NEXT offers the best professional liability insurance in Virginia, with competitive pricing and reliable customer support. The Hartford ranks second overall, while Simply Business takes third place.
Professional Liability Insurance in Virginia
NEXT earns the highest score of 4.7 out of 5 in our analysis of the best professional liability insurance in Virginia.
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Updated: November 3, 2025
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Best Professional Liability Insurance in Virginia: Key Takeaways
NEXT is our top pick for professional liability insurance in Virginia, followed by The Hartford and Simply Business.
Your industry risk, client contracts, potential claim costs and budget determine the best Virginia professional liability insurance for you.
Assess your needs first, then compare quotes from multiple providers to find the best professional liability insurance in Virginia.
Find Insurance for Your Business
Select your industry and state to get a customized quote.
Industry
State
Best Professional Liability Insurance Companies in Virginia
| NEXT Insurance | 4.70 | $66 |
| The Hartford | 4.64 | $65 |
| Simply Business | 4.50 | $69 |
| Nationwide | 4.45 | $75 |
| Coverdash | 4.43 | $71 |
| biBERK | 4.43 | $72 |
| Progressive Commercial | 4.38 | $68 |
| Hiscox | 4.35 | $71 |
| Chubb | 4.28 | $81 |
| Thimble | 4.20 | $70 |
How Did We Determine These Rates and Rankings?
These rates are estimates based on MoneyGeek's proprietary analysis of small businesses with two employees across 79 major industries and should not be considered quotes. Your actual rate will differ based on business-specific factors. Contact insurers directly for accurate pricing tailored to your business needs.
LEARN MORE ABOUT BUSINESS INSURANCE
Professional liability coverage works best alongside other coverage types that protect Virginia businesses from various financial risks.
Best Virginia Professional Liability Insurance Reviews
Most professionals need professional liability insurance, but not all providers offer the same value. We've broken down what differentiates these top providers and why they made our list for Virginia businesses.
NEXT
Overall Best Provider
MoneyGeek Rating
4.7/ 5
4.6/5Affordability
4.7/5Customer Experience
4.8/5Coverage Options
Average Monthly Premium
$66These rates are for small businesses with two employees across 79 major industries or business types and focus solely on professional liability policies.Our Survey: Claims Process
3.9/5Our Survey: Recommend to Others
4.8/5
The Hartford
Runner-Up for Best Provider
MoneyGeek Rating
4.6/ 5
4.6/5Affordability
4.6/5Customer Experience
4.7/5Coverage Options
Average Monthly Premium
$65These rates are for small businesses with two employees across 79 major industries or business types and focus solely on professional liability policies.Our Survey: Claims Process
4.5/5Our Survey: Recommend to Others
4.5/5
Cheapest Professional Liability Insurance Companies in Virginia
The Hartford offers the cheapest professional liability insurance in Virginia at $65 monthly ($782 annually). NEXT provides another affordable option for business owners at $66 per month.
| The Hartford | $65 | $782 |
| NEXT Insurance | $66 | $792 |
| Progressive Commercial | $68 | $820 |
| Simply Business | $69 | $832 |
| Thimble | $70 | $839 |
| Hiscox | $71 | $847 |
| Coverdash | $71 | $852 |
| biBERK | $72 | $867 |
| Nationwide | $75 | $898 |
| Chubb | $81 | $970 |
How Did We Determine These Rates?
These rates are estimates based on MoneyGeek's proprietary analysis of small businesses with two employees across 79 major industries and should not be considered quotes. Your actual rate will differ based on business-specific factors. Contact insurers directly for accurate pricing tailored to your business needs.
Average Cost of Professional Liability Insurance in Virginia
Professional liability insurance costs $71 monthly ($850 annually) in Virginia, which is $7 less than the national average. Home-based businesses pay around $34 per month, while mortgage brokers average $152. Your final rate depends on factors like business location, claims history and coverage limits.
