Exeter, NH
Business Insurance

These two coverages form the foundation of most small business insurance programs. General liability protects you from third-party claims, while a BOP bundles liability with property coverage at a discount. Most Exeter businesses with a physical location should carry one or both.

General Liability: Protecting Against Third-Party Claims

General liability (GL) covers bodily injury, property damage, and personal/advertising injury claims made by people outside your company. If a client trips over a cord in your office, if your product causes an allergic reaction, or if your marketing accidentally infringes on someone's trademark, GL responds.

For small New Hampshire businesses with one to four employees, GL insurance averages about $135 per month, or roughly $1,615 annually. That number moves based on your industry, revenue, and claims history. A retail shop with heavy foot traffic pays more than a home-based consultant.

Standard GL policies carry a $1 million per-occurrence limit and a $2 million aggregate. Many commercial leases and contracts in Exeter require these minimums, so carrying less can lock you out of opportunities.

Bundling with a BOP: Property and Liability for Small Businesses

A Business Owner's Policy packages GL with commercial property coverage and often includes business interruption insurance. It's designed for small to mid-sized businesses and typically costs less than buying each coverage separately. The average annual cost for a BOP runs around $1,687, or about $141 per month.

For Exeter businesses renting space downtown or operating out of a commercial building, a BOP makes sense. It covers your equipment, inventory, furniture, and signage, plus lost income if a covered event (fire, storm, vandalism) forces you to close temporarily. One thing to watch: standard BOPs exclude flood, so businesses near the Squamscott River or in low-lying areas need a separate flood policy.

Commercial auto has been one of the fastest-rising insurance costs in New Hampshire. Statewide, commercial auto premiums grew from $209 million in 2023 to $233 million in 2024, an 11.5% increase. That trend shows no sign of slowing, driven by rising repair costs, larger jury verdicts, and more vehicles on the road.

Hired and Non-Owned Auto Coverage

If your employees ever drive their personal cars for business purposes, like running to the bank, picking up supplies, or meeting a client, your company has liability exposure. Hired and non-owned auto coverage fills this gap. It's inexpensive relative to its value and is often required by commercial leases and vendor contracts.

Many Exeter businesses skip this endorsement because they don't own company vehicles. That's exactly the wrong reason to skip it. When an employee causes an accident while on company business in their personal car, the injured party's attorney will name your business in the lawsuit.

Protecting Assets During Deliveries and Service Calls

For businesses running branded trucks, vans, or service vehicles across the Seacoast, a full commercial auto policy is non-negotiable. Coverage should include liability, collision, comprehensive, and uninsured/underinsured motorist protection. If your vehicles carry tools, equipment, or inventory, make sure your policy covers the cargo too, as standard auto policies often exclude business property inside the vehicle.

Professional Liability for Downtown Consultants and Firms

Exeter has a healthy concentration of accountants, attorneys, financial advisors, and IT consultants. These businesses face errors and omissions (E&O) exposure that general liability doesn't cover. If a client alleges your professional advice caused them financial harm, your GL policy won't respond. Professional liability fills that gap.

Premiums vary widely by profession. An IT consultant might pay $1,200 annually, while an accounting firm could pay $3,000 or more depending on revenue and client base. The key is matching your coverage limits to your contract requirements and realistic exposure.

Cyber Liability: Protecting Digital Assets in NH

Any business that stores customer data, processes credit cards, or relies on networked systems needs cyber liability coverage. A data breach at a small Exeter firm can easily cost $50,000 to $100,000 in notification expenses, forensic investigation, and legal fees. Cyber policies cover these costs plus potential regulatory fines and business interruption from a cyber event.

This coverage is still relatively affordable for small businesses, often running $500 to $2,000 annually. Given the frequency of ransomware attacks targeting small companies, it's one of the best values in commercial insurance right now.

Getting the right coverage at a fair price requires more than filling out an online form. Here's a practical approach:

1. Gather your current policies, loss runs (claims history for the past five years), and payroll records.
2. List every operation your business performs, including side work that might not seem relevant.
3. Review your contracts and leases for insurance requirements you might be missing.
4. Work with an independent agent who can shop multiple carriers and explain the differences between quotes.
5. Ask about package discounts, higher deductible options, and payment plans that fit your cash flow.

Avery Insurance Agency takes a consultative approach to this process, identifying coverage gaps and building a portfolio that protects your specific assets and operations. With over 125 years of experience serving Rockingham County businesses, they understand the local risks that generic carriers overlook.

The right business insurance program for an Exeter company isn't about finding the cheapest premium. It's about building a coverage structure that lets you operate confidently, win contracts that require proof of insurance, and survive a serious claim without it threatening everything you've built. Start your review now, before renewal season forces a rushed decision.

Is workers' comp required in New Hampshire if I only have one employee? Yes. New Hampshire mandates workers' compensation coverage for any employer with one or more employees, with no small-business exemption.

What does a BOP cover that general liability doesn't? A BOP adds commercial property coverage and business interruption insurance on top of general liability, protecting your physical assets and lost income from covered events.

How much does commercial auto insurance cost in New Hampshire? Costs vary by fleet size, vehicle type, and driving records, but statewide premiums have been rising about 11% annually. Expect to pay more than personal auto rates for equivalent vehicles.

Do I need cyber liability insurance if I run a small retail shop? If you accept credit cards or store any customer information digitally, yes. A single breach can cost tens of thousands in response expenses alone.

Can an independent agent really save me money compared to going direct? Often, yes. Independent agents access multiple carriers and can find pricing and coverage combinations that direct writers can't match, especially in a competitive market like New Hampshire's current one.