We researched Ohio's general liability insurance market to bring you reliable answers about best business insurance coverage options. Our FAQ section below addresses common questions business owners have based on MoneyGeek's detailed analysis:
Best General Liability Insurance in Ohio
The Hartford leads Ohio general liability insurance as both the best and cheapest option, with rates starting at $76 per month.
Get matched to the best and cheapest general liability insurer for you below.
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Updated: November 25, 2025
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Commercial General Liability Insurance in Ohio: Fast Answers
Which company offers the best general liability insurance in Ohio?
The Hartford ranks as the best general liability insurance company in Ohio with a 4.62 overall score out of 5. It provides affordable coverage at $76 per month with reliable claims handling. NEXT takes second place with a 4.57 score, featuring an excellent digital platform for $96 per month.
Who offers the cheapest general liability insurance in Ohio?
The cheapest general liability insurance companies in Ohio are:
- The Hartford: $76 per month
- Simply Business: $89 per month
- Nationwide: $90 per month
- Progressive: $93 per month
- NEXT: $96 per month
Do Ohio businesses legally need general liability insurance?
Ohio law doesn't require most businesses to carry general liability insurance. However, certain licensed professionals like contractors and electricians may need specific coverage amounts to maintain their licenses. Local municipalities can also set their own insurance requirements. Even when not legally mandated, most landlords and clients require proof of coverage before signing contracts.
How much does general liability insurance cost in Ohio?
General liability insurance costs between $16 and $853 per month for small Ohio businesses with two employees. The drone industry often gets the lowest rates, while pressure washing businesses have some of the highest premiums. Your actual cost depends on your industry risk level, business location, coverage limits and company size.
Best General Liability Insurance Companies in Ohio
The Hartford is our top choice for general liability insurance in Ohio, offering excellent affordability and quality service. NEXT and Nationwide are strong alternatives, with NEXT known for its customer support and Nationwide offering solid stability for small business owners seeking reliable coverage options.
| The Hartford | 4.62 | $76 |
| NEXT Insurance | 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 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 Ohio General Liability Insurer
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LEARN MORE ABOUT THE BEST BUSINESS INSURANCE IN OHIO
General liability insurance covers customer injuries and property damage at your Ohio business, but it won't protect you from every risk. Explore these related guides to build complete coverage:
Best Ohio General Liability Insurance Reviews
Finding the right general liability insurance provider in Ohio requires looking beyond cost alone. Coverage quality and customer service matter too. Our research identifies the top business insurers based on comprehensive analysis.
The Hartford
Best Ohio General Liability Insurer
MoneyGeek Rating
4.6/ 5
4.6/5Affordability
4.6/5Customer Experience
4.7/5Coverage Points
Average Monthly General Liability Premium
$76These 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 Ohio 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
$96These 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 Ohio
The Hartford offers the cheapest general liability insurance in Ohio at $76 per month, saving businesses $19 or 20% compared to the state average. Simply Business and Nationwide also provide affordable coverage options for Ohio businesses.
| The Hartford | $76 | $909 |
| Simply Business | $89 | $1,066 |
| Nationwide | $90 | $1,079 |
| Progressive Commercial | $93 | $1,112 |
| NEXT Insurance | $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 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 Ohio by Industry
MoneyGeek's research identifies the top five cheapest general liability insurance providers across Ohio industries.
- The Hartford: Ranks as the most affordable provider in 22 of 61 industries studied. The company leads in construction, cleaning, food trucks, pest control and transportation sectors.
- Simply Business and Thimble: Both win 11 industries each for cheapest rates. Simply Business dominates professional services like accounting, consulting and legal practices. Thimble performs best in service businesses including bakeries, barbershops and HVAC companies.
- biBerk: Offers the lowest rates across 10 industries, with strong performance in catering, engineering, excavation and veterinary services.
- Coverdash and NEXT: Each leads seven industries for affordable coverage. Coverdash excels in auto repair, trucking and wholesale businesses, while NEXT tops dental, photography and tech sectors.
