We researched general liability insurance options to help Arkansas business owners find the best business insurance for their needs. Below are answers to common questions based on MoneyGeek's analysis:
Best General Liability Insurance in Arkansas
The Hartford leads Arkansas general liability insurance as both the top choice and most affordable option at $78 per month.
Get matched to the best and cheapest general liability insurer for you below.
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Updated: November 20, 2025
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Commercial General Liability Insurance in Arkansas: Fast Answers
Which company offers the best general liability insurance in Arkansas?
The Hartford ranks as the best general liability insurance company in Arkansas with an overall score of 4.63 out of 5. It provides affordable coverage at $78 per month and excellent claims handling. NEXT follows closely as runner-up, featuring a user-friendly digital platform and strong customer support for $99 per month.
Who offers the cheapest general liability insurance in Arkansas?
The cheapest general liability insurance companies in Arkansas offer affordable monthly rates:
- The Hartford: $78 per month
- Simply Business: $92 per month
- Nationwide: $93 per month
- Progressive: $96 per month
- NEXT: $99 per month
Do Arkansas businesses legally need general liability insurance?
Arkansas doesn't legally mandate general liability insurance for most businesses statewide. However, certain licensed professionals like contractors and electricians may need coverage to maintain their licenses. Local municipalities can impose their own requirements, so check city and county regulations. Even without legal requirements, most landlords and clients demand proof of coverage before signing contracts or leases, making it practically essential for business operations.
How much does general liability insurance cost in Arkansas?
General liability insurance costs between $16 and $882 per month for small Arkansas businesses with two employees. Drone businesses often get the lowest rates, while pressure washing companies fall at the higher end. Your actual cost depends on your industry, business location, coverage limits and company size.
Best General Liability Insurance Companies in Arkansas
The Hartford is our top choice for general liability insurance in Arkansas, offering a strong mix of affordable rates and solid financial strength for small businesses. NEXT delivers excellent customer service, making it a good fit for business owners who want responsive support. Nationwide also performs well across key areas, providing reliable coverage and competitive pricing for Arkansas entrepreneurs.
| The Hartford | 4.63 | $78 |
| NEXT Insurance | 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 reflect MoneyGeek's analysis of small businesses with two employees across 79 major industries. Actual rates vary based on your business location, industry risk factors, claims history, coverage limits and individual insurer underwriting criteria. Contact insurers directly for personalized quotes.
Get Matched to the Best Cheap Arkansas General Liability Insurer
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LEARN MORE ABOUT THE BEST BUSINESS INSURANCE IN ARKANSAS
General liability insurance covers customer injuries and property damage for Arkansas businesses, but it won't guard against every type of risk. Explore these additional coverage options to build more complete financial protection:
Best Arkansas General Liability Insurance Reviews
Finding the right general liability insurance in Arkansas means looking beyond the cheapest rates. Our research reveals which business insurers offer the best combination of coverage and service.
The Hartford
Best Arkansas General Liability Insurer
MoneyGeek Rating
4.6/ 5
4.6/5Affordability
4.6/5Customer Experience
4.7/5Coverage Points
Average Monthly General Liability Premium
$78These rates are for small businesses with two employees across 79 major industries or business types and focus solely on general liability policies.Our Survey: Claims Process
4.5/5Our Survey: Likely to Be Recommended to Others
4.5/5
NEXT
Best Arkansas Commercial General Liability Customer Experience
MoneyGeek Rating
4.6/ 5
4.3/5Affordability
4.7/5Customer Experience
4.8/5Coverage Points
Average Monthly General Liability Premium
$99These rates are for small businesses with two employees across 79 major industries or business types and focus solely on general liability policies.Our Survey: Claims Process
3.9/5Our Survey: Likely to Be Recommended 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, saving businesses $21 or 21% compared to the state average. Simply Business and Nationwide also provide affordable coverage options.
| The Hartford | $78 | $940 |
| Simply Business | $92 | $1,102 |
| Nationwide | $93 | $1,116 |
| Progressive Commercial | $96 | $1,151 |
| NEXT Insurance | $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 reflect small businesses with two employees across 79 major industries and focus solely on general liability policies. Your 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.
Cheapest General Liability Insurance in Arkansas by Industry
Based on MoneyGeek's research, these five providers offer the most affordable general liability insurance across industries in Arkansas.
- The Hartford: Ranks as the cheapest option in 23 industries, leading in construction, cleaning, transportation and home-based businesses.
- Simply Business: Wins affordability in 11 industries, performing strongest with professional services like accountants, lawyers and consulting firms.
- Thimble: Offers the lowest rates in nine industries, excelling with service businesses including HVAC, roofing, and pet care companies.
- biBerk: Ties for third place with cheap coverage across nine industries, specializing in contractor, engineering, and hospitality sectors.
