fact checked icon

Updated: October 14, 2026

Advertising & Editorial Disclosure

Cheapest Louisiana General Liability Insurance Companies

The Hartford has the lowest average general liability rate in Louisiana at $90 a month, 15% below the $106 state average. ERGO NEXT is $6 behind at $96, followed by biBERK at $100, Thimble at $102 and Simply Business at $106, which is 46 cents above the state average. These averages are for a Louisiana business with one to four employees and limits of $1 million per occurrence and $2 million aggregate.

The lowest statewide average doesn’t mean an insurer is cheapest for your business. Of the 398 business types I analyzed, ERGO NEXT has the lowest rate for 134, The Hartford for 95, biBERK for 83, Simply Business for 46 and Thimble for 14. Hiscox, Coverdash and Progressive Commercial split the other 26. Here’s where each of these five tends to come in lowest.

  • The Hartford: Healthcare and office-based professional businesses, including physical therapy practices ($121 a month), financial advisors ($31) and photographers ($21)
  • ERGO NEXT: Hands-on and customer-facing businesses, including general contractors ($225 a month), hotels ($73) and food trucks ($75)
  • biBERK: Cleaning, fitness and real estate businesses, including house cleaners ($73 a month), personal trainers ($39) and real estate agents ($32)
  • Simply Business: Retail stores and food businesses, including clothing stores ($77 a month), bakeries ($66) and full-service restaurants ($83), and it’s cheapest for 27 of the 39 retail business types I analyzed
  • Thimble: Construction trades, including painters ($126 a month), electricians ($231) and roofers ($372), each 30% to 33% below the average for their trade

Your general liability premium also depends on your headcount, claims history and the limits you choose. Since the cheapest insurer changes from one business type to the next, get quotes from the insurers that are cheapest for your trade, using the same limits on each quote.

The Hartford$90$1,07715%
ERGO NEXT$96$1,1489%
biBerk$100$1,2045%
Thimble$102$1,2214%
Simply Business$106$1,2720%
Coverdash$114$1,371-8%
Progressive Commercial$116$1,386-9%
Hiscox$121$1,454-15%

For Louisiana, I compared estimated general liability rates from eight insurers that sell to small businesses in the state, which are biBERK, Coverdash, ERGO NEXT, Hiscox, Progressive Commercial, Simply Business, The Hartford and Thimble. I used the same dataset to answer three cost questions.

  • Overall cheapest: Each insurer’s average rate across all business types, for businesses with one to four employees.
  • Cheapest by business type and industry: Each insurer’s rate for a specific business type or industry category, also for businesses with one to four employees, so company size stays consistent across comparisons.
  • Employee-size comparisons: Rates averaged across all industry categories at each size range, from no employees to 49 employees, to show how pricing changes as you hire.
  • Data scope: More than 16,000 estimates covering 398 business types across 25 industry categories. I left out nine business types, including notary services, because they don’t have enough complete rate data for a fair comparison.
  • Coverage setup: $1 million per occurrence / $2 million aggregate limits, with modeled revenue and payroll included in the estimates.
  • Averages and savings: Each average is the simple mean of the eight insurers’ rates for that group, so the $106 Louisiana average is the mean of their statewide rates. Savings show how far an insurer’s rate falls below the average for the same group. Statewide rates are measured against the state average, industry rates against the industry average, business-type rates against the business-type average and employee-size rates against the average for that size. Dollar amounts and percentages are rounded to whole numbers, and where rounding makes two rates look identical, I give the gap in cents.
  • Customer experience: Service comparisons come from our national customer survey of business insurance policyholders, which rates 10 insurers on buying, policy management and claims. Rankings are out of those 10, which include Chubb and Nationwide even though neither is in the Louisiana rate data. Coverdash and Simply Business only have buying scores, so I don’t compare them on policy management or claims.

These Louisiana figures are estimates, not personalized quotes. Your actual premium can vary with your business classification, claims history, revenue or payroll, limits, deductibles and endorsements. To compare insurers fairly, get quotes with the same coverage terms.

Read our full methodology.

The Hartford

The Hartford: Cheapest for Healthcare, Professional and Creative Businesses

On The Hartford's site
COMPANY HIGHLIGHTS

Healthcare is where The Hartford pulls ahead in Louisiana. It’s cheapest for 39 of the 48 healthcare business types I analyzed, with savings of 24% to 46% below the average for each type. Physical therapy practices save the most, at $121 a month against a $222 average, and virtual assistants pay $20 a month, the lowest rate for any business type in the state. Across all 398 business types, The Hartford is cheapest for 95 and has the lowest statewide average at $90, 15% below the $106 state average. It keeps the lowest average at every size from one to 49 employees, and its widest margin, 20%, comes at 10 to 19 employees.

