We researched best business insurance options to bring you reliable answers about general liability insurance in Virginia. Our analysis covers the most common questions business owners ask about coverage, costs and requirements:
Best General Liability Insurance in Virginia
The Hartford tops Virginia for the best and cheapest general liability insurance, with rates starting at $74 per month.
Get matched to the best and cheapest general liability insurer for you below.
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Updated: November 26, 2025
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Commercial General Liability Insurance in Virginia: Fast Answers
Which company offers the best general liability insurance in Virginia?
The Hartford is the top general liability insurance company in Virginia, earning a 4.59 overall score and offering affordable coverage at $74 per month. NEXT ranks as a strong second choice with a 4.55 score, providing excellent digital tools and customer service for $94 per month.
Who offers the cheapest general liability insurance in Virginia?
The cheapest general liability insurance companies in Virginia are:
- The Hartford: $74 per month
- Simply Business: $87 per month
- Nationwide: $88 per month
- Progressive: $91 per month
- NEXT: $94 per month
Do Virginia businesses legally need general liability insurance?
Virginia doesn't legally require most businesses to carry general liability insurance at the state level. 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 without legal mandates, most landlords and clients require proof of coverage before signing contracts or leases.
How much does general liability insurance cost in Virginia?
General liability insurance costs between $15 and $838 per month for small Virginia businesses with two employees. The drone industry has some of the lowest rates, while pressure washing businesses see the highest premiums. Your actual cost depends on your industry risk level, business location, coverage limits and employee count.
Best General Liability Insurance Companies in Virginia
The Hartford ranks as the best overall pick for general liability insurance in Virginia, offering a strong balance of affordability and customer service. NEXT and Nationwide are solid alternatives, with NEXT leading in customer service and coverage options for small businesses. Nationwide offers reliable stability and competitive rates for Virginia business owners.
| The Hartford | 4.59 | $74 |
| NEXT Insurance | 4.55 | $94 |
| Nationwide | 4.51 | $88 |
| Simply Business | 4.47 | $87 |
| Coverdash | 4.37 | $94 |
| Thimble | 4.35 | $98 |
| biBERK | 4.29 | $104 |
| Chubb | 4.27 | $108 |
| Progressive Commercial | 4.26 | $91 |
| Hiscox | 4.18 | $104 |
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 Virginia General Liability Insurer
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LEARN MORE ABOUT THE BEST BUSINESS INSURANCE IN VIRGINIA
General liability insurance covers customer injuries and property damage for your Virginia business, but it won't protect against every risk. Explore these additional coverage options:
Best Virginia General Liability Insurance Reviews
Finding the best general liability insurance in Virginia requires looking beyond affordable rates to consider coverage quality and customer service. Our research identifies the top business insurers based on comprehensive analysis of these key factors.
The Hartford
Best Virginia General Liability Insurer
MoneyGeek Rating
4.6/ 5
4.5/5Affordability
4.6/5Customer Experience
4.7/5Coverage Points
Average Monthly General Liability Premium
$74These 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 Virginia Commercial General Liability Customer Experience: Runner-Up
MoneyGeek Rating
4.5/ 5
4.3/5Affordability
4.7/5Customer Experience
4.8/5Coverage Points
Average Monthly General Liability Premium
$94These 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 Virginia
The Hartford offers the cheapest general liability insurance in Virginia at $74 per month, saving businesses $20 or 21% compared to the state average. Simply Business and Nationwide also provide affordable coverage options for small businesses.
| The Hartford | $74 | $892 |
| Simply Business | $87 | $1,046 |
| Nationwide | $88 | $1,059 |
| Progressive Commercial | $91 | $1,091 |
| NEXT Insurance | $94 | $1,126 |
| Coverdash | $94 | $1,129 |
| Thimble | $98 | $1,173 |
| Hiscox | $104 | $1,249 |
| biBERK | $104 | $1,250 |
| Chubb | $108 | $1,298 |
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 Virginia by Industry
MoneyGeek's research identifies the cheapest general liability insurance providers across Virginia industries based on comprehensive rate analysis.
- The Hartford wins affordability in 22 industries, leading in construction, cleaning, food trucks, security and transportation sectors.
