We researched the best business insurance options to answer your most common questions about general liability coverage in Pennsylvania. Our analysis provides reliable insights to help you make informed decisions about protecting your business:
Best General Liability Insurance in Pennsylvania
The Hartford tops Pennsylvania as the best and cheapest general liability insurer, with coverage starting at $95 per month.
Get matched to the best and cheapest general liability insurer for you below.
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Updated: November 24, 2025
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Commercial General Liability Insurance in Pennsylvania: Fast Answers
Which company offers the best general liability insurance in Pennsylvania?
The Hartford ranks as the best general liability insurance company in Pennsylvania with a 4.64 overall score out of 5. It provides affordable coverage at $95 per month with excellent claims handling. NEXT follows closely in second place, scoring 4.54 with strong digital tools and customer service for $119 per month.
Who offers the cheapest general liability insurance in Pennsylvania?
The cheapest general liability insurance companies in Pennsylvania are:
- The Hartford: $95 per month
- Simply Business: $111 per month
- Nationwide: $113 per month
- Progressive: $116 per month
- NEXT: $119 per month
Do Pennsylvania businesses legally need general liability insurance?
Pennsylvania doesn't legally require general liability insurance for most businesses statewide. However, certain licensed professionals like contractors and electricians must carry minimum coverage to maintain their licenses. Local municipalities may also impose their own insurance requirements. Even when not legally mandated, most landlords and clients demand proof of coverage before signing contracts.
How much does general liability insurance cost in Pennsylvania?
General liability insurance costs between $19 and $1,061 per month for small Pennsylvania businesses with two employees. Drone companies pay the lowest rates, while pressure washing businesses pay the highest premiums. Your actual cost depends on your industry, location, coverage limits and business size.
Best General Liability Insurance Companies in Pennsylvania
The Hartford leads our rankings for general liability insurance in Pennsylvania, offering an excellent combination of affordable rates and financial stability. NEXT and Nationwide also perform well as alternatives, with NEXT excelling in customer service and Nationwide providing solid overall value for small businesses across Pennsylvania.
| The Hartford | 4.64 | $95 |
| NEXT Insurance | 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 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 Pennsylvania General Liability Insurer
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LEARN MORE ABOUT THE BEST BUSINESS INSURANCE IN PENNSYLVANIA
General liability insurance shields Pennsylvania businesses from customer injury and property damage claims, but comprehensive financial protection requires additional coverage types. Explore these related business insurance guides for complete coverage:
Best Pennsylvania General Liability Insurance Reviews
Finding the right general liability insurance in Pennsylvania requires looking beyond price alone. Our research identifies the top business insurers based on coverage quality, service and value.
The Hartford
Best Pennsylvania General Liability Insurer
MoneyGeek Rating
4.6/ 5
4.6/5Affordability
4.6/5Customer Experience
4.7/5Coverage Points
Average Monthly General Liability Premium
$95These 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 Pennsylvania Commercial General Liability Customer Experience
MoneyGeek Rating
4.5/ 5
4.2/5Affordability
4.7/5Customer Experience
4.8/5Coverage Points
Average Monthly General Liability Premium
$119These 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 Pennsylvania
The Hartford provides the cheapest general liability insurance in Pennsylvania at $95 per month, saving businesses $24 or 20% compared to the state average. Simply Business and Nationwide also offer affordable coverage options for small businesses.
| The Hartford | $95 | $1,140 |
| Simply Business | $111 | $1,331 |
| Nationwide | $113 | $1,351 |
| Progressive Commercial | $116 | $1,395 |
| NEXT Insurance | $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 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 Pennsylvania by Industry
Based on MoneyGeek's research, these five providers offer the most affordable general liability insurance across Pennsylvania industries:
- The Hartford: Ranks as the cheapest provider in 18 out of 72 industries analyzed. This insurer shows strong performance across diverse sectors including electrical work, trucking, welding and home-based businesses.
