NEXT tops our West Virginia business insurance provider analysis because of its strong customer service and comprehensive coverage. The Hartford and Simply Business are also reliable options for small business owners across the state.
Business Insurance in West Virginia
NEXT tops our West Virginia business insurance rankings with a MoneyGeek score of 4.62 out of 5.
Find affordable coverage that protects your small business in West Virginia below.
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Updated: August 21, 2025
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Key Takeaways
Small business owners can get the best business insurance in West Virginia from NEXT, The Hartford and Simply Business.
The best business insurance in West Virginia depends on your industry risks, employee count and preferred coverage limits.
To find the best coverage, assess your risks, compare multiple quotes, research provider service quality and maximize available discounts.
Best Business Insurance Companies in West Virginia
| NEXT | 4.62 | 3 | 1 | 2 |
| The Hartford | 4.60 | 2 | 2 | 3 |
| Simply Business | 4.48 | 4 | 5 | 1 |
| Nationwide | 4.47 | 6 | 2 | 4 |
| Coverdash | 4.40 | 5 | 6 | 2 |
| biBERK | 4.38 | 8 | 2 | 5 |
| Progressive Commercial | 4.32 | 3 | 7 | 5 |
| Thimble | 4.31 | 1 | 8 | 5 |
| Hiscox | 4.26 | 7 | 4 | 6 |
| Chubb | 4.26 | 9 | 3 | 4 |
How Did We Determine These Rates?
These rates are for small businesses with two employees across 79 major industries or business types and focus on four coverage types: general liability, professional liability/E&O, workers' comp and business owner's policy. Survey results reflect limited sample data and may not represent all available rates in your area.
Best by Coverage Type
NEXT leads West Virginia businesses with top professional liability insurance and workers' compensation coverage. The Hartford excels in general liability coverage, while both providers offer excellent business owner's policies (BOP) and professional liability insurance.
| Business Owners Policy | The Hartford | 4.63 |
| Business Owners Policy | NEXT | 4.63 |
| General Liability | The Hartford | 4.62 |
| Professional Liability (E&O) | NEXT | 4.72 |
| Workers Compensation | NEXT | 4.59 |
How Did We Determine These Rates?
These rates are for small businesses with two employees across 79 major industries or business types and focus on four coverage types: general liability, professional liability/E&O, workers' comp and business owner's policy. Survey results reflect limited sample data and may not represent all available rates in your area.
Best West Virginia Small Business Insurance Reviews
Our research identified the top three business insurance providers in West Virginia based on coverage options and value. Here's what makes each company stand out for small business owners seeking comprehensive protection.
NEXT
Best Customer Experience
MoneyGeek Rating
4.6/ of 5
4.4/5Affordability
4.7/5Customer Experience
4.8/5Coverage Options
Average Monthly Cost of General Liability Insurance
$108This 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
$72This 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
3.9/5Our Survey: Likely to Be Recommended to Others
4.8/5
The Hartford
Best for Affordability
MoneyGeek Rating
4.6/ of 5
4.5/5Affordability
4.6/5Customer Experience
4.7/5Coverage Options
Average Monthly Cost of General Liability Insurance
$86This 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
$73This 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
4.5/5Our Survey: Likely to Be Recommended to Others
4.5/5
Simply Business
Best for Coverage Availability
MoneyGeek Rating
4.5/ of 5
4.4/5Affordability
4.2/5Customer Experience
4.9/5Coverage Options
Average Monthly Cost of General Liability Insurance
$100This 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
$74This 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
3.7/5Our Survey: Likely to Be Recommended to Others
4.2/5
Cheapest Business Insurance Companies in West Virginia
The Hartford provides the most affordable business insurance in West Virginia with rates of $88 monthly ($1,058 annually). Thimble and Simply Business round out the top three budget-friendly options, offering coverage at $98 and $101 per month, respectively. You can compare all available providers and their rates in the table below.
| The Hartford | $88 | $1,058 |
| Thimble | $98 | $1,175 |
| Simply Business | $101 | $1,215 |
| Progressive Commercial | $104 | $1,245 |
| NEXT | $105 | $1,258 |
| Coverdash | $106 | $1,271 |
| Nationwide | $107 | $1,280 |
| biBERK | $109 | $1,312 |
| Hiscox | $113 | $1,359 |
| Chubb | $123 | $1,476 |
How Did We Determine These Rates?
