The Hartford tops our rankings for Ohio general liability insurance, combining affordable rates with reliable service. NEXT and Nationwide follow with strong customer support and comprehensive coverage options.
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.
Explore low-cost general liability insurance in Ohio below.
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Updated: October 30, 2025
Advertising & Editorial Disclosure
Key Takeaways
The Hartford, NEXT and Nationwide lead Ohio's general liability insurance market, offering comprehensive coverage for businesses.
Your business type, size, coverage needs and budget determine which provider offers the best value.
Compare quotes, verify financial ratings, review customer feedback and confirm proper licensing to find reliable coverage.
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 reviewed Ohio’s top insurance providers to help small business owners find the best general liability coverage and reliable service for their 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 Ohio's most affordable general liability insurance at $76 monthly or $909 annually. Simply Business and Nationwide also provide competitive rates as 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 industry risk level, business size and claims history. Construction companies pay more than consulting firms, for example.
Average Cost of General Liability Insurance by Industry
General liability insurance costs vary by industry. Pressure washing businesses pay the highest monthly premiums at $853, while drone companies pay the most affordable rates at just $16 monthly. The table below shows cost differences across 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 doesn't require most businesses to carry general liability insurance at the state level. Cities and counties can establish their own coverage rules, and some licensed trades must maintain specific coverage:
Electricians
Licensed electricians must carry minimum limits of $500,000 per occurrence and $1,000,000 annual aggregate, including 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
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 for their expanded scope licenses.
Fire Safety Companies
Must maintain general liability insurance with minimum limits of $1,000,000 per occurrence and $2,000,000 annual aggregate.
General liability insurance should be part of your Ohio business insurance even without legal requirements. Most commercial landlords demand proof of coverage before signing leases, and large corporations and government agencies usually require proof of insurance.
How to Choose the Best General Liability Insurance in Ohio
Getting business insurance in Ohio starts with determining your coverage needs and budget.
- 1Determine 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.
- 2Prepare your business information
Collect details like annual revenue, employee count, business classification and location data.
- 3Collect multiple insurance quotes
Request quotes from at least three insurers since business liability insurance cost differs between them.
- 4Examine policy terms carefully
Don't focus solely on affordable business insurance 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.
- 5Verify 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.
- 6Inquire about available discounts
Ask about savings from bundling multiple coverage types, implementing workplace safety programs or maintaining a clean claims history. These discounts can reduce annual premium costs.
- 7Obtain 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 insurance claims, but Ohio companies can avoid many general liability problems with proper preparation and 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.
Train your people well
Provide safety training covering proper lifting techniques, equipment handling and customer interaction protocols specific to your business.
Keep good records
Maintain detailed files of all business interactions, including contracts, communications and incident reports.
Get everything in writing
Create clear contracts specifying work scope, timelines, access requirements and off-limits areas during service.
Fix problems fast
Respond to customer complaints within 24 hours.
General Liability Insurance in Ohio: Bottom Line
The Hartford, NEXT and Nationwide rank as Ohio's top three options. Your industry type, company size and budget determine which provider offers the best value for 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 monthly, with Simply Business and Nationwide following at $89 and $90 monthly.
Do Ohio businesses legally need general liability insurance?
Ohio doesn't mandate general liability insurance for most businesses. 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 We Scored the Best General Liability Insurance Companies in Ohio
Businesses in Ohio encounter many liability risks, including weather damage and workplace injuries across different industries.
Our review focused on finding general liability insurers that offer strong coverage and dependable service at a price small businesses can afford.
What We Evaluated
- Affordability (50%): Cost is often the biggest concern for small businesses with tight budgets. We reviewed premium rates from multiple insurers to find those that offer solid protection at reasonable prices.
- Customer experience (30%): Quality service matters most when it’s time to file a claim. We looked at J.D. Power ratings, state complaint data, and feedback from independent agencies to see how each insurer supports its policyholders.
- Coverage options (15%): Ohio businesses range from retail shops to construction companies, each with unique risks. We examined how well insurers tailor general liability coverage for different industries.
- Financial strength (5%): Low premiums only matter if the insurer can pay claims. We checked AM Best ratings and financial reports to confirm each company’s stability and ability to meet its obligations.
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 November 7, 2025.
- NEXT. "Customer Reviews | NEXT." Accessed November 7, 2025.
- Trustpilot. "Next Insurance Reviews." Accessed November 7, 2025.
- Trustpilot. "The Hartford Reviews." Accessed November 7, 2025.
- The Hartford. "When Is Liability Insurance Needed?." Accessed November 7, 2025.
- The Hartford. "What Does General Liability Insurance Cover?." Accessed November 7, 2025.