Berkshire Hathaway Specialty Insurance vs The Hartford: How Do They Compare for General Liability Insurance?

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The Hartford's general liability insurance (GLI), also called commercial general liability (CGL), helps protect small businesses from third-party claims of bodily injury or property damage. It can be bought as a stand-alone policy or bundled into a Business Owner's Policy. ¹⁰Company-reported. General liability product page as read 2026-09-23.

The casualty guide lists primary GL forms and identifies commercial real estate, retail/grocery, financial institutions, construction and energy as target classes. ⁵Company-reported. US casualty appetite guide dated 2026-07-15. Material limitation: Guide includes classes to avoid and $50,000 minimum policy premium; acceptance is underwritten.

The Hartford markets GL coverage to businesses that meet clients face-to-face, work on or with client property, use third-party locations, or advertise, and names specific professions it targets, including architects, engineers, photographers, hair salons, gym owners, interior designers, technology companies, landscapers and real estate agents. ¹⁰Company-reported. General liability product page as read 2026-09-23.

BHSI markets primary general liability, with contractor broad-form coverage, gradual-pollution features and flexible limits in its product overview. ⁶Company-reported. BHSI US specialty commercial primary GL. Material limitation: These are overview features, not universal policy grants; forms and endorsements vary.

The Hartford lists key coverages under its GL policy: bodily injury, property damage, personal and advertising injury (like libel or false advertising claims), legal fees/judgments/settlements, copyright infringement in advertising, products-completed operations (claims after a job is finished), and medical payments for minor injuries regardless of fault. Product liability coverage is included as part of the GL policy, while product recall is available only as an endorsement. ¹⁰Company-reported. General liability product page as read 2026-09-23. Coverage descriptions are general; the issued policy controls.

BHSI’s casualty appetite guide sets a $50,000 minimum premium per policy and lists primary GL as an eligible line. ⁵Company-reported. Selected US casualty accounts under guide dated 2026-07-15. Material limitation: Minimum premium is appetite guidance, not a quoted price or guaranteed minimum for all products.

The Hartford reports average GL premiums of about $810 a year ($67 a month) for its customers, and says cost varies by business type, revenue, employee count, location, coverage limits/deductibles and claims history; the page does not publish standard limit or deductible amounts. ¹⁰Company-reported. Company-reported average as of 2026-09-23; not a specific quote.

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The Hartford provides a 24/7 general liability claims phone line (800-327-3636) and an online claim form, with a policy-type selector that also covers cyber, employee benefits, property and workers' compensation claims. ¹¹Company-reported. GL claims page as read 2026-09-23. Describes intake channels, not claim outcomes.