- NEXT and Progressive: Each lead in eight industries. NEXT dominates tech and photography businesses, while Progressive excels with retail, beauty salons and food service companies.
Data filtered by:
Select
| Accountants | Simply Business | $14 | $166 |
| Bakery | Progressive Commercial | $85 | $1,020 |
| Ad Agency | Thimble | $96 | $1,148 |
| Automotive | Coverdash | $106 | $1,271 |
| Auto Repair | Coverdash | $111 | $1,329 |
| Barber | Thimble | $95 | $1,134 |
| Cannabis | The Hartford | $51 | $607 |
| Beauty Salon | Progressive Commercial | $108 | $1,297 |
| Bounce House | The Hartford | $53 | $634 |
| Candle | Simply Business | $92 | $1,108 |
| Catering | biBERK | $164 | $1,964 |
| Computer Programming | Thimble | $95 | $1,134 |
| Cleaning | The Hartford | $96 | $1,146 |
| Coffee Shop | Progressive Commercial | $84 | $1,004 |
| Daycare | The Hartford | $25 | $295 |
| Computer Repair | The Hartford | $36 | $428 |
| Construction | The Hartford | $124 | $1,492 |
| Consulting | Simply Business | $14 | $166 |
| Contractor | biBERK | $196 | $2,354 |
| Courier | The Hartford | $159 | $1,914 |
| Dental | NEXT Insurance | $12 | $144 |
| Dog Grooming | Thimble | $35 | $414 |
| DJ | Simply Business | $11 | $133 |
| DJ | NEXT Insurance | $11 | $133 |
| Drone | The Hartford | $12 | $147 |
| Electrical | Nationwide | $98 | $1,171 |
| Ecommerce | Simply Business | $92 | $1,108 |
| Food | Progressive Commercial | $102 | $1,220 |
| Engineering | biBERK | $16 | $193 |
| Excavation | biBERK | $356 | $4,277 |
| Florist | Simply Business | $30 | $354 |
| Food Truck | The Hartford | $106 | $1,272 |
| Funeral Home | NEXT Insurance | $42 | $509 |
| Home-based | The Hartford | $17 | $200 |
| Gardening | Coverdash | $92 | $1,105 |
| Handyman | biBERK | $168 | $2,014 |
| Hospitality | biBERK | $135 | $1,614 |
| Home-based | NEXT Insurance | $44 | $529 |
| HVAC | Thimble | $103 | $1,241 |
| Junk Removal | The Hartford | $121 | $1,455 |
| Janitorial | Nationwide | $94 | $1,124 |
| Jewelry | Thimble | $158 | $1,890 |
| Lawn/Landscaping | Progressive Commercial | $92 | $1,098 |
| Manufacturing | Nationwide | $19 | $231 |
| Lawyers | Simply Business | $14 | $166 |
| Massage | Hiscox | $88 | $1,061 |
| Marine | The Hartford | $22 | $269 |
| Mortgage Broker | NEXT Insurance | $15 | $181 |
| Nonprofit | biBERK | $25 | $303 |
| Moving | The Hartford | $92 | $1,098 |
| Personal Training | The Hartford | $18 | $214 |
| Painting | The Hartford | $106 | $1,271 |
| Party Rental | Chubb | $91 | $1,095 |
| Pest Control | The Hartford | $24 | $289 |
| Pet | Thimble | $35 | $414 |
| Physical Therapy | Nationwide | $19 | $230 |
| Pharmacy | biBERK | $97 | $1,163 |
| Photography | NEXT Insurance | $13 | $154 |
| Plumbing | Simply Business | $260 | $3,120 |
| Retail | Progressive Commercial | $88 | $1,055 |
| Pressure Washing | Progressive Commercial | $852 | $10,228 |
| Real Estate | Nationwide | $115 | $1,384 |
| Restaurant | Coverdash | $95 | $1,142 |
| Security | The Hartford | $105 | $1,265 |
| Roofing | Thimble | $199 | $2,387 |
| Spa/Wellness | Progressive Commercial | $102 | $1,228 |
| Snack Bars | The Hartford | $86 | $1,029 |
| Software | Simply Business | $14 | $166 |
| Speech Therapist | Nationwide | $19 | $230 |
| Speech Therapist | Simply Business | $19 | $230 |
| Transportation | The Hartford | $30 | $359 |
| Startup | Simply Business | $14 | $166 |
| Tech/IT | NEXT Insurance | $15 | $181 |
| Tutoring | Thimble | $95 | $1,134 |
| Travel | The Hartford | $15 | $181 |
| Tree Service | The Hartford | $97 | $1,166 |
| Trucking | Coverdash | $97 | $1,166 |
| Veterinary | biBERK | $24 | $286 |
| Wedding Planning | NEXT Insurance | $12 | $139 |
| Window Cleaning | The Hartford | $123 | $1,474 |
| Welding | The Hartford | $128 | $1,542 |
| Wholesale | Coverdash | $32 | $389 |
Average Cost of General Liability Insurance in Arkansas
Most small businesses in Arkansas pay about $99 monthly for general liability insurance. The average cost of general liability coverage changes based on your industry type, business size, location and policy limits.
