The Hartford tops our rankings for the best general liability insurance providers in Arkansas, delivering an outstanding balance of competitive rates and reliable service. NEXT and Nationwide round out the top three, both offering excellent customer support.
General Liability Insurance in Arkansas
The Hartford tops our rankings for the best Arkansas general liability coverage, scoring 4.63 out of 5.
Explore low-cost general liability insurance in Arkansas below.

Updated: October 24, 2025
Advertising & Editorial Disclosure
The Hartford, NEXT and Nationwide lead Arkansas's general liability insurance market with strong coverage options.
Your business type, size and coverage requirements guide the selection of the right insurance provider in Arkansas.
Research provider ratings, compare multiple quotes and verify licensing status before selecting your general liability coverage.
Best General Liability Insurance Companies in Arkansas
| The Hartford | 4.63 | $78 |
| NEXT | 4.57 | $99 |
| Nationwide | 4.52 | $93 |
| Simply Business | 4.48 | $92 |
| Coverdash | 4.37 | $99 |
| Thimble | 4.35 | $103 |
| biBerk | 4.28 | $110 |
| Progressive Commercial | 4.27 | $96 |
| Chubb | 4.25 | $114 |
| Hiscox | 4.18 | $109 |
How Did We Determine These Rates?
These rates are estimates based on MoneyGeek's analysis of small businesses with two employees across 79 major industries. Actual rates vary based on your specific business location, industry risk factors, claims history, coverage limits and individual insurer underwriting criteria. Contact insurers directly for personalized quotes.
Ensure you are getting the best rate for your insurance. Compare quotes from the top insurance companies.
Protecting your Arkansas business requires more than just general liability coverage. These additional insurance guides can help you build comprehensive protection:
Best Arkansas Small Business Insurance Reviews
We analyzed the leading general liability insurance providers for small businesses in Arkansas and identified the unique advantages that make each one worth considering for your general liability insurance needs.

The Hartford
Best Overall Provider
Average Monthly Premium
$78Our Survey: Claims Process
4.5/5Recommend to Others
4.5/5

NEXT
Runner-Up Best Provider
Average Monthly Premium
$99Our Survey: Claims Process
3.9/5Recommend to Others
4.8/5
Cheapest General Liability Insurance Companies in Arkansas
The Hartford offers the cheapest general liability insurance in Arkansas at $78 per month ($940 annually). Simply Business and Nationwide also provide affordable rates, making them solid alternatives.
| The Hartford | $78 | $940 |
| Simply Business | $92 | $1,102 |
| Nationwide | $93 | $1,116 |
| Progressive Commercial | $96 | $1,151 |
| NEXT | $99 | $1,186 |
| Coverdash | $99 | $1,190 |
| Thimble | $103 | $1,235 |
| Hiscox | $109 | $1,314 |
| biBerk | $110 | $1,315 |
| Chubb | $114 | $1,368 |
How Did We Determine These Rates?
These rates are for small businesses with two employees across 79 major industries or business types and focus solely on general liability policies. Your actual premium depends on where your business is located, what industry you're in, how much coverage you choose, and other factors insurers consider. Available options differ by state.
Average Cost of General Liability Insurance in Arkansas
General liability insurance in Arkansas costs an average of $99 per month or $1,183 annually, which aligns closely with national rates. Your premium depends on industry risk, business size and claims history. Construction companies pay more due to increased liability exposure, while consulting firms pay less because of reduced risk.
Average Cost of General Liability Insurance by Industry
General liability insurance costs vary by industry in Arkansas. Pressure washing businesses face the highest monthly premiums at $882, while drone companies pay just $16 per month for coverage. This wide range shows how business risk levels directly impact insurance costs. The table below details premiums across different industries.
