The Hartford is our top pick for the best general liability insurance in Texas, with an excellent balance of affordability and quality service. Our research also found that NEXT and Nationwide are strong contenders, both ranking well for customer service among general liability providers for small businesses in Texas.
General Liability Insurance in Texas
Updated: August 6, 2025
Advertising & Editorial Disclosure
Key Takeaways
We found three standout options for Texas' best general liability insurance: The Hartford, NEXT and Nationwide.
Your industry requirements, business size, coverage limits and budget determine the best general liability coverage for your needs.
Compare quotes from multiple insurers, research their financial stability, check customer reviews and verify licensing to find quality coverage.
Best General Liability Insurance Companies in Texas
| The Hartford | 4.63 | $83 |
| NEXT | 4.58 | $104 |
| Nationwide | 4.53 | $98 |
| Simply Business | 4.49 | $97 |
| Coverdash | 4.38 | $104 |
| Thimble | 4.35 | $108 |
| biBerk | 4.30 | $115 |
| Progressive Commercial | 4.28 | $101 |
| Chubb | 4.27 | $120 |
| Hiscox | 4.19 | $115 |
How Did We Determine These Rates?
These rates are estimates based on MoneyGeek's analysis of small businesses with two employees across 79 major industries. Actual rates vary significantly based on your specific business location, industry risk factors, claims history, coverage limits and individual insurer underwriting criteria. Contact insurers directly for personalized quotes.
LEARN MORE ABOUT BUSINESS INSURANCE IN TEXAS
General liability insurance is just one piece of the puzzle for protecting your Texas business. Check out our other guides to see what else you might need:
Best Texas Small Business Insurance Reviews
To help you choose the right general liability insurance in Texas, we've analyzed what makes our top three providers stand out for small business owners.
The Hartford
Best Overall
MoneyGeek Rating
4.6/ of 5
4.6/5Affordability
4.6/5Customer Experience
4.7/5Coverage Options
Average Monthly Premium
$83These rates are for small businesses with two employees across 79 major industries or business types and focus solely on general liability policies.Our Survey: Claims Process
4.5/5Our Survey: Likely to Be Recommended to Others
4.5/5
Next
Best Customer Experience
MoneyGeek Rating
4.6/ of 5
4.3/5Affordability
4.7/5Customer Experience
4.8/5Coverage Options
Average Monthly Premium
$104These rates are for small businesses with two employees across 79 major industries or business types and focus solely on general liability policies.Our Survey: Claims Process
3.9/5Our Survey: Likely to Be Recommended to Others
4.8/5
Cheapest General Liability Insurance Companies in Texas
Our analysis of 10 providers showed that The Hartford offers the cheapest general liability insurance in Texas at $83 monthly ($990 annually). Simply Business and Nationwide follow with competitive rates, making them excellent alternatives for budget-conscious business owners.
| The Hartford | $83 | $990 |
| Simply Business | $97 | $1,159 |
| Nationwide | $98 | $1,175 |
| Progressive Commercial | $101 | $1,212 |
| NEXT | $104 | $1,247 |
| Coverdash | $104 | $1,251 |
| Thimble | $108 | $1,297 |
| Hiscox | $115 | $1,380 |
| biBerk | $115 | $1,381 |
| Chubb | $120 | $1,438 |
How Did We Determine These Rates?
These rates are for small businesses with two employees across 79 major industries or business types and focus solely on general liability policies. Your actual premium depends on where your business is located, what industry you're in, how much coverage you choose, and other factors insurers consider. Available options differ by state.
Average Cost of General Liability Insurance in Texas
General liability insurance in Texas costs an average of $104 monthly ($1,253 annually), matching the national average. Your actual premium depends on your industry, business size, location, coverage limits and claims history. Higher-risk businesses like construction companies typically pay more than lower-risk operations like consulting firms.
