The Hartford tops our list for general liability insurance in Pennsylvania, delivering the best combination of affordable rates and reliable service. NEXT and Nationwide also excel as alternatives, both earning high marks for customer satisfaction among small business owners across the state.
General Liability Insurance in Pennsylvania
The Hartford ranks first for general liability coverage in Pennsylvania, scoring 4.64 out of 5.
Explore low-cost general liability insurance in Pennsylvania below.

Updated: September 15, 2025
Advertising & Editorial Disclosure
Key Takeaways
The Hartford, NEXT and Nationwide stand as Pennsylvania's leading general liability insurance providers.
Consider your business type, operational scale and financial parameters when choosing the best provider.
Compare quotes from several insurers, research their financial stability, check customer reviews and verify licensing to find quality coverage.
Best General Liability Insurance Companies in Pennsylvania
The Hartford | 4.64 | $95 |
NEXT | 4.54 | $119 |
Nationwide | 4.52 | $113 |
Simply Business | 4.48 | $111 |
Thimble | 4.40 | $122 |
Coverdash | 4.37 | $120 |
biBERK | 4.30 | $130 |
Progressive Commercial | 4.27 | $116 |
Chubb | 4.25 | $138 |
Hiscox | 4.19 | $130 |
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.
Compare Small Business Insurance Rates
Ensure you are getting the best rate for your insurance. Compare quotes from the top insurance companies.
LEARN MORE ABOUT BUSINESS INSURANCE
Protecting your Pennsylvania business requires more than just general liability coverage. There are other insurance options to help you find comprehensive protection.
Best Pennsylvania Small Business Insurance Reviews
To help you decide on the right general liability insurance, we've analyzed what makes our top providers stand out for small business owners.

The Hartford
Best Overall Provider
Average Monthly Premium
$95Our Survey: Claims Process
4.5/5Recommend to Others
4.5/5

NEXT
Runner-Up Best Provider
Average Monthly Premium
$119Our Survey: Claims Process
3.9/5Recommend to Others
4.8/5
Cheapest General Liability Insurance Companies in Pennsylvania
The Hartford offers the cheapest general liability insurance in Pennsylvania, with coverage starting at $95 monthly or $1,140 annually. Small business owners seeking affordable protection can also consider Simply Business and Nationwide, which provide competitive rates and serve as solid alternatives for budget-conscious entrepreneurs in Pennsylvania.
The Hartford | $95 | $1,140 |
Simply Business | $111 | $1,331 |
Nationwide | $113 | $1,351 |
Progressive Commercial | $116 | $1,395 |
NEXT | $119 | $1,433 |
Coverdash | $120 | $1,438 |
Thimble | $122 | $1,468 |
biBERK | $130 | $1,557 |
Hiscox | $130 | $1,559 |
Chubb | $138 | $1,652 |
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 Pennsylvania
General liability insurance in Pennsylvania costs an average of $119 per month ($1,423 annually), running about $15 higher than the national average. Your actual premium depends on your industry, business size, and claims history. Construction companies typically face steeper rates than lower-risk businesses like consulting firms due to increased liability exposure.
Average Cost of General Liability Insurance by Industry
General liability costs vary dramatically by industry in Pennsylvania. Pressure washing businesses face the highest monthly premiums at $1,061, while drone companies pay just $19 per month. This significant difference shows how your business type directly impacts insurance costs. The table below details premiums across various industries.