| Accountants | $21 | $255 |
| Ad Agency | $34 | $409 |
| Automotive | $51 | $617 |
| Auto Repair | $146 | $1,757 |
| Bakery | $87 | $1,045 |
| Barber | $43 | $513 |
| Beauty Salon | $64 | $773 |
| Bounce House | $68 | $813 |
| Candle | $53 | $635 |
| Cannabis | $65 | $775 |
| Catering | $85 | $1,014 |
| Cleaning | $128 | $1,532 |
| Coffee Shop | $86 | $1,038 |
| Computer Programming | $28 | $336 |
| Computer Repair | $46 | $551 |
| Construction | $169 | $2,028 |
| Consulting | $21 | $254 |
| Contractor | $246 | $2,948 |
| Courier | $188 | $2,260 |
| Daycare | $32 | $380 |
| Dental | $21 | $249 |
| DJ | $24 | $293 |
| Dog Grooming | $61 | $734 |
| Drone | $16 | $193 |
| Ecommerce | $71 | $846 |
| Electrical | $108 | $1,300 |
| Engineering | $38 | $461 |
| Excavation | $449 | $5,385 |
| Florist | $41 | $495 |
| Food | $104 | $1,245 |
| Food Truck | $137 | $1,639 |
| Funeral Home | $58 | $698 |
| Gardening | $108 | $1,300 |
| Handyman | $235 | $2,823 |
| Home-based | $23 | $275 |
| Home-based | $44 | $529 |
| Hospitality | $63 | $754 |
| HVAC | $236 | $2,837 |
| Janitorial | $132 | $1,586 |
| Jewelry | $39 | $466 |
| Junk Removal | $157 | $1,879 |
| Lawn/Landscaping | $116 | $1,390 |
| Lawyers | $22 | $264 |
| Manufacturing | $62 | $740 |
| Marine | $27 | $324 |
| Massage | $92 | $1,108 |
| Mortgage Broker | $22 | $265 |
| Moving | $120 | $1,435 |
| Nonprofit | $35 | $415 |
| Painting | $139 | $1,663 |
| Party Rental | $77 | $919 |
| Personal Training | $23 | $276 |
| Pest Control | $31 | $373 |
| Pet | $54 | $648 |
| Pharmacy | $60 | $715 |
| Photography | $23 | $279 |
| Physical Therapy | $106 | $1,275 |
| Plumbing | $348 | $4,181 |
| Pressure Washing | $882 | $10,587 |
| Real Estate | $51 | $615 |
| Restaurant | $140 | $1,677 |
| Retail | $63 | $756 |
| Roofing | $374 | $4,488 |
| Security | $134 | $1,609 |
| Snack Bars | $113 | $1,358 |
| Software | $25 | $304 |
| Spa/Wellness | $103 | $1,234 |
| Speech Therapist | $30 | $361 |
| Startup | $28 | $331 |
| Tech/IT | $25 | $305 |
| Transportation | $36 | $435 |
| Travel | $20 | $241 |
| Tree Service | $125 | $1,501 |
| Trucking | $99 | $1,187 |
| Tutoring | $29 | $350 |
| Veterinary | $43 | $518 |
| Wedding Planning | $27 | $321 |
| Welding | $159 | $1,907 |
| Wholesale | $43 | $517 |
| Window Cleaning | $153 | $1,842 |
How Did We Determine These Rates?
These rates are for small businesses with two employees across 79 major industries or business types and focus solely on general liability policies. Your actual premium depends on where your business is located, what industry you're in, how much coverage you choose, and other factors insurers consider. Available options differ by state.
How Much General Liability Insurance Do I Need in Arkansas?
Arkansas doesn't require most businesses to carry general liability insurance at the state level. Operating without coverage typically won't trigger state penalties, but you could face permit restrictions or fines from local authorities.
Individual cities and counties often set their own insurance rules. Check with your local government offices to understand specific requirements in your area.
While Arkansas keeps broad mandates minimal, certain licensed trades must maintain specific coverage to keep their professional licenses active:
Licensed electricians in Arkansas must carry general liability insurance with minimum limits of $100,000 per occurrence and $300,000 annual aggregate. The policy must include completed operations coverage.
Electrical sign contractors follow the same insurance requirements as electricians in Arkansas, requiring $100,000 per occurrence and $300,000 annual aggregate with completed operations coverage.
Class I contractors must carry $100,000 per occurrence and $300,000 annual aggregate, while Class II contractors need $50,000 per occurrence and $100,000 annual aggregate.
Fire safety companies must maintain general liability insurance with minimum limits of $500,000 per occurrence and $1,000,000 annual aggregate to obtain and maintain their Arkansas registration.
While business insurance in Arkansas might not be legally required for your business license, you'll likely need it anyway. Most commercial property owners won't lease space without proof of coverage, and bigger clients typically demand current insurance certificates before awarding contracts. Make sure your coverage limits satisfy both licensing standards and client requirements.
How to Choose the Best General Liability Insurance in Arkansas
Choosing general liability insurance in Arkansas starts with evaluating what protection your business actually needs and finding affordable coverage that fits your budget.
- 1Figure out coverage requirements
Check industry licensing requirements in Arkansas first. Many clients expect higher limits like $1 million even when state minimums are lower for contract work.
- 2Gather business information
Insurers need details like annual revenue, employee count, business type and location to calculate premiums.
- 3Compare multiple insurance quotes
Request quotes from at least three different insurers since business insurance costs differ between them.
- 4Review policy terms carefully
Don't focus only on the cheapest business insurance provider when comparing options. Some policies include legal defense costs outside your coverage limit, while others count them against it.
- 5Research insurer credentials
Use the state insurance department website to verify insurer and agent licenses. Check AM Best ratings and complaint data.
- 6Ask about available discounts
Many insurers offer savings for safety program participation, bundling multiple types of coverage, or maintaining clean claims histories.
- 7Obtain certificate of insurance
Clients and landlords often require proof of coverage before work begins.
How to Prevent General Liability Claims in Arkansas
Even after getting the best business insurance for their company, no business owner wants to deal with liability claims, but Arkansas entrepreneurs can prevent most issues through smart preparation and proactive planning.
Arkansas businesses must address weather-related risks including ice formation, storm debris and humidity that creates slippery surfaces. Inspect areas regularly, especially after severe weather events common in the state. Install proper drainage systems and maintain adequate lighting to prevent incidents.