- Simply Business offers the cheapest coverage in 11 industries, excelling with professional services like accountants, consulting, lawyers and software companies.
- Thimble matches Simply Business with 11 industries, performing strongest in service businesses including bakeries, barber shops, HVAC contractors and roofing companies.
- biBerk ranks as the most affordable provider across 10 industries, showing particular strength in catering, contracting, engineering and veterinary services.
- Coverdash secures cheap rates in seven industries, dominating automotive sectors including auto repair, trucking and wholesale businesses.
Data filtered by:
Select
| Barber | Thimble | $90 | $1,078 |
| Accountants | Simply Business | $13 | $157 |
| Ad Agency | Thimble | $91 | $1,090 |
| Automotive | Coverdash | $101 | $1,207 |
| Auto Repair | Coverdash | $105 | $1,262 |
| Bakery | Thimble | $87 | $1,040 |
| Candle | Simply Business | $88 | $1,052 |
| Beauty Salon | Progressive Commercial | $103 | $1,230 |
| Bounce House | The Hartford | $50 | $601 |
| Coffee Shop | Thimble | $85 | $1,023 |
| Cannabis | The Hartford | $48 | $575 |
| Catering | biBERK | $156 | $1,866 |
| Cleaning | The Hartford | $91 | $1,087 |
| Computer Programming | Thimble | $90 | $1,078 |
| Computer Repair | The Hartford | $34 | $405 |
| Consulting | Simply Business | $13 | $157 |
| Construction | The Hartford | $118 | $1,415 |
| Contractor | biBERK | $186 | $2,237 |
| Daycare | The Hartford | $23 | $280 |
| Courier | The Hartford | $151 | $1,815 |
| Dental | NEXT Insurance | $11 | $137 |
| Dog Grooming | Thimble | $33 | $393 |
| DJ | Simply Business | $11 | $126 |
| Drone | The Hartford | $12 | $139 |
| Engineering | biBERK | $15 | $184 |
| Ecommerce | Simply Business | $88 | $1,052 |
| Electrical | Nationwide | $93 | $1,110 |
| Excavation | biBERK | $339 | $4,065 |
| Food | Progressive Commercial | $96 | $1,157 |
| Florist | Simply Business | $28 | $336 |
| Funeral Home | NEXT Insurance | $40 | $484 |
| Food Truck | The Hartford | $101 | $1,206 |
| Gardening | Coverdash | $87 | $1,049 |
| Home-based | The Hartford | $16 | $190 |
| Handyman | biBERK | $160 | $1,914 |
| HVAC | Thimble | $98 | $1,180 |
| Home-based | NEXT Insurance | $42 | $502 |
| Hospitality | biBERK | $128 | $1,535 |
| Janitorial | Nationwide | $89 | $1,067 |
| Junk Removal | The Hartford | $115 | $1,379 |
| Jewelry | Thimble | $150 | $1,796 |
| Lawn/Landscaping | Progressive Commercial | $87 | $1,041 |
| Manufacturing | Nationwide | $18 | $219 |
| Lawyers | Simply Business | $13 | $157 |
| Marine | The Hartford | $21 | $255 |
| Nonprofit | biBERK | $24 | $288 |
| Massage | Hiscox | $84 | $1,008 |
| Mortgage Broker | NEXT Insurance | $14 | $173 |
| Moving | The Hartford | $87 | $1,041 |
| Painting | The Hartford | $100 | $1,204 |
| Pet | Thimble | $33 | $393 |
| Party Rental | Chubb | $87 | $1,039 |
| Personal Training | The Hartford | $17 | $203 |
| Pest Control | The Hartford | $23 | $274 |
| Pharmacy | biBERK | $92 | $1,106 |
| Real Estate | Nationwide | $109 | $1,313 |
| Photography | NEXT Insurance | $12 | $146 |
| Physical Therapy | Nationwide | $18 | $218 |
| Plumbing | Simply Business | $247 | $2,962 |
| Pressure Washing | Coverdash | $864 | $10,368 |
| Restaurant | Coverdash | $90 | $1,084 |
| Retail | Progressive Commercial | $83 | $1,001 |
| Snack Bars | biBERK | $94 | $1,123 |
| Roofing | Thimble | $189 | $2,269 |
| Security | The Hartford | $100 | $1,200 |
| Startup | Simply Business | $13 | $157 |
| Software | Simply Business | $13 | $157 |
| Spa/Wellness | Progressive Commercial | $97 | $1,165 |
| Speech Therapist | Simply Business | $18 | $218 |
| Speech Therapist | Nationwide | $18 | $218 |