Data filtered by:
Select
| Automotive | Coverdash | $102 | $1,229 |
| Accountants | Simply Business | $13 | $160 |
| Ad Agency | Thimble | $93 | $1,110 |
| Bakery | Thimble | $88 | $1,059 |
| Auto Repair | Coverdash | $107 | $1,285 |
| Beauty Salon | Progressive Commercial | $104 | $1,253 |
| Barber | Thimble | $91 | $1,096 |
| Cannabis | The Hartford | $49 | $587 |
| Bounce House | The Hartford | $51 | $612 |
| Candle | Simply Business | $89 | $1,072 |
| Catering | biBERK | $158 | $1,901 |
| Cleaning | The Hartford | $92 | $1,107 |
| Consulting | Simply Business | $13 | $160 |
| Coffee Shop | Thimble | $87 | $1,042 |
| Computer Programming | Thimble | $91 | $1,096 |
| Computer Repair | The Hartford | $34 | $413 |
| Construction | The Hartford | $120 | $1,442 |
| Courier | The Hartford | $154 | $1,850 |
| Contractor | biBERK | $190 | $2,278 |
| Dental | NEXT Insurance | $12 | $140 |
| Daycare | The Hartford | $24 | $285 |
| Drone | The Hartford | $12 | $142 |
| DJ | Simply Business | $11 | $128 |
| Dog Grooming | Thimble | $33 | $401 |
| Ecommerce | Simply Business | $89 | $1,072 |
| Electrical | Nationwide | $94 | $1,132 |
| Food | Progressive Commercial | $98 | $1,179 |
| Engineering | biBERK | $16 | $187 |
| Excavation | biBERK | $345 | $4,140 |
| Florist | Simply Business | $29 | $342 |
| Food Truck | The Hartford | $102 | $1,229 |
| Handyman | biBERK | $163 | $1,950 |
| Funeral Home | NEXT Insurance | $41 | $493 |
| Gardening | Coverdash | $89 | $1,069 |
| Home-based | The Hartford | $16 | $194 |
| Home-based | NEXT Insurance | $43 | $511 |
| Hospitality | biBERK | $130 | $1,563 |
| Lawn/Landscaping | Progressive Commercial | $89 | $1,062 |
| HVAC | Thimble | $100 | $1,201 |
| Janitorial | Nationwide | $91 | $1,087 |
| Jewelry | Thimble | $152 | $1,828 |
| Junk Removal | The Hartford | $117 | $1,406 |
| Lawyers | Simply Business | $13 | $160 |
| Massage | Hiscox | $86 | $1,027 |
| Manufacturing | Nationwide | $19 | $223 |
| Marine | The Hartford | $22 | $260 |
| Mortgage Broker | NEXT Insurance | $15 | $176 |
| Moving | The Hartford | $88 | $1,061 |
| Party Rental | Chubb | $88 | $1,059 |
| Nonprofit | biBERK | $25 | $294 |
| Painting | The Hartford | $102 | $1,228 |
| Pest Control | The Hartford | $23 | $280 |
| Personal Training | The Hartford | $17 | $207 |
| Pet | Thimble | $33 | $401 |
| Pharmacy | biBERK | $94 | $1,126 |
| Plumbing | Simply Business | $252 | $3,018 |
| Photography | NEXT Insurance | $12 | $148 |
| Physical Therapy | Nationwide | $19 | $222 |
| Pressure Washing | Coverdash | $880 | $10,564 |
| Roofing | Thimble | $193 | $2,311 |
| Real Estate | Nationwide | $112 | $1,338 |
| Restaurant | Coverdash | $92 | $1,104 |
| Retail | Progressive Commercial | $85 | $1,020 |
| Security | The Hartford | $102 | $1,223 |
| Snack Bars | biBERK | $95 | $1,144 |
| Travel | The Hartford | $15 | $175 |
| Software | Simply Business | $13 | $160 |
| Spa/Wellness | Progressive Commercial | $99 | $1,187 |
| Speech Therapist | Nationwide | $19 | $222 |
| Speech Therapist | Simply Business | $19 | $222 |
| Startup | Simply Business | $13 | $160 |
| Tech/IT | NEXT Insurance | $15 | $176 |
| Transportation | The Hartford | $29 | $347 |
| Tutoring | Thimble | $91 | $1,096 |
| Tree Service | The Hartford | $94 | $1,127 |
| Trucking | Coverdash | $94 | $1,128 |
| Veterinary | biBERK | $23 | $277 |
| Wholesale | Coverdash | $31 | $376 |
| Wedding Planning | NEXT Insurance | $11 | $134 |
| Welding | The Hartford | $124 | $1,491 |
| Window Cleaning | The Hartford | $119 | $1,425 |
Average Cost of General Liability Insurance in Ohio
Most small businesses in Ohio pay around $95 per month for general liability insurance. The average cost of general liability coverage depends on your industry, business size, location and coverage limits.