These rates are for small businesses with two employees across 79 major industries or business types and focus on four coverage types: general liability, professional liability/E&O, workers' comp and business owner's policy. Survey results reflect limited sample data and may not represent all available rates in your area.
Cheapest General Liability Insurance Companies in West Virginia
West Virginia business owners can find the cheapest general liability coverage through The Hartford at $86 per month. Simply Business offers the next lowest rate at $100 monthly. Compare rates from all providers in the table below.
| The Hartford | $86 | $1,031 |
| Simply Business | $100 | $1,205 |
| Nationwide | $102 | $1,222 |
| Progressive Commercial | $105 | $1,261 |
| NEXT | $108 | $1,298 |
| Coverdash | $108 | $1,302 |
| Thimble | $112 | $1,348 |
| Hiscox | $120 | $1,434 |
| biBERK | $120 | $1,435 |
| Chubb | $125 | $1,496 |
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. Survey results reflect limited sample data and may not represent all available rates in your area.
Cheapest Professional Liability Insurance Companies in West Virginia
The Hartford offers the most affordable professional liability insurance (E&O) at $76 monthly ($906 annually). NEXT provides another budget-friendly option for West Virginia businesses.
| The Hartford | $76 | $906 |
| NEXT | $76 | $912 |
| Progressive Commercial | $79 | $947 |
| Thimble | $79 | $952 |
| Simply Business | $80 | $962 |
| Hiscox | $81 | $971 |
| Coverdash | $82 | $981 |
| biBERK | $83 | $1,001 |
| Nationwide | $86 | $1,029 |
| Chubb | $93 | $1,117 |
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 professional liability/errors and omissions policies. Survey results reflect limited sample data and may not represent all available rates in your area.
Cheapest Workers’ Comp Insurance Companies in West Virginia
NEXT offers the cheapest workers' comp rates in West Virginia at $72 monthly ($861 annually). The Hartford and Thimble provide similarly competitive rates, making all three solid choices for affordable business coverage.
| NEXT | $72 | $861 |
| The Hartford | $73 | $871 |
| Thimble | $74 | $884 |
| Simply Business | $74 | $892 |
| Progressive Commercial | $75 | $894 |
| Hiscox | $75 | $896 |
| Coverdash | $76 | $914 |
| biBERK | $79 | $943 |
| Nationwide | $85 | $1,022 |
| Chubb | $89 | $1,067 |
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 workers’ comp policies. Survey results reflect limited sample data and may not represent all available rates in your area.
Cheapest BOP Insurance Companies in West Virginia
The Hartford offers the cheapest BOP rates in West Virginia at $119 per month ($1,424 annually). Business owners can also find competitive BOP insurance rates with Thimble, Simply Business and Nationwide.
| The Hartford | $119 | $1,424 |
| Thimble | $126 | $1,514 |
| Simply Business | $150 | $1,802 |
| Nationwide | $154 | $1,848 |
| biBERK | $156 | $1,871 |
| Progressive Commercial | $157 | $1,879 |
| Coverdash | $157 | $1,887 |
| NEXT | $163 | $1,960 |
| Hiscox | $178 | $2,135 |
| Chubb | $186 | $2,226 |
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 BOP policies. Survey results reflect limited sample data and may not represent all available rates in your area.
How Much Does Business Insurance Cost in West Virginia?
Business insurance in West Virginia costs between $77 and $155 monthly, with workers' compensation being the most affordable and business owner's policies the most expensive. Rates vary based on the coverage type your business needs.
| BOP | $155 |
| General Liability | $109 |
| Professional Liability (E&O) | $81 |
| Workers Comp | $77 |
How Did We Determine These Rates?
These rates are for small businesses with two employees across 79 major industries or business types and focus on four coverage types: general liability, professional liability/E&O, workers' comp and business owner's policy. Survey results reflect limited sample data and may not represent all available rates in your area.
