Cheapest Texas General Liability Insurance Companies

The Hartford has the lowest average general liability rate in Texas at $103 a month, 15% below the $122 state average. ERGO NEXT is $3 behind at $106, followed by biBERK at $111, Thimble at $112 and Simply Business at $120. These averages are for a Texas 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 152, The Hartford for 100, biBERK for 85 and Thimble for 21. Here’s where each one tends to come in lowest:

  • The Hartford: Office-based professional and creative businesses, including financial advisors ($36 a month), photographers ($22) and independent publishers ($20)
  • ERGO NEXT: Hands-on, customer-facing businesses, including caterers ($76), hair salons ($53) and appliance repair shops ($54)
  • biBERK: Wellness and cleaning services, including veterinary practices ($40), personal trainers ($41) and house cleaners ($88)
  • Thimble: Construction trades, including drywall ($195), plumbing ($251) and electrical contractors ($257), each about a third 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$103$1,23815%
ERGO NEXT$106$1,27313%
biBerk$111$1,3309%
Thimble$112$1,3428%
Simply Business$120$1,4372%
Coverdash$127$1,523-4%
Progressive Commercial$129$1,552-6%
Nationwide$136$1,626-11%
Hiscox$137$1,644-12%
Chubb$138$1,650-13%

For Texas, I compared estimated general liability rates from 10 insurers that sell to small businesses: biBERK, Chubb, Coverdash, ERGO NEXT, Hiscox, Nationwide, 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 20,000 estimates covering 398 business types across 25 industry categories.
  • 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 10 insurers’ rates for that group, so the $122 Texas 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 against the state average, industry rates against the industry average and business-type rates against the business-type average. Dollar amounts and percentages are rounded to whole numbers.
  • Customer experience: Service comparisons come from our national customer survey of business insurance policyholders, which rates insurers on buying, policy management and claims.

These Texas 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 Professional, Creative and Healthcare Businesses

On The Hartford's site
COMPANY HIGHLIGHTS

The Hartford has the lowest statewide average in Texas at $103 a month, 15% below the $122 state average. It’s the cheapest insurer for 100 of the 398 business types I analyzed, mostly office-based professional, creative and healthcare businesses, and its $20 monthly rate for independent publishers is the lowest in Texas for any business type. Its savings also grow as you hire, from 15% below average at one to four employees to 21% below at 10 to 49.

Policyholders in our national customer survey rate The Hartford first of 10 insurers for managing a policy and second for claims, a sign that policy changes and injury claims are less likely to stall. Getting covered is slower, though, since it ranks eighth for quote speed. It also generally sells commercial auto only alongside a Spectrum policy or workers’ comp, so an owner who wants just general liability and auto may need a third policy.

Most often cheapest for these business profiles:

  • General industries: Arts, Media and Entertainment ($29 a month, 22% below average), Education ($35, 28% below), Financial Services ($32, 24% below), Healthcare and Medical ($154, 27% below) and Tech/IT ($20, 25% below)
  • Employee count: One to 49 employees

Not a fit? If you need coverage in place quickly, jump to ERGO NEXT. If you work alone with no employees, jump to biBERK. If you’re a contractor, jump to Thimble.

ERGO NEXT

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

On ERGO NEXT's site
COMPANY HIGHLIGHTS

ERGO NEXT averages $106 a month, 13% below the state average, and it’s cheapest for 152 business types, more than any other insurer. Retail shops, small manufacturers, beauty businesses and food sellers get its lowest rates most often. Food vendors, caterers, food trucks and mobile bartenders save the most, at 45% to 49% below the average for their business type. Its edge fades as you add staff. It trails The Hartford by $3 a month at one to four employees and by $88 at 10 to 19.

ERGO NEXT ranks first in our survey for buying, quote speed and certificates of insurance, so it’s likely the fastest way to get proof of coverage before a job. Claims are its weak spot, where it ranks sixth of 10. Its general liability caps out at $2 million per occurrence and is only for businesses with up to $5 million in revenue. A caterer or mobile bartender that serves alcohol should also confirm ERGO NEXT will add liquor liability before buying on price.

