Business Insurance in Louisiana: Key Takeaways
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NEXT offers Louisiana's best small business insurance with excellent customer service and competitive rates.

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Louisiana small business owners pay $114 monthly or $1,364 yearly on average for coverage across general liability, workers' comp, professional liability and BOP.

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Choosing small business insurance coverage requires comparing quotes and understanding your business risks.

Best Small Business Insurance Companies in Louisiana

NEXT leads Louisiana business insurance with top customer service and competitive rates. Its excellent support (ranked 1st) and affordable pricing (ranked 3rd) make it the smart choice for business owners. The Hartford and Simply Business also offer solid coverage options.

NEXT Insurance4.63$11612
The Hartford4.61$9823
Simply Business4.49$11341
biBERK4.42$11824
Coverdash4.41$11852
Progressive Commercial4.32$11664
Thimble4.31$10774
Hiscox4.30$12335

Note: This data represents a small business with 2 employees, $150,000 in payroll and $300,000 in annual revenue. All scores were calculated for four of the most common coverage types in the industry across 79 industries in the United States.

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RESEARCH THE BEST BUSINESS INSURANCE IN LOUISIANA BY COVERAGE TYPE

Discover the best or cheapest business insurer in Louisiana for your desired coverage type in our resources below:

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NEXT

Best Louisiana Business Insurance

MoneyGeek Rating
4.6/ 5
4.4/5Affordability
4.7/5Customer Experience
4.8/5Coverage Options
  • Average Monthly Cost of General Liability Insurance

    $120
  • Average Monthly Cost of Workers' Comp Insurance

    $80
  • Our Survey: Digital Experience

    4.8/5 (1st)
  • Our Survey: Likely to Be Recommended to Others

    4.8/5 (1st)
Company Image
The Hartford

Cheapest Louisiana Business Insurance

MoneyGeek Rating
4.6/ 5
4.6/5Affordability
4.6/5Customer Experience
4.7/5Coverage Options
855-961-1962
  • Average Monthly Cost of General Liability Insurance

    $96
  • Average Monthly Cost of Workers' Comp Insurance

    $80
  • Our Survey: Claims Process

    4.5/5 (1st)
  • Our Survey: Agent Service

    4.7/5 (1st)
Company Image
Simply Business

Best Commercial Coverage Options in Louisiana

MoneyGeek Rating
4.5/ 5
4.4/5Affordability
4.2/5Customer Experience
4.9/5Coverage Options
  • Average Monthly Cost of General Liability Insurance

    $97
  • Average Monthly Cost of Workers' Comp Insurance

    $72
  • Our Research: Digital Experience

    4.5/5
  • Our Survey: Provider Service

    4.0/5

How Much Does Business Insurance Cost in Louisiana?

Business insurance costs in Louisiana range from $82 monthly for workers' compensation to $167 for business owner's policies, with industry and risk factors driving price differences. Below you can compare average rates for the four most common business insurance types in Louisiana:

BOP$167$2,000
General Liability$118$1,420
Professional Liability (E&O)$88$1,051
Workers Comp$82$986

Note: We analyzed rates for your two-employee business across 79 industries, focusing on general liability, professional liability, workers' compensation and business owner's policies. Our Louisiana research covers the companies we surveyed and won't include every rate available to your specific business.

Louisiana Business Insurance Cost by Industry and Coverage

Louisiana business insurance costs range from $79 to $18,052 annually based on your industry and coverage type. Compare commercial insurance costs for your specific business below.

