Get answers about North Carolina general liability insurance and explore best business insurance options with MoneyGeek's research-backed insights. Our FAQ section covers common questions business owners ask about coverage requirements and costs:
Best General Liability Insurance in North Carolina
The Hartford leads North Carolina as the best and cheapest general liability insurer, with coverage starting at $72 per month.
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Updated: November 25, 2025
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Commercial General Liability Insurance in North Carolina: Fast Answers
Which company offers the best general liability insurance in North Carolina?
The Hartford tops the list as the best general liability insurance company in North Carolina with a 4.59 overall score. It provides affordable coverage at $72 per month with excellent claims handling. NEXT ranks second with a 4.58 score, featuring an intuitive digital platform and strong customer support for $89 per month.
Who offers the cheapest general liability insurance in North Carolina?
The cheapest general liability insurance companies in North Carolina are:
- The Hartford: $72 per month
- Simply Business: $82 per month
- Nationwide: $84 per month
- Progressive: $88 per month
- NEXT: $89 per month
Do North Carolina businesses legally need general liability insurance?
North Carolina doesn't legally require most businesses to carry general liability insurance. However, certain licensed professionals like contractors and electricians may need minimum coverage for their permits. Local municipalities can also set their own requirements and most landlords and clients demand proof of insurance before signing contracts.
How much does general liability insurance cost in North Carolina?
General liability insurance costs between $14 and $797 per month for small North Carolina businesses with two employees. The drone industry sees the lowest rates at $14 per month, while pressure washing businesses have the highest at $797 per month. Your actual premium depends on your industry risk level, business location, coverage limits and employee count.
Best General Liability Insurance Companies in North Carolina
The Hartford is our top choice for general liability insurance in North Carolina, offering an effective mix of affordable rates and strong customer service. NEXT also performs well, with solid support geared toward small business owners. Nationwide completes our recommendations with its dependable financial strength and consistent service for general liability coverage.
| The Hartford | 4.59 | $72 |
| NEXT Insurance | 4.58 | $89 |
| Nationwide | 4.52 | $84 |
| Simply Business | 4.49 | $82 |
| Coverdash | 4.38 | $89 |
| Thimble | 4.35 | $93 |
| biBERK | 4.31 | $99 |
| Chubb | 4.29 | $102 |
| Progressive Commercial | 4.26 | $88 |
| Hiscox | 4.20 | $99 |
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 North Carolina General Liability Insurer
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LEARN MORE ABOUT THE BEST BUSINESS INSURANCE IN NORTH CAROLINA
General liability insurance covers customer injuries and property damage for North Carolina businesses, but it won't protect you from every risk. Explore these guides for complete coverage:
Best North Carolina General Liability Insurance Reviews
Finding the right general liability insurance in North Carolina involves more than comparing prices. Coverage quality and customer service matter too. MoneyGeek's research reveals the top business insurers in the state.
The Hartford
Best North Carolina General Liability Insurer
MoneyGeek Rating
4.6/ 5
4.5/5Affordability
4.6/5Customer Experience
4.7/5Coverage Points
Average Monthly General Liability Premium
$72These 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 North Carolina Commercial General Liability: Runner-Up
MoneyGeek Rating
4.6/ 5
4.3/5Affordability
4.7/5Customer Experience
4.8/5Coverage Points
Average Monthly General Liability Premium
$89These 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 North Carolina
The Hartford offers the cheapest general liability insurance in North Carolina at $72 per month, saving businesses $17 or 19% compared to the state average. Simply Business and Nationwide also provide affordable coverage options for small businesses.
| The Hartford | $72 | $861 |
| Simply Business | $82 | $989 |
| Nationwide | $84 | $1,014 |
| Progressive Commercial | $88 | $1,054 |
| NEXT Insurance | $89 | $1,068 |
| Coverdash | $89 | $1,069 |
| Thimble | $93 | $1,112 |
| Hiscox | $99 | $1,184 |
| biBERK | $99 | $1,185 |
| Chubb | $102 | $1,229 |
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 North Carolina by Industry
Based on MoneyGeek's research, these five providers offer the cheapest general liability insurance across industries in North Carolina.