For a medical or therapy practice, the bigger draw may be keeping malpractice with the same insurer. The Hartford’s allied health professional liability is written for non-physicians such as physical therapists, nurses and dental hygienists. It lists in-home care as ineligible, though, so a home healthcare agency paying $184 a month for general liability would need malpractice from another insurer. It ranks first of 10 for policy management in our survey, which suggests changes like adding a second office or a landlord go through without delays. Getting the first quote is slower, at eighth for quote speed, so a practice that needs proof of coverage before signing a lease should start early.

Most often cheapest for these business profiles:

  • General industries: Arts, Media and Entertainment ($26 a month, 19% below average), Education ($30, 31% below), Financial Services ($28, 15% below) and Healthcare and Medical ($117, 34% below)
  • Employee count: One to 49 employees

Not a fit? Need proof of coverage today, or run a construction business? Jump to ERGO NEXT. Provide care in clients’ homes? Jump to biBERK.

ERGO NEXT

ERGO NEXT: Cheapest for Hands-On and Customer-Facing Businesses

On ERGO NEXT's site
COMPANY HIGHLIGHTS

Contractors make up ERGO NEXT’s largest group of wins in Louisiana. It has the state’s lowest construction average at $229 a month, 21% below the $290 average, and it’s cheapest for 21 of 45 trades, including general contractors ($225), concrete contractors ($248) and plumbers ($276). The lead is narrow, though. Thimble is $7 behind on average and just $4 behind for plumbers. Overall, ERGO NEXT is cheapest for 134 business types, more than any other insurer, and averages $96 a month statewide, 9% below average. Hospitality gets its deepest discounts, with bed and breakfasts, tour guides and hostels each paying 40% to 41% below average. Its price advantage shrinks as headcount grows. ERGO NEXT costs $6 a month more than The Hartford at one to four employees and $105 more at 10 to 19.

Speed is the main reason to choose ERGO NEXT beyond price. Our survey ranks it first for quote speed and certificates of insurance, which suggests proof of coverage reaches a general contractor or property manager faster than with most insurers. Claims are slower, at sixth of 10, so a disputed water damage claim from a plumbing job may take more follow-up. Its general liability is only for businesses with up to $5 million in revenue and stops at $2 million per occurrence, so a growing general contractor may need an umbrella policy to meet a client’s limits. Caterers ($77 a month) and mobile bartenders ($86) also pay the least here, but either should confirm ERGO NEXT will add liquor liability before booking events that serve alcohol.

Most often cheapest for these business profiles:

  • General industries: Construction and Contracting ($229 a month, 21% below average), Consulting Services ($31, 3% below), Hospitality, Travel and Tourism ($56, 36% below), Manufacturing ($39, 26% below), Marketing and Communications ($24, 20% below), Nonprofit and Associations ($42, 14% below), Other Professional Services ($53, 18% below), Pet Care Services ($58, 15% below), Repair and Maintenance ($42, 28% below), Transportation and Logistics ($71, 13% below) and Wholesale and Distribution ($65, 26% below)

Not a fit? If you plan to hire past four employees or expect disputed claims, The Hartford keeps its price lead as you grow and ranks second for claims. Cleaning, fitness and solo businesses usually pay less with biBERK.

biBerk

biBERK: Cheapest for Cleaning, Fitness, Recreation and Solo Owners

COMPANY HIGHLIGHTS

biBERK wins by covering whole categories rather than through deep discounts. It’s the cheapest insurer for all 15 cleaning and all 11 fitness business types, from house cleaners ($73 a month) to gyms ($100), at about 17% below the average for each. It also leads 22 of the 34 recreation and sports types, but in 11 of those the next insurer is less than $1 a month behind. Statewide, biBERK averages $100, 5% below the state average, and it’s cheapest for 83 business types in total. Owners with no employees pay the least with biBERK at $52 a month, 12% below the $58 average for solo businesses, with The Hartford $1 behind. That changes once you hire, since biBERK costs $11 a month more than The Hartford at one to four employees and $32 more at five to nine.

Two coverage options make biBERK worth more than its price suggests. It sells professional liability in Louisiana, so a personal trainer who gives exercise advice can keep both policies together. Its medical malpractice coverage includes home health aides and senior home care, the in-home work The Hartford’s allied health policy excludes. That makes biBERK the better fit for companion care, where it’s cheapest at $66 a month, and for home health aides, where it ties The Hartford at $32. Second place for sales support in our survey suggests first-time buyers get clear answers before they commit, while fifth for policy management means a cleaning company adding a new office client to its policy may wait longer.