| Tech/IT | NEXT Insurance | $14 | $173 |
| Transportation | The Hartford | $28 | $341 |
| Trucking | Coverdash | $92 | $1,107 |
| Travel | The Hartford | $14 | $172 |
| Tree Service | The Hartford | $92 | $1,106 |
| Welding | The Hartford | $122 | $1,462 |
| Tutoring | Thimble | $90 | $1,078 |
| Veterinary | biBERK | $23 | $272 |
| Wedding Planning | NEXT Insurance | $11 | $131 |
| Wholesale | Coverdash | $31 | $369 |
| Window Cleaning | The Hartford | $117 | $1,398 |
Average Cost of General Liability Insurance in Virginia
Most small businesses in Virginia pay around $94 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 pay higher premiums due to increased liability risks, while accounting firms often pay less because of lower exposure. Sole proprietors generally have cheaper rates compared to businesses with employees since they present less risk to insurers.
Average Cost of General Liability Insurance in Virginia by Industry
General liability insurance in Virginia costs between $15 monthly for drone businesses and $838 for pressure washing companies. This wide range shows how your industry type affects your general liability coverage rates. Review the table below for costs specific to your business type.
Data filtered by:
Select
| Accountants | $20 | $242 |
| Ad Agency | $32 | $388 |
| Automotive | $49 | $585 |
| Auto Repair | $139 | $1,669 |
| Bakery | $83 | $992 |
| Barber | $41 | $487 |
| Beauty Salon | $61 | $734 |
| Bounce House | $64 | $771 |
| Candle | $50 | $603 |
| Cannabis | $61 | $736 |
| Catering | $80 | $963 |
| Cleaning | $121 | $1,455 |
| Coffee Shop | $82 | $985 |
| Computer Programming | $27 | $319 |
| Computer Repair | $44 | $523 |
| Construction | $160 | $1,926 |
| Consulting | $20 | $241 |
| Contractor | $233 | $2,798 |
| Courier | $179 | $2,146 |
| Daycare | $30 | $361 |
| Dental | $20 | $236 |
| DJ | $23 | $278 |
| Dog Grooming | $58 | $697 |
| Drone | $15 | $183 |
| Ecommerce | $67 | $803 |
| Electrical | $103 | $1,235 |
| Engineering | $36 | $438 |
| Excavation | $426 | $5,113 |
| Florist | $39 | $470 |
| Food | $99 | $1,182 |
| Food Truck | $130 | $1,556 |
| Funeral Home | $55 | $663 |
| Gardening | $103 | $1,234 |
| Handyman | $223 | $2,680 |
| Home-based | $22 | $261 |
| Home-based | $42 | $502 |
| Hospitality | $60 | $716 |
| HVAC | $224 | $2,693 |
| Janitorial | $125 | $1,506 |
| Jewelry | $37 | $443 |
| Junk Removal | $149 | $1,784 |
| Lawn/Landscaping | $110 | $1,320 |
| Lawyers | $21 | $250 |
| Manufacturing | $59 | $703 |
| Marine | $26 | $308 |
| Massage | $88 | $1,052 |
| Mortgage Broker | $21 | $251 |
| Moving | $114 | $1,362 |
| Nonprofit | $33 | $394 |
| Painting | $132 | $1,579 |
| Party Rental | $73 | $873 |
| Personal Training | $22 | $262 |
| Pest Control | $29 | $354 |
| Pet | $51 | $615 |
| Pharmacy | $57 | $679 |
| Photography | $22 | $265 |
| Physical Therapy | $101 | $1,212 |
| Plumbing | $331 | $3,970 |
| Pressure Washing | $838 | $10,051 |
| Real Estate | $49 | $584 |
| Restaurant | $133 | $1,592 |
| Retail | $60 | $718 |
| Roofing | $355 | $4,261 |
| Security | $127 | $1,527 |
| Snack Bars | $107 | $1,289 |
| Software | $24 | $289 |
| Spa/Wellness | $98 | $1,172 |
| Speech Therapist | $29 | $343 |
| Startup | $26 | $314 |
| Tech/IT | $24 | $290 |
| Transportation | $34 | $413 |
| Travel | $19 | $229 |
| Tree Service | $119 | $1,425 |
| Trucking | $94 | $1,127 |
| Tutoring | $28 | $332 |
| Veterinary | $41 | $492 |
| Wedding Planning | $25 | $304 |
| Welding | $151 | $1,810 |
| Wholesale | $41 | $490 |
| Window Cleaning | $146 | $1,749 |
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 Virginia General Liability Insurance Costs?