Accountants | $26 | $306 |
Ad Agency | $41 | $491 |
Automotive | $62 | $742 |
Auto Repair | $176 | $2,110 |
Bakery | $105 | $1,257 |
Barber | $51 | $614 |
Beauty Salon | $77 | $929 |
Bounce House | $81 | $977 |
Candle | $64 | $764 |
Cannabis | $78 | $932 |
Catering | $101 | $1,214 |
Cleaning | $153 | $1,841 |
Coffee Shop | $104 | $1,247 |
Computer Programming | $34 | $403 |
Computer Repair | $55 | $663 |
Construction | $203 | $2,440 |
Consulting | $25 | $305 |
Contractor | $296 | $3,547 |
Courier | $227 | $2,718 |
Daycare | $38 | $457 |
Dental | $25 | $299 |
DJ | $29 | $351 |
Dog Grooming | $74 | $883 |
Drone | $19 | $232 |
Ecommerce | $85 | $1,018 |
Electrical | $130 | $1,562 |
Engineering | $46 | $554 |
Excavation | $540 | $6,479 |
Florist | $50 | $595 |
Food | $125 | $1,496 |
Food Truck | $164 | $1,973 |
Funeral Home | $70 | $839 |
Gardening | $130 | $1,560 |
Handyman | $283 | $3,398 |
Home-based | $28 | $331 |
Home-based | $53 | $639 |
Hospitality | $75 | $905 |
HVAC | $284 | $3,413 |
Janitorial | $159 | $1,905 |
Jewelry | $47 | $558 |
Junk Removal | $188 | $2,259 |
Lawn/Landscaping | $139 | $1,670 |
Lawyers | $26 | $317 |
Manufacturing | $74 | $884 |
Marine | $32 | $390 |
Massage | $111 | $1,331 |
Mortgage Broker | $27 | $318 |
Moving | $144 | $1,724 |
Nonprofit | $42 | $499 |
Painting | $167 | $2,001 |
Party Rental | $92 | $1,106 |
Personal Training | $28 | $332 |
Pest Control | $37 | $448 |
Pet | $65 | $780 |
Pharmacy | $72 | $858 |
Photography | $28 | $335 |
Physical Therapy | $127 | $1,521 |
Plumbing | $419 | $5,031 |
Pressure Washing | $1,061 | $12,738 |
Real Estate | $62 | $741 |
Restaurant | $168 | $2,015 |
Retail | $76 | $910 |
Roofing | $450 | $5,395 |
Security | $162 | $1,938 |
Snack Bars | $136 | $1,633 |
Software | $30 | $365 |
Spa/Wellness | $124 | $1,482 |
Speech Therapist | $36 | $434 |
Startup | $33 | $398 |
Tech/IT | $31 | $366 |
Transportation | $44 | $523 |
Travel | $24 | $290 |
Tree Service | $151 | $1,807 |
Trucking | $119 | $1,427 |
Tutoring | $35 | $420 |
Veterinary | $52 | $624 |
Wedding Planning | $32 | $384 |
Welding | $191 | $2,294 |
Wholesale | $52 | $621 |
Window Cleaning | $185 | $2,216 |
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 Pennsylvania?
Pennsylvania does not require most businesses to carry general liability insurance at the state level.
Check with your local government offices to understand what rules apply in your specific area.
Certain licensed trades must maintain specific coverage to keep their professional licenses active:
Electricians
Pennsylvania requires licensed electricians to carry $500,000 per occurrence and $1,000,000 annual aggregate.
Electrical Sign Contractors
Electrical sign contractors in Pennsylvania must maintain $500,000 per occurrence and $1,000,000 annual aggregate limits.
HVAC Contractors
Pennsylvania HVAC Class A contractors need $1,000,000 per occurrence and $2,000,000 annual aggregate coverage, while Class B contractors require $500,000 per occurrence and $1,000,000 annual aggregate.
Fire Safety Companies
Fire safety companies must carry $1,000,000 per occurrence and $2,000,000 annual aggregate to maintain their Pennsylvania registration.
General liability insurance becomes a business necessity regardless of licensing requirements. Most commercial landlords demand proof of coverage before approving lease agreements, and many clients won't work with uninsured contractors. Large corporations and government agencies typically require valid insurance certificates before starting any project. Make sure your coverage amounts satisfy both your licensing standards and client expectations to keep business opportunities open.
How to Choose the Best General Liability Insurance in Pennsylvania
Finding the right general liability insurance in Pennsylvania starts with determining what protection your business actually needs and what you can realistically afford.
- 1
Determine your coverage needs
Research Pennsylvania licensing requirements for your specific industry first. Many clients and contractors require $1 million in coverage even when state minimums are lower.
- 2
Prepare business information
Gather details like annual revenue, employee count, business type, and location before requesting quotes. Insurers use this information to calculate premiums, and providing inaccurate details can create audit problems or coverage gaps later.
- 3
Collect multiple quotes
Always compare at least three different insurers since prices vary. Our research shows monthly premiums can range from around $95 with The Hartford to $138 with Chubb, plus service and coverage quality differences matter beyond just price.
- 4
Examine policy terms
Focus on exclusions and coverage details rather than small premium differences. Some policies cover legal defense costs in addition to your coverage limit, while others subtract these expenses from your total protection.
- 5
Verify insurer credentials
Check insurer and agent licenses through the Pennsylvania Insurance Department website. Review AM Best financial ratings and complaint records to identify companies with strong claims handling and financial stability.
- 6
Request available discounts
Ask about savings opportunities like safety program participation, policy bundling, or clean claims history credits. These discounts can reduce your premium with many insurers.
- 7
Obtain coverage certificate
Request your certificate of insurance after purchasing coverage since clients and landlords often require proof. Some insurers provide instant online access while others need several days to process certificate requests.
