Small Business Insurance in Missouri
Get a price estimate in just three steps
Rates as low as $20.75/month*
Get a price estimate in just three steps
Rates as low as $20.75/month*
Over 1 million customers worldwide.
Buy instantly online.
Written by
Small Business Insurance in Missouri
Missouri is home to a variety of small businesses, from professional services firms in St. Louis, construction companies in Kansas City, and all manner of tradespeople, trucking companies, carpenters, car detailers, and craftspeople in between, each with their own insurance needs.
Business insurance requirements in Missouri depend on a number of factors we’ll show you below, so you can get the coverage to help protect your business and keep you in compliance with the Show-Me State’s requirements.
Is Business Insurance Required in Missouri?
Workers’ compensation and commercial auto insurance are two types of small-business insurance that are often required in Missouri, but those requirements will be specific to your business.
While Missouri state laws won’t penalize you for not having non-required commercial insurance, the right policies can still protect your personal and business assets.
What Types of Small Business Insurance Are Required in Missouri?
Only commercial auto insurance and workers’ compensation insurance are mandatory in Missouri, but your business may be required to have one or both types of commercial coverage.
Let’s look at the types of commercial insurance your business may need and whether you have to purchase protection for your employees or vehicles.
Commercial Auto Insurance in Missouri
Missouri law mandates that all business-owned vehicles must be covered by a commercial insurance policy with specified minimum limits.
Here are the minimum coverage limits you must purchase for commercial auto insurance in Missouri:
- $25,000 per person for bodily injury
- $50,000 per accident for bodily injury
- $25,000 property damage
- $25,000 per person uninsured motorist coverage
- $50,000 per accident uninsured motorist coverage
If you are a sole proprietor using a vehicle for business, you may need a commercial auto policy, as personal auto policies generally exclude business use. Simply Business does not offer commercial auto insurance, but can refer you to an insurer that does.
Workers’ Compensation Insurance in Missouri
Generally, small businesses with five or more full- or part-time employees must carry workers’ compensation insurance under Missouri law. Construction companies, however, must carry workers’ compensation insurance even if they have only one employee, given the risks of their industry.
The definition of an employee includes officers of a corporation. Sole proprietors and partners can also elect to be covered by workers’ compensation. Close family member-employees and members of limited liability companies (LLCs) are presumed to be covered, but they can opt out of coverage.
The following types of businesses are exempt from needing workers’ compensation:
- Farm laborers
- Domestic servants
- Certain real estate agents
- Direct sellers
- Commercial motor-carrier owner-operators.
Businesses that do not carry workers’ compensation insurance when they are required to have it are taking on significant risk. Under Missouri law, employers who do not have required coverage can be held liable in civil lawsuits brought by employees who suffer work-related injuries or illnesses.
Professional Liability Insurance (E&O) in Missouri
While it’s not required in Missouri, professional liability is almost a necessity for some small businesses. You may also see it referred to as “errors and omissions insurance (E&O).”
Professional liability protects your business if you make a mistake or fail to disclose something to a client that causes them harm, such as an accounting error. Lawsuits can be costly, and professional liability insurance can help pay your legal fees and settlement costs.
Professional liability coverage can also help cover:
- Negligent acts
- Inaccurate advice
- Negligent misrepresentation
If you work in one of the following professions, it’s generally advisable to protect your small business with professional liability insurance:
- Accountants
- Marketing consultants
- Real estate agents
- Graphic designers
- Interior designers
- Technology professionals
Depending on your area of expertise, state licensing boards or industry regulations may also require you to purchase professional liability. In addition, your clients may require professional liability as part of your contract with them.
General Liability Insurance in Missouri
Missouri law doesn’t require small businesses to carry general liability insurance, but your business may need it for other reasons.
General liability insurance protects your business with the following coverages:
- Bodily Injury: Helps pay for medical expenses or legal fees if someone gets injured on your business property or because of your operations.
- Property Damage: To cover repairs or replacement if you or your employees accidentally damage someone else’s property while on the job.
- Personal & Advertising Injury: General liability may help protect against allegations of libel, slander, copyright infringement, or malicious prosecution.
- Medical Payments: Pays small amounts to cover medical costs for a minor injury on your premises to prevent lawsuits.
