Small Business Insurance In Michigan 2025

Michigan is home to approximately 1 million small businesses, representing over 99% of all businesses in the state. These enterprises range from manufacturing firms in Detroit to high-tech startups in Ann Arbor.

However, operating in the Great Lakes State comes with its unique set of challenges, making business insurance not just a precaution but a necessity.

Consider a few real-world scenarios:​

• A customer slips on a wet floor in a Grand Rapids restaurant, leading to a costly lawsuit.​
• A winter storm damages an accounting firm in Kalamazoo, resulting in significant repair expenses and business interruption.​
• An employee at a Detroit manufacturing company suffers an on-site injury, incurring medical bills and potential legal fees.​

Having comprehensive business insurance protects against unforeseen incidents that could otherwise jeopardize a company’s financial stability.

Which Business Insurance Types Are Required In Michigan?

Michigan law doesn’t require every business to carry every type of insurance, but certain policies are legally mandatory depending on your company size, structure, and industry.

Here’s a detailed look at the business insurance types you must have in Michigan, followed by important industry-specific rules you should know.

Workers’ Compensation Insurance

Workers’ compensation insurance is required for most businesses in Michigan. If you have three or more employees, including full-time or part-time workers, as a private business, or you have 1 or more employees working 25 hours or more per week for at least 13 weeks you are legally obligated to carry a workers’ comp policy.

This coverage pays for medical bills, lost wages, and rehabilitation if an employee is injured on the job, and it protects you from most employee injury lawsuits.

Failing to carry proper workers’ compensation insurance can result in steep penalties, including stop-work orders, fines up to $1,000 per day for every day you didn’t carry coverage, and potential charges with jail time up to 6 months.

Commercial Auto Insurance

If your business owns or operates vehicles in Michigan, you must carry commercial auto insurance. This requirement mirrors the state’s rules for personal vehicles but applies specifically to cars, trucks, vans, or other vehicles used primarily for business purposes.

Michigan businesses must maintain at least:

• $50,000 bodily injury liability per person
• $100,000 bodily injury liability per accident
• $10,000 for property damage in another state
• $250,000 personal injury protection (or less for individuals enrolled in Medicare or Medicaid)

However, these minimums are often inadequate for businesses, especially those that transport goods, people, or operate fleets. Commercial vehicles might also need higher liability limits, especially if they cross state lines or are involved in hazardous activities like construction or heavy hauling.

Relying on a personal auto policy for business use can lead to denied claims, so it’s important to have a separate commercial auto policy if you’re using vehicles for work.

Unemployment Insurance (Reemployment Tax)

Michigan employers must also pay a state reemployment tax (similar to unemployment insurance elsewhere) equal to 2.7% for the first two years, after which the rate changes based on the employer’s history.

This tax funds unemployment benefits for workers who lose their jobs through no fault of their own. While it’s not a typical insurance policy you purchase through a carrier, it’s a legally required financial obligation managed through the state of Michigan.

Failing to register for and pay reemployment tax can lead to serious penalties, including interest charges and criminal prosecution.

Which Business Insurance Policies Are Recommended In Michigan?

When you’re running a business in Michigan, protecting yourself from risk isn’t optional — it’s part of surviving and thriving. The state’s weather risks, heavy tourism traffic, and strict legal requirements make having the right insurance policies crucial.

Here’s a detailed look at the most important types of business insurance Michigan companies should consider, what each covers, and real-world examples of how they come into play.

General Liability Insurance

General liability insurance is one of the most essential coverages for any Michigan business. It protects against third-party claims involving bodily injury, property damage, and even advertising injuries like slander or copyright infringement. Without this coverage, a single lawsuit could financially devastate a small business.

Example: Imagine you own a beachfront gift shop in Clearwater. A customer trips over a loose floor mat, breaks their arm, and sues for medical costs and pain and suffering. Your general liability policy would cover the medical bills, legal defense, and any settlement, protecting your business from major financial loss.

Workers’ Compensation Insurance

Michigan law requires businesses carry workers compensation insurance if they meet any of the following:

• 1 or more employees working 25 hours or more per week, for 13 weeks or longer
• All private employers with 3 or more employees at once, including part-time employees
• Agricultural employers with 3 or more employees working 35 hours per week or more, for 13 weeks in a row
• Households that employ domestic servants working 25 hours per week or more, for 13 weeks in a row or more

It covers medical expenses, lost wages, and rehabilitation costs if an employee gets hurt or sick on the job. It also shields employers from most employee lawsuits related to workplace injuries.

Example: If a restaurant employee in Grand Rapids burns themselves severely while cooking, workers’ compensation would pay for their emergency room visit, ongoing treatments, and partial wage replacement while they recover, helping the business avoid significant out-of-pocket expenses and legal risks.