- The Hartford: Ranks as the most affordable provider in 20 industries statewide. The company excels in construction, cleaning, food trucks, security, transportation and welding sectors.
- Simply Business and biBerk: Each leads in 11 industries for affordable coverage. Simply Business performs strongest with professional services like accountants, consulting, lawyers and software companies. biBerk dominates service industries including catering, contractors, handyman services and hospitality.
- NEXT: Offers the cheapest rates across 10 industries in North Carolina. The provider shows particular strength in tech/IT, dental practices, photography and wedding planning businesses.
- Thimble: Secures affordability wins in nine industries across the state. The company performs best for HVAC contractors, roofing companies, pet services and computer programming businesses.
Data filtered by:
Select
| Ad Agency | Thimble | $86 | $1,034 |
| Accountants | Simply Business | $12 | $149 |
| Barber | Thimble | $85 | $1,020 |
| Automotive | Coverdash | $95 | $1,142 |
| Auto Repair | Coverdash | $100 | $1,194 |
| Bakery | Hiscox | $84 | $1,010 |
| Beauty Salon | Progressive Commercial | $99 | $1,188 |
| Cannabis | The Hartford | $46 | $556 |
| Bounce House | The Hartford | $48 | $581 |
| Candle | NEXT Insurance | $30 | $359 |
| Catering | biBERK | $147 | $1,769 |
| Construction | The Hartford | $114 | $1,366 |
| Cleaning | The Hartford | $87 | $1,049 |
| Coffee Shop | biBERK | $89 | $1,065 |
| Computer Programming | Thimble | $85 | $1,020 |
| Computer Repair | NEXT Insurance | $32 | $390 |
| Consulting | Simply Business | $12 | $149 |
| Contractor | biBERK | $177 | $2,121 |
| Courier | The Hartford | $146 | $1,753 |
| Dental | NEXT Insurance | $11 | $130 |
| Daycare | The Hartford | $22 | $270 |
| Drone | The Hartford | $11 | $135 |
| DJ | Simply Business | $10 | $119 |
| Dog Grooming | Thimble | $31 | $373 |
| Engineering | biBERK | $15 | $174 |
| Ecommerce | Hiscox | $86 | $1,032 |
| Electrical | Nationwide | $89 | $1,063 |
| Excavation | biBERK | $321 | $3,854 |
| Florist | Simply Business | $27 | $318 |
| Food Truck | The Hartford | $97 | $1,165 |
| Food | Progressive Commercial | $93 | $1,117 |
| Funeral Home | NEXT Insurance | $38 | $459 |
| Home-based | Simply Business | $15 | $181 |
| Gardening | Progressive Commercial | $94 | $1,123 |
| Handyman | biBERK | $151 | $1,815 |
| HVAC | Thimble | $93 | $1,118 |
| Home-based | NEXT Insurance | $40 | $476 |
| Hospitality | biBERK | $121 | $1,455 |
| Junk Removal | The Hartford | $111 | $1,332 |
| Janitorial | Nationwide | $85 | $1,021 |
| Jewelry | Thimble | $142 | $1,702 |
| Lawn/Landscaping | Progressive Commercial | $84 | $1,006 |
| Manufacturing | Nationwide | $17 | $209 |
| Lawyers | Simply Business | $12 | $149 |
| Mortgage Broker | NEXT Insurance | $14 | $163 |
| Marine | The Hartford | $21 | $247 |
| Massage | Progressive Commercial | $83 | $1,000 |
| Moving | The Hartford | $84 | $1,006 |
| Nonprofit | biBERK | $23 | $273 |
| Pest Control | The Hartford | $22 | $265 |
| Painting | The Hartford | $97 | $1,164 |
| Party Rental | The Hartford | $58 | $694 |
| Personal Training | The Hartford | $16 | $196 |
| Photography | NEXT Insurance | $12 | $139 |
| Pet | Thimble | $31 | $373 |
| Pharmacy | biBERK | $87 | $1,048 |
| Restaurant | Coverdash | $86 | $1,026 |
| Physical Therapy | Nationwide | $17 | $209 |
| Plumbing | Simply Business | $233 | $2,801 |
| Pressure Washing | Hiscox | $844 | $10,128 |
| Real Estate | Nationwide | $105 | $1,257 |
| Retail | Hiscox | $86 | $1,032 |
| Roofing | Thimble | $179 | $2,150 |
| Speech Therapist | Simply Business | $17 | $206 |
