eden Prairie business owns a car or a fleet of vehicles, you'll need to purchase commercial auto insurance. It protects your commercial vehicles just like your personal car insurance protects your family cars. If you live in a city with a high rate of auto theft, your commercial auto insurance rates may be higher than average. Eden Prairie has a low auto theft rate, which may help to keep commercial auto insurance rates lower than in other Minnesota cities.

Workers’ compensation: Pays for medical bills and lost wages for workers who are injured on the job. It is required for most Minnesota employers. Every workplace has unique risks and hazards for its workers, which is why workers' compensation rates vary significantly depending on your industry.

Property: One in 58 Maple Grove residents will be the victim of a property crime like burglary, theft, or arson. If your business were a victim, would you be able to repair or replace stolen, damaged, or destroyed property? Commercial property insurance lets you rest easy, knowing your assets are protected. If you live in an area with a high crime rate, you may pay more than average for your coverage because of the increased risk you face. Luckily, Maple Grove is a safe city with a low rate of property crime. 

Commercial auto: If your business owns one vehicle or a whole fleet of cars and trucks, you need commercial auto insurance to protect your vehicles and drivers. Your premiums will be based on various factors, such as the makes and models of the covered autos, what the vehicles are used for, and the risk of auto theft and collisions in your city. 

Workers’ compensation: Pays for medical bills and lost wages for workers who are injured on the job. It is required for most Minnesota employers. Every workplace has unique risks and hazards for its workers, which is why workers' compensation rates vary significantly depending on your industry.

Property: Commercial insurance costs in Minneapolis are affected by the city’s crime rate, as well as your risk for other types of property loss or damage due to weather events, fires, and other unforeseen circumstances. The property crime rate in Minneapolis is higher than the national average and higher than other cities in Minnesota. You may pay more for Minneapolis business insurance as a result. 

Commercial auto: If your business owns a single car or a fleet of vehicles, you'll need to purchase commercial auto insurance. It protects your commercial vehicles just like your personal car insurance protects your family cars. Minneapolis has a high auto theft rate relative to other cities in Minnesota and the US. Your commercial auto insurance rates may be higher than average as a result. 

Workers’ compensation: Pays for medical bills and lost wages for workers who are injured on the job. It is required for most Minnesota employers. Every workplace has unique risks and hazards for its workers, which is why workers' compensation rates vary significantly depending on your industry.

Property: Did you know that the crime rate in your city can affect how much you pay for business insurance? Businesses in areas with high crime rates face an increased risk of break-ins, vandalism, arson, and other property crimes. Luckily, Plymouth has a low property crime rate, which can help to keep your business property insurance rates down. 

Commercial auto: Auto theft is rare in Plymouth. In general, if you live in an area with a low rate of auto theft, you will pay less for commercial auto insurance. Other factors also play a role, such as the number and type of cars covered and what they are used for. 

Workers’ compensation: Pays for medical bills and lost wages for workers who are injured on the job. It is required for most Minnesota employers. Every workplace has unique risks and hazards for its workers, which is why workers' compensation rates vary significantly depending on your industry.

Property: Rochester is a safe community, but accidents and break-ins can happen when you least expect it. If your business is victimized by a property crime, your Rochester business insurance will help you pay to repair or replace lost, stolen, or vandalized property. It also helps you recover if you experience damage due to fire, severe weather, or other unforeseen circumstances. Luckily, the lower property crime rate in Rochester may help to keep your commercial insurance rates lower than in other Minnesota cities. 

Commercial auto: Commercial auto insurance is necessary if your business owns a vehicle or a fleet of vehicles. Auto theft is not a huge problem in Rochester, but it does happen. No matter where your business is located, you need commercial auto insurance to protect you should the worst happen. Business auto insurance also protects your drivers and vehicles after collisions and other mishaps with your company cars. 

Workers’ compensation: Pays for medical bills and lost wages for workers who are injured on the job. It is required for most Minnesota employers. Every workplace has unique risks and hazards for its workers, which is why workers' compensation rates vary significantly depending on your industry.

Property: Business property insurance protects your assets when robbers, vandals, or even arsonists target your business. If you experience property damage due to a crime, your insurance will help you repair and replace your business property and can even help you stay operational while repairs are being made. If your business is in a high-crime area, expect to pay more for commercial property insurance because of the increased risks you face. 

Commercial auto: Any business that owns vehicles (cars, trucks, vans, etc.) needs commercial auto insurance. It protects your St. Cloud business from the financial consequences of car accidents and other mishaps, such as theft, with your owned vehicles. If you live in an area with a high rate of auto theft, expect to pay a little more for your commercial auto insurance because of the increased risk you face. 

Workers’ compensation: Pays for medical bills and lost wages for workers who are injured on the job. It is required for most Minnesota employers. Every workplace has unique risks and hazards for its workers, which is why workers' compensation rates vary significantly depending on your industry.

Property: St. Paul has a relatively high property crime rate compared to other cities in Minnesota, which may make commercial insurance rates higher than average. Regardless of where your business is located, you need business insurance to protect your assets from the costs of theft, vandalism, and other property threats like fire and severe weather. 

