Key takeaways
The Hartford ranks #5 for affordability among major business insurance carriers, with average rates of $54 monthly.
— QuoteYeti editorial team
- 02 Customer experience ranks #2 based on J.D. Power scores, NAIC complaint data, and online sentiment.
- 03 Coverage breadth scores #2 — see the coverage section below for which add-ons set The Hartford apart.
The Hartford ratings
How much does The Hartford cost?
The Hartford business insurance costs small business owners $54 monthly on average, or $648 annually — Varies by industry compared to the national average. Actual rates vary significantly based on your profile, location, and coverage selections. Use the cost-by-category table below to see how The Hartford typically prices different small business profiles.
Avg monthly
$54
Avg annual
$648
vs. national avg
Varies by industry
Rates by category
| Category | Minimum coverage | Full coverage | Rank |
|---|---|---|---|
| Low-risk small business owners | $46 | $54 | #5 |
| Average small business owners | $54 | $62 | #5 |
| Higher-risk small business owners | $76 | $86 | #6 |
The Hartford earns #4 overall in our business rankings — the kind of performance that rewards a closer look, not a coin flip.
The Hartford reputation
The Hartford ranks #2 in QuoteYeti's customer experience study for business insurance. The score blends J.D. Power survey data, NAIC complaint ratios (0.58 versus an industry-wide 1.00 average), and member sentiment from public review sources. Customers consistently praise The Hartford for responsive service and smooth claims experiences.
Step 01
Buying process
Buying coverage from The Hartford is a strong experience for most small business owners. The quoting process is primarily online with phone support available for complex situations.
Step 02
Policy management
Day-to-day policy management at The Hartford is straightforward, with self-service through both the mobile app and web portal. Members typically rate the digital experience as competent if not standout.
Step 03
Claims experience
Claims handling at The Hartford is consistently strong, with NAIC complaint data well below the industry average and J.D. Power scores reflecting member satisfaction. For straightforward claims (windshield repairs, minor incidents), most small business owners report fast resolution. Complex claims requiring extensive investigation can take longer.
Independent industry ratings
Independent ratings from major financial-strength and customer-satisfaction agencies:
| Source | Score | Overview |
|---|---|---|
| AM Best Financial Strength 1 A.M. Best Insurance-industry credit rating agency since 1899. A++ is the highest financial-strength grade. | A+ (Superior) | Superior ability to meet financial obligations |
| S&P Global Financial Strength 2 S&P Global Standard & Poor's Global Ratings. Insurance financial-strength grades from AAA (strongest) to D. | AA- | Very strong capacity to meet financial commitments |
| J.D. Power Claims Satisfaction 3 J.D. Power Consumer satisfaction surveys with 12,000+ policyholders annually. Scores run 0–1000; above 800 is considered excellent. | 718/1,000 | Near industry average |
| NAIC Complaint Ratio 4 NAIC National Association of Insurance Commissioners. Their complaint index is 1.0 = average; lower is better. | 0.58 | Substantially fewer complaints than expected for company size |
The Hartford discounts
The Hartford offers 3 discounts to help reduce your premium:
| Discount | Average savings | Eligibility |
|---|---|---|
| AARP Member | Variable | AARP members may qualify for discounted rates |
| Multi-Policy Bundle | Up to 15% | Bundle BOP with workers' comp or commercial auto |
| Loss-Free | Variable | No claims filed in the past several years |
The Hartford coverage options
The Hartford offers a comprehensive coverage menu typical of major business insurance carriers, with several add-ons that set it apart from competitors. The table below details the main add-ons available.
| Add-on coverage | What it covers | Key features |
|---|---|---|
| Business Owner's Policy (BOP) | Property + general liability + business interruption | Most cost-effective package for small businesses with locations |
| Workers' Compensation | Medical bills and lost wages for employees injured on the job | Required in most states; The Hartford is a top WC carrier |
| Commercial Auto | Vehicles used for business purposes | Required for any business using vehicles for work |
| Data Breach / Cyber | Cyber liability and data breach response costs | Increasingly important across all industries |
Pros and cons
Ordered by impact. The top item in each column is the one we'd weight heaviest in a recommendation.
What's working
- Top pro Comprehensive Business Owner's Policy (BOP) bundles
- AARP-endorsed for many policy types
- 200+ years insuring small businesses
- Strong agent network with personalized service
- Robust workers' compensation and commercial auto offerings
What's not
- Top con Higher base rates than digital-first competitors
- Online quoting less developed than insurtech rivals
- Underwriting can be slow for some industries
- Less competitive for very small (under $100K revenue) businesses
Our verdict
The bottom line
The Hartford earns an overall score of 4.38/5 in QuoteYeti's business insurance provider rankings. The carrier ranks #4 nationally, with particular strength in customer experience.
The Hartford is best suited for small business owners who value strong customer service over the lowest price. Higher base rates than digital-first competitors is the most common drawback to weigh against the strengths.
As always, compare quotes from multiple insurers before committing. The right carrier depends on your specific profile — driving record, claims history, location, and coverage needs all shift the math.
Frequently asked questions
Is The Hartford a good business insurance company?
The Hartford is a legitimate business insurance carrier with a financial-strength rating of A+ (Superior). It ranks #4 overall and #5 in affordability in QuoteYeti's editorial comparison of major business insurance providers.
How much does The Hartford business insurance cost?
The Hartford averages $54 monthly ($648 annually) — Varies by industry versus the national average. Your actual rate depends on your profile, location, and coverage choices. Use the cost-by-category table above to see how The Hartford typically prices different small business owners.
What discounts does The Hartford offer?
The Hartford offers 3 primary discounts, including AARP Member, Multi-Policy Bundle, Loss-Free. See the full discount table above for eligibility and average savings.
Does The Hartford have good claims handling?
The Hartford's NAIC complaint ratio is 0.58 (1.00 is the industry average, so lower is better). This is well below the average — meaning fewer customer complaints relative to volume. J.D. Power claims scores rate 718/1,000.
Should I choose The Hartford or a competitor?
The Hartford is strongest for small business owners who prioritize customer service quality. Compare quotes from at least three carriers — The Hartford's rates and offerings vary significantly based on your specific profile, and the carrier that fits best can differ for small business owners in different situations.
How we rated The Hartford
QuoteYeti's business insurance rankings are designed to surface where each carrier actually wins and loses. We don't accept payment for ranking placement, and our methodology is published in full so you can audit how we reach our conclusions.
60%
Cost
We compare quotes across multiple small business owners profiles, measuring how competitively each carrier prices its policies against local and national competitors. Data is normalized to comparable coverage levels.
30%
Customer satisfaction
We analyze customer feedback from J.D. Power member studies, NAIC complaint ratios, AM Best ratings, and public review sources to assess overall service quality and claims handling.
10%
Coverage breadth
We evaluate each carrier's coverage menu, scoring the variety of available endorsements, unique features, and gap-filling options.