# InsuranceByTrade

> Independent guides to the business insurance each trade and profession needs: what to buy, what it costs, and what your state requires. Independent publisher (not an insurer or agency). Costs are Insureon 2026 median premiums (100,000 small-business customers); workers' comp rules are state baselines. Updated 2026-10-14.

Key facts:
- Median monthly premiums (Insureon, Feb 2026): general liability $45, business owner's policy $83, professional liability/E&O $88, workers' compensation $54, cyber $129, commercial umbrella $86, commercial property $108.
- Workers' comp is required in every state except Texas once an employer reaches the state threshold (first employee in many states; 3–5 in others). ND, OH, WA and WY require the state fund.

## Profession guides
- [Hair Stylist Insurance](https://insurancebytrade.com/hair-stylist-insurance): Most hair stylists need general liability and professional liability insurance. General liability covers client injuries such as a slip in your chair area, while professional liability covers service mistakes like chemical burns or a color job gone wrong. According to Insureon's 2026 data, general liability has a median cost of $45 a month.
- [Barber Insurance](https://insurancebytrade.com/barber-insurance): Barbers usually need general liability and professional liability insurance. General liability covers accidents like a client tripping in your shop, while professional liability covers service injuries such as razor cuts, skin infections or burns from hot towels. Insureon's 2026 data puts the median general liability cost at $45 a month.
- [Nail Technician Insurance](https://insurancebytrade.com/nail-technician-insurance): Nail technicians typically need general liability and professional liability insurance, and salon owners add property and workers' comp. Professional liability covers infections, cuts and reactions to acrylics or gels, while general liability covers slips and property damage. Insureon's 2026 median for general liability is $45 a month.
- [Esthetician Insurance](https://insurancebytrade.com/esthetician-insurance): Estheticians usually need professional liability and general liability insurance. Professional liability covers service injuries like burns from chemical peels, waxing injuries or reactions to products, and general liability covers slips and property damage. According to Insureon's 2026 data, general liability has a median cost of $45 a month.
- [Massage Therapist Insurance](https://insurancebytrade.com/massage-therapist-insurance): Massage therapists usually need professional liability and general liability insurance. Professional liability covers claims that a massage caused injury, such as a strained muscle or a burn from hot stones, while general liability covers falls and property damage. Insureon's 2026 data shows a median of $45 a month for general liability.
- [Personal Trainer Insurance](https://insurancebytrade.com/personal-trainer-insurance): Personal trainers usually need professional liability and general liability insurance. Professional liability covers claims that your workout plan or coaching caused an injury, and general liability covers accidents such as a client tripping over equipment. Insureon's 2026 data shows median costs of $45 a month for general liability and $88 for professional liability.
- [Yoga Instructor Insurance](https://insurancebytrade.com/yoga-instructor-insurance): Yoga instructors usually need professional liability and general liability insurance. Professional liability covers claims that your cues or hands-on adjustments caused an injury, while general liability covers slips, trips and property damage. According to Insureon's 2026 data, general liability has a median cost of $45 a month.
- [Pilates Instructor Insurance](https://insurancebytrade.com/pilates-instructor-insurance): Pilates instructors usually need professional liability and general liability insurance. Professional liability covers claims that your cueing or reformer instruction caused an injury, and general liability covers slips and property damage. Studio owners also need property coverage for reformers. Insureon's 2026 median for general liability is $45 a month.
- [Photographer Insurance](https://insurancebytrade.com/photographer-insurance): Most photographers need general liability insurance (often required by wedding and event venues), equipment coverage for cameras and lenses, and professional liability for missed or lost shots. According to Insureon's 2026 data, general liability has a median cost of $45 a month and professional