NEXT, The Hartford and Simply Business lead Pennsylvania's small business insurance providers. NEXT ranks first for customer service, second for coverage and fits first-time buyers needing straightforward support. The Hartford works best for price-conscious owners with rates averaging $97 monthly, while Simply Business offers the strongest coverage quality for contractors and other Pennsylvania small businesses with specialized protection needs.
Best Small Business Insurance in Pennsylvania
Pennsylvania's leading business insurers, such as NEXT, The Hartford and Simply Business, offer coverage starting at $84 monthly.
Get matched to the best Pennsylvania commercial insurer for you below.

Updated: January 6, 2026
Advertising & Editorial Disclosure
NEXT ranks first for Pennsylvania's best small business insurance with top customer service, strong affordability and quality coverage.
The Hartford, Thimble and Simply Business offer the cheapest small business insurance in Pennsylvania, starting at $97 monthly.
Compare quotes from multiple providers and ask about discounts to find small business insurance coverage that fits your risks.
Best Small Business Insurance Companies in Pennsylvania
| NEXT Insurance | 4.62 | $116 | 1 | 2 |
| The Hartford | 4.61 | $97 | 2 | 3 |
| Simply Business | 4.48 | $112 | 5 | 1 |
| Nationwide | 4.47 | $118 | 2 | 4 |
| Coverdash | 4.40 | $117 | 6 | 2 |
| biBERK | 4.40 | $119 | 2 | 5 |
| Thimble | 4.33 | $107 | 8 | 5 |
| Progressive Commercial | 4.32 | $115 | 7 | 5 |
| Hiscox | 4.28 | $123 | 4 | 6 |
| Chubb | 4.26 | $136 | 3 | 4 |
Note: These rates reflect MoneyGeek's analysis of small businesses with two employees across 79 major industries. Your actual rates vary based on your industry risk factors, claims history, coverage limits and individual insurer underwriting criteria. Contact insurers directly for personalized quotes.
Discover the best or cheapest business insurer in Pennsylvania for your desired coverage type in our resources below:

Best Pennsylvania Business Insurance
Average Monthly Cost of General Liability Insurance
$119This rate is for small businesses with two employees across 79 major industries or business types and focus solely on general liability policies.Average Monthly Cost of Workers' Comp Insurance
$80This rate is for small businesses with two employees across 79 major industries or business types and focus solely on workers' comp policies.Our Survey: Digital Experience
4.8/5 (1st)Our Survey: Likely to Be Recommended to Others
4.8/5 (1st)
- pros
First in customer service among Pennsylvania providers in MoneyGeek's study
Same-day coverage with 10-minute online application
Instant COIs and additional insured endorsements
A+ (Superior) AM Best financial strength rating
consBOP pricing eighth among Pennsylvania providers
Requires waiver of subrogation payment for some endorsements
Digital-only model (no local agents)
NEXT ranks first among Pennsylvania's small business insurance providers with top customer service scores and strong coverage quality. NEXT works best for Pennsylvania contractors and first-time buyers because instant certificates and free additional insured endorsements solve the proof-of-insurance problem when clients demand COIs before work starts, with coverage averaging $116 monthly ($1,387 annually).
NEXT ranks first for workers' comp at $80 monthly, beating the state average by $5. Professional liability runs $84 monthly (second cheapest), saving Pennsylvania consultants and contractors $6 monthly ($72 annually). BOP coverage ranks eighth among providers at $179 monthly, so businesses needing bundled property and liability protection should compare quotes from other insurers.
NEXT leads Pennsylvania providers in customer service and ranks first nationally for policy management and digital experience because you can generate certificates, add additional insureds and file claims 24/7 through its app without waiting for agent callbacks. Claims processing ranks fourth nationally, meaning resolution takes slightly longer than top competitors, though Pennsylvania business owners still praise its straightforward online support and instant certificate delivery.
Overall Customer Score 4.45 1 Claims Process 3.90 4 Customer Service 4.20 4 Digital Experience 4.80 1 Overall Satisfaction 4.40 2 Policy Management 4.30 1 Recommend to Others 4.80 1 Renewal Likelihood 4.60 1 NEXT solves Pennsylvania contractors' COI compliance challenges because you can instantly add additional insured endorsements (ongoing operations CG2010, completed operations CG2037, primary and non-contributory, waiver of subrogation) at no extra cost when contracts require them. Upload sample certificates for NEXT to match requirements, eliminating the multi-day delays traditional insurers create when you need proof before job start dates.