Cost of Business Insurance by Industry and Coverage
Business insurance costs in West Virginia vary widely based on industry and coverage types. A speech therapist pays just $6 monthly for workers' compensation, while pressure washing businesses pay up to $1,420 for a business owner's policy.
Data filtered by:Results filtered by:
Select
Coverage Type:Business Owners Policy
Select
Industry:Accountants
| Accountants | Business Owners Policy | $34 |
How Did We Determine These Rates?
These rates are for small businesses with two employees across 79 major industries or business types and focus on four coverage types: general liability, professional liability/E&O, workers' comp and business owner's policy. Survey results reflect limited sample data and may not represent all available rates in your area.
What Factors Influence My Costs?
Here are the key factors that affect your West Virginia business insurance premiums. Understanding these elements helps explain your current rates.
Industry risk level
Your line of work directly impacts insurance costs in West Virginia. Mining operations pay much higher premiums than retail stores because insurers know mining sites have more frequent and severe accidents. A mining company might pay $2,000 monthly for coverage, while a small retail shop pays around $100.
Geographic location and weather risks
Your business location affects insurance rates in West Virginia. According to FEMA's National Risk Index, West Virginia ranks among the highest-risk states for flooding, particularly in river valleys. Businesses in flood-prone areas pay more, while those in elevated locations often receive better rates.
Business size
Your employee count and revenue directly affect insurance costs. Workers' compensation rates are calculated per $100 of payroll, while general liability costs consider your annual revenue and customer traffic. A construction company with 15 employees usually pays five times more than a solo contractor.
Claims history
Your claims record impacts rates for years. Filing multiple claims can double your premiums across all coverage types. Insurance companies review your past five years of claims when setting rates, so maintaining a clean record leads to lower costs.
Coverage types and limits
Your coverage choices shape your premium costs. Adding optional coverages increases rates, but a business owner's policy can save money by bundling property and liability protection. Higher coverage limits increase costs but provide better protection against West Virginia's common risks.
Years in business
New businesses in West Virginia start with higher premiums since insurers lack data to assess their risk level. Operating claim-free for three years often leads to premium reductions of 10% to 25% as you establish a solid track record.
Professional certifications
Safety certifications and professional licenses can reduce your insurance costs. West Virginia contractors with OSHA safety certifications often save 5% to 15% on workers' compensation insurance. Industry-specific credentials show insurers you follow best practices.
West Virginia Business Insurance Buying Guide
Running a business demands your full attention, which can make getting business insurance feel overwhelming. Our guide breaks down everything you need to know about business insurance in West Virginia, helping you make confident coverage decisions while focusing on what matters most: growing your business.
What Coverage Is Required?
We've researched all the business insurance requirements in West Virginia, saving you time. Below is a detailed breakdown of state regulations.
Workers' comp
West Virginia requires workers' compensation insurance for most businesses, with some exemptions for very small operations. You must carry workers' comp if you have three or more employees regularly employed at the same time. This higher threshold makes West Virginia more business-friendly than states requiring coverage with just one employee. Corporate officers can opt out if they own at least 25% of the company, and sole proprietors and business partners are exempt unless they choose coverage. However, construction businesses and those with government contracts may need coverage regardless of employee count.
Commercial auto insurance
Small businesses that own vehicles or require employees to drive for work need commercial auto insurance. West Virginia requires all vehicles to carry at least $25,000 per person and $50,000 per accident for bodily injury, plus $25,000 for property damage. You'll also need uninsured motorist coverage at the same limits, which protects you if you're hit by a driver without insurance.
Unemployment insurance
West Virginia requires unemployment insurance for businesses that pay wages of $1,500 or more in any quarter or employ one or more workers for 20 weeks during a calendar year. You must register with WorkForce West Virginia and pay quarterly contributions based on your payroll and experience rating.
Professional liability insurance
You'll need professional liability insurance if you hold a professional license in West Virginia for medical, legal, architectural or engineering work. Health care providers must carry malpractice coverage, while other professionals should check with their licensing boards for specific requirements. The coverage amounts vary by profession and practice type.