| Accountants | $131 | $1,576 |
| Ad Agency | $92 | $1,099 |
| Auto Repair | $76 | $907 |
| Automotive | $68 | $815 |
| Bakery | $49 | $588 |
| Barber | $40 | $481 |
| Beauty Salon | $45 | $541 |
| Bounce House | $55 | $663 |
| Candle | $39 | $462 |
| Cannabis | $111 | $1,334 |
| Catering | $72 | $864 |
| Cleaning | $50 | $604 |
| Coffee Shop | $55 | $659 |
| Computer Programming | $96 | $1,154 |
| Computer Repair | $57 | $687 |
| Construction | $70 | $838 |
| Consulting | $96 | $1,148 |
| Contractor | $57 | $683 |
| Courier | $45 | $545 |
| DJ | $42 | $500 |
| Daycare | $99 | $1,192 |
| Dental | $78 | $930 |
| Dog Grooming | $51 | $610 |
| Drone | $97 | $1,160 |
| Ecommerce | $57 | $678 |
| Electrical | $58 | $699 |
| Engineering | $95 | $1,136 |
| Excavation | $63 | $753 |
| Florist | $34 | $404 |
| Food | $100 | $1,194 |
| Food Truck | $54 | $642 |
| Funeral Home | $73 | $870 |
| Gardening | $37 | $438 |
| HVAC | $74 | $887 |
| Handyman | $49 | $586 |
| Home-based business | $34 | $403 |
| Hospitality | $67 | $808 |
| Janitorial | $46 | $550 |
| Jewelry | $57 | $684 |
| Junk Removal | $60 | $721 |
| Lawn/Landscaping | $46 | $550 |
| Lawyers | $133 | $1,596 |
| Manufacturing | $55 | $659 |
| Marine | $80 | $962 |
| Massage | $95 | $1,141 |
| Mortgage Broker | $152 | $1,827 |
| Moving | $74 | $886 |
| Nonprofit | $45 | $546 |
| Painting | $60 | $715 |
| Party Rental | $50 | $606 |
| Personal Training | $64 | $763 |
| Pest Control | $87 | $1,045 |
| Pet | $43 | $512 |
| Pharmacy | $52 | $626 |
| Photography | $58 | $700 |
| Physical Therapy | $87 | $1,042 |
| Plumbing | $82 | $986 |
| Pressure Washing | $53 | $632 |
| Real Estate | $113 | $1,360 |
| Restaurant | $75 | $902 |
| Retail | $49 | $592 |
| Roofing | $91 | $1,088 |
| Security | $90 | $1,076 |
| Snack Bars | $43 | $519 |
| Software | $88 | $1,060 |
| Spa/Wellness | $99 | $1,193 |
| Speech Therapist | $92 | $1,103 |
| Startup | $67 | $801 |
| Tech/IT | $90 | $1,079 |
| Transportation | $86 | $1,032 |
| Travel | $89 | $1,064 |
| Tree Service | $70 | $834 |
| Trucking | $100 | $1,194 |
| Tutoring | $55 | $657 |
| Veterinary | $105 | $1,265 |
| Wedding Planning | $70 | $835 |
| Welding | $70 | $834 |
| Wholesale | $56 | $667 |
| Window Cleaning | $57 | $686 |
How Did We Determine These Rates?
These rates are estimates based on MoneyGeek's proprietary analysis of small businesses with two employees across 79 major industries and should not be considered quotes. Your actual rate will differ based on business-specific factors. Contact insurers directly for accurate pricing tailored to your business needs.
How Much Professional Liability Insurance Do I Need in Virginia?
Professional liability insurance requirements differ across professions in Virginia. Health care providers and lawyers often face stricter mandates than those in other fields. Even when the state doesn't require coverage, the right amount depends on your risk exposure and clients' expectations. Higher-risk professions typically carry at least $1 million per occurrence and $3 million aggregate coverage.
Your coverage decision depends on three factors:
Your Industry Risk
Some industries in Virginia carry greater liability exposure than others, directly affecting your coverage needs. Technology consultants in Northern Virginia's Tysons Corner area and architects designing major Richmond developments need more coverage because they face. Professional liability insurance for accountants in Charlottesville or real estate agents in Norfolk can have lower limits because of less exposure. Your profession's typical claim frequency and severity should guide your coverage amount selection.
Client Requirements
Many clients and contracts in Virginia require proof of professional liability insurance at specific minimum limits before work begins. Federal government contracts common in the Washington D.C. metro area, Virginia state projects, and large corporations often mandate coverage levels ranging from $1 million to $5 million. Meeting these contractual requirements is essential for securing and maintaining business relationships.
Potential Claim Costs
Your coverage should reflect the possible financial impact of a professional liability lawsuit in Virginia's legal environment. Small errors might result in damages of $25,000 to $50,000, while mistakes on major projects could lead to six-figure damages plus substantial legal fees. Consider the largest project value you handle and the potential ripple effects of professional errors when selecting coverage limits.
How to Get the Best Professional Liability Insurance in Virginia
Our step-by-step guide explains how to get business insurance in Virginia that matches your professional liability needs and budget.
- 1Evaluate Your Business Risks
Different industries face varying liability exposures in Virginia. A regional accounting firm typically needs higher coverage limits than a freelance graphic designer. Review your client contracts and industry standards to determine appropriate coverage amounts.
- 2Choose a Local Agent
Look for agents who know Virginia's business landscape and understand how business insurance costs vary by location and industry. They can recommend coverage that matches your specific professional risks. Local expertise helps you avoid gaps in protection.
- 3Compare Multiple Insurance Quotes
Request quotes from at least three insurers, comparing affordable business insurance rates and policy terms like exclusions and deductibles. A $1 million policy from one company may offer different protection than another's identical limit.