Most often cheapest for these business profiles:

  • General industries: Beauty, Body and Wellness Services ($31 a month, 27% below average), Childcare Services ($105, 16% below), Consulting Services ($32, 3% below), Food and Beverage ($86, 31% below), Hospitality, Travel and Tourism ($71, 34% below), Manufacturing ($44, 36% below), Marketing and Communications ($26, 20% below), Other Professional Services ($60, 20% below), Pet Care Services ($72, 20% below), Real Estate and Property Services ($36, 25% below), Repair and Maintenance ($50, 33% below), Retail and Product Rental ($88, 20% below) and Transportation and Logistics ($72, 13% below)

Not a fit? If you’re hiring past a few employees or your contracts require more than $2 million per occurrence, jump to The Hartford. If you work alone with no employees, jump to biBERK. If you’re a contractor, jump to Thimble.

biBerk

biBERK: Cheapest for Cleaners, Gyms, Recreation and Solo Owners

COMPANY HIGHLIGHTS

biBERK averages $111 a month, 9% below the state average, and it’s cheapest for 85 business types. That includes every cleaning and fitness business type and 31 of the 34 recreation and sports types. Owners with no employees also pay the least with biBERK, at $55 a month, 14% below the $65 average for solo businesses, but The Hartford and ERGO NEXT are both within $1 of that rate.

biBERK’s third-place buying score and second-place sales support score in our survey suggest it works well for first-time buyers. It also sells commercial auto and professional liability in Texas, so a cleaner with a work van or a trainer who gives fitness advice can keep those policies with the same insurer. Costs climb faster than The Hartford’s as you hire, from $8 more a month at one to four employees to $34 more at five to nine. It also ranks fifth for policy management, so adding a client to your policy can take longer.

Most often cheapest for these business profiles:

  • General industries: Cleaning Services ($78 a month, 20% below average), Fitness Services ($82, 21% below) and Recreation and Sports ($61, 16% below)
  • Employee count: No employees

Not a fit? If you’re adding employees, jump to The Hartford. If you send certificates of insurance often, jump to ERGO NEXT. If you’re a contractor, jump to Thimble.

Thimble

Thimble: Cheapest for Construction Trades.

COMPANY HIGHLIGHTS

Thimble averages $112 a month statewide, 8% below the state average, but its real advantage is in construction. It has the lowest average for Texas contractors at $268 a month, 22% below the $343 construction average, and it’s cheapest for 20 of the 45 construction business types I analyzed. Those range from painters and pest control companies to plumbers, electricians and general contractors, and they save 29% to 35% against the average for their trade. The margin is thin for construction overall, though, since ERGO NEXT averages $272 and The Hartford $279.

Thimble sells general liability by the job, month or year, so a painter who only takes occasional jobs can pay for coverage only when working. Monthly policyholders can pause once for up to 30 days, but work done during a pause isn’t covered, and the monthly option isn’t available for every business type. Thimble ranks second of 10 for buying in our survey but seventh for claims. A contractor who could face a disputed water damage or defect claim may find The Hartford, which ranks second for claims, worth about $12 more a month.

Most often cheapest for these business profiles:

  • General industries: Construction and Contracting ($268 a month, 22% below average)
  • Business types: Drywall ($195 a month, 34% below average), Painting ($145, 31% below), Plumbing ($251, 32% below), Electrical ($257, 34% below) and General Contractors ($281, 33% below)

Not a fit? If general contractors or commercial clients set insurance terms in your contracts, jump to The Hartford, whose Contractor’s Broad Form Endorsement comes standard. If you need certificates of insurance quickly for each new job, jump to ERGO NEXT.

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

The cheapest policy is usually the right buy when your main risk is a customer getting hurt or their property getting damaged, since every general liability policy covers that. The price stops being the deciding factor once a state rule, a contract or the way you operate calls for coverage the cheapest insurer may not offer. Here’s how that plays out for four kinds of Texas businesses.