Many factors influence how much Virginia businesses pay for general liability insurance coverage.
Virginia Legal and Regulatory Environment
Virginia's pure contributory negligence rule bars injured parties from recovering damages if they're even 1% at fault, one of only five U.S. jurisdictions with this standard. The state also rejects strict liability for product defects, forcing plaintiffs to prove negligence rather than just showing a defect caused harm.
Insurers pay out less because fewer claims get filed, more cases get dismissed, and businesses hold stronger settlement leverage with all-or-nothing outcomes. Virginia businesses pay 25% to 35% less for general liability coverage than companies in comparative negligence states due to this protective legal framework.
Virginia Premises Liability Standards and Claims Environment
Virginia business owners must maintain safe premises, but slip-and-fall plaintiffs rarely win due to strict legal requirements. Courts dismiss cases when dangers are "open and obvious," and the two-year filing deadline cuts off late claims. Despite tough standards for plaintiffs, catastrophic injury settlements reach $700,000 to $10 million when liability is clear.
Lower claim success rates push premiums down overall. High-severity payouts for severe injuries pull rates back up for retail stores, restaurants and other businesses with heavy foot traffic, creating moderate premium levels that vary by customer volume and industry type.
Virginia Weather and Geographic Risk Factors
Flooding ranks as Virginia's costliest natural disaster, with coastal hurricanes and inland storms like 2024's Hurricane Helene causing massive property damage. State law requires property owners to clear snow and ice within three hours after storms stop or by 9 a.m. since these create winter slip-and-fall liability.
Storm-damaged walkways, flooded parking lots, and icy sidewalks trigger more customer injury claims in affected regions. Coastal businesses in Virginia Beach and Norfolk pay 40% to 60% above state average rates due to hurricane exposure. Mountain region companies pay 20% to 30% more for winter weather risks, while central Virginia businesses pay near-average premiums.
Virginia Economic and Commercial Activity Trends
Virginia's GDP growth collapsed from 6.2% in 2024 to 1.7% in 2025 as Northern Virginia and Hampton Roads shed jobs. General liability premiums drop automatically during economic slowdowns because insurers calculate rates using payroll and gross sales because less business activity means lower exposure bases and smaller premium bills at renewal.
Current statewide contraction cuts premiums 10% to 15% for most businesses. Regional patterns create different pressures: Northern Virginia's dense commercial corridors push rates up 20% to 40% compared to rural areas due to heavy foot traffic, while Richmond, Charlottesville and Winchester see modest growth supporting stable rates.
How Much General Liability Insurance Do I Need in Virginia?
Virginia mandates general liability insurance for only a handful of licensed trades. Licensed electricians and electrical sign contractors must carry specific minimum coverage to maintain active licenses. Private security professionals have specific requirements in certain situations.
Most other businesses operate without statewide insurance mandates, though cities and counties can impose their own rules. These professions have mandatory general liability insurance requirements in Virginia:
Virginia public liability insurance requirements for licensed electricians
Virginia requires electricians to carry $300,000 per occurrence and $600,000 annual aggregate coverage. This policy must include completed operations coverage to maintain an active license.
Virginia public liability insurance requirements for electrical sign contractors
Sign contractors need identical coverage as electricians: $300,000 per occurrence with $600,000 aggregate limits. License renewal and active practice both require maintaining this insurance.
Virginia public liability insurance requirements for private security services businesses
Companies providing private security services must maintain comprehensive general liability insurance at amounts the Department of Criminal Justice Services determines. Coverage stays mandatory throughout the license period.
