The Hartford tops our list for general liability insurance in Ohio, delivering an outstanding combination of affordable rates and reliable service. NEXT and Nationwide round out the top choices with good customer support.
General Liability Insurance in Ohio
The Hartford is top-ranked for general liability insurance in Ohio, with a score of 4.62 out of 5.Â
Explore low-cost general liability insurance in Ohio below.
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Updated: September 17, 2025
Advertising & Editorial Disclosure
Key Takeaways
The Hartford, NEXT and Nationwide stand as the leading general liability insurance providers in Ohio, offering comprehensive coverage options for businesses.
Your business type, size, desired coverage amount and available budget play crucial roles in selecting the right general liability provider in Ohio
A thorough comparison of insurance quotes, company financial ratings, customer feedback and proper licensing makes sure you find reliable general liability coverage for your business needs.
Best General Liability Insurance Companies in Ohio
| The Hartford | 4.62 | $76 |
| NEXT | 4.57 | $96 |
| Nationwide | 4.54 | $90 |
| Simply Business | 4.49 | $89 |
| Coverdash | 4.39 | $96 |
| Thimble | 4.35 | $100 |
| biBerk | 4.31 | $106 |
| Progressive Commercial | 4.29 | $93 |
| Chubb | 4.29 | $110 |
| Hiscox | 4.20 | $106 |
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.
LEARN MORE ABOUT BUSINESS INSURANCE
General liability coverage represents just one piece of comprehensive business protection in Ohio. Explore these additional resources for complete coverage:
Best Ohio Small Business Insurance Reviews
We analyzed Ohio's leading general liability insurance providers to help small business owners identify which companies offer the strongest coverage options and most reliable service for their specific needs.
The Hartford
Best Overall Provider
MoneyGeek Rating
4.6/ 5
4.6/5Affordability
4.6/5Customer Experience
4.7/5Coverage Options
Average Monthly Premium
$76Our Survey: Claims Process
4.5/5Recommend to Others
4.5/5
NEXT
Runner-Up Best Provider
MoneyGeek Rating
4.6/ 5
4.3/5Affordability
4.7/5Customer Experience
4.8/5Coverage Options
Average Monthly Premium
$96Our Survey: Claims Process
3.9/5Recommend to Others
4.8/5
Cheapest General Liability Insurance Companies in Ohio
The Hartford offers the most affordable general liability insurance in Ohio, with coverage starting at $76 monthly or $909 per year. Simply Business and Nationwide also provide competitive rates, making them solid alternatives for small business owners.
| The Hartford | $76 | $909 |
| Simply Business | $89 | $1,066 |
| Nationwide | $90 | $1,079 |
| Progressive Commercial | $93 | $1,112 |
| NEXT | $96 | $1,147 |
| Coverdash | $96 | $1,151 |
| Thimble | $100 | $1,195 |
| Hiscox | $106 | $1,272 |
| biBerk | $106 | $1,273 |
| Chubb | $110 | $1,323 |
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 Ohio
General liability insurance in Ohio averages $96 monthly or $1,145 annually, slightly below the national average. Your actual premium depends on your industry risk level, business size and claims history. For instance, construction companies pay more than consulting firms.
Average Cost of General Liability Insurance by Industry
General liability insurance costs vary by industry type. Pressure washing businesses face the highest monthly premiums at $853, while drone companies pay the most affordable rates at just $16 per month. The table below shows how coverage costs differ across various business types.