- Nationwide and Thimble: Each wins affordability in 12 industries. Nationwide excels for traditional businesses like construction, manufacturing and restaurants, while Thimble leads in modern sectors such as software development, cannabis and HVAC services.
- Simply Business: Offers the most affordable coverage in 11 industries, particularly strong for professional services including accountants, lawyers and consulting firms.
- biBerk: Provides cheap rates across 10 industries, performing best for service-oriented businesses like bakeries, beauty salons and veterinary practices.
Data filtered by:
Select
| Ad Agency | Thimble | $114 | $1,364 |
| Accountants | Simply Business | $17 | $200 |
| Automotive | Coverdash | $128 | $1,536 |
| Auto Repair | Nationwide | $93 | $1,121 |
| Bakery | biBERK | $90 | $1,081 |
| Beauty Salon | biBERK | $93 | $1,112 |
| Barber | biBERK | $93 | $1,112 |
| Candle | Simply Business | $112 | $1,338 |
| Bounce House | Progressive Commercial | $83 | $1,000 |
| Cleaning | Thimble | $96 | $1,148 |
| Cannabis | Thimble | $84 | $1,007 |
| Catering | Hiscox | $87 | $1,042 |
| Coffee Shop | The Hartford | $87 | $1,038 |
| Computer Programming | Thimble | $112 | $1,348 |
| Computer Repair | Nationwide | $92 | $1,104 |
| Construction | Nationwide | $90 | $1,081 |
| Consulting | Simply Business | $17 | $200 |
| Contractor | biBERK | $232 | $2,787 |
| Dental | NEXT Insurance | $15 | $175 |
| Courier | The Hartford | $193 | $2,320 |
| Daycare | The Hartford | $30 | $357 |
| Dog Grooming | Nationwide | $87 | $1,040 |
| DJ | Thimble | $96 | $1,148 |
| Drone | The Hartford | $15 | $178 |
| Ecommerce | Coverdash | $86 | $1,027 |
| Electrical | The Hartford | $98 | $1,180 |
| Engineering | biBERK | $19 | $229 |
| Florist | Simply Business | $36 | $428 |
| Excavation | biBERK | $422 | $5,065 |
| Food | Simply Business | $89 | $1,072 |
| Food Truck | NEXT Insurance | $85 | $1,024 |
| Handyman | biBERK | $199 | $2,385 |
| Funeral Home | Chubb | $85 | $1,020 |
| Gardening | Simply Business | $95 | $1,136 |
| Home-based | The Hartford | $20 | $244 |
| Home-based | NEXT Insurance | $53 | $639 |
| Hospitality | Chubb | $94 | $1,131 |
| HVAC | Thimble | $123 | $1,476 |
| Jewelry | Thimble | $187 | $2,248 |
| Janitorial | Nationwide | $113 | $1,361 |
| Marine | The Hartford | $27 | $326 |
| Junk Removal | The Hartford | $147 | $1,763 |
| Lawn/Landscaping | Nationwide | $86 | $1,028 |
| Lawyers | Simply Business | $17 | $200 |
| Manufacturing | Nationwide | $23 | $279 |
| Massage | The Hartford | $85 | $1,017 |
| Mortgage Broker | NEXT Insurance | $18 | $219 |
| Moving | Nationwide | $100 | $1,199 |
| Party Rental | Coverdash | $86 | $1,035 |
| Nonprofit | biBERK | $30 | $359 |
| Painting | The Hartford | $128 | $1,541 |
| Pet | Simply Business | $88 | $1,059 |
| Personal Training | The Hartford | $22 | $260 |
| Pest Control | The Hartford | $29 | $351 |
| Photography | NEXT Insurance | $15 | $185 |
| Pharmacy | Chubb | $89 | $1,072 |
| Plumbing | Simply Business | $314 | $3,769 |
| Physical Therapy | Thimble | $979 | $11,744 |
| Real Estate | Nationwide | $140 | $1,675 |
| Pressure Washing | The Hartford | $992 | $11,904 |
| Restaurant | Nationwide | $96 | $1,153 |
| Retail | Coverdash | $86 | $1,027 |
| Snack Bars | Coverdash | $91 | $1,090 |
| Roofing | Thimble | $237 | $2,839 |
| Security | The Hartford | $128 | $1,534 |
| Software | Thimble | $96 | $1,148 |
| Startup | Simply Business | $17 | $200 |
| Spa/Wellness | Coverdash | $86 | $1,030 |
| Speech Therapist | Simply Business | $23 | $278 |
| Speech Therapist | Nationwide | $23 | $278 |
| Tech/IT | NEXT Insurance | $18 | $219 |
| Transportation | The Hartford | $36 | $436 |