Virginia public liability insurance requirements for personal protection specialists and private investigators (independent contractors)
These professionals need comprehensive general liability coverage when working as independent contractors for licensed private security businesses. The insurance requirement doesn't apply to employees, only independent contractors.
Note: State insurance requirements in Virginia change regularly. Always verify current requirements with the Virginia Bureau of Insurance or a licensed insurance agent before purchasing coverage.
How to Choose the Best General Liability Insurance in Virginia
Virginia small businesses need coverage that matches their risks and budget. General liability handles accidents and property damage claims, but getting business insurance with complementary policies creates stronger financial protection against lawsuits and unexpected costs.
- 1Assess Your Coverage Needs
Virginia doesn’t require general liability insurance for most businesses, except licensed electricians and electrical sign contractors. Many companies still choose standard limits of $1 million per occurrence and $2 million aggregate because clients and landlords often expect these amounts.
Review your commercial leases and client contracts to confirm the minimum business insurance coverage you need before choosing your policy limits.
- 2Prepare Business Information
Virginia insurers calculate premiums using your annual revenue, employee count, business classification and physical location. High-risk industries like construction pay more than low-risk professional services across the state. Gather your EIN, Virginia business registration and recent tax returns before requesting quotes to accelerate the application process.
- 3Compare Multiple Quotes
Request quotes from at least three insurers licensed by the Virginia Bureau of Insurance, as business insurance costs vary between carriers. Compare coverage limits, deductibles and whether legal defense expenses apply to or exceed your policy limits. Premium differences of $500 or more annually between carriers are common for identical coverage.
- 4Look Beyond Price
Affordable business insurance that excludes critical coverage leaves Virginia businesses exposed when claims arise. Most general liability policies don't cover professional errors, pollution liability or employee injuries without separate endorsements. What your policy excludes matters as much as what it covers.
- 5Verify Insurer Credentials
Confirm insurers maintain active licenses through the Virginia Bureau of Insurance's online database before buying coverage. Check AM Best financial strength ratings and complaint ratios to identify carriers with poor claims-handling records in Virginia. Strong financial stability means your insurer can pay claims even during economic downturns or catastrophic loss events.
- 6Ask About Discounts
Virginia insurers provide discounts for bundling general liability with commercial property or workers' compensation coverage. Installing security systems, implementing safety training programs or maintaining claims-free records cuts premiums by 10% to 25%. Annual payments instead of monthly installments help you avoid fees that increase total insurance costs.
- 7Obtain Certificate of Insurance
Virginia landlords, general contractors and clients typically demand certificates of insurance before signing contracts or leases. Most insurers provide digital certificates within 24 hours, though some offer instant access through online portals. Keep multiple copies available and your agent's contact information readily accessible for last-minute certificate requests.
- 8Review Coverage Annually
Compare rates from competing insurers 60 to 90 days before your Virginia policy renewal date. Revenue growth, additional employees or expanded services may require higher coverage limits to adequately protect your business. Annual reviews help you avoid coverage gaps and identify opportunities to reduce premiums through updated risk profiles.
Top General Liability Insurance in Virginia: Bottom Line
Finding the right general liability insurance in Virginia starts with understanding your specific business needs and comparing providers thoroughly. The Hartford, NEXT and Nationwide emerge as leading options, but your ideal choice depends on your industry, company size and budget. Compare multiple quotes from different 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
- Cardinal News. "Virginia’s GDP Growth Drops From 6.2% to 1.7%. Three New Economic Reports Issue Warnings About Why and What Comes Next." Accessed December 7, 2025.
- U.S. Bureau of Economic Analysis. "Gross Domestic Product by State and Personal Income by State, 2nd Quarter 2025." Accessed December 7, 2025.
- University of Virginia Weldon Cooper Center for Public Service. "Virginia's Economic Forecast." Accessed December 7, 2025.
- Virginia Code. "§ 8.01-58. Contributory Negligence No Bar to Recovery; Violation of Safety Appliance Acts." Accessed December 7, 2025.
- Virginia Department of Conservation and Recreation. "Virginia Flood Awareness." Accessed December 7, 2025.