Progressive Commercial vs The Hartford: Which Is Better for Small Business?
Both Progressive Commercial and The Hartford are top-rated commercial insurance carriers for small business. The right choice depends on your industry, revenue, and how you prefer to buy coverage. Here's a side-by-side comparison to help you decide.
Quick comparison
| Factor | Progressive Commercial | The Hartford |
|---|---|---|
| Best for | Businesses needing commercial auto (especially trucking and fleets) | Businesses with employees needing comprehensive coverage including workers' comp |
| Founded | 1937 | 1810 |
| AM Best Rating | A+ (Superior) | A+ (Superior) |
| General Liability | $60–$150/month | $60–$150/month |
| BOP | Varies | $80–$250/month |
| Revenue minimum | No minimum | No minimum |
Progressive Commercial overview
Progressive Commercial
Founded: 1937
HQ: Mayfield Village, OH
Best for: Businesses needing commercial auto (especially trucking and fleets)
Coverage types: Commercial Auto, General Liability, BOP, Workers' Comp
Notable: The largest commercial auto insurer in the US — best pricing for fleets and trucking
Typical GL cost: $60–$150/month
Typical BOP cost: Varies
The Hartford overview
The Hartford
Founded: 1810
HQ: Hartford, CT
Best for: Businesses with employees needing comprehensive coverage including workers' comp
Coverage types: General Liability, BOP, Workers' Comp, Commercial Auto, Cyber
Notable: One of the largest US commercial carriers — strong for workers' comp and multi-state operations
Typical GL cost: $60–$150/month
Typical BOP cost: $80–$250/month
Which should you choose?
Choose Progressive Commercial if...
you want businesses needing commercial auto (especially trucking and fleets) or need the largest commercial auto insurer in the us — best pricing for fleets and trucking
Choose The Hartford if...
you want businesses with employees needing comprehensive coverage including workers' comp or need one of the largest us commercial carriers — strong for workers' comp and multi-state operations
The honest answer: both carriers are solid. Rates for identical coverage vary 20–30% between carriers, so the cheapest option depends on your specific class code, revenue, and state. Get quotes from both before deciding.
Estimate your cost first
Before you compare quotes, know what you should expect to pay. Use these free calculators to see benchmarks for your industry and revenue:
Frequently asked questions
Is Progressive Commercial or The Hartford cheaper for small business insurance?
Progressive Commercial and The Hartford are similar in pricing. Progressive Commercial runs $60–$150/month, while The Hartford runs $60–$150/month. For identical coverage, rates vary 20–30% depending on your class code, revenue, and state — so the cheapest option depends on your specific business.
Which is better for general liability insurance, Progressive Commercial or The Hartford?
Both Progressive Commercial and The Hartford offer general liability. Progressive Commercial is best for businesses needing commercial auto (especially trucking and fleets). The Hartford is best for businesses with employees needing comprehensive coverage including workers' comp.
Does Progressive Commercial or The Hartford offer workers' comp?
Both Progressive Commercial and The Hartford offer workers' comp. Progressive Commercial is stronger for businesses needing commercial auto (especially trucking and fleets), while The Hartford is stronger for businesses with employees needing comprehensive coverage including workers' comp.
Can I switch from Progressive Commercial to The Hartford mid-year?
Yes. Commercial insurance policies can be cancelled and replaced at any time. If you paid annually, the old carrier refunds unused premium (pro-rata or short-rate). The main caution is workers' comp — mid-year changes can complicate your experience modification calculation because the policy period does not align with the standard experience period.