Cheapest Pennsylvania Business Insurance
Average Monthly Cost of General Liability Insurance
$95This rate is for small businesses with two employees across 79 major industries or business types and focus solely on general liability policies.Average Monthly Cost of Workers' Comp Insurance
$81This rate is for small businesses with two employees across 79 major industries or business types and focus solely on workers' comp policies.Our Survey: Claims Process
4.5/5 (1st)Our Survey: Agent Service
4.7/5 (1st)
- pros
First for affordability across general liability, professional liability and BOP
Second in Pennsylvania overall rankings and customer service
First nationally for claims and overall customer satisfaction
A+ (Superior) AM Best rating, founded 1810
consDigital experience ranks tenth nationally
Requires agent contact (not fully online)
Not available in Alaska and Hawaii
The Hartford ranks second among Pennsylvania providers because it leads for affordability across general liability, professional liability and BOP coverage while ranking first nationally for claims satisfaction. The Hartford works best for Pennsylvania businesses prioritizing low rates and proven claims service over digital convenience since it resolves claims faster than competitors (4.8-star rating from 18,000+ customers), though you'll need agent contact for policy purchases.
The Hartford leads Pennsylvania for affordability with general liability averaging $95 monthly (saving $24 vs. the $119 state average), professional liability at $83 monthly (saving $7 vs. $90 average) and BOP costing $131 monthly (saving $40 vs. $171 average). Workers' comp ranks third at $81 monthly, so businesses with employees comparing quotes should check NEXT for slightly better rates.
The Hartford ranks first nationally for claims processing because the company resolves claims faster when Pennsylvania businesses file after accidents or property damage. It ranks second in Pennsylvania behind NEXT for customer experience, though current policyholders place it first for agent service and overall satisfaction. Digital experience ranks tenth nationally since you'll need agent contact for quotes rather than instant online binding.
Overall Customer Score 4.38 2 Claims Process 4.50 1 Customer Service 4.70 1 Digital Experience 3.80 10 Overall Satisfaction 4.50 1 Policy Management 4.20 4 Recommend to Others 4.50 2 Renewal Likelihood 4.40 2 The Hartford offers home-based business insurance covering technology and professional equipment because your homeowners insurance won't cover business equipment if damaged or stolen, solving the gap for Pennsylvania entrepreneurs, freelancers and remote workers. You can add surety bonds guaranteeing contract performance for construction projects, inland marine protecting tools transported to job sites and cyber liability bundled into business owner's policies for data breach protection.

Best Commercial Coverage Options in Pennsylvania
Average Monthly Cost of General Liability Insurance
$111This rate is for small businesses with two employees across 79 major industries or business types and focus solely on general liability policies.Average Monthly Cost of Workers' Comp Insurance
$82This rate is for small businesses with two employees across 79 major industries or business types and focus solely on workers' comp policies.Our Research: Digital Experience
4.5/5Our Survey: Service Quality
4.0/5
- pros
First in Pennsylvania for coverage options breadth
Third for affordability and overall Pennsylvania rankings
Digital experience ranks third nationally and allows instant online purchase
Access to 20+ carriers through single marketplace
consProfessional liability and workers' comp are more expensive than other providers
Claims handled by third-party carriers (not Simply Business)
Customer service varies by which carrier underwrites policy
Simply Business ranks third among Pennsylvania providers because it connects you to 20+ carriers including Travelers and CNA through one marketplace. The platform works best for Pennsylvania businesses prioritizing carrier choice and instant certificate access since you can purchase online and download proof of insurance 24/7. The carriers' rates average $112 monthly, which is competitive, though claims go through your underwriting carrier.
At $112 monthly ($1,348 annually), Simply Business ranks third for affordabilityin Pennsylvania. General liability costs $111 monthly (saving $8 vs. the state average) and BOP runs $168 monthly (saving $3). Rates for professional liability and workers' comp are less competitive, so Pennsylvania businesses with employees or professional services should compare quotes across the carrier network.
Simply Business ranks third nationally for digital experience because you can compare quotes, purchase policies and download certificates online 24/7 when Pennsylvania contractors need instant proof of insurance for job bids. Customer service ranks fifth since your experience depends on which carrier underwrites your policy. Claims processing ranks even lower nationally because you file directly with the underwriting carrier, not Simply Business.
Overall Customer Score 4.14 7 Claims Process 3.70 8 Customer Service 4.00 6 Digital Experience 4.50 3 Overall Satisfaction 4.10 7 Policy Management 4.10 7 Recommend to Others 4.20 8 Renewal Likelihood 4.10 7 Simply Business connects Pennsylvania businesses to 20+ carriers including Travelers, CNA and Hiscox through one marketplace, allowing you to view quotes side-by-side instead of contacting insurers separately. Contractors can add inland marine covering tools transported to job sites while Amazon sellers access instant certificates meeting platform requirements, and you can customize limits and deductibles across the carrier network.
Get Matched to the Best Small Business Insurance Providers in Pennsylvania
Select your industry and state to get a customized quote for your Pennsylvania business.