| Trucking | The Hartford | $94 | $1,124 |
| Travel | biBERK | $18 | $216 |
| Tree Service | Nationwide | $100 | $1,199 |
| Tutoring | Thimble | $112 | $1,348 |
| Veterinary | biBERK | $28 | $339 |
| Wedding Planning | Thimble | $99 | $1,184 |
| Window Cleaning | The Hartford | $149 | $1,787 |
| Welding | The Hartford | $156 | $1,869 |
| Wholesale | Coverdash | $39 | $470 |
Average Cost of General Liability Insurance in Pennsylvania
Most small businesses in Pennsylvania pay around $119 monthly 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 because of increased risk exposure, while accounting firms usually pay less due to lower liability risks. Sole proprietors generally pay lower rates compared to businesses with employees since they have fewer liability exposures.
Average Cost of General Liability Insurance in Pennsylvania by Industry
Pennsylvania businesses pay between $19 and $1,061 per month for general liability coverage, with drone companies seeing the most affordable rates and pressure washing businesses paying the highest costs. Review this table to find typical monthly rates for your specific industry.
Data filtered by:
Select
| 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 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 Pennsylvania General Liability Insurance Costs?
Several important factors influence what Pennsylvania businesses pay for general liability insurance.
Pennsylvania Legal and Litigation Environment
Pennsylvania ranks third nationally for nuclear verdicts totaling $3.4 billion in 2024 and topped the American Tort Reform Foundation's Judicial Hellholes ranking. Supreme Court rulings expanded premises liability and venue rules, funneling cases into plaintiff-friendly Philadelphia courts. When juries award $10 million or more for liability claims, insurers must pay these massive verdicts, often exceeding standard policy limits.
To cover these catastrophic payouts, insurers charge higher premiums to all Pennsylvania businesses, even those with clean records. Venue shopping means your business can be sued in Philadelphia’s plaintiff-friendly courts even if you operate elsewhere, leading insurers to price your policy as if it carries Philadelphia’s highest litigation risk.
Pennsylvania Winter Weather Conditions
Pennsylvania experiences freezing temperatures from November through March, with municipal ordinances requiring snow removal within six hours and courts applying the "hills and ridges doctrine" for liability. Five months of winter weather means your business is exposed to slip-and-fall claims for nearly half the year.
If you fail to clear snow within the required timeframe, courts automatically consider you negligent, making it easier for injured customers to win settlements against you. Even when you follow snow removal rules, insurers still pay to investigate and defend the high volume of winter slip-and-fall claims filed annually and they pass these defense costs to you through higher premiums.
Pennsylvania Economic and Medical Cost Factors
Medical payments per claim rose 14% in Pennsylvania in 2023, while the state's sixth-largest U.S. economy is dominated by professional services, construction and legacy manufacturing industries. When medical costs jump 14%, every slip-and-fall or customer injury claim costs insurers more to settle, meaning they charge you higher premiums to cover these increased medical bills.
Pennsylvania's concentration of manufacturing and construction businesses creates more third-party injury claims from heavy machinery and job sites. Even if you run a low-risk service business, you pay elevated premiums because insurers price for the overall state risk profile dominated by higher-risk industries.