Data filtered by:
General Liability
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AccountantsGeneral Liability$25$302
Ad AgencyGeneral Liability$43$521
Auto RepairGeneral Liability$184$2,207
AutomotiveGeneral Liability$60$724
BakeryGeneral Liability$104$1,247
BarberGeneral Liability$54$648
Beauty SalonGeneral Liability$78$939
Bounce HouseGeneral Liability$79$947
CandleGeneral Liability$62$740
CannabisGeneral Liability$75$903
CateringGeneral Liability$108$1,301
CleaningGeneral Liability$151$1,814
Coffee ShopGeneral Liability$105$1,256
Computer ProgrammingGeneral Liability$35$425
Computer RepairGeneral Liability$51$606
ConstructionGeneral Liability$217$2,602
ConsultingGeneral Liability$25$303
ContractorGeneral Liability$285$3,421
CourierGeneral Liability$218$2,620
DJGeneral Liability$30$364
DaycareGeneral Liability$37$442
DentalGeneral Liability$25$295
Dog GroomingGeneral Liability$70$843
DroneGeneral Liability$19$223
EcommerceGeneral Liability$84$1,002
ElectricalGeneral Liability$129$1,543
EngineeringGeneral Liability$48$577
ExcavationGeneral Liability$541$6,489
FloristGeneral Liability$50$600
FoodGeneral Liability$120$1,442
Food TruckGeneral Liability$137$1,640
Funeral HomeGeneral Liability$69$831
GardeningGeneral Liability$127$1,519
HVACGeneral Liability$282$3,381
HandymanGeneral Liability$281$3,367
Home-basedGeneral Liability$27$320
Home-basedGeneral Liability$54$642
HospitalityGeneral Liability$80$957
JanitorialGeneral Liability$160$1,917
JewelryGeneral Liability$51$607
Junk RemovalGeneral Liability$183$2,202
Lawn/LandscapingGeneral Liability$146$1,752
LawyersGeneral Liability$26$314
ManufacturingGeneral Liability$85$1,018
MarineGeneral Liability$31$376
MassageGeneral Liability$115$1,381
Mortgage BrokerGeneral Liability$26$315
MovingGeneral Liability$145$1,744
NonprofitGeneral Liability$40$484
PaintingGeneral Liability$165$1,981
Party RentalGeneral Liability$89$1,071
Personal TrainingGeneral Liability$28$333
Pest ControlGeneral Liability$36$434
PetGeneral Liability$63$760
PharmacyGeneral Liability$72$867
PhotographyGeneral Liability$28$340
Physical TherapyGeneral Liability$151$1,809
PlumbingGeneral Liability$416$4,990
Pressure WashingGeneral Liability$1,030$12,359
Real EstateGeneral Liability$51$609
RestaurantGeneral Liability$172$2,069
RetailGeneral Liability$79$951
RoofingGeneral Liability$434$5,212
SecurityGeneral Liability$154$1,844
Snack BarsGeneral Liability$133$1,596
SoftwareGeneral Liability$32$380
Spa/WellnessGeneral Liability$112$1,342
Speech TherapistGeneral Liability$37$440
StartupGeneral Liability$34$403
Tech/ITGeneral Liability$32$380
TransportationGeneral Liability$42$502
TravelGeneral Liability$24$285
Tree ServiceGeneral Liability$153$1,833
TruckingGeneral Liability$113$1,360
TutoringGeneral Liability$36$434
VeterinaryGeneral Liability$49$590
Wedding PlanningGeneral Liability$33$402
WeldingGeneral Liability$187$2,241
WholesaleGeneral Liability$51$608
Window CleaningGeneral Liability$184$2,214

Note: We analyzed rates for your two-employee business across 79 industries, focusing on general liability, professional liability, workers' compensation and business owner's policies. Our Louisiana research covers the companies we surveyed and won't include every rate available to your specific business.

What Factors Affect Louisiana Business Insurance Costs?

Your premiums reflect state-specific weather risks, regulatory requirements and industry concentrations unique to Louisiana.

  • Louisiana Workers' Compensation Requirements: Louisiana requires workers' compensation insurance for businesses with even one employee, including part-time, temporary or seasonal workers. Louisiana's requirement creates higher baseline costs for small businesses compared to states with employee thresholds. Most commercial businesses must carry coverage, though certain categories receive exemptions: private residence workers, farm employees, some musicians and uncompensated nonprofit board members.
  • Hurricane and Windstorm Exposure: Coastal parishes experience severe hurricane risk, with Hurricane Ida (2021) and Hurricane Francine (2024) causing widespread business damage. Orleans, Jefferson, St. Tammany, Plaquemines and Terrebonne parish businesses pay significantly higher property insurance costs due to windstorm exposure. Louisiana Citizens serves as the state-mandated insurer of last resort for commercial properties unable to obtain private market coverage, with rates deliberately set higher than voluntary market prices.
  • Nation's Highest Flood Risk: FEMA designated 26,826 square miles of Louisiana (51% of the state) as Special Flood Hazard Areas, with 900 bayous, 110 rivers and 242 lakes creating widespread exposure. Standard commercial policies exclude flood damage, requiring separate National Flood Insurance Program coverage. FEMA's Risk Rating 2.0 fundamentally changed premium calculations, pricing insurance based on individual property flood risk rather than broad zones.
  • High-Risk Industry Concentrations: Louisiana's economy concentrates high-risk sectors: oil and gas support services in coastal parishes, petrochemical operations in Baton Rouge and Lake Charles corridors, commercial fishing, statewide hospitality and maritime port operations. High-risk industries drive up workers' compensation rates and require specialized liability coverage, affecting insurance costs even for businesses outside these sectors.
  • Comparative Fault and Liability Environment: Louisiana follows a comparative fault system, allowing injured parties to recover damages when less than 51% at fault, with awards reduced proportionally. Orleans Parish civil courts have produced large jury verdicts in recent years. Louisiana has no general caps on non-economic damages except medical malpractice claims, capped at $500,000 plus interest and costs, increasing general liability and professional liability insurance costs.