Cheapest Small Business Insurance Providers in Pennsylvania
The Hartford offers the most affordable small business insurance in Pennsylvania at $97 monthly ($1,170 annually), saving you about $19 monthly compared to the $116 state average. Thimble and Simply Business provide budget-friendly alternatives, letting Pennsylvania contractors and small businesses compare rates to protect tight profit margins while meeting client insurance requirements for job bids.
| The Hartford | $73 | $881 |
| Thimble | $81 | $972 |
| Simply Business | $83 | $994 |
| NEXT Insurance | $86 | $1,036 |
| Progressive Commercial | $87 | $1,040 |
| Coverdash | $87 | $1,042 |
| Nationwide | $88 | $1,061 |
| biBERK | $90 | $1,076 |
| Hiscox | $94 | $1,123 |
| Chubb | $102 | $1,222 |
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 Pennsylvania research covers the companies we surveyed and won't include every rate available to your specific business.
Cheapest Pennsylvania Business Insurance by Coverage Type
The Hartford leads Pennsylvania for affordability across general liability, professional liability and business owner's policy, while NEXT offers the lowest workers' compensation rates. The cheapest provider varies by coverage type, so compare rates across these categories to find the lowest cost for your business:
| Workers' Comp | NEXT Insurance | $59 |
| Professional Liability (E&O) | The Hartford | $62 |
| General Liability | The Hartford | $72 |
| Business Owner's Policy | The Hartford | $99 |
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 Pennsylvania research covers the companies we surveyed and won't include every rate available to your specific business.
Cheapest Pennsylvania Small Business Insurance by Industry
The most affordable provider varies by industry because Pennsylvania small businesses face different risks and coverage needs. Compare rates across the state’s most common business sectors to find which provider saves you the most:
- Professional Services & Consulting: The Hartford saves Pennsylvania consultants, accountants and lawyers money at $48 monthly, protecting you from client lawsuits over professional errors while meeting contract requirements for errors and omissions coverage.
- Construction & Contractors: biBerk offers contractor insurance at $193 monthly while Thimble provides HVAC coverage at $118 monthly, protecting you from job-site injury lawsuits and property damage that could exceed project margins when working on client sites.
- Retail Trade: Nationwide offers the cheapest retail coverage at $50 monthly while Simply Business protects jewelry stores at $38 monthly and Thimble covers ecommerce at $47 monthly, protecting you from customer slip-and-falls and property damage affecting operations.
- Healthcare & Medical Services: biBerk leads with the lowest rates for dental clinics at $37 monthly, Coverdash covers pharmacies at $47 monthly and The Hartford provides the cheapest insurance for physical therapists at $43 monthly, protecting you from patient injury claims and equipment liability.
- Manufacturing: The Hartford provides the lowest rates for manufacturers at $45 monthly, while NEXT covers candle makers at $47 monthly, protecting you from product liability claims and equipment damage.
- Food Service & Restaurants: Nationwide saves restaurants the most at $104 monthly, NEXT covers food trucks at $83 monthly and caterers at $76 monthly, protecting your tight profit margins from customer injuries and equipment damage affecting operations.
How to Get the Best Cheap Business Insurance in Pennsylvania
Getting business insurance in Pennsylvania means balancing affordable rates against reliable coverage for extreme weather events, mandatory workers' comp from your first hire and professional liability mandates. This approach finds cost-effective policies without sacrificing needed protection.
- 1
Identify your Pennsylvania business risks and required coverage
Assess employee count since Pennsylvania mandates workers' compensation from your first hire, vehicle usage requiring 15/30/5 commercial auto minimums and licensed professions like $1 million professional liability for physical therapists. Evaluate flood exposure affecting 24 counties annually and contract requirements, because operating uninsured when employee injuries occur triggers criminal prosecution plus unlimited personal lawsuit liability.
- 2
Compare quotes from Pennsylvania's top-rated and most affordable providers
Request quotes from three providers including The Hartford ($97 monthly, #1 affordability), Simply Business ($112 monthly, 20+ carriers) and NEXT ($80 monthly workers' comp) because comparing reveals rate differences for identical coverage types. Focus on premium variations for your industry classification since Pennsylvania contractor rates differ dramatically from retail or professional services pricing.
- 3
Verify claims handling and financial stability before choosing
Don't sacrifice insurer reliability to save $15 monthly when Pennsylvania businesses face 8.2 annual billion-dollar disasters requiring six-figure repairs. Check AM Best ratings of A- or higher and read customer reviews focusing on claims response, because choosing unstable insurers leaves you exposed when storms cause flooding or employees need immediate injury treatment.
- 4
Apply cost-saving strategies without sacrificing protection
Pennsylvania businesses can reduce the cost of your coverage beyond standard discounts by addressing compliance requirements and risk exposure.