Commercial Auto Insurance

If your business owns or uses vehicles for work purposes, Michigan law mandates commercial auto insurance. This coverage pays for accident-related damages to your vehicles and covers third-party injuries or property damage you might cause while driving for business.

Example: Picture a catering company in Lansing using a delivery van to serve events. On the way to a wedding, the driver rear-ends another vehicle. Commercial auto insurance would pay for the other driver’s repairs, medical bills, and your own van’s damages, keeping your business moving without financial disruption.

Business Owner’s Policy (BOP)

A business owner’s policy (BOP) bundles several core coverages, typically general liability, commercial property insurance, and business interruption insurance, into one convenient package at a lower price than buying each separately. It’s ideal for small to mid-sized businesses looking for broad protection.

Example: Suppose you run a small shop selling honey and bee-related items in Holland. A short circuit sparks a fire that damages your inventory and forces you to shut down for repairs. Your BOP would help pay for property repairs, lost revenue during the closure, and any third-party claims arising from the incident.

Professional Liability Insurance

Professional liability insurance (also called errors and omissions insurance for some professions) covers lawsuits related to professional mistakes, missed deadlines, or poor advice that cause clients to lose money. Unlike general liability, which covers physical injuries, this protects you from financial harm claims.

Example: If you’re an architect in Ann Arbor and your design flaw causes costly construction delays, the client could sue you for damages. Professional liability insurance would cover your legal defense, settlement costs, and court-ordered payments if necessary.

Errors And Omissions (E&O) Insurance

E&O insurance is closely related to professional liability insurance but is usually tailored to service industries like real estate, financial advising, and consulting. It covers claims that your work was incomplete, inaccurate, or negligent, even if the mistake was unintentional.

Example: A real estate agent in Saginaw forgets to disclose a history of flooding in a property, and the buyer sues after suffering flood damage. E&O insurance would help pay for the lawsuit, protecting the agent’s finances and professional reputation.

Cyber Insurance

Michigan businesses, like those everywhere, face growing threats from cybercrime. Cyber insurance helps pay for costs associated with data breaches, ransomware attacks, phishing scams, and stolen customer information. Coverage often includes legal fees, notification costs, public relations help, and even ransom payments.

Example: A law firm in New Buffalo suffers a ransomware attack, locking them out of client files and demanding a hefty payment. Cyber insurance would cover the ransom (if necessary), help restore systems, and manage the cost of notifying affected clients to comply with Michigan’s data breach laws.

Commercial Umbrella Insurance

Commercial umbrella insurance provides extra liability coverage on top of your existing policies like general liability, commercial auto, and workers’ compensation. It kicks in when a claim exceeds the limits of your primary insurance, helping protect your business from catastrophic losses.

Example: Say you own a tourist boat company in Bay City, and a serious accident leads to multiple passenger injuries, pushing your general liability limits to the max. Your umbrella policy would cover the excess costs, preventing you from dipping into company assets or personal funds to cover the shortfall.

Commercial Property Insurance

Commercial property insurance protects the building your business owns or leases, along with inventory, equipment, and furnishings. It covers damage caused by events like fire, storms, theft, and vandalism. Given Michigan’s storm and flood risks, property insurance is a non-negotiable layer of protection.

Example: A boutique hotel in Dearborn sustains heavy roof damage after a severe winter storm with high winds. Commercial property insurance would help cover the cost of repairs, replacement furniture, and any lost income while rooms are unavailable, keeping the business financially stable while rebuilding.

Industry-Specific Business Insurance Requirements In Michigan

In addition to general requirements, Michigan mandates specific insurance coverage for certain professions and industries. Some businesses face stricter regulations due to the nature of their services or the risks involved.

Construction Industry

Michigan requires all general contractors to carry liability insurance. Sometimes builders risk insurance is needed, and other times, a bond is required.

HVAC Contractors

Michigan also has unique insurance requirements for HVAC contractors. They should carry general liability, commercial property, and workers’ compensation.

Licensed Professionals

Licensed professionals like architects, lawyers, and doctors are often required to carry liability insurance to comply with licensing boards.

Hospitals, surgical centers, and nursing homes usually have extensive insurance obligations, including general liability, professional liability, cyber liability, and employee benefits liability coverage.

Cannabis Businesses

Cannabis businesses in Michigan are required to carry product liability insurance in amounts equal to $100,000 limits for bodily injury liability.

Automotive Sectors

Given the strong presence in the automotive industry, Michigan encourages companies to consider additional liability coverage to protect against supply chain and manufacturing risks.