Contractor bonds and insurance
If you hold a contractor license in West Virginia, you'll need to carry liability insurance and may need to post a surety bond depending on your work type. General contractors need at least $100,000 in liability coverage, while specialty contractors have varying requirements. Home improvement contractors may need additional bonding to protect customers if they don't complete work as promised or follow licensing rules.
What Coverage Do We Recommend?
West Virginia keeps business insurance regulations simple, leaving you in control of protecting your company. Here's our analysis of the best coverage options for the Mountain State's leading industries:
Excavation | General liability, workers' compensation, commercial auto, equipment coverage, environmental liability, underground utility coverage | West Virginia's mining and energy sectors require extensive excavation work. Companies face high risks from underground utility strikes, equipment damage in mountainous terrain and environmental liability from disturbing contaminated soils. |
Welding | General liability, workers' compensation, commercial auto, professional liability, fire damage coverage, tools and equipment coverage | Industrial welding services support West Virginia's energy infrastructure, pipelines, and manufacturing. Welders face fire hazards, toxic exposure and liability from structural failures on critical energy and transportation projects. |
Trucking | Commercial auto, general liability, cargo coverage, workers' compensation, environmental liability, mountain driving coverage | West Virginia's mountainous terrain and energy transport create specialized trucking risks. Companies face hazardous material transport, steep grade accidents and cargo spills in environmentally sensitive watersheds. |
Construction/Contractor | General liability, workers' compensation, commercial auto, tools and equipment coverage, environmental liability | Construction projects in West Virginia's challenging terrain face weather delays, equipment damage and environmental concerns. Contractors need protection from landslides, flood damage and remediation of historical industrial contamination. |
Auto Repair | General liability, garage keepers liability, workers' compensation, commercial property, environmental liability, tools coverage | Auto repair shops serve rural communities with older vehicles requiring specialized parts. Shops face customer vehicle damage, environmental liability from oil/fluid disposal and higher inventory costs for hard-to-find parts. |
HVAC | General liability, workers' compensation, commercial auto, tools and equipment coverage, professional liability | HVAC contractors work in West Virginia's extreme weather conditions and aging infrastructure. They face liability from carbon monoxide issues, equipment failures in remote locations and challenging installations in older buildings. |
Tree Service | General liability, workers' compensation, commercial auto, equipment coverage, environmental liability | Tree service companies handle storm damage and utility line clearance in West Virginia's forested terrain. Operations face power line contact, equipment damage on steep slopes and liability from property damage in densely wooded areas. |
Electrical | General liability, workers' compensation, commercial auto, professional liability, tools and equipment coverage | Electrical contractors maintain West Virginia's power grid and industrial facilities. Electricians face high-voltage hazards, remote job site risks and liability from power outages affecting critical energy infrastructure and rural communities. |
How to Get the Best Cheap Business Insurance in West Virginia
Running a small business in West Virginia means watching every dollar, including insurance costs. Here are proven ways to secure reliable coverage while keeping your business insurance expenses under control:
- 1
Assess your actual risks first
Look at what could go wrong in your West Virginia business operations. A coal mining company needs comprehensive liability and workers compensation, while a small retail store focuses more on property and inventory coverage.
- 2
Get quotes from multiple insurers
Insurance companies calculate risks differently, leading to varying prices for the same coverage. Contact at least three providers to compare rates. A Charleston restaurant owner could save hundreds annually by shopping around.
- 3
Choose providers based on service quality
Study each insurer's financial strength and claims process before deciding. A logging company in the Appalachian region needs an insurer familiar with forestry risks, while a Main Street retailer wants quick response times for property claims.
- 4
Maximize every discount
Combine policies where possible and maintain good safety records. A Morgantown manufacturing facility could reduce costs by bundling property and liability coverage while documenting regular safety training.
- 5
Review coverage annually
Business risks change with growth and new ventures. A small Wheeling technology firm that expanded its client base might need increased cyber liability coverage, while adding delivery services requires commercial auto insurance.