Most often cheapest for these business profiles:

  • General industries: Cleaning Services ($65 a month, 17% below average), Fitness Services ($79, 18% below), Real Estate and Property Services ($36, 18% below) and Recreation and Sports ($72, 16% below)
  • Employee count: No employees

Not a fit? Growing businesses should look at The Hartford, and owners who send certificates of insurance often should look at ERGO NEXT.

Is the Cheapest General Liability Insurance Right for Your Louisiana Business?

The cheapest policy is usually enough when your main risk is a customer getting hurt or their property getting damaged, since every general liability policy covers that. Price matters less when state law, a client contract or the way you run your business requires coverage the cheapest insurer may not offer. These four types of Louisiana businesses should check more than the premium.

  • Bars, restaurants and other alcohol sellers: Louisiana law protects businesses with an alcohol permit from liability for off-premises injuries caused by an intoxicated customer of legal drinking age. That protection doesn’t cover injuries on your premises or sales to someone underage, and general liability policies typically exclude alcohol-related claims, so you still need liquor liability. Simply Business is cheapest for bars ($99 a month), sports bars ($94) and full-service restaurants ($83). It’s a digital insurance marketplace, though, so whether you can add liquor liability depends on which insurer is behind your quote. Check before you buy.
  • Residential and home improvement contractors: Since August 1, 2026, the Louisiana State Licensing Board for Contractors (LSLBC) has required these licensees to carry at least $500,000 in liability insurance, up from $100,000, on a policy lasting at least six months with no exclusions for the work they’re licensed to do. Every rate on this page uses $1 million limits, which meets the new minimum. The six-month term is the part to check. Thimble is cheapest for home improvement contractors ($188 a month) and handymen ($125), and it sells general liability by the job, month or year. Buy an annual policy, or ask the board whether a monthly one qualifies, and make sure the policy lists the board as a certificate holder.
  • General contractors: Louisiana generally bars construction defect claims filed more than five years after the owner accepts the work or moves in. Claims filed in those five years fall under completed operations coverage, which pays when finished work causes damage later, so how well your insurer handles claims matters more than a small price gap. ERGO NEXT is cheapest for general contractors at $225 a month, 35% below average, but it ranks sixth of 10 for claims in our survey. The Hartford costs $52 more and ranks second. Remodelers can skip this trade-off, since The Hartford is already cheapest for them at $183 a month.
  • Amusement ride and inflatable operators: Louisiana requires at least $1 million in liability coverage for amusement rides, or $300,000 for inflatables, with a certificate filed with the state fire marshal. An operating firm license also requires $1 million in general liability with every ride or inflatable listed on the declarations page. ERGO NEXT is cheapest for bounce house rentals at $55 a month, 22% below average. For small amusement parks, The Hartford ($77), biBERK and ERGO NEXT are within 19 cents of each other, so choose the one that will list each of your devices on the policy.

If your business fits one of these profiles, compare the best general liability providers in Louisiana on coverage and claims handling, not just price.

How to Get Cheaper General Liability Insurance in Louisiana

Lowering your limits cuts your premium, but it can leave you underinsured when a client contract or a large claim calls for more. In Louisiana, you’ll usually save more by choosing the right insurer, getting your classification right and shopping again when your business changes.

  • swipe icon

    Compare general liability quotes using the same limits

    Prices for the same Louisiana business vary widely by insurer. A roofing contractor pays $372 a month with Thimble and $674 with Progressive Commercial, about $3,630 more a year for the same limits. A food truck pays $75 a month with ERGO NEXT and $155 with Hiscox. Get at least three quotes and compare business insurance quotes with the same per-occurrence and aggregate limits on each one, or you’ll be comparing different coverage.

  • loanReview icon

    Ensure your business classification (class code) is correct

    Insurers price your policy based on the work you report, and they review that classification at your end-of-term audit. In Louisiana, handyman services average $184 a month and remodeling contractors average $289. A handyman who mostly does small repairs but is classified as a remodeler could pay about $104 more a month. Underreporting your work doesn’t save money either, since the audit can catch it and bill you the difference.

  • signupBonus icon

    Only pay for general liability coverage limits you actually need

    State minimums set the floor, and your contracts usually set the real number. Louisiana requires residential and home improvement contractors to carry at least $500,000 in liability coverage, and amusement ride operators need at least $1 million. A lease, general contractor or commercial client may ask for more than either. Every rate on this page uses $1 million per occurrence and $2 million aggregate. Check what your contracts and leases require, and raise your limits when a specific contract calls for it.
    Read More: How Much General Liability Insurance Do I Need?

  • money2 icon

    Re-shop when your business changes

    The insurer that was cheapest when you started may not be cheapest after your business changes. Get new quotes when any of these happen instead of renewing automatically.