Manufacturing companies often pay higher premiums due to increased liability risks, while accounting firms usually pay less because of lower exposure levels. Sole proprietors generally pay less than businesses with employees since they have fewer liability concerns.
Average Cost of General Liability Insurance in Arkansas by Industry
General liability insurance in Arkansas ranges from $16 monthly for drone businesses to $882 for pressure washing companies. Review the table below to find affordable general liability coverage rates for your specific industry.
Data filtered by:
Select
| 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 reflect small businesses with two employees across 79 major industries and focus solely on general liability policies. Your 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.
What Factors Affect Arkansas General Liability Insurance Costs?
Several factors influence what Arkansas businesses pay for general liability insurance.
Arkansas Legal and Regulatory Environment
Arkansas small business owners saw major changes in 2025 when Governor Sanders signed House Bill 1204, capping medical expense recovery in injury lawsuits at actual paid costs instead of billed amounts. Insurance industry supporters expect this tort reform to reduce your general liability premiums over time, though legal challenges may delay any rate decreases.
Arkansas also shields government entities from most liability claims beyond their insurance coverage, which affects your exposure when you contract with state or local agencies.
Arkansas Weather and Geographic Risks
Your Arkansas business may see higher general liability premiums because of the state's weather patterns. Arkansas averages 37 tornadoes annually along with destructive hailstorms, flash flooding, and damaging ice storms. Recent years brought multiple federal disaster declarations affecting dozens of counties statewide.
Your specific location plays a major role in what you pay for coverage. Little Rock businesses and companies in tornado-prone regions pay more for coverage than operations in calmer, rural areas where severe weather strikes less frequently.
Arkansas Economic Growth and Industry Expansion
Arkansas construction employment jumped 31% since 2020, earning the state a #2 national ranking for industry strength with over 67,000 workers. You'll see this growth throughout Arkansas, from Northwest Arkansas gaining 35 new residents daily to massive steel manufacturing projects in Mississippi County and emerging lithium operations drawing worldwide investment.
This rapid expansion increases property values and business activity across the state, creating more liability exposure that insurers factor into your premium calculations for commercial spaces and customer interactions.
Rising Medical and Healthcare Costs in Arkansas
Medical expenses directly impact what you pay for general liability insurance in Arkansas. Employer health coverage costs hit $8,951 per employee for single coverage and $25,572 for family coverage in 2024, up 6% to 7% from the previous year.
Arkansas businesses may see healthcare costs rise by 6% to 10% in 2025, driven by expensive prescription drugs, cancer treatments and higher labor costs. When customers or visitors suffer injuries at your business, these escalating medical bills translate to larger bodily injury claims that push your premiums higher.
Arkansas Industry-Specific Risk Profiles
Your business type has a major impact on general liability costs in Arkansas. High-risk operations like pressure washing, construction, hospitality and retail often see much higher premiums than low-risk professional services such as consulting or office-based work.
Insurers assess how often customers visit your location, what equipment you use, and your typical injury claim frequency when calculating your rates. Industries with frequent customer interactions and physical work environments pay more for coverage than businesses with minimal public contact.
How Much General Liability Insurance Do I Need in Arkansas?
Arkansas doesn't require most businesses to carry general liability insurance by state law. However, HVAC contractors with Class A through E licenses need at least $250,000 in coverage, and fire protection companies need $1,000,000.
Even without state mandates, most small business owners need general liability insurance because clients and lenders demand it. We recommend $1 million per occurrence and $2 million aggregate coverage to meet typical requirements for commercial general liability in Arkansas.
Arkansas public liability insurance requirements for HVAC contractors
Arkansas requires Class A, B, C, D and E HVAC license holders to carry general liability insurance with minimum coverage of $250,000. This requirement applies to most HVAC contractors in the state.
Arkansas public liability insurance requirements for fire safety companies
Fire sprinkler and fire protection companies in Arkansas must maintain general liability insurance with a minimum of $1,000,000. This requirement applies to companies installing, inspecting and servicing fire suppression systems throughout the state.
Note: State insurance requirements update regularly. Check with the Arkansas Insurance Department or a licensed agent to confirm current regulations before purchasing coverage.
How to Choose the Best General Liability Insurance in Arkansas
Arkansas small business owners should balance coverage needs with costs when getting business insurance. General liability insurance covers customer injury claims and property damage lawsuits. Combining multiple policies provides broader financial protection for your business beyond basic liability coverage.