Pennsylvania Insurance Regulatory and Market Dynamics
The Pennsylvania Insurance Department blocked $180.3 million in premium increases in 2024, while the state's product liability cases show a $25 million median nuclear verdict. When regulators block rate increases, insurers can't immediately raise your premiums to match rising claim costs. Instead, they absorb losses temporarily and then file for larger rate increases later to catch up, which means you eventually see bigger premium jumps than if insurers could adjust rates gradually.
Pennsylvania's $25 million median product liability verdict far exceeds the standard $1-2 million policy limits most businesses carry. This forces insurers to charge higher premiums to all businesses that sell, manufacture or distribute products, since one verdict could wipe out premiums collected from hundreds of policyholders.
Pennsylvania Urban-Rural Geographic Disparities
General liability insurance in Pennsylvania averages $119 monthly ($1,423 annually), with Philadelphia and Pittsburgh businesses paying higher premiums than smaller towns due to increased foot traffic, higher property values and more frequent claims. Your location directly affects your premium.
Philadelphia businesses deal with heavier customer traffic that creates more slip-and-fall risks, higher property values that lead to larger damage claims when accidents happen and juries that often award bigger verdicts to injured plaintiffs.
If you operate in Philadelphia, you'll pay 40-60% more than an identical business in rural Pennsylvania. Even rural businesses pay above-national-average rates because insurers price for the statewide risk of being sued in Philadelphia courts.
How Much General Liability Insurance Do I Need in Pennsylvania?
Your general liability insurance needs depend on your profession and where you operate in Pennsylvania. The requirements for commercial general liability insurance vary across cities, counties, and industries throughout the state. Pennsylvania doesn't mandate coverage at the state level for most businesses.
Home improvement contractors must carry minimum insurance to register with the Attorney General's Office, while Philadelphia and Pittsburgh set their own requirements for contractors and specific trades.
- General Contractors: The city mandates $500,000 per-occurrence limits for general contractors. Philadelphia requires all contractors listed on construction permits to maintain current coverage with the Department of Licenses and Inspections.
- Electricians: Licensed electrical contractors in Philadelphia carry $500,000 in general liability coverage. Philadelphia applies the $500,000 requirement to all electrical work within city limits.
- General Contractors: Pittsburgh general contractors need $1 million per occurrence and $2 million aggregate coverage. Your policy must list Pittsburgh as certificate holder and additionally insured.
- Electricians: Pittsburgh sets a $300,000 minimum for electricians. Licensed electricians must maintain coverage regardless of project size or scope.
Pennsylvania public liability insurance requirements for home improvement contractors
Contractors performing residential improvement work worth $5,000 or more annually must register under HICPA with general liability coverage of $50,000 for bodily injury and $50,000 for property damage. HICPA registration includes carpenters, plumbers, painters, electricians, roofers, and HVAC contractors working on residential projects.
Pennsylvania public liability insurance requirements for daycare operators
Pennsylvania daycares must maintain $1 million per occurrence and $3 million general aggregate. Daycare coverage limits account for the unique risks of caring for children.
Public liability insurance requirements for general contractors and electricians in Philadelphia
Public liability insurance requirements for general contractors and electricians in Pittsburgh
Commercial landlords often require proof of general liability insurance before signing leases. Clients request certificates of insurance before awarding contracts and businesses need coverage to obtain local business licenses and permits.
Note: State insurance requirements update regularly. Check with the Pennsylvania Insurance Department or a licensed agent to confirm current requirements before purchasing coverage.
How to Choose the Best General Liability Insurance in Pennsylvania
Pennsylvania business owners need coverage that meets local requirements while protecting against lawsuit costs. Getting business insurance starts with understanding your specific risks, comparing quotes from multiple insurers, and selecting limits that satisfy both clients and municipal regulations.
- 1Determine Coverage Needs
Pennsylvania doesn’t require general liability insurance for most businesses, but counties, cities and municipalities may set their own rules for licenses, registrations or permits. Many business owners choose standard limits between $500,000 and $2 million per occurrence, and larger cities like Philadelphia and Pittsburgh outline specific minimums for contractors and licensed trades.
