Maine Business Insurance
Customized protection for your Maine business
Maine business owners should consider several types of business insurance to protect against a variety of common claims, from a customer slipping and falling on a shop floor to an employee becoming injured on the job.
Over 99% of Maine businesses are classified as small businesses, and employ 293,872 people, according to the US Small Business Administration (SBA). Maine state law requires these employees to be protected under a workers’ compensation policy provided by their employer.
Getting the coverages that fit your business is simple with the Progressive Advantage® Business Program. Our insurance experts can help you choose from a variety of business insurance options and customize them to your needs and budget.
Types of ME business insurance
General Liability
This is the most common business insurance coverage and nearly all businesses in Maine should have it. It protects against third-party bodily injury and property damage, as well as personal and advertising injury.
Commercial Auto
This coverage protects against damage to your vehicles and trailers, as well as injuries or property damage related to their use. Your personal auto policy doesn’t cover vehicles while they’re being used for business reasons.
Workers' Compensation
Nearly all businesses in Maine are required to have workers’ comp insurance if they employees. Workers’ compensation insurance helps pay for expenses related to employees becoming injured or ill while working for you.
Business Owners Policy (BOP)
A BOP combines property and liability coverage into one easy-to-manage policy. It’s a great option for small to medium-sized businesses that rent or own commercial property such as a storefront, warehouse or office building.
Professional Liability
Maine businesses that offer professional services should consider this coverage. It protects businesses from claims of professional negligence, both actual or alleged, and helps pay for defense costs. It’s also known as errors and omissions insurance (E&O).
Cyber Insurance
This protects against incidents like data breaches and cyber attacks. It includes first-party and third-party protection for things like investigative services, data recovery and legal costs. Businesses that store or manage customer data, like credit card information, typically need this coverage.
How much does business insurance cost in Maine?
The cost of business insurance in Maine is determined by a variety of factors including your business’s size and location. For example, a business located in Portland can expect a different cost than a business located in Bangor.
One of the most important factors is the type of work your business does. For example, a landscaper can expect a lower insurance rate than a tree trimmer because their work is typically done at ground level, which exposes them to less risk. Higher risk professions, like tree trimmers and general contractors, require a special insurance called excess and surplus (E&S) insurance, which usually costs more.
Maine business insurance requirements
Workers’ compensation is the only type of business insurance required by law in Maine, however, you’ll want to consider other coverages, like general liability, to protect against the exposures most common among your profession. Keep in mind, your prospective clients and employers might have their own insurance requirements in addition to what’s mandatory by law.
Almost all businesses are required to carry workers’ compensation if they have employees, according to Maine’s Department of Professional & Financial Regulation. Employers of domestic workers in private homes and certain agricultural workers are exempt from this requirement. View Maine's workers' compensation guide to learn more about what’s required for your specific situation.
Resources for Maine small business owners:
- 2020 Maine Small Business Profile (SBA)
- Maine Small Business Resources (Maine.gov)
- Maine Small Business Development Center (CEI Maine)
Maine professions we insure
We help small business owners from a wide variety of industries, including these common professions:
- Restaurants
- Retail shops
- Contractors
- Landscapers
- Technology / IT specialists
- Cleaning services
- Massage therapists
- Real estate agents
Browse more examples of professions we insure.
Why choose Progressive?
Options – We can help you secure coverage at any stage of your business’s development with the flexibility to adjust your policy as your business changes. Our agents will work with you to make sure you’re getting protection that meets both your needs and budget.
Experts – As the #1 Commercial Auto Insurer in America*, you can trust us with all your business insurance needs. Our team of specially trained, in-house agents can assist you every step of the way to make sure you’re getting the best coverage for your business.
Convenience – There are several ways to get a quote whether you need a single Maine policy or a combination of business insurance coverages. Simply start a quote online or call us to speak with an agent.
Business insurance for all Maine cities
We can customize business insurance in all Maine cities, including, but not limited to:
- Portland
- Lewiston
- Bangor
- South Portland
- Auburn
- Biddeford
- Sanford
- Saco
- Westbrook
- Augusta
More information
*No. 1 commercial auto insurer from SNL Financial’s 2019 national written premium data.