Average Cost of General Liability Insurance by Industry
Our analysis shows pressure washing businesses face the highest monthly costs at $928, while travel agencies pay the lowest at $21. The table below shows how your premium varies by industry.
| Accountants | $22 | $268 |
| Ad Agency | $36 | $430 |
| Automotive | $54 | $648 |
| Auto Repair | $154 | $1,848 |
| Bakery | $92 | $1,099 |
| Barber | $45 | $539 |
| Beauty Salon | $68 | $812 |
| Bounce House | $71 | $855 |
| Candle | $56 | $668 |
| Cannabis | $68 | $815 |
| Catering | $89 | $1,066 |
| Cleaning | $134 | $1,611 |
| Coffee Shop | $91 | $1,091 |
| Computer Programming | $29 | $353 |
| Computer Repair | $48 | $579 |
| Construction | $178 | $2,133 |
| Consulting | $22 | $267 |
| Contractor | $258 | $3,100 |
| Courier | $198 | $2,377 |
| Daycare | $33 | $400 |
| Dental | $22 | $261 |
| DJ | $26 | $308 |
| Dog Grooming | $64 | $772 |
| Drone | $17 | $203 |
| Ecommerce | $74 | $890 |
| Electrical | $114 | $1,368 |
| Engineering | $40 | $485 |
| Excavation | $472 | $5,664 |
| Florist | $43 | $521 |
| Food | $109 | $1,310 |
| Food Truck | $144 | $1,724 |
| Funeral Home | $61 | $734 |
| Gardening | $114 | $1,367 |
| Handyman | $247 | $2,969 |
| Home-based | $24 | $289 |
| Home-based | $46 | $557 |
| Hospitality | $66 | $793 |
| HVAC | $249 | $2,984 |
| Janitorial | $139 | $1,668 |
| Jewelry | $41 | $490 |
| Junk Removal | $165 | $1,976 |
| Lawn/Landscaping | $122 | $1,462 |
| Lawyers | $23 | $277 |
| Manufacturing | $65 | $777 |
| Marine | $28 | $341 |
| Massage | $97 | $1,166 |
| Mortgage Broker | $23 | $278 |
| Moving | $126 | $1,509 |
| Nonprofit | $36 | $436 |
| Painting | $146 | $1,749 |
| Party Rental | $81 | $967 |
| Personal Training | $24 | $290 |
| Pest Control | $33 | $392 |
| Pet | $57 | $682 |
| Pharmacy | $63 | $752 |
| Photography | $24 | $293 |
| Physical Therapy | $112 | $1,340 |
| Plumbing | $366 | $4,397 |
| Pressure Washing | $928 | $11,135 |
| Real Estate | $54 | $647 |
| Restaurant | $147 | $1,764 |
| Retail | $66 | $795 |
| Roofing | $393 | $4,720 |
| Security | $141 | $1,692 |
| Snack Bars | $119 | $1,428 |
| Software | $27 | $320 |
| Spa/Wellness | $108 | $1,298 |
| Speech Therapist | $32 | $380 |
| Startup | $29 | $348 |
| Tech/IT | $27 | $321 |
| Transportation | $38 | $458 |
| Travel | $21 | $254 |
| Tree Service | $132 | $1,579 |
| Trucking | $104 | $1,248 |
| Tutoring | $31 | $368 |
| Veterinary | $45 | $545 |
| Wedding Planning | $28 | $337 |
| Welding | $167 | $2,006 |
| Wholesale | $45 | $543 |
| Window Cleaning | $161 | $1,937 |
How Did We Determine These Rates?
These rates are for small businesses with two employees across 79 major industries or business types and focus solely on general liability policies. Your actual premium depends on where your business is located, what industry you're in, how much coverage you choose, and other factors insurers consider. Available options differ by state.
How Much General Liability Insurance Do I Need in Texas?
Texas doesn't require general liability insurance for most businesses, so you won't get in trouble with the state for operating without it. However, local cities and counties can set their own rules, so check with your local government offices to see what the requirements are in your area.
While the state keeps regulations minimal, certain licensed trades must carry specific coverage to keep their professional licenses active:
Electricians
Need at least $300,000 coverage per incident, plus $600,000 total yearly coverage and extra protection for completed work
Electrical Sign Contractors
Same requirements as electricians: $300,000 per incident, $600,000 yearly total, plus completed work coverage
HVAC Contractors
Coverage requirements depend on your license class. Both need general liability, but with different minimum amounts.
Fire Safety Companies
Need $100,000 per incident and $300,000 total yearly coverage to register with the state.