How to Prevent General Liability Claims in Pennsylvania
Business owners never want to handle liability claims, but Pennsylvania companies can prevent most issues through smart preparation and proactive planning.
Watch out for property hazards
Pennsylvania businesses face significant slip and fall risks from ice, snow and seasonal weather. Address winter hazards promptly.
Train your people well
Proper employee training reduces accidents and protects your business from liability claims.
Keep good records
Detailed documentation protects Pennsylvania businesses when liability claims arise by providing clear evidence of proper procedures and maintenance.
Get everything in writing
Written contracts and agreements prevent misunderstandings that often lead to liability disputes in Pennsylvania courts.
Fix problems fast
Quick response to customer complaints and safety issues prevents small problems from becoming major liability claims.
General Liability Insurance in Pennsylvania: Bottom Line
Selecting quality general liability insurance in Pennsylvania requires evaluating your business needs and researching top providers. The Hartford, NEXT, and Nationwide lead the market, but your best option depends on your industry, company size, and budget. These factors influence which coverage works best for your situation. Get quotes from multiple insurers and verify their credentials before making your final decision.
Commercial General Liability Insurance in Pennsylvania: FAQ
Our research and analysis helped us answer the most common general liability insurance questions Pennsylvania business owners ask when shopping for coverage.
What does general liability insurance cover for Pennsylvania businesses?
General liability insurance for Pennsylvania businesses covers third-party bodily injuries, property damage you cause to others, and legal defense costs.
How much does general liability insurance cost in Pennsylvania?
Small businesses in Pennsylvania pay between $95 and $138 monthly for general liability insurance. The Hartford offers the most affordable coverage at $95 per month, while Simply Business and Nationwide provide competitive alternatives at $111 and $113 respectively.
Do Pennsylvania businesses legally need general liability insurance?
Pennsylvania does not mandate general liability insurance for most businesses. Municipalities can impose their own requirements, and certain licensed professionals may need to carry insurance.
Which company offers the best general liability insurance in Pennsylvania?
The Hartford ranks as Pennsylvania's top general liability insurance provider, excelling in affordability at $95 monthly and financial stability.
What coverage limits should Pennsylvania businesses choose?
Pennsylvania businesses should first verify any minimum coverage requirements mandated by their industry licensing boards.
How can Pennsylvania businesses prevent general liability claims?
Pennsylvania businesses can reduce liability claims by maintaining safe premises, including repairing damaged walkways and clearing ice promptly.
Can Pennsylvania businesses get discounts on general liability insurance?
Insurers offer reduced rates for bundling general liability with property or other commercial coverage.
How quickly can Pennsylvania businesses get general liability coverage?
Pennsylvania businesses can obtain general liability coverage rapidly through digital platforms.
What should Pennsylvania businesses do when filing a general liability claim?
Pennsylvania businesses must report incidents to their insurance carrier immediately. Document and keep detailed records of the event.
How does general liability differ from professional liability coverage?
General liability insurance protects businesses from physical incidents like customer injuries. Professional liability covers errors in services provided, such as a consultant's advice causing client financial losses.
How We Scored the Best General Liability Insurance Companies in Pennsylvania
Pennsylvania business owners encounter varied liability exposures, from weather-related incidents to workplace injuries across different industries. Our analysis focused on general liability insurers that deliver solid coverage without straining tight business budgets.
What We Evaluated
- Affordability (50%): Cost pressures hit Pennsylvania small businesses hard. We analyzed premium rates across carriers because reasonable pricing determines whether businesses can actually secure needed protection.
- Customer experience (30%): Quality claims service becomes critical when accidents happen. We examined J.D. Power ratings, Pennsylvania complaint data, and independent agent feedback to assess how insurers treat policyholders during claims.
- Coverage options (15%): Pennsylvania businesses span many industries with different risk profiles. We evaluated how insurers customize general liability policies for local companies, from manufacturing to retail operations.
- Financial strength (5%): Low premiums mean nothing if the insurer cannot pay claims. We checked AM Best ratings and financial stability reports to ensure recommended carriers maintain solid financial footing.
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 15, 2025.
- NEXT. "Customer Reviews | NEXT." Accessed September 15, 2025.
- Trustpilot. "Next Insurance Reviews." Accessed September 15, 2025.
- Trustpilot. "The Hartford Reviews." Accessed September 15, 2025.
- The Hartford. "When Is Liability Insurance Needed?." Accessed September 15, 2025.
- The Hartford. "What Does General Liability Insurance Cover?." Accessed September 15, 2025.