Review your local requirements and any industry guidelines to confirm the business insurance coverage you need for your profession.
- 2Prepare Business Information
Pennsylvania insurers need your annual revenue, employee count, business location, and industry classification to calculate accurate premiums. Rates vary based on factors including the type of building construction you work on, your business operations, and regional considerations. Gather your EIN, business registration with the Pennsylvania Department of State, and HICPA registration number if you're a home improvement contractor before requesting quotes.
- 3Compare Multiple Quotes
Pennsylvania rates vary based on your specific business location, industry risk factors, claims history, coverage limits, and individual insurer underwriting criteria. Request quotes from at least three insurers licensed in Pennsylvania and compare both the cost of your coverage and what each policy actually covers. Look for differences in deductibles and whether legal defense costs count against your policy limit or are covered separately.
- 4Look Beyond Price
Finding affordable business insurance in Pennsylvania requires examining more than just premium costs. Read policy exclusions carefully and verify whether legal defense costs are separate from or count toward your limits. Common exclusions such as professional errors, pollution liability and employee injuries require separate policies, so review your plan carefully to confirm it covers the risks your Pennsylvania business deals with each day.
- 5Verify Insurer Credentials
Check insurer and agent licenses through the Pennsylvania Insurance Department website and review AM Best financial ratings and complaint records to identify companies with strong claims handling and financial stability. Pennsylvania's Insurance Department provides tools to verify license status, check for past complaints or misconduct, and research an insurer's history before purchasing. Strong financial backing protects you when large claims arise.
- 6Ask About Discounts
Pennsylvania insurers offer reduced rates for bundling general liability with property or other commercial coverage, with bundling often saving 15% or more compared to separate policies. Safety certifications and professional licenses can reduce costs, with Pennsylvania contractors holding OSHA safety certifications often saving 5% to 10% on premiums. Ask about discounts for claims-free histories, annual payments, and formal safety training programs when requesting quotes.
- 7Obtain Certificate Documentation
Pennsylvania landlords and clients usually require a certificate of insurance before signing leases or awarding contracts. Some insurers provide instant online access to certificates while others need several days to process certificate requests, so plan accordingly for urgent compliance deadlines. Keep your agent's contact information available since you'll need updated certificates whenever limits change or policies renew.
- 8Review Coverage Annually
Reassess your protection each year, especially after hiring employees, expanding into new Pennsylvania municipalities, or increasing revenue above HICPA's $5,000 threshold. Pennsylvania businesses should address winter hazards promptly through proper training and documentation to reduce slip-and-fall liability from ice and snow. Compare quotes 60 to 90 days before renewal to find better rates or adjust limits based on current business operations and risk exposure.
Top General Liability Insurance in Pennsylvania: Bottom Line
Finding quality general liability insurance in Pennsylvania starts with understanding your business needs and comparing providers thoroughly. The Hartford, NEXT and Nationwide lead the market, but your best option depends on your industry, company size and budget. Get 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
- American Tort Reform Foundation. "2024-2025 Judicial Hellholes." Accessed December 8, 2025.
- Insurance Journal. "Corporate Nuclear Verdicts Surged to New Record High in 2024, Report Says." Accessed December 8, 2025.
- Insurance Journal. "Workers' Compensation Medical Claims Costs Rising Across Most States: WCRI." Accessed December 8, 2025.
- Marathon Strategies. "Corporate Verdicts Go Thermonuclear 2025 Edition." Accessed December 8, 2025.
- Pennsylvania Insurance Department. "Getting Stuff Done: Shapiro Administration Blocks over $180 Million in Annual Property and Casualty Insurance Premium Increases." Accessed December 8, 2025.
- Workers Compensation Research Institute. "CompScope™ Benchmarks for Pennsylvania, 2025 Edition." Accessed December 8, 2025.