| Accountants | $21 | $246 |
| Ad Agency | $33 | $396 |
| Automotive | $50 | $596 |
| Auto Repair | $142 | $1,700 |
| Bakery | $84 | $1,011 |
| Barber | $41 | $496 |
| Beauty Salon | $62 | $747 |
| Bounce House | $65 | $786 |
| Candle | $51 | $614 |
| Cannabis | $63 | $750 |
| Catering | $82 | $981 |
| Cleaning | $124 | $1,482 |
| Coffee Shop | $84 | $1,004 |
| Computer Programming | $27 | $325 |
| Computer Repair | $44 | $533 |
| Construction | $164 | $1,962 |
| Consulting | $20 | $245 |
| Contractor | $238 | $2,851 |
| Courier | $182 | $2,186 |
| Daycare | $31 | $368 |
| Dental | $20 | $240 |
| DJ | $24 | $283 |
| Dog Grooming | $59 | $710 |
| Drone | $16 | $187 |
| Ecommerce | $68 | $819 |
| Electrical | $105 | $1,258 |
| Engineering | $37 | $446 |
| Excavation | $434 | $5,210 |
| Florist | $40 | $479 |
| Food | $100 | $1,205 |
| Food Truck | $132 | $1,586 |
| Funeral Home | $56 | $675 |
| Gardening | $105 | $1,258 |
| Handyman | $228 | $2,731 |
| Home-based | $22 | $266 |
| Home-based | $43 | $511 |
| Hospitality | $61 | $729 |
| HVAC | $229 | $2,744 |
| Janitorial | $128 | $1,534 |
| Jewelry | $38 | $451 |
| Junk Removal | $151 | $1,818 |
| Lawn/Landscaping | $112 | $1,345 |
| Lawyers | $21 | $255 |
| Manufacturing | $60 | $716 |
| Marine | $26 | $314 |
| Massage | $89 | $1,072 |
| Mortgage Broker | $21 | $256 |
| Moving | $116 | $1,388 |
| Nonprofit | $33 | $401 |
| Painting | $134 | $1,609 |
| Party Rental | $74 | $889 |
| Personal Training | $22 | $267 |
| Pest Control | $30 | $361 |
| Pet | $52 | $627 |
| Pharmacy | $58 | $691 |
| Photography | $23 | $270 |
| Physical Therapy | $103 | $1,234 |
| Plumbing | $337 | $4,045 |
| Pressure Washing | $853 | $10,241 |
| Real Estate | $50 | $595 |
| Restaurant | $135 | $1,622 |
| Retail | $61 | $732 |
| Roofing | $362 | $4,341 |
| Security | $130 | $1,556 |
| Snack Bars | $109 | $1,314 |
| Software | $25 | $295 |
| Spa/Wellness | $100 | $1,194 |
| Speech Therapist | $29 | $349 |
| Startup | $27 | $320 |
| Tech/IT | $25 | $295 |
| Transportation | $35 | $421 |
| Travel | $19 | $233 |
| Tree Service | $121 | $1,452 |
| Trucking | $96 | $1,148 |
| Tutoring | $28 | $338 |
| Veterinary | $42 | $501 |
| Wedding Planning | $26 | $310 |
| Welding | $154 | $1,845 |
| Wholesale | $42 | $500 |
| Window Cleaning | $148 | $1,782 |
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 Ohio?
Ohio does not require most businesses to carry general liability insurance at the state level. But, cities and counties can establish their own coverage rules, and some licensed trades must maintain specific coverage:
Electricians
Ohio requires licensed electricians to carry minimum limits of $500,000 per occurrence and $1,000,000 annual aggregate. This coverage must include completed operations protection.
Electrical Sign Contractors
Electrical sign contractors in Ohio must maintain the same general liability requirements as electricians, with $500,000 per occurrence and $1,000,000 annual aggregate limits. Completed operations coverage is also mandatory for license compliance.
HVAC Contractors
Ohio HVAC Class I contractors need $300,000 per occurrence and $600,000 annual aggregate coverage. Class II contractors must carry higher limits of $500,000 per occurrence and $1,000,000 annual aggregate to maintain their expanded scope licenses.
Fire Safety Companies
Fire safety companies operating in Ohio must maintain general liability insurance with minimum limits of $1,000,000 per occurrence and $2,000,000 annual aggregate.
General liability insurance often becomes important for practical business reasons, even without legal requirements. Most commercial landlords demand proof of coverage before signing lease agreements, and large corporations and government agencies usually want proof of insurance.
How to Choose the Best General Liability Insurance in Ohio
Finding the right general liability insurance in Ohio starts with determining what protection your business actually needs and what premiums fit your budget.
- 1
Determine your coverage needs
Research Ohio's industry-specific licensing requirements for your business type. Many clients require $1 million in coverage even when state minimums are lower, especially for construction.
- 2
Prepare your business information
Collect details like annual revenue, employee count, business classification and location data.
- 3
Collect multiple insurance quotes
Request quotes from at least three insurers since pricing differs.
- 4
Examine policy terms carefully
Don't focus solely on premium costs when comparing options. Some policies cover legal defense expenses in addition to your coverage limit, while others deduct these costs from your total protection amount.
- 5
Verify insurer and agent credentials
Use Ohio's Department of Insurance website to confirm licensing and check complaint records. Review AM Best financial ratings to assess the company's ability to pay claims and long-term stability.
- 6
Inquire about available discounts
Ask about savings opportunities like bundling multiple policies, implementing workplace safety programs, or maintaining a clean claims history. These discounts can reduce your annual premium costs.
- 7
Obtain your insurance certificate
Request your certificate of insurance immediately after purchase since clients and landlords often require proof of coverage.