Even if your industry doesn't require insurance for licensing, you'll likely need it for practical reasons. Most commercial landlords need proof of general liability before renting you space, and many clients (especially larger companies and government agencies) won't hire contractors without a current insurance certificate.
Your coverage amounts should meet your licensing requirements and clients' requests.
How to Choose the Best General Liability Insurance in Texas
Need general liability insurance in Texas? Start by knowing what you actually need and what you can afford.
- 1
Figure out how much coverage you need
Check your industry's licensing requirements first. For instance, a Dallas electrician needs $300,000 per incident by law, but clients often expect $1 million coverage for bigger projects.
- 2
Get your business details ready
When requesting quotes, you'll need annual revenue, employee count, business type and location. Insurers calculate rates based on these factors and your specific risk profile.
- 3
Compare at least three quotes
Gather quotes from several insurers to find the best combination of price and coverage. The Hartford might quote $83 monthly while Chubb offers $120, and coverage details and customer service vary.
- 4
Look beyond the premium
Coverage exclusions matter more than price differences. Some policies include legal defense costs on top of your limit, while others count defense costs against your total coverage.
- 5
Check out your insurers and agents
The Texas Department of Insurance website lets you verify company licensing and agent credentials. Also, check AM Best ratings and customer complaint data. Too many complaints usually mean claims headaches later.
- 6
Ask about discounts
Safety programs, multiple policies and clean records often qualify for discounts. Many insurers offer savings when you bundle general liability with property coverage.
- 7
Get your certificate of insurance
Once coverage starts, you'll need certificates for clients and landlords. Some providers give you instant access online, but others take a day or two to process certificate requests.
How to Prevent General Liability Claims in Texas
Nobody wants to deal with liability claims, but Texas business owners can prevent most of them with thoughtful planning.
Watch out for property hazards
Texas weather throws curveballs, like flooding in Houston, ice in Dallas and storms everywhere. Fix that cracked sidewalk before someone trips, and clear walkways after bad weather. Good lighting in your parking lot isn't optional.
Train your people well
Your team's mistakes become your problems. That new server needs to know how hot plates work. Your contractor should understand proper ladder safety. Spend time on training now, or spend money on lawyers later.
Keep good records
Photos save lawsuits. When that client in Fort Worth claims you damaged their fence, you'll want before-and-after pictures. Document your work, save your communications and keep your contracts organized. Paper trails matter in court.
Get everything in writing
Confusion about where you're supposed to work leads to property damage claims. Put work locations, access routes and off-limits areas in writing. Clear boundaries prevent disputes about responsibility when accidents happen.
Fix problems fast
Upset customers sue; happy customers don't. When something goes wrong, address it immediately. Most people want their problems solved, so give them that, and you'll avoid court.
General Liability Insurance in Texas: Bottom Line
Choosing quality general liability insurance in Texas requires knowing your business needs and researching providers carefully. Our analysis shows The Hartford, NEXT and Nationwide lead the market, but the best choice depends on your industry requirements, business size and budget. Take time to compare multiple quotes and verify each insurer's credentials before deciding.
Commercial General Liability Insurance in Texas: FAQ
We answered frequently asked questions about general liability insurance in Texas based on our research and analysis:
What does general liability insurance cover for Texas businesses?
General liability covers bodily injury to customers, property damage you cause to others and legal defense costs. If a customer slips in your Austin shop or you damage a client's fence in Fort Worth, your policy pays medical bills, repairs and legal fees.
It won't cover professional errors, employee injuries or damage to your own property.
How much does general liability insurance cost in Texas?
General liability costs $83 to $120 monthly for small Texas businesses with two employees, based on MoneyGeek's analysis. The Hartford offers the cheapest rate at $83 monthly, while Simply Business ($97) and Nationwide ($98) follow closely.
Your actual cost depends on industry, location, coverage limits and business size.
Do Texas businesses legally need general liability insurance?
Texas doesn't require general liability for most businesses, but local cities and counties can set their own rules. Licensed trades must carry specific coverage: electricians need $300,000 per incident plus $600,000 yearly, electrical sign contractors have identical requirements and fire safety companies need $100,000 per incident. Most landlords and clients also require coverage.