| Security | The Hartford | $97 | $1,159 |
| Snack Bars | biBERK | $89 | $1,065 |
| Software | Simply Business | $12 | $149 |
| Spa/Wellness | Progressive Commercial | $94 | $1,125 |
| Startup | Simply Business | $12 | $149 |
| Transportation | The Hartford | $27 | $330 |
| Tech/IT | NEXT Insurance | $14 | $163 |
| Travel | NEXT Insurance | $14 | $163 |
| Tutoring | Thimble | $85 | $1,020 |
| Tree Service | The Hartford | $89 | $1,068 |
| Trucking | Coverdash | $87 | $1,047 |
| Trucking | Simply Business | $87 | $1,047 |
| Welding | The Hartford | $118 | $1,412 |
| Veterinary | biBERK | $22 | $258 |
| Wedding Planning | NEXT Insurance | $10 | $124 |
| Wholesale | Coverdash | $29 | $350 |
| Window Cleaning | The Hartford | $113 | $1,350 |
Average Cost of General Liability Insurance in North Carolina
Most small businesses in North Carolina pay around $89 monthly for general liability insurance. The average cost of general liability coverage changes based on your industry, business size, location and coverage limits.
Manufacturing companies often pay higher premiums because of their greater risk exposure, while accounting firms usually spend less due to lower liability concerns. Sole proprietors generally spend less on coverage compared to businesses with employees since they have fewer risk factors.
Average Cost of General Liability Insurance in North Carolina by Industry
General liability insurance in North Carolina ranges from $14 monthly for drone businesses to $797 for pressure washing companies. This wide range reflects different risk levels across industries. Review this table to find affordable general liability coverage rates for your specific business type.
Data filtered by:
Select
| Accountants | $19 | $230 |
| Ad Agency | $31 | $369 |
| Automotive | $46 | $557 |
| Auto Repair | $132 | $1,587 |
| Bakery | $79 | $944 |
| Barber | $39 | $463 |
| Beauty Salon | $58 | $699 |
| Bounce House | $61 | $734 |
| Candle | $48 | $574 |
| Cannabis | $58 | $701 |
| Catering | $76 | $915 |
| Cleaning | $115 | $1,384 |
| Coffee Shop | $78 | $937 |
| Computer Programming | $25 | $303 |
| Computer Repair | $41 | $498 |
| Construction | $153 | $1,831 |
| Consulting | $19 | $229 |
| Contractor | $222 | $2,664 |
| Courier | $170 | $2,042 |
| Daycare | $29 | $344 |
| Dental | $19 | $225 |
| DJ | $22 | $264 |
| Dog Grooming | $55 | $663 |
| Drone | $15 | $174 |
| Ecommerce | $64 | $764 |
| Electrical | $98 | $1,175 |
| Engineering | $35 | $416 |
| Excavation | $405 | $4,865 |
| Florist | $37 | $448 |
| Food | $94 | $1,125 |
| Food Truck | $124 | $1,482 |
| Funeral Home | $53 | $631 |
| Gardening | $98 | $1,174 |
| Handyman | $213 | $2,550 |
| Home-based | $21 | $248 |
| Home-based | $40 | $476 |
| Hospitality | $57 | $681 |
| HVAC | $214 | $2,563 |
| Janitorial | $119 | $1,432 |
| Jewelry | $35 | $421 |
| Junk Removal | $141 | $1,698 |
| Lawn/Landscaping | $105 | $1,256 |
| Lawyers | $20 | $238 |
| Manufacturing | $56 | $667 |
| Marine | $24 | $293 |
| Massage | $83 | $1,001 |
| Mortgage Broker | $20 | $239 |
| Moving | $108 | $1,296 |
| Nonprofit | $31 | $375 |
| Painting | $125 | $1,502 |
| Party Rental | $69 | $831 |
| Personal Training | $21 | $249 |
| Pest Control | $28 | $337 |
| Pet | $49 | $585 |
| Pharmacy | $54 | $646 |
| Photography | $21 | $252 |
| Physical Therapy | $96 | $1,150 |
| Plumbing | $315 | $3,777 |
| Pressure Washing | $797 | $9,568 |
| Real Estate | $46 | $556 |
| Restaurant | $126 | $1,515 |
| Retail | $57 | $683 |
| Roofing | $338 | $4,056 |
| Security | $121 | $1,453 |
| Snack Bars | $102 | $1,227 |
| Software | $23 | $275 |
| Spa/Wellness | $93 | $1,116 |
| Speech Therapist | $27 | $326 |
| Startup | $25 | $299 |