Many commercial contracts require proof of general liability insurance before you can begin work, especially in St. Louis and Kansas City. Proof of general liability insurance may also be required to get certain contractor licenses.
Get free Missouri business insurance quotes in 10 minutes or less.
Simply Business provides customized coverage options from top-rated small business insurers — all in just 10 minutes. We do all the leg work so you can sit back, compare quotes, and save.
How Much Does Business Insurance Cost in Missouri?
Here are median monthly cost ranges1 for common small business insurance policies in Missouri:
Median Monthly Costs1
| General liability | $42 |
| Workers’ compensation | $101 |
| Business owner’s policy | $48 |
| Professional liability | $42 |
1Data from Simply Business customers located in MO, who purchased at least one or a combination of BOP, general liability, professional liability, and workers’ compensation policies from July 1, 2025 to December 31, 2025. The median costs shown are for illustrative purposes only; actual premiums vary by state, coverage limits, and individual business risk.
The cost of business insurance in Missouri depends on many factors, including, but not limited to, the type of business you operate, the size of your business, and your claims history.
Commercial insurance companies take the following factors into account, among others, when deciding the amount the policy they will offer you for business insurance in Missouri:
- Payroll and/or revenue: The total compensation you pay to your employees is typically a factor in your commercial insurance costs.
- Industry risk: High-risk industries such as construction and manufacturing can expect to pay more.
- Location: Small businesses in large cities such as St. Louis and Kansas City typically pay more than those in rural Missouri.
- Claims history: Commercial insurers will generally consider past claims made in the past 3 to 5 years to decide if your business qualifies for a policy and the cost to insure it.
State-Specific Risks for Businesses in Missouri
Weather, geography, and cybersecurity can pose significant financial risks for small businesses operating in Missouri.
Let’s look at some common losses in Missouri that could cause financial hardship for your business and how the right insurance policies can protect against them.
Severe Weather & Tornado Risk
Missouri lies within one of the nation’s most active tornado regions, particularly in the central and southern regions. Thousands of businesses were destroyed in the 2011 Joplin tornado.
Commercial property and business interruption coverage help protect small businesses in Missouri after covered events like tornados.
River Flooding Risk
Many small businesses located near the Missouri and Mississippi Rivers are at risk of flooding, particularly where they meet near St. Louis.
Because standard commercial property insurance policies typically exclude flood damage, a separate flood policy through the National Flood Insurance Program (NFIP) adds an extra layer of protection.
New Madrid Seismic Zone
Missouri sits on top of the New Madrid Seismic Zone, one of North America’s highly active earthquake regions. Small businesses located in the eastern St. Louis area in seismic activity zones are at risk of severe earthquake damage.
Most standard commercial property insurance policies don’t cover earthquake damage, but small businesses can typically add coverage to cover earthquakes.
Data Breach Notification Law
Cybercriminals commonly target small and medium-sized businesses. Hackers often believe that smaller companies have weaker security measures and smaller budgets for data protection.
Missouri’s data breach statute (RSMo § 407.1500) requires businesses to notify affected Missouri residents without unreasonable delay, after discovery of a breach.
Cyber liability insurance can help cover the costs of notifying clients, offering credit monitoring, and responding to regulatory inquiries.
Who Needs Missouri Small Business Insurance?
Best Missouri Business Insurance for Your Industry
Commercial insurance policies are available as standalone policies. Depending on your needs, it may be better to package two or more coverages into a business owner’s policy (BOP) or commercial package policy (CPP). The type of small-business insurance you need depends on your industry.
Let’s look at three examples.
Construction Insurance in Missouri
The two core insurance policies for construction companies are general liability and workers’ compensation.
General liability is recommended because of the risks associated with construction, tools, and machinery. Many municipalities require contractors to show proof of liability to obtain construction permits or small business licenses. Larger cities like St. Louis and Kansas City are more likely to require tradespeople to carry general liability insurance.
Under state law, workers’ compensation is mandatory for construction businesses if they have one or more employees. Sole proprietors with no employees are exempt unless required by a client.