Which company offers the best general liability insurance in Texas?
The Hartford ranks first with an overall score of 4.63 out of 5, with excellent claims processing and the cheapest rates at $83 monthly. NEXT excels in customer service and digital experience for $104 monthly. Choose based on your priorities and preferences.
What coverage limits should Texas businesses choose?
Start with your industry's licensing requirements. The Hartford offers limits from $300,000 to $2 million per occurrence.
Most small businesses choose $1 million per occurrence to meet client expectations, with aggregate limits double the occurrence amount.
How can Texas businesses prevent general liability claims?
Fix property hazards immediately, such as repairing cracked sidewalks and clearing walkways after storms. Train employees thoroughly on safety procedures and document everything with photos.
Get agreements in writing to prevent disputes. Address customer problems quickly because happy customers don't sue.
Can Texas businesses get discounts on general liability insurance?
Insurers offer discounts for safety programs, multiple policies, and clean records. Bundling general liability with property coverage provides savings.
Some providers discount safety training completion or a claims-free history. When comparing quotes, ask each insurer about discounts for your industry.
How quickly can Texas businesses get general liability coverage?
Coverage speed varies by insurer. NEXT provides instant quotes and coverage in 10 minutes through its digital platform. The Hartford requires agent interaction, taking longer but providing personal service.
Most providers can issue certificates quickly, though some offer instant online access to certificates.
What should Texas businesses do when filing a general liability claim?
Contact your insurer immediately when incidents occur. Document everything with photos and gather information from witnesses. The Hartford leads for claims processing, meaning faster resolutions.
Don't admit fault or discuss settlements with other parties. Your insurer handles legal defense and negotiations.
How does general liability differ from professional liability coverage?
General liability gives financial protection against bodily injury and property damage from business operations, such as customers slipping in your store. Professional liability covers errors in your services, like an accountant's mistake causing financial loss.
Texas businesses need both: general liability protects against physical incidents, and professional liability protects against service errors.
How We Scored the Best General Liability Insurance Companies in Texas
Texas businesses face unique liability risks, from slip-and-fall incidents during Houston's rainy season to equipment damage on Austin construction sites. We analyzed general liability insurers to find companies that provide solid financial protection for small business budgets.
What We Evaluated
- Affordability (50%): Small Texas businesses operate on tight margins. We compared rates across all companies, knowing that cost determines which coverage business owners can actually afford.
- Customer experience (30%): When accidents happen, you need insurers who respond quickly and pay claims fairly. We used J.D. Power ratings, state insurance department complaint data and independent agency reviews to measure real-world claims handling.
- Coverage options (15%): A Dallas restaurant faces different risks than a San Antonio retail shop. We evaluated how well each company tailors general liability coverage for specific Texas industries and business types.
- Financial strength (5%): Low premiums don't matter if companies can't pay claims when disasters strike. We checked AM Best ratings and financial reports to ensure recommended insurers can deliver on their promises.
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!
Passionate about economics and insurance, he aims to promote transparency in financial topics and empower others to make confident money decisions.
sources
- AM Best. "AM Best Upgrades Issuer Credit Ratings of The Hartford Insurance Group, Inc. and Its Subsidiaries." Accessed August 7, 2025.
- Texas Department of Insurance. "Certificate of Liability Insurance Requirements." Accessed August 7, 2025.
- Texas Department of Insurance. "Commercial General Liability Insurance." Accessed August 7, 2025.
- Texas Department of Licensing and Regulation. "Apply for a New Electrical Contractor License." Accessed August 7, 2025.
- Texas Department of Licensing and Regulation. "Apply for an Air Conditioning and Refrigeration Contractor License." Accessed August 7, 2025.
- Texas Department of Licensing and Regulation. "Apply for a New Electrical Sign Contractor License." Accessed August 7, 2025.
- Trustpilot. "Next Insurance Reviews." Accessed August 7, 2025.
- Trustpilot. "The Hartford Reviews." Accessed August 7, 2025.
- The Hartford. "When Is Liability Insurance Needed?." Accessed August 7, 2025.
- The Hartford. "What Does General Liability Insurance Cover?." Accessed August 7, 2025.