| Tech/IT | $23 | $276 |
| Transportation | $33 | $393 |
| Travel | $18 | $218 |
| Tree Service | $113 | $1,355 |
| Trucking | $89 | $1,072 |
| Tutoring | $26 | $316 |
| Veterinary | $39 | $468 |
| Wedding Planning | $24 | $289 |
| Welding | $144 | $1,723 |
| Wholesale | $39 | $467 |
| Window Cleaning | $139 | $1,664 |
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 North Carolina General Liability Insurance Costs?
Many important factors determine what North Carolina businesses pay for general liability insurance coverage.
North Carolina Legal and Regulatory Environment
North Carolina's pure contributory negligence law reduces premiums by allowing insurers to deny claims when plaintiffs bear even 1% fault. The state's lack of caps on damage awards increases costs by exposing businesses to unlimited jury verdicts. These opposing legal forces create unique pricing, with contributory negligence advantages generally outweighing unlimited damages risk. Most North Carolina businesses pay below-average rates compared to the national average.
North Carolina Liability Allocation Rules
North Carolina's joint and several liability doctrine increases general liability premiums by allowing plaintiffs to recover 100% of damages from any liable defendant, regardless of proportional fault. Businesses with substantial assets or insurance coverage become "deepest pocket" targets, potentially paying far more than their actual responsibility share. Businesses that work with subcontractors or operate in multi-party environments often see higher premiums because insurers account for the possibility of being held fully liable regardless of fault percentage.
North Carolina Weather and Climate Risks
North Carolina experienced over 100 billion-dollar weather disasters from 1980 to 2024, with frequency increasing from three events annually to seven in recent years. Severe weather creates liability exposures including slip-and-falls from water intrusion, falling debris injuries, and inadequate premises maintenance during storms. Coastal counties see premium increases of about 21%, while inland businesses also experience higher rates due to hurricanes, flooding and tornadoes that affect customer and employee safety across North Carolina.
North Carolina Geographic and Regional Variations
Geographic location impacts general liability rates through varying claim frequencies and severity patterns across North Carolina. Coastal counties pay higher premiums due to hurricane exposure and tourist-driven customer volumes. Urban areas like Charlotte and Raleigh see higher rates due to population density and increased foot traffic. Rural and inland businesses benefit from lower claim frequencies, reduced catastrophic weather risk and less litigious environments, creating significant rate variations for identical businesses in different regions.
How Much General Liability Insurance Do I Need in North Carolina?
North Carolina doesn't mandate specific coverage amounts at the state level, but local governments and project requirements often dictate minimums. Requirements for commercial general liability vary significantly by city, county, and profession. Understanding these local standards helps you secure adequate coverage for contracts, permits and business operations. The following professions and trades have specific insurance requirements in North Carolina:
North Carolina public liability insurance requirements for construction trades:
Project owners, lenders and building permit authorities commonly require general liability insurance even when state law doesn't. Most contractors need $1 million or more in coverage to bid on projects and sign contracts.