Other types of insurance construction workers may need are:
- Professional liability: Provides protection for construction workers who make a mistake or leave something out
- Builder’s risk: Covers building during the course of construction
- Commercial auto: Pays for losses to vehicles used by the business
- Inland marine: Offers coverage for equipment in transit, mobile equipment, property in the care of a repair person or storage facility, and more
Retail & Restaurant Insurance in Missouri
A BOP is typically the best type of insurance policy for most retail shops and restaurants.
A BOP bundles general liability and commercial property insurance into one policy.
In addition to a BOP, retail shops and restaurants may benefit from the following additional types of insurance:
- Flood insurance: Flood coverage pays for losses to buildings and contents following covered events. Restaurants and retail businesses near flood-prone areas, especially in the Kansas City and St. Louis areas, may benefit from flood insurance.
- Liquor liability: The coverage helps protect establishments that manufacture, sell, serve, or distribute alcohol from claims and lawsuits
Agriculture & Farm-Based Businesses in Missouri
Missouri is a top agricultural state and contributes billions to the economy. Tens of thousands of farmers make their homes and earn their living by farming crops and raising livestock.
Most farmers benefit from a comprehensive farm insurance package that covers the main farmhouse, outbuildings, livestock, machinery, and general liability coverage.
Depending on the type of farm, farmers may also benefit from:
- Workers’ compensation: Farmers don’t have to offer workers’ compensation for themselves or their laborers, but it helps to keep operations running when a farm worker has a work-related injury or illness.
- Crop insurance: This insurance helps protect farm revenue from natural disasters and severe market fluctuations. Most crop insurance policies are backed by the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA).
- Inland marine: This type of policy protects high-value, agricultural equipment and tools while in transit.
How to get a Certificate of Insurance in Missouri
Your insurance agent or broker, or a company representative, will be happy to provide you with a Certificate of Insurance (COI) upon your request.
To expedite the process, be prepared to provide your general liability insurance provider with the following information:
- Certificate holder information: For example, full legal name, mailing address, and email of the party requiring the certificate
- Specific requirements: For example, special endorsements such as “additional insured” status or a waiver of subrogation. Note that some insurance carriers may charge an additional fee.
- Job or contract-related details: For example, the project name, job reference number, or purpose of the certificate
Depending on your insurance provider, you may be able to print a COI from an online portal. With Simply Business, you can generate a COI from your online customer account in a few minutes.
FAQs About Missouri Business Insurance
Do I need workers’ compensation if I only have four employees?
Generally, no. Companies with five or more employees must carry workers’ compensation insurance. Contractors and construction businesses are an exception. All employees must be covered by workers’ compensation, even if there is just one employee. One thing to keep in mind: depending on how your company is organized (such as a corporation or an LLC), the owner(s) or officer(s) may also be considered employees.
Is general liability required for an LLC in Missouri?
No. General liability is not typically required for an LLC in Missouri at the state or federal level. That said, general liability protects your business, and commercial landlords and clients almost always demand it.
Who regulates business insurance in Missouri?
The Missouri Department of Commerce and Insurance. The department monitors the financial health of insurance companies and requires insurance agents to be properly licensed. The Consumer Affairs Division also investigates insurance complaints and helps residents resolve issues after catastrophic events.
Does my commercial auto policy include uninsured motorist coverage?
Yes. Missouri requires uninsured motorist coverage of $25,000/$50,000, along with standard liability minimums, although higher limits are recommended for small-business auto policies.
Additional Information and State Resources for Missouri Small Business Owners
Missouri Division of workers’ compensation
A guide to small business insurance in Missouri
Written by
Our +1 million customers are big fans. And you will be too.
Very easy to obtain with lots of options to add as far as what your business needs. The pricing was also better than all could offer.
Darrel I.
General contractor
My agent was very helpful and offered what we needed to protect our business.
Pervaiz A.
Restaurant owner
Basically provided the same policy content as all the others, yet was the cheapest one there!
Daniel G.
Handyperson
This block is configured using JavaScript. A preview is not available in the editor.
*The displayed price for each product is a monthly estimate calculated from the 10th percentile of relevant policies sold by Simply Business (e.g., General Liability data is used for General Liability estimates). This estimate uses data from relevant policy sales between July–December 2025. Final price and payment terms, which may include an initial down payment, are subject to change based on your state, selected insurance provider, and specific business details.