- 4Research Insurer Financial Strength
When researching business insurance in Virginia, look beyond price. Check AM Best ratings and claims handling reviews before choosing a provider. Strong financial ratings indicate the insurer can pay claims when needed. Industry-specific experience also matters for understanding your professional risks.
- 5Bundle Policies for Savings
Many insurers offer discounts when you get multiple types of business insurance coverage from one provider. Getting professional liability with general liability or business owner's policies can reduce your total insurance costs while simplifying policy management. Ask about available package deals.
- 6Maintain Continuous Coverage
Professional liability policies only cover claims filed while coverage is active. When switching insurers, ensure your new policy includes prior acts coverage or purchase tail coverage. Coverage gaps leave you vulnerable to lawsuits from past work.
How to Prevent Professional Liability Claims in Virginia
Many professional liability claims happen because of miscommunication and unclear client expectations, not actual mistakes. Even small disputes can lead to thousands in legal fees. Use these strategies to avoid problems and protect your business from expensive claims.
Document Everything
Keep written proof of all client interactions, including email confirmations, scope changes and project approvals. This documentation prevents disputes by providing a clear record of what was agreed upon and when. Having detailed records protects you if disagreements arise about project requirements or deliverables.
Use Detailed Contracts With Clear Scope
Create contracts that clearly define your responsibilities, project timelines and specific deliverables. Outline exactly what services are included and what falls outside the project scope to avoid conflicts over additional work. Well-defined contracts protect both you and your client by setting clear expectations from the start.
Communicate Project Changes Immediately
Confirm all client-requested changes in writing before proceeding with any modifications to the original plan. Document how these changes affect project timelines, budgets and final deliverables. Immediate written communication prevents misunderstandings and ensures everyone agrees on revised expectations.
Set Realistic Expectations Upfront
Be transparent with clients about project timelines, potential challenges and expected results from the beginning. Honest communication about your capabilities helps avoid overpromising and reduces the likelihood of client dissatisfaction. Setting realistic expectations builds trust and prevents disputes over unmet promises.
Keep Detailed Project Records
Maintain thorough records of all work performed, decisions made and the reasoning behind your professional recommendations. This documentation demonstrates your diligence and professional standards throughout the project. Detailed records provide strong protection if your work quality or methods are later questioned.
Virginia Professional Liability: Bottom Line
Selecting professional liability insurance in Virginia requires understanding your business risks and client demands first. NEXT leads our rankings, but your industry type, contract requirements and budget should drive your final choice. Assess your specific needs, then connect with a local agent to compare coverage options that deliver solid financial protection for your business.
Virginia Professional Liability Insurance: FAQ
Here are frequently asked questions about professional liability insurance in Virginia.
What does professional liability insurance cost in Virginia?
Professional liability insurance in Virginia costs between $65 and $81 monthly. Your premium depends on your industry's risk level, claims history, coverage limits and business location, with rates varying significantly between providers and individual circumstances.
Which professional liability insurance company is best in Virginia?
NEXT ranks as the top professional liability insurance company in Virginia, scoring 4.70 out of 5 for its affordable rates and excellent customer service. The Hartford follows closely at 4.64, while Simply Business rounds out the top three at 4.50, providing solid coverage options for professionals statewide.
How much professional liability coverage do I need in Virginia?
Professional liability coverage amounts in Virginia depend on your industry's risk level, client contract requirements and potential lawsuit costs. Higher-risk professions like architects and consultants need larger coverage limits, while lower-risk businesses may require less protection to safeguard their operations adequately.
Is there a difference between professional liability and E&O insurance?
Professional liability and errors and omissions (E&O) insurance both cover mistakes in your professional services. The different names come from industry preferences: lawyers often say E&O while healthcare providers say professional liability.
How We Scored the Best Professional Liability Insurance Companies in Virginia
We evaluated insurers across the state to identify which companies provide the strongest financial protection for businesses, from new startups to well-established firms. All data referenced in this article represents research across 79 industries in Virginia limiting to areas of business that need professional liability insurance.
Our Scoring System
- Affordability (50%): We evaluated businesses with 2 employees, $300,000 in annual revenue, $150,000 in payroll getting a $1 million per occurrence and $2 million aggregate policy for professional liability insurance. We also took into account any specific discount offerings in Virginia and for specific industries from each company studied.
- Customer experience (30%): Quality service becomes critical when facing a liability claim. We analyzed J.D. Power ratings and complaint records from the Virginia Department of Insurance to measure insurer responsiveness.
- Coverage options (15%): We reviewed policy flexibility and exclusions to ensure their professional liability plans work for the diverse professional services market in the state.
- Financial strength (5%): AM Best financial ratings helped us confirm that recommended insurers maintain the stability needed to professional liability pay claims when businesses need it most.
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
- Allia. "Provider Insurance Requirements." Accessed November 6, 2025.
- Better Business Bureau. "The Hartford Insurance Company | BBB Business Profile." Accessed November 6, 2025.