Louisiana Business Insurance Quotes

Get quotes from multiple Louisiana insurers to compare rates and coverage options. Our quote tool matches your business profile with providers offering competitive pricing for your industry and location.

Get Louisiana Business Insurance Quotes from the Best Insurers

Select your industry and state to get a customized quote for your Louisiana business.

Industry
State

Louisiana Business Insurance Requirements

Louisiana maintains relatively minimal mandatory business insurance requirements compared to many states. Most coverage businesses commonly need isn't legally required by state statute but remains essential for contract compliance and risk management.

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    Louisiana workers' comp insurance requirements

    Louisiana requires workers' compensation insurance for businesses with even one employee, including part-time, temporary or seasonal workers. Certain employee categories receive exemptions: private residence workers, farm employees, some musicians, railroad workers, crop dusting crews and uncompensated nonprofit officers. Employers operating without required coverage face fines and criminal penalties.

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    Louisiana commercial auto insurance requirements

    Louisiana requires commercial auto insurance for all business vehicles under La. R.S. 32:900 with minimum liability coverage of $15,000 per person for bodily injury, $30,000 per accident and $25,000 for property damage. Commercial vehicles transporting 16 or more passengers require $5 million minimum under La. R.S. 32:1306. Interstate commercial vehicles over 10,000 pounds need at least $750,000.

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    Louisiana professional liability insurance requirements

    Louisiana requires professional liability insurance for certain licensed professionals as a licensing condition. Physicians must carry malpractice coverage or qualify under the Louisiana Patient's Compensation Fund per La. R.S. 40:1231.6, maintaining financial responsibility for the first $100,000 of exposure per claim through insurance or security deposit. Other healthcare professionals including nurses, dentists and therapists may face similar errors and omissions requirements from their respective state licensing boards.

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    Louisiana unemployment insurance requirements

    Louisiana businesses must register with the Louisiana Workforce Commission and pay unemployment insurance taxes under La. R.S. 23:1472 if they paid $1,500 or more in wages in any calendar quarter or employed someone for part of a day in 20 different weeks. New employers pay 1.85% on the first $7,700 of each employee's wages.

What Business Insurance Coverage Is Recommended For Louisiana Companies?

Louisiana doesn't heavily regulate business insurance, giving you the freedom to select coverage that fits your specific needs. We've analyzed what works best for the major industries driving the state's economy.

Manufacturing    

General liability, product liability, workers' compensation, commercial property, business interruption, environmental liability, hurricane coverage, flood coverage, chemical process coverage, explosion protection    

Hurricane damage, chemical accidents and environmental contamination claims create major risks for manufacturing facilities in Louisiana's petrochemical and food processing corridors. Storm surge losses, mandatory evacuation closures and chemical processing hazards require specialized coverage for Gulf Coast operations including oil refining and industrial production.

Marine

Marine insurance, hull and machinery, Jones Act coverage, oil spill liability, hurricane coverage, collision coverage, cargo liability, offshore vessel coverage, pollution liability    

Jones Act coverage protects crew injuries while oil spill liability shields against environmental damage for marine operators working Louisiana's Gulf waters. Port closures during storms, offshore vessel accidents and cargo losses create substantial exposure for shipping operations and oil support services navigating hurricane-prone coastal routes.

Restaurants

General liability, product liability, commercial property, equipment breakdown, business interruption, hurricane coverage, flood coverage, Mardi Gras event coverage, liquor liability, workers' compensation    

Slip-and-fall claims during Mardi Gras, liquor liability and food safety risks from Creole and Cajun cuisine create elevated exposure for restaurants serving Louisiana tourists. Hurricane closures, flooding and festival season events require business interruption coverage, while outdoor dining and large tourist crowds increase general liability needs.

Construction/Contractor    

General liability, workers' compensation, commercial auto, builder's risk, professional liability, hurricane coverage, flood coverage, subsidence coverage, coastal erosion protection, environmental remediation    

Hurricane wind damage, flooding and ground subsidence from oil extraction threaten foundation stability on coastal projects where Louisiana contractors work. Environmental remediation at industrial sites creates pollution liability, while builder's risk coverage protects against hurricane season delays and storm damage to materials and equipment.