How to Prevent General Liability Claims in Ohio
No business owner wants to deal with liability claims, but companies in Ohio can prevent most issues through smart preparation and proactive planning.
Watch out for property hazards
Ohio's changing weather creates ongoing slip and fall risks from snow, ice and rain accumulation. Inspect your property regularly for uneven pavement, loose handrails and poor lighting that could cause accidents.
Train your people well
Provide safety training that covers proper lifting techniques, equipment handling and customer interaction protocols specific to your business type.
Keep good records
Maintain detailed files of all business interactions, including contracts, communications and incident reports.
Get everything in writing
Create clear contracts that specify work scope, timelines, access requirements and any areas that are off-limits during service.
Fix problems fast
Respond to any customer complaints within 24 hours.
General Liability Insurance in Ohio: Bottom Line
The Hartford, NEXT and Nationwide are the state's top three options. Your industry type, company size and available budget determine which provider offers the best value for your general liability coverage.
Commercial General Liability Insurance in Ohio: FAQ
Our research and analysis helped us answer the most common general liability insurance questions that Ohio business owners ask when shopping for coverage.
What does general liability insurance cover for Ohio businesses?
General liability insurance covers third-party bodily injuries, property damage you cause to others, and legal defense costs.
How much does general liability insurance cost in Ohio?
Small businesses in Ohio pay between $76 and $110 monthly for general liability insurance. The Hartford leads as the most affordable provider at $76 per month, with Simply Business and Nationwide following closely at $89 and $90 monthly respectively.
Do Ohio businesses legally need general liability insurance?
Ohio does not mandate general liability insurance for most businesses. However, municipalities may impose their own requirements, and certain licensed professionals must maintain specific coverage levels.
Which company offers the best general liability insurance in Ohio?
The Hartford ranks as Ohio's top general liability insurance provider, excelling in financial stability and affordability with average monthly costs of $76.
What coverage limits should Ohio businesses choose?
Ohio businesses should first verify industry licensing requirements that mandate specific coverage amounts. Small businesses commonly select $1 million per occurrence and $2 million aggregate limits.
How can Ohio businesses prevent general liability claims?
Ohio businesses can reduce liability claims by promptly repairing property hazards and holding comprehensive employee safety training programs.
Can Ohio businesses get discounts on general liability insurance?
Yes, Ohio businesses can get reduced rates for bundling general liability with property or other commercial coverages. Additional savings opportunities include completing workplace safety programs.
How quickly can Ohio businesses get general liability coverage?
Ohio businesses can obtain general liability coverage within hours through digital platforms.
What should Ohio businesses do when filing a general liability claim?
Notify your insurance carrier immediately when an incident occurs.
How does general liability differ from professional liability coverage?
General liability insurance protects businesses from third-party bodily injuries and property damage occurring during operations, such as customer falls or accidental damage to client property. Professional liability coverage addresses errors in services provided, like missed deadlines or faulty advice causing financial harm.
How We Scored the Best General Liability Insurance Companies in Ohio
Ohio businesses encounter specific liability challenges, including weather-related incidents and workplace injuries across diverse industries. Our evaluation process identified general liability insurers that provide solid coverage without breaking small business budgets.
What We Evaluated
- Affordability (50%): Cost remains the biggest concern for Ohio small businesses operating with limited cash flow. We analyzed premium rates across multiple insurers because affordable coverage determines whether businesses can actually maintain protection.
- Customer experience (30%): Quality service becomes critical when claims arise. Our analysis included J.D. Power ratings, state complaint data, and independent agency feedback to assess how insurers treat policyholders during the claims process.
- Coverage options (15%): Ohio businesses span many industries, each with distinct liability exposures. We examined how insurers customize general liability policies for different business types, from retail shops to construction companies.
- Financial strength (5%): Low premiums mean nothing if the insurer cannot pay claims. We checked AM Best ratings and financial reports to confirm each company maintains adequate reserves.
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!
Passionate about economics and insurance, he aims to promote transparency in financial topics and empower others to make confident money decisions.
sources
- NEXT. "NEXT: Small Business Insurance Quotes Online." Accessed September 17, 2025.
- NEXT. "Customer Reviews | NEXT." Accessed September 17, 2025.
- Trustpilot. "Next Insurance Reviews." Accessed September 17, 2025.
- Trustpilot. "The Hartford Reviews." Accessed September 17, 2025.
- The Hartford. "When Is Liability Insurance Needed?." Accessed September 17, 2025.
- The Hartford. "What Does General Liability Insurance Cover?." Accessed September 17, 2025.