- Certified Workplace Safety Programs: Certify a workplace safety committee through Pennsylvania's Bureau of Workers' Compensation to earn a 5% annual workers' comp discount, saving $50 to $60 yearly while reducing injury frequency that keeps future rates low.
- Bundled Coverage Packages: Purchase general liability, property and business interruption through a single Business Owner's Policy to save 15-20% while protecting against Pennsylvania's floods and severe weather causing simultaneous damage and income loss.
- Higher Deductibles for Property Coverage: Increase property deductibles from $500 to $2,500 when you have emergency reserves to reduce premiums by 20-25% while maintaining protection against catastrophic losses from severe weather events.
- Monthly Payment Plans: Request monthly payment options instead of annual lump sums to improve cash flow when 55% of Pennsylvania small businesses report poor or fair financial conditions without changing total costs.
- 5
Negotiate contract-ready coverage at competitive rates
Get coverage satisfying contract requirements by requesting $1 million per occurrence/$2 million aggregate general liability, additional insured endorsements and waiver of subrogation clauses. Ask about certificate turnaround times since Pennsylvania contractors need instant proof for bid deadlines, and prioritize insurers offering 24/7 online access like NEXT or Simply Business because waiting two to three days means losing opportunities.
- 6
Review coverage annually and adjust for business changes
Update coverage immediately when hiring your first employee (triggering Pennsylvania's mandatory workers' comp), adding vehicles, purchasing equipment exceeding $10,000 or expanding near flood-prone rivers. Don't wait because operating one day with employees but without workers' comp triggers criminal prosecution and unlimited lawsuit liability, while Pennsylvania's improving climate (#11 nationally) brings competitive rates.
Best Business Liability Insurance Pennsylvania: Bottom Line
NEXT leads Pennsylvania small business insurance with top customer service and strong affordability, while The Hartford, Thimble and Simply Business start at $97 monthly. The best provider depends on your industry risks and employee count, so compare quotes from multiple insurers and ask about safety program discounts to find coverage matching your needs.
Business Insurance Pennsylvania: FAQ
Small business owners across Pennsylvania face numerous questions when selecting business insurance coverage. We've compiled answers to the most common concerns below:
What business insurance is required in Pennsylvania, and what coverage do clients or landlords usually require?
Pennsylvania mandates workers' compensation from your first employee with criminal penalties for violations and commercial auto for business vehicles. General liability protects against customer injuries, while property coverage is critical when 24 counties average one annual flood event. Landlords and clients often require both through contracts.
How much does small business insurance cost per month in Pennsylvania for my type of business?
How much coverage costs for your Pennsylvania business depends on your industry, but these are the monthly and annual averages by coverage type:
- General liability insurance: $119 monthly or $1,432 annually
- Workers' compensation insurance: $85 monthly or $1,017 annually
- Professional liability (E&O) insurance: $90 monthly or $1,075 annually
- Business Owner's Policy (BOP): $171 monthly or $2,046 annually
Should I get a BOP in Pennsylvania, or buy general liability and property coverage separately?
Get a BOP when you need general liability and property coverage because bundling saves 15% to 20% at $171 monthly while protecting against Pennsylvania's severe weather events causing simultaneous damage. Buy separately only when you need liability alone or require specialized flood coverage beyond standard BOP limits.
How fast can I get a certificate of insurance (COI) in Pennsylvania, and what do landlords or clients usually ask for?
NEXT and Simply Business provide instant online certificates 24/7, while traditional insurers take two to three business days. Landlords and clients usually request $1 million per occurrence/$2 million aggregate general liability limits, additional insured endorsements naming them on your policy and waiver of subrogation clauses protecting them from lawsuits.
When is workers' comp required in Pennsylvania—owner-only, one employee, part-time help or 1099 contractors?
Pennsylvania requires workers' comp from your first employee, including part-time and seasonal workers. Sole proprietors without employees don't need coverage. True 1099 contractors aren't required, but misclassifying employees as contractors triggers criminal prosecution plus fines up to $15,000 daily when violations occur.
About Mark Fitzpatrick

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.
sources
- Federal Reserve Bank of Philadelphia. "Small Business Credit Survey: 2024 Pennsylvania Insights." Accessed January 10, 2026.
- NOAA National Centers for Environmental Information. "Billion-Dollar Weather and Climate Disasters: Pennsylvania." Accessed January 10, 2026.
- PA Department of Community & Economic Development. "NEW REPORT: Pennsylvania Named One of the Top Business Climates in the Nation Under the Shapiro Administration by Site Selection Magazine." Accessed January 10, 2026.
- Pennsylvania Code & Bulletin. "49 Pa. Code § 40.69. Professional liability insurance." Accessed January 10, 2026.
- Pennsylvania Department of Labor & Industry. "LIBC-200 Employer Information." Accessed January 10, 2026.
- Pennsylvania Public Utility Commission. "Insurance." Accessed January 10, 2026.