Provide comprehensive safety training covering equipment handling, customer interaction protocols, and emergency procedures specific to Arkansas weather conditions.
Maintain detailed documentation including incident reports, safety inspections, employee training records and photographic evidence of property conditions.
Create detailed written contracts that specify work scope, safety responsibilities, access limitations and liability allocations.
Respond immediately to safety concerns, customer complaints or incident reports by documenting the issue and implementing corrective measures.
General Liability Insurance in Arkansas: Bottom Line
Securing quality general liability insurance in Arkansas requires matching coverage to your specific business needs. The Hartford, NEXT, and Nationwide lead the market as top providers, but your ideal choice depends on your industry type, company size, and available budget. These factors influence which insurer offers the best value for your situation. Get quotes from multiple companies and verify each provider's licensing credentials before making your final decision.
Commercial General Liability Insurance in Arkansas: FAQ
Our research and analysis helped us answer the most common general liability insurance questions Arkansas business owners ask.
What does general liability insurance cover for Arkansas businesses?
General liability insurance for Arkansas businesses covers bodily injury to customers, property damage to others' belongings and legal defense costs.
How much does general liability insurance cost in Arkansas?
General liability insurance in Arkansas costs small businesses between $78 and $114 monthly. The Hartford provides the most affordable coverage at $78 per month, with Simply Business at $92 and Nationwide at $93 offering competitive alternatives.
Do Arkansas businesses legally need general liability insurance?
Arkansas does not mandate general liability insurance for most businesses. However, municipalities may impose their own requirements, and certain licensed professionals like contractors and electricians must maintain coverage to preserve their licenses.
Which company offers the best general liability insurance in Arkansas?
The Hartford ranks as the top general liability insurance provider in Arkansas, excelling in affordability with average monthly costs of $78 and outstanding financial stability.
What coverage limits should Arkansas businesses choose?
Arkansas businesses should first verify any industry licensing requirements that mandate specific coverage amounts. Small businesses commonly select $1 million per occurrence and $2 million aggregate limits.
How can Arkansas businesses prevent general liability claims?
Arkansas businesses can reduce general liability claims by maintaining safe premises and implementing comprehensive employee safety training programs.
Can Arkansas businesses get discounts on general liability insurance?
Yes, Arkansas businesses can get reduced rates for bundling general liability with property or other commercial policies.
How quickly can Arkansas businesses get general liability coverage?
Arkansas businesses can obtain general liability coverage rapidly through digital platforms.
What should Arkansas businesses do when filing a general liability claim?
Arkansas businesses must notify their insurance carrier immediately following any incident that could trigger a general liability claim. Document everything thoroughly.
How does general liability differ from professional liability coverage?
General liability and professional liability insurance vary in terms of what they cover. General liability insurance protects Arkansas businesses from physical incidents like customer injuries or accidental property damage during operations. Professional liability coverage addresses service errors, such as consulting mistakes that cause client financial harm.
How We Scored the Best General Liability Insurance Companies in Arkansas
Arkansas businesses encounter specific liability challenges, from weather-related incidents to workplace injuries across various industries. Our evaluation process identified general liability insurers that provide solid coverage without breaking tight business budgets.
What We Evaluated
- Affordability (50%): Arkansas small businesses operate with limited cash flow. We prioritized pricing comparisons because reasonable rates determine whether businesses can actually maintain coverage.
- Customer experience (30%): Quality claims service makes the difference when problems arise. Our analysis included J.D. Power ratings, state complaint data, and independent agent feedback to assess real policyholder experiences.
- Coverage options (15%): Business risks vary by sector. We examined how insurers customize general liability policies for Arkansas companies, from retail stores to construction firms.
- Financial strength (5%): Low premiums mean nothing if the insurer cannot pay claims. We checked AM Best ratings and financial stability reports to ensure recommended companies remain financially secure.
About Mark Fitzpatrick

Mark Fitzpatrick, a Licensed Property and Casualty Insurance Producer, is MoneyGeek's resident Personal Finance Expert. With over five years of experience analyzing the insurance market, he conducts original research and creates tailored content for all types of buyers. His insights have been featured in publications like CNBC, NBC News and Mashable.
Fitzpatrick holds a master’s degree in economics and international relations from Johns Hopkins University and a bachelor’s degree from Boston College. He's also a five-time Jeopardy champion!
He writes about economics and insurance, breaking down complex topics so people know what they're buying.
sources
- NEXT. "NEXT: Small Business Insurance Quotes Online." Accessed October 29, 2025.
- NEXT. "Customer Reviews | NEXT." Accessed October 29, 2025.
- Trustpilot. "Next Insurance Reviews." Accessed October 29, 2025.
- Trustpilot. "The Hartford Reviews." Accessed October 29, 2025.
- The Hartford. "When Is Liability Insurance Needed?." Accessed October 29, 2025.
- The Hartford. "What Does General Liability Insurance Cover?." Accessed October 29, 2025.