Manufacturing companies often pay higher premiums due to increased risk exposure, while accounting firms tend to pay less because of lower liability concerns. Sole proprietors usually secure more affordable rates compared to businesses with multiple employees.
Average Cost of General Liability Insurance in Ohio by Industry
Ohio businesses pay between $16 and $853 monthly for general liability coverage, with drone companies seeing the most affordable rates and pressure washing businesses facing the highest costs. Review the table below to find typical rates for your specific industry.
Data filtered by:
Select
| 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 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 Ohio General Liability Insurance Costs?
Many factors determine what Ohio businesses pay for general liability insurance coverage.
Ohio Legal and Regulatory Environment
Ohio caps non-economic damages at $350,000 per claim under Senate Bill 80, enacted in 2005. These damage caps limit maximum payouts for insurers, helping stabilize premiums for businesses. The U.S. Chamber of Commerce ranks Ohio as the 15th worst state for lawsuit abuse due to the influence of third-party litigation funders.
These funders invest in lawsuits for a share of settlements, increasing claim frequency and settlement amounts. Social inflation pushes insurance costs higher at a pace faster than the general economy. Ohio businesses experience moderate liability pricing because of these competing forces.
Ohio Severe Weather and Natural Disaster Risk
Ohio reported eight billion-dollar severe storms in 2024, the most since data collection began in 1980. The state recorded 72 tornadoes in 2024, breaking the previous record of 61 from 1992. General liability insurance covers customer and visitor injuries during weather events, including slips on storm debris or falls in darkened buildings after power outages.
Ohio experienced the sixth-largest insurance rate increase over three years, driven partially by severe weather. Insurers price coverage at the state level, spreading Tornado Alley's eastward shift costs across all Ohio businesses.
Ohio Economic Growth and Industrial Development
Intel committed $28 billion to build chip factories in New Albany. LG Energy Solution-Honda invested $3.5 billion in an EV battery plant in Jeffersonville. Ohio added 99,000 private sector jobs in 2021 and created 197,010 new businesses, marking a 15% increase.
Rapid economic growth raises general liability rates through construction-related claims, increased population density creating premises liability exposure, and higher total insured value statewide. Insurers spread more claims from increased business activity across all policyholders through premium adjustments.
Ohio Manufacturing and Automotive Industry Concentration
Ohio's manufacturing economy employs 700,000 workers and generates $125 billion in economic activity. Manufacturing operations create elevated liability risks through heavy machinery injuries, product defects, and environmental exposures. Insurers price general liability coverage based on statewide loss experience.
Ohio's concentration of high-risk manufacturing and automotive businesses drives baseline rates higher for all companies. Low-risk service businesses pay higher premiums because insurers pool them with industrial operations filing more frequent and severe liability claims.
How Much General Liability Insurance Do I Need in Ohio?
The amount of general liability insurance you need in Ohio depends on your profession and location. Requirements for commercial general liability coverage range from $100,000 to $500,000, with state-licensed trades facing the highest minimums. Columbus, Cleveland and Cincinnati enforce their own insurance requirements for contractors and home improvement professionals.
Ohio public liability insurance requirements for electricians
Ohio requires $500,000 in general liability coverage through the Ohio Construction Industry Licensing Board. This minimum applies statewide regardless of where you operate.
Ohio public liability insurance requirements for plumbers
Your license application requires proof of $500,000 in general liability insurance. The coverage protects your business from third-party claims involving property damage and bodily injury on job sites.
Ohio public liability insurance requirements for HVAC contractors
Ohio's state licensing board mandates $500,000 in general liability coverage for your license. Local requirements differ—Cleveland needs $200,000 for registration, while Columbus requires $300,000 per person and $500,000 per occurrence.
Ohio public liability insurance requirements for hydronics contractors
Ohio sets a $500,000 minimum for general liability insurance in this specialty trade. You can't complete your licensing application without a certificate of insurance.
Ohio public liability insurance requirements for refrigeration contractors
General liability coverage of $500,000 is mandatory for state licensure in refrigeration work. This protects your business when accidents occur during installations or repairs.
Ohio public liability insurance requirements for home inspectors
Ohio mandates $100,000 per occurrence or $300,000 aggregate in general liability coverage for home inspectors. Submit your certificate of insurance to the Ohio Division of Real Estate and Professional Licensing with your license application.
Public liability insurance requirements for general contractors in Columbus
Columbus requires $300,000 per person and $500,000 per occurrence in general liability insurance. Both general contractors on commercial projects and home improvement contractors need this coverage.