- 1Determine Coverage Needs
Arkansas mandates general liability insurance only for a few trades: HVAC contractors must carry at least $250,000 in coverage, while fire protection companies need $1,000,000.
Most other Arkansas companies aren’t legally required to have business insurance coverage, but clients and landlords often expect $1 million per occurrence and $2 million aggregate limits before signing contracts. Review your industry requirements and existing agreements to determine the right level of financial protection.
- 2Prepare Business Information
Gather your annual revenue, employee count, physical location and business classification before requesting quotes from Arkansas insurers. Industries like construction, hospitality and healthcare often have higher premiums because their claim risks are greater than those of professional services or retail shops. Have your EIN, business registration and tax documents ready to streamline the application process.
- 3Compare Multiple Quotes
Request quotes from at least three Arkansas-licensed insurers to compare business insurance costs across different providers. General liability coverage in Arkansas averages $42 monthly, but rates swing by hundreds of dollars annually based on your chosen limits and deductibles.
Check whether each policy counts legal defense costs toward your coverage limit or covers them separately, as this distinction affects your actual financial protection.
- 4Look Beyond Price
Selecting coverage based solely on affordable business insurance premiums can leave dangerous coverage gaps when you actually need protection. Read policy exclusions carefully, since common gaps like professional errors, pollution liability and employee injuries require separate Arkansas policies to address. Verify whether legal defense expenses fall inside or outside your policy limits, as outside coverage provides stronger protection during lawsuits.
- 5Verify Insurer Credentials
Check each insurer's license status through the Arkansas Insurance Department's online verification system and review their AM Best financial strength ratings. Research complaint ratios and claims-handling reviews to find the best insurance for your business from companies with proven Arkansas track records.
Strong financial backing becomes critical during major claims, so choose established carriers rather than unknown discount insurers.
- 6Ask About Discounts
Bundling general liability with commercial property or auto insurance can slash your Arkansas premiums by 10% to 25% compared to buying separate policies. Contractors with OSHA safety certifications often secure premium discounts up to 15%, while claims-free histories and annual payment options provide additional savings. Ask about discounts for professional association memberships and employee safety training programs that demonstrate your commitment to risk management.
- 7Obtain Certificate of Insurance
Your certificate of insurance proves coverage to Arkansas clients, landlords and contractors who require documentation before starting work. Most insurers now provide digital certificates instantly through online portals, though some companies take up to 48 hours for processing. Keep your agent's contact information accessible for urgent certificate requests needed when signing new contracts or lease agreements.
- 8Review Coverage Annually
Reassess your Arkansas coverage each year after hiring employees, expanding services or boosting revenue, as these changes increase your risk exposure. Request new quotes 60 to 90 days before renewal since established businesses with clean claim records can see premiums drop 10% to 25% after three years. Maintaining adequate current coverage prevents compliance gaps and surprise audit adjustments that spike costs later.
Top General Liability Insurance in Arkansas: Bottom Line
Finding quality general liability insurance in Arkansas starts with understanding your specific business needs and researching providers thoroughly. The Hartford, NEXT and Nationwide represent strong options in the market. The right choice depends on your industry type, business size and available budget. Compare quotes from multiple insurers and verify their credentials before making your final decision.
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
- American Tort Reform Association. "Arkansas Debuts on ATRA's 2025 Legislative HeatCheck Report as 'Tort Reform Trailblazer.'." Accessed December 15, 2025.
- Arkansas Advocate. "Bill Limiting Personal Injury Claims Heads to Arkansas Governor After Contentious Debates." Accessed December 15, 2025.
- Arkansas Advocate. "New Federal Disaster Declaration Covers 39 Arkansas Counties Affected by April Storms." Accessed December 15, 2025.
- Arkansas Advocate. "Proposed Tort Reform Advances Out of Arkansas Legislative Committee." Accessed December 15, 2025.
- FEMA. "Assistance Available for Vehicles Damaged by Severe Storms and Tornadoes in Arkansas." Accessed December 15, 2025.
- Justia. "Arkansas Code § 21-9-301 (2024) - Tort Liability - Immunity Declared." Accessed December 15, 2025.
- KFF. "2024 Employer Health Benefits Survey." Accessed December 15, 2025.
- National Weather Service Little Rock. "Severe Weather in Arkansas - Tornado FAQ." Accessed December 15, 2025.
- Talk Business & Politics. "'Remarkable Growth' Noted in Arkansas' Construction Sector to Begin 2024." Accessed December 15, 2025.
- Talk Business & Politics. "The Compass Report: Arkansas Economy Sees 'Balanced Growth' in Q3." Accessed December 15, 2025.
- U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics. "Arkansas Economy at a Glance." Accessed December 15, 2025.