    • Hiring: Louisiana businesses with no employees average $58 a month, with biBERK lowest at $52 and The Hartford $1 behind. At one to four employees, the average rises to $106, and The Hartford has the lowest average at every size from one to 49 employees.
    • Opening a restaurant: ERGO NEXT is cheapest for food trucks at $75 a month, but a full-service restaurant pays the least with Simply Business at $83. Staying with ERGO NEXT would cost $101, or $18 more.
    • Adding a bar: A full-service restaurant averages $103 a month, while a bar or tavern averages $124. Simply Business is cheapest for both ($83 and $99), but a restaurant adding a bar should confirm the insurer behind its quote will cover liquor liability.
    • Outgrowing your insurer: If your revenue passes ERGO NEXT’s $5 million limit, you’ll need a different insurer for general liability.
  • bag icon

    Bundle general liability insurance when it lowers your total cost

    If you also need to insure equipment, inventory or a workspace, a business owner’s policy (BOP) combines general liability and property coverage and can cost less than buying them separately. The Hartford’s Spectrum policy and ERGO NEXT’s business owner’s policy both work this way. A consultant who works from client offices has little property to insure and gets less out of a bundle. Compare the cost of a BOP against standalone general liability before assuming a bundle saves money.

  • takingNotes icon

    Get certificates of insurance from your subcontractors

    At your end-of-term audit, your insurer reviews who you paid outside of payroll and can add those workers to your premium. Subcontractors with their own general liability are charged at a much lower rate than uninsured ones. Before a subcontractor starts work, get a certificate of insurance with coverage dates that line up with your own policy.

Affordable General Liability Insurance in Louisiana: Bottom Line

The Hartford has the lowest statewide average in Louisiana at $90 a month, but ERGO NEXT is cheapest for more business types, and Simply Business is cheapest for most retail stores. Your industry and headcount matter more than the statewide ranking in deciding which insurer is cheapest for you. Start with the insurer that’s cheapest for your business type, then confirm it covers what your license, contracts and operations require. That could be liquor liability for a bar, a policy of at least six months for a licensed home improvement contractor or every inflatable listed on the policy for a bounce house rental.

If the cheapest insurer falls short on any of those, compare its price with the next-cheapest insurer that does offer what you need. For example, a general contractor would pay $52 more a month with The Hartford than with ERGO NEXT but get an insurer ranked second for claims instead of sixth. Whichever insurers you consider, get quotes with the same limits so you’re comparing the same coverage.

Cheapest General Liability Insurance in Louisiana Chart
shoppingCart icon

LOOKING FOR CHEAP COVERAGE FOR OTHER POLICY TYPES?

Most Louisiana businesses need more than general liability once they hire staff or offer professional advice, and each added policy raises your total insurance bill. These guides compare Louisiana insurers for two common add-ons.

About Angelique Palenzuela-Cruz

Angelique Palenzuela-Cruz, Business Insurance Writer, MoneyGeek

Angelique Palenzuela-Cruz is a Business Insurance Content Writer at MoneyGeek, where she specializes in general liability, workers’ compensation and professional liability insurance. Her work helps small business owners understand how these policies apply to coverage, including risks like customer injuries, employee injuries, professional mistakes, client contract terms and industry-specific coverage requirements.
She primarily covers service-based businesses where liability and employee coverage decisions are especially important, including cleaning, consulting, beauty and wellness, childcare, education, fitness, food service, pet care, repair and maintenance, and other professional services.
Before joining MoneyGeek, Angelique spent nearly 12 years at Guthrie-Jensen Consultants, one of Southeast Asia’s largest management training firms, where she advanced from Training Consultant to Managing Consultant. In that role, she worked with business clients to assess operational needs, develop training programs and present performance analyses to executive decision-makers. She also helped establish Gladwin Training Consultancy, where she served in learning solutions and client service roles.
Her background gives her practical context for writing about how businesses operate, manage client expectations, structure teams and make risk decisions. At MoneyGeek, she applies that experience to business insurance content, connecting coverage to actual business needs.

LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/ma-angela-cruz

Email Contact: angelique.palenzuela@moneygeek.com

Read Full Bio »
Sources
  • Louisiana State Legislature. "RS 40:1484.13." Accessed October 24, 2026.
  • Louisiana State Legislature. "RS 40:1484.23." Accessed October 24, 2026.
  • Louisiana State Legislature. "RS 9:2772." Accessed October 24, 2026.
  • Louisiana State Legislature. "RS 9:2800.1." Accessed October 24, 2026.
  • Louisiana State Licensing Board for Contractors. "2026 Legislative Changes." Accessed October 24, 2026.