Public liability insurance requirements for general contractors in Charlotte
Charlotte requires contractors to carry at least $1 million in commercial general liability coverage. You must also list the City of Charlotte as an additional insured on your policy.
Public liability insurance requirements for general contractors in Iredell County
Iredell County mandates $1 million in combined single limits and $1 million annual aggregate limits for auto liability. Contractors working in this county need both auto and general liability coverage to meet local requirements.
Note: State insurance rules change often. Check current requirements with the North Carolina Department of Insurance or contact a licensed insurance agent for updated information.
How to Choose the Best General Liability Insurance in North Carolina
Understanding your specific business risks and local requirements helps you choose general liability insurance in North Carolina that protects you from lawsuits while keeping premiums affordable.
- 1Determine Coverage Needs
North Carolina doesn't mandate general liability insurance statewide, but Charlotte requires $1 million minimums for contractors. Many building construction permits require contractors to carry proper licensure and business insurance. Review contracts from clients, landlords and local permit authorities to identify coverage requirements before getting business insurance.
- 2Prepare Business Information
Gather your annual revenue, employee count and industry classification code for North Carolina quotes. Insurers evaluate risk based on whether you operate in high-claim cities like Charlotte and Raleigh or lower-risk rural areas. Have your EIN, North Carolina business registration and tax permits ready to speed up applications.
- 3Compare Multiple Quotes
Request quotes from at least three insurers licensed through the North Carolina Department of Insurance, as business insurance costs vary widely between carriers. Compare whether defense costs count against your policy limits or sit outside them, which affects total protection. Shopping around saves hundreds of dollars annually while ensuring adequate coverage.
- 4Look Beyond Price
Affordable business insurance often includes restrictive exclusions that leave you exposed during claims. Read policy exclusions carefully. Most general liability policies exclude professional errors, pollution and employee injuries, which require separate coverage. Coverage quality matters more than premium savings when facing lawsuits that could bankrupt your business.
- 5Verify Insurer Credentials
Confirm your insurer holds an active license through the North Carolina Department of Insurance website before purchasing coverage. Check AM Best ratings for financial strength and review complaint ratios to avoid insurers with poor claims-handling reputations. Strong financial backing ensures your insurer pays claims when your business needs protection most.
- 6Ask About Discounts
Bundling general liability with commercial property or auto insurance reduces North Carolina premiums by 10% to 25%. Insurers offer discounts for safety programs, claims-free histories and annual payment instead of monthly installments. Installing security systems and implementing employee training programs qualify you for additional premium reductions.
- 7Obtain Certificate of Insurance
North Carolina clients, landlords and general contractors require a certificate of insurance before allowing you to start work. Most insurers provide digital certificates instantly through online portals, though some take 24 to 48 hours. Keep your agent's contact information accessible for urgent certificate requests needed to close contracts or secure permits.
- 8Review Coverage Annually
Reassess your general liability coverage each year, especially after expanding into new North Carolina counties or hiring additional employees. Your premium varies based on industry risk, business size, location and claims history. Compare quotes 60 to 90 days before renewal to adjust limits or find better rates while avoiding coverage gaps.
Top General Liability Insurance in North Carolina: Bottom Line
Finding the right general liability insurance in North Carolina starts with understanding your specific business needs and comparing providers thoroughly. The Hartford, NEXT and Nationwide emerge as top options, but your best choice depends on your industry, company size and 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
- North Carolina General Assembly. "Chapter 1B - Article 1." Accessed December 4, 2025.
- North Carolina General Assembly. "G.S. 1-139. Burden of Proof of Contributory Negligence." Accessed December 4, 2025.
- North Carolina General Assembly. "G.S. 90-21.19. Liability Limit for Noneconomic Damages." Accessed December 4, 2025.
- NOAA National Centers for Environmental Information. "Billion-Dollar Weather and Climate Disasters | North Carolina." Accessed December 4, 2025.