Catering    

General liability, product liability, commercial auto, equipment coverage, business interruption, hurricane coverage, Mardi Gras event coverage, festival coverage, special event liability    

Outdoor festivals like Jazz Fest and Mardi Gras create crowd liability exposure, food safety risks and equipment damage concerns that caterers must address. Hurricane season overlaps with peak bookings, creating cancellation losses and business interruption when storms damage mobile kitchens or force event postponements.

How to Get the Best Cheap Business Insurance in Louisiana

Louisiana business owners manage hurricane preparedness, flood insurance requirements and tourism-driven seasonal revenue while controlling insurance costs. Getting business insurance means finding coverage that survives storm season claims without draining profits during peak months.

  1. 1

    Determine risks specific to your Louisiana business

    Check your property's FEMA flood map designation and measure distance from the coast since businesses within 50 miles of the Gulf pay significantly higher wind and property rates. French Quarter restaurants need crowd liability for intoxicated tourists during Mardi Gras, while Lake Charles contractors face pollution liability when renovating older industrial properties with potential contamination.

  2. 2

    Compare private insurers and Louisiana state programs

    Match your risks to coverage limits based on lease requirements (typically $1 million per occurrence, $2 million aggregate) and contract demands. Request quotes from multiple private insurers, while equally exploring Louisiana Citizens Property Insurance Corporation for coastal properties. Louisiana Citizens' rates run 20% to 40% higher but guarantee availability when private carriers decline Gulf Coast risks.

  3. 3

    Research claim response before you need it

    Contact potential insurers and ask how fast they deploy adjusters after hurricanes because businesses waiting six to eight weeks for adjusters lose perishable inventory and miss fall tourism season rebuilding. Your Metairie bakery cannot afford delayed payments when competing with chains that reopen faster, and your Shreveport HVAC company needs quick equipment replacement to handle post-storm demand.

  4. 4

    Maximize Louisiana discounts and risk mitigation savings

    Bundle general liability with property through a Business Owner's Policy for 20% to 30% savings, implement safety programs to reduce workers' compensation 5% to 15%, and pay annually to save 5% to 10%. Installing hurricane shutters cuts premiums 10% to 20%. Finding cheap business insurance requires raising deductibles from $500 to $2,500 for 15% to 25% savings.

  5. 5

    Review coverage annually and after major changes

    Reassess coverage annually and shop two to three competitors regardless of satisfaction, since Louisiana rates fluctuate after hurricane seasons. Update policies immediately when hiring employees (workers' compensation required from first hire), purchasing equipment, or expanding services like catering or festival vending. Monitor FEMA flood map updates that may move your business into higher-risk zones requiring increased limits.

Best Business Liability Insurance Louisiana: Bottom Line

NEXT, The Hartford and Simply Business lead Louisiana for service, affordability and coverage breadth. Choose based on hurricane claims, coastal coverage or industry needs, then secure discounts before storm season increases rates.

Business Insurance Louisiana: FAQ

Small business owners in the Pelican State face complex decisions when choosing business insurance coverage. We answer common questions below:

What business insurance is required by law in Louisiana?

How much does business insurance cost in Louisiana?

Which company has the cheapest business insurance in Louisiana?

What business insurance does my small business need in Louisiana?

How We Scored the Best Business Insurance Companies in Louisiana

Small business owners in Louisiana need reliable coverage that protects their operations without breaking their budgets. We designed our methodology to help Louisiana entrepreneurs navigate challenges like hurricane risks and the state's optional workers' compensation laws.

We studied thousands of quotes from 79 industries across four coverage types for a two-employee firm with $300,000 annual revenue and $150,000 payroll. All policies included $1 million per occurrence and $2 million total per year, with BOPs adding $5,000 business property coverage.

  • Affordability (50% of score): We compared company rates across all coverage types to identify the most cost-effective options for small businesses that need comprehensive financial protection without overpaying.
  • Customer experience (30% of score): We analyzed J.D. Power satisfaction ratings, NAIC complaint data, online review sites and independent agency feedback to assess real-world service quality when you need claims handled quickly.
  • Coverage options (15% of score): We evaluated the breadth of coverage types, policy limits and add-on options available to accommodate growing businesses and Louisiana's diverse industry needs.
  • Financial strength (5% of score): We reviewed AM Best ratings, Moody's assessments and company financial reports to ensure insurers can reliably pay claims, especially important given Louisiana's frequent weather disasters.

This approach helps Louisiana small business owners compare insurers on what matters most: affordable premiums, reliable service, adequate coverage and financial stability.

About Mark Fitzpatrick


Mark Fitzpatrick headshot

Mark Fitzpatrick, a Licensed Property and Casualty Insurance Producer, is MoneyGeek's resident Personal Finance Expert. He has analyzed the insurance market for over five years, conducting original research for insurance shoppers. His insights have been featured in 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.


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