  • Restaurants, bars and caterers that serve alcohol: Texas’s Dram Shop Act lets an injured person sue a business that served alcohol to a customer who was obviously intoxicated to the point of being a clear danger, and general liability doesn’t cover those claims. ERGO NEXT is cheapest for full-service restaurants ($94 a month) and caterers ($76), so confirm it will add liquor liability for your business before buying. A food truck that starts selling beer moves into this group too. Bars already get their lowest rate from biBERK at $127 a month. Whichever insurer you choose, have your servers complete TABC-approved seller-server training, since that can shield the business from liability when an employee over-serves.
  • General and remodeling contractors: Texas lets owners sue over defective construction up to 10 years after a project is substantially complete, or six years for some new-home builders that offer a written warranty. That makes completed operations coverage, which pays when finished work causes damage later, and strong claims handling worth more than the lowest premium. Thimble is cheapest for remodelers at $238 a month, but The Hartford costs $34 more and ranks second of 10 for claims in our survey, compared with Thimble’s seventh.
  • Licensed electrical contractors: The Texas Department of Licensing and Regulation (TDLR) requires electrical contractors to carry at least $300,000 per occurrence and $300,000 for products and completed operations to keep their license. Every rate on this page uses $1 million limits, so the cheapest policy clears that bar. Thimble is cheapest for electricians at $257 a month, $50 less than ERGO NEXT. Before you buy, make sure the policy lists a products and completed operations limit of at least $300,000.
  • Go-kart tracks and other ride venues: Texas requires operators of most amusement rides to carry at least $1.5 million per occurrence, or $1 million for bodily injury plus $500,000 for property damage, which is more than the $1 million limit behind the rates on this page. biBERK ($97 a month) and ERGO NEXT ($97) are 16 cents apart for go-kart tracks, so get quotes from both at the limit the state requires. Whichever is cheaper at that limit is the better pick.

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

How to Get Cheaper General Liability Insurance in Texas

Cutting your limits to lower your premium can leave you short when a contract or a claim tests your policy. In Texas, the bigger savings come from which insurer you buy from, how your business is classified and when you re-shop.

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    Compare general liability quotes using the same limits

    The same Texas business can pay very different prices depending on the insurer. An electrical contractor pays $257 a month with Thimble but $488 with Progressive Commercial, about $2,770 more a year for the same limits. A food truck pays $75 a month with ERGO NEXT and $186 with Hiscox. Get at least three quotes, and compare business insurance quotes with the same per-occurrence and aggregate limits on each one. Otherwise you’re comparing different products.

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    Ensure your business classification (class code) is correct

    Your insurer prices your policy based on the type of work you report, and it reviews that classification again at your end-of-term audit. In Texas, handyman services average $222 a month while remodeling contractors average $334. A handyman who mostly does small repairs but gets classified as a remodeler could pay about $111 more a month. Reporting lighter work than you actually do doesn’t save money either, since the audit can catch it and bill you the difference.

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    Only pay for general liability coverage limits you actually need

    State minimums are floors, not targets. The Texas Department of Licensing and Regulation (TDLR) requires electrical contractors to carry at least $300,000 per occurrence, and amusement ride operators need at least $1.5 million. Your lease or client contracts may set a higher bar than either. Every rate on this page uses $1 million per occurrence and $2 million aggregate. Check what your contracts and leases actually call for before raising your limits, and raise them when a specific contract requires it, not because more coverage sounds safer.

    Read More: How Much General Liability Insurance Do I Need?

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    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 by default.

    • Hiring: Texas businesses with no employees average $65 a month, with biBERK lowest at $55. At one to four employees, the average rises to $122, and The Hartford has the lowest average at every size from one to 49 employees.
    • Opening a restaurant: ERGO NEXT is cheapest for both food trucks and full-service restaurants, but a food truck owner who opens a sit-down restaurant will see the rate rise from $75 to $94 a month.
    • Adding a bar: A full-service restaurant averages $136 a month, while a bar or tavern averages $159. As alcohol becomes a bigger share of sales, the cheapest insurer shifts from ERGO NEXT to biBERK, which is $127 a month for bars and can 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.
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    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, which 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, so bundling adds less value. Compare the average cost of a BOP against standalone general liability pricing before assuming a bundle saves money.

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    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 who carry their own general liability are charged at a much lower rate than those who don’t. Before any subcontractor starts work, get a certificate of insurance with coverage dates that line up with your own policy.

Affordable General Liability Insurance in Texas: Bottom Line

The Hartford has the lowest statewide average in Texas at $103 a month, but ERGO NEXT is cheapest for more business types, and Thimble leads for construction trades. That means your industry and headcount decide which insurer is cheapest for you more than the statewide ranking does. 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, completed operations coverage for a remodeler or higher limits for a ride venue.

If the cheapest insurer falls short on any of those, compare its price against the next-cheapest insurer that does offer the coverage, and weigh that gap against the risk you’d be leaving uncovered. Whichever insurers you consider, get quotes with the same limits so you’re comparing the same coverage.

Cheapest General Liability Insurance in Texas Chart
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LOOKING FOR CHEAP COVERAGE FOR OTHER POLICY TYPES?

Most Texas businesses need more than general liability once they hire staff or put vehicles on the road, and each added policy raises your total insurance bill. These guides compare Texas insurers on price for two of the most 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


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