Environmental Risks

Businesses in Michigan operating in manufacturing or construction, with potential environmental risks are encouraged to carry environmental and pollution liability insurance to protect against issues of contamination or environmental damage.

How Much Does Business Insurance Cost In Michigan?

The cost of business insurance in Michigan can vary widely depending on your industry, company size, coverage limits, and location. However, because Michigan has higher weather risks, a strong tourism economy, and some strict legal requirements, insurance rates here often run slightly above the national average for certain types of coverage.

Here’s a breakdown of typical costs for small businesses in Michigan:

Average Cost Of General Liability Insurance In Michigan

On average, Michigan small businesses pay between $57 to $87 per month for general liability insurance.

Costs are influenced by the type of work you do and the level of public interaction. For example, an Ann Arbor café with heavy customer foot traffic will likely pay more than a freelance graphic designer working from home in Warren.

Average Cost Of Workers’ Compensation Insurance In Michigan

Workers’ compensation insurance typically costs $0.74 for every $100 of payroll in Michigan, depending on your industry.

Construction companies, roofing contractors, and other high-risk businesses will pay significantly higher rates. A low-risk office business, like an accounting firm, might see much lower rates compared to a Detroit auto manufacturing company, where premiums could easily run into several thousand dollars per employee annually.

Average Cost Of Commercial Property Insurance In Michigan

Expect to pay anywhere from $500 to $2,500 per year for every $100,000 in value of your building.

Rates are heavily influenced by your business’s location, businesses near the Great Lakes like Port Huron will generally pay more due to hurricane and flooding risks. Coverage limits, building value, and construction type also play big roles in determining premiums.

Average Cost Of Business Owner’s Policy (BOP) In Michigan

Bundling general liability and property insurance into a BOP often saves Michigan business owners some money. A typical BOP costs between $70 to $100 per month, depending on business size and coverage levels.

Retail stores, restaurants, and small offices often find BOPs a cost-effective way to get broad protection in one package.

Average Cost Of Commercial Auto Insurance In Michigan

Commercial auto insurance in Michigan generally runs between $150 to $196 per month per vehicle.

Rates can spike if your vehicles travel long distances, carry heavy loads, or are branded (since they advertise your business and create additional liability exposure).

Average Cost Of Professional Liability Insurance In Michigan

Michigan businesses that need professional liability insurance usually pay between $50 to $70 per month, depending heavily on the industry and claim history. A sole proprietor might pay around $73 per month whereas an LLC with 30 employees might pay around $700 per month.

Real estate agents, consultants, and IT professionals tend to fall on the lower end, while legal and financial advisors typically pay more because of higher claim risk.

Average Cost Of Cyber Insurance In Michigan

Small businesses in Michigan can expect cyber insurance to cost around $1,425 annually.

Factors that influence cost include how much sensitive client data you store, whether you accept online payments, and whether you’ve had past cyber incidents.

Average Cost Of Commercial Umbrella Insurance In Michigan

Commercial umbrella policies usually add about $400 to $900 per year on top of your existing business insurance costs for an additional $1 million in liability coverage.

Businesses with higher lawsuit risks, such as hotels, restaurants, and tourist attractions, often find this additional protection well worth the relatively low price.

Average Cost Of Business Insurance In Michigan By Industry

Here’s an overview of the estimated average annual business insurance cost for 10 popular industries in Michigan:

Best Small Business Insurance Companies In Michigan

The best business insurance company for most small businesses in Michigan is NEXT Insurance, known for its streamlined online quoting and strong overall value in the state.

Professions That We Insure

Nearly every profession in Michigan benefits from having business insurance, whether it’s legally required or simply smart protection. No matter how big or small your business is, having coverage can shield you from financial risks and unexpected setbacks.

Some of the top professions that typically need insurance include:

• Contractors and construction companies
• Restaurants and cafes
• Retail stores and boutiques
• Medical practices and clinics
• Real estate agents and brokers
• Accountants and financial advisors
• IT consultants and tech firms
• Marketing and advertising agencies
• Cleaning and janitorial services
• Hospitality businesses, like hotels and resorts

Having the right insurance isn’t just for high-risk industries, it’s essential protection for almost every business in Michigan. No matter your field, proper coverage can help you recover faster from accidents, lawsuits, and unexpected disruptions.

How To Get Insurance For Your Business In Michigan

Getting the right insurance for your Michigan business is easier than you might think.

Insuranceopedia makes the process simple by connecting you with top-rated insurance carriers who specialize in your industry. All you need to do is provide a few basic details about your business, like your location, profession, and number of employees, and we’ll match you with the best options.

Whether you need general liability, workers’ compensation, or a full business owner’s policy, we help you find competitive quotes quickly, so you can focus on running and growing your business.

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