Public liability insurance requirements for home improvement contractors
Columbus mandates $300,000 per person and $500,000 per occurrence for home improvement contractor licenses. This covers roofing, siding installation, deck building and basement waterproofing work.
Public liability insurance requirements for roofing contractors (municipality requirement)
Most Ohio cities require between $200,000 and $500,000 in general liability insurance for roofing contractors. Cincinnati and other municipalities require registration and proof of coverage before work begins.
Note: State insurance rules change often. Check with the Ohio Department of Insurance or a licensed agent to confirm current requirements before purchasing coverage.
How to Choose the Best General Liability Insurance in Ohio
Choosing general liability insurance in Ohio starts with understanding your business risks and coverage requirements. Getting business insurance that protects your operations means comparing policy limits, deductibles and insurers that specialize in your industry.
- 1Determine Coverage Needs
Ohio doesn’t mandate general liability insurance for most businesses, but many licensing boards and commercial contracts set minimum limits ranging from $100,000 to $500,000. State-licensed contractors must carry at least $500,000 in coverage, while Columbus requires general contractors to maintain $300,000 per person and $500,000 per occurrence.
Check your local municipality’s rules and review client agreements to determine the level of business insurance coverage that fits your operations.
- 2Prepare Business Information
Gather details insurers need for accurate quotes: annual revenue, employee count, physical address and your business classification code. Ohio insurers price policies based on industry risk (construction companies pay more than consulting firms) plus location factors like Cleveland's urban density versus rural counties. Have your EIN, business registration and required licenses ready before requesting quotes to speed up the process.
- 3Compare Multiple Quotes
Request quotes from at least three Ohio-licensed insurers since rates vary across carriers. The business insurance costs for the same coverage can differ by hundreds of dollars annually between providers. Compare deductibles, aggregate limits and whether defense costs count toward your policy limit or are paid separately.
- 4Look Beyond Price
Cheap business insurance isn't always the best value if it leaves coverage gaps your business needs. Read policy exclusions carefully because most general liability policies exclude professional errors, pollution damage and employee injuries, which require separate coverage. Check whether legal defense costs are included within your policy limits or paid in addition, since this affects your actual protection.
- 5Verify Insurer Credibility
Confirm your insurer holds a valid license through the Ohio Department of Insurance by calling 1-800-686-1526 or searching their online database. Check AM Best ratings for financial strength and choose carriers rated A- or higher to ensure they can pay claims. Research complaint ratios through the Ohio Department of Insurance to identify companies with poor claims handling before purchasing.
- 6Ask About Discounts
Ohio insurers offer discounts for bundling general liability with property or workers' compensation coverage, often saving 10% to 25% on combined premiums. Carriers reduce rates for businesses with claims-free histories, annual payment plans and documented safety programs. Ask about discounts for installing security systems, completing OSHA training or maintaining professional certifications in your industry.
- 7Obtain Certificate Documentation
Clients, landlords and contractors in Ohio require certificates of insurance before signing contracts or allowing you on job sites. Many insurers provide digital certificates instantly through online portals, while others take 24 to 48 hours to process requests. Keep your agent's contact information easily accessible for urgent certificate needs when bidding on time-sensitive projects.
- 8Review Coverage Annually
Reassess your policy 60 to 90 days before renewal, especially after hiring employees, expanding services or increasing revenue by 20% or more. Ohio businesses that outgrow their coverage limits may encounter gaps during claims. For example, a $500,000 policy won't protect adequately if annual revenue jumps from $200,000 to $1 million. Compare quotes annually since insurers adjust rates based on claims experience and market conditions.
Top General Liability Insurance in Ohio: Bottom Line
Choosing quality general liability insurance in Ohio starts with understanding your specific business needs and researching providers thoroughly. The Hartford, NEXT, and Nationwide represent strong options in the market, but the right choice depends on your industry, business 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
- Intel Corporation. "Intel in Ohio." Accessed December 7, 2025.
- JobsOhio. "Ohio's Advantage Means American Success." Accessed December 7, 2025.
- NOAA National Centers for Environmental Information. "Billion-Dollar Weather and Climate Disasters: Ohio." Accessed December 7, 2025.
- Ohio Revised Code. "Section 2315.18 - Limitations on Compensatory Damages." Accessed December 7, 2025.
- U.S. Chamber Institute for Legal Reform. "2019 Lawsuit Climate Survey: Ranking the States." Accessed December 7, 2025.
- WOUB Public Media. "Tornado Alley's Shift Into Ohio is Causing Insurance Costs to Surge." Accessed December 7, 2025.