Commercial auto: Commercial auto insurance rates are largely determined by the number and type of vehicles you need to insure, as well as the risks you face for collisions or other types of losses. Auto theft can be a problem in St. Paul. A high auto theft rate in your city may increase your business auto insurance premiums. 

Workers’ compensation: Pays for medical bills and lost wages for workers who are injured on the job. It is required for most Minnesota employers. Every workplace has unique risks and hazards for its workers, which is why workers' compensation rates vary significantly depending on your industry.

Property: In addition to severe weather events and fires, property crimes like theft and vandalism can lead to large losses for your business if you do not have the right insurance. Commercial property insurance helps you repair and replace lost, damaged, or destroyed business property so you can get back to work as soon as possible. Woodbury is a relatively safe city, which may help to keep your commercial property insurance rates lower than in other Minnesota cities. 

Commercial auto: Business-owned vehicles have to be insured just like your personal vehicles. Commercial auto insurance provides protection against collisions, thefts, and liability claims. Your rates will be based on variables such as the number of vehicles you need to insure, your yearly mileage, and the risk for auto thefts in your area. Auto theft is relatively rare in Woodbury, which may help to keep commercial auto insurance rates down. 

Workers’ compensation: Pays for medical bills and lost wages for workers who are injured on the job. It is required for most Minnesota employers. Every workplace has unique risks and hazards for its workers, which is why workers' compensation rates vary significantly depending on your industry.


Minnesota Business Insurance FAQs

While you can't predict the exact costs of business insurance in Minnesota, it’s important to understand what variables play a role in your insurance rates. Here are just a few of the factors that insurance companies use when calculating your business insurance costs in Iowa:

  • Type of industry
  • Number of employees
  • Gross annual sales
  • Location of business
  • Number of company vehicles
  • Past claims reported
  • Number of years in operation

In Minnesota, it’s essential for almost every business to carry a comprehensive business insurance package. Business insurance is not required by law in Minnesota, but any business with one or more employees must carry Minnesota workers’ compensation insurance

In addition, if your business owns any vehicles, you’re required to comply with Minnesota’s car insurance laws by purchasing appropriate commercial vehicle insurance

Most businesses in Minnesota need a combination of property and liability insurance, in addition to workers’ compensation insurance and commercial vehicle insurance as required by the state. 

Depending on your unique business and the risks you face, you’ll likely need additional coverage, such as professional liability insurancecommercial umbrella insurance, or cyber liability insurance.

Small business liability insurance is a primary building block of your Minnesota business insurance program. It helps protect your operation from bodily injury and property damage lawsuits that come your way as a result of doing business. 

Though not mandatory by Minnesota state law, this policy is necessary to avoid the major financial repercussions of even a single negligence claim or lawsuit. 

Health insurance and other employee benefits are important for many small businesses and their employees. A good employee benefits plan helps companies support a healthy and satisfied workforce. In addition, employers who offer employee health plans may also be eligible for significant tax benefits. 

Minnesota has many different small business health insurance plans and options. An independent insurance agent can help you find business health insurance plans near you.

Liberty MutualProgressiveHanover Insurance GroupNationwide, and West Bend are some of the best business insurance companies in Minnesota. They are highly rated for offering broad coverage, top-notch customer service, and a variety of affordable options for business owners.

Small businesses in Minnesota may need the following types of business insurance:

  • Commercial general liability insurance
  • Commercial property insurance
  • Business interruption/loss of use insurance
  • Workers’ compensation insurance
  • Commercial vehicle insurance
  • Commercial umbrella insurance

Business owners in Minnesota may also need additional policies, including professional liability insurance, equipment breakdown insurance, inland marine insurance, employment practices liability insurance, and more, to cover their unique risks. 

A certificate of insurance is a document you obtain from your insurance company to prove you have business insurance. Certificates of insurance assure your clients that you have the right insurance before they agree to work with you. This can be very important in certain industries, such as construction. 

Most insurance companies make it easy to request a certificate of insurance. You can usually request one directly from your insurance company by phone or online, or your independent insurance agent can handle it for you. 

While your industry does not affect what business insurance is required by the state of Minnesota, it does affect what business insurance is likely needed to adequately protect your assets when you have a loss. The business insurance package for a retail store will be very different from that for a manufacturer, a landscaper, or even a restaurant. 

In some cases, workers' compensation insurance requirements vary by industry. 

An independent insurance agent in your area can help you understand the unique risks faced by businesses in your industry and how the right business insurance policies can protect you. 

Searching for the best and most affordable business insurance can be frustrating and confusing. That’s why it pays to have an experienced insurance professional in your corner.

Find an independent insurance agent in Minnesota now, and get one-on-one consultation and affordable options for the best coverage for your unique needs. Your agent will work with you free of charge, offering you a variety of options so you can make the best choice.  

Do You Know What Your Business Insurance Covers in Minnesota?

https://advocacy.sba.gov/wp-content/uploads/2022/08/Small-Business-Economic-Profile-MN.pdf

https://www.dli.mn.gov/business/workers-compensation/work-comp-who-needs-workers-compensation-coverage