West Virginia Business Insurance: Bottom Line
Based on our analysis, NEXT, The Hartford and Simply Business are West Virginia's best business insurance providers. However, what's ideal for you depends on your business risks and employee needs. Research each company's service quality, maximize discounts and select coverage that fits your budget.
Small Business Insurance in West Virginia: FAQ
Small business owners in West Virginia often have questions about choosing the right business insurance coverage. We answer the most common questions below.
What business insurance is required by law in West Virginia?
West Virginia requires workers' compensation insurance for businesses with three or more employees. Commercial auto insurance minimums are $25,000/$50,000/$25,000. Contractors must carry surety bonds based on project values.
How much does business insurance cost in West Virginia?
Our analysis shows that business insurance costs range from $77 to $155 monthly, depending on coverage. Workers' compensation is the cheapest at $77, while BOPs cost $155. Actual costs depend on your industry, business size and claims history.
Which company has the cheapest business insurance in West Virginia?
The Hartford offers the lowest rates at $88 monthly in West Virginia, with Thimble ($98) and Simply Business ($101) following behind. Always compare quotes since rates vary based on specific risks.
What business insurance do I need for my small business in West Virginia?
Begin with general liability insurance to protect against customer injuries and property damage. Include workers' compensation for employees and commercial auto for company vehicles. Retail stores need property coverage, while contractors require builder's risk and equipment insurance.
What is the best business insurance company in West Virginia?
NEXT leads business insurance providers in West Virginia with a MoneyGeek score of 4.62/5.0. The Hartford and Simply Business follow as excellent alternatives. Compare multiple insurers to secure coverage that matches your business requirements.
Do small businesses in West Virginia need workers' compensation insurance?
Yes, West Virginia requires workers' compensation insurance for businesses with three or more employees. Companies with government contracts must provide coverage regardless of employee count.
What factors affect business insurance costs in West Virginia?
Your industry type significantly impacts costs. Construction businesses pay higher premiums than retail stores. Location within West Virginia affects rates, with flood-prone areas costing more. Employee count influences workers' comp, while claims history and safety measures affect rates.
How do I get cheap business insurance in West Virginia?
Compare quotes from multiple insurers like NEXT, The Hartford and Simply Business. Focus on both price and service quality, and bundle policies when possible for additional savings.
What's the difference between general liability and errors and omissions (professional liability) insurance in West Virginia?
General liability covers physical risks like customer injuries and property damage on business premises. Errors and omissions insurance protects against service-related mistakes, including incorrect advice or missed project deadlines.
Can I get business insurance quotes online in West Virginia?
Yes, all major providers offer online quotes for West Virginia businesses. Complex operations like contracting may require agent assistance for specialized coverage needs.
How We Scored the Best Business Insurance Companies in West Virginia
Small business owners in West Virginia need reliable coverage that protects their operations without breaking their budgets. We designed our methodology to help West Virginia entrepreneurs navigate challenges like flooding risks and the state's 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 premium costs across providers, factoring in deductibles and coverage limits to determine overall value.
- Customer experience (30% of score): Our analysis examined claims processing speed, customer support quality and digital tools.
- Coverage options (15% of score): We evaluated policy customization options and industry-specific endorsements for small businesses.
- Financial strength (5% of score): We assessed each insurer's ability to pay claims using AM Best ratings and financial stability metrics.
This approach helps West Virginia small business owners compare insurers on what matters most: affordable premiums, reliable service, adequate coverage and financial stability.
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
- FEMA. "National Risk Index for Natural Hazards." Accessed August 22, 2025.
- NEXT. "NEXT Empowers Agents with Enhanced Products, Cutting-Edge Digital Tools, Opening New Revenue Opportunities and Sparking Momentum in Small Business Insurance." Accessed August 22, 2025.
- Simply Business. "Simply Business Offers Insurance to Third-Party Sellers Through Amazon Insurance Accelerator." Accessed August 22, 2025.
- The Hartford. "Customer Claims Ratings and Reviews." Accessed August 22, 2025.
- Trustpilot. "NEXT." Accessed August 22, 2025.
- Trustpilot. "Simply Business US." Accessed August 22, 2025.
- Trustpilot. "The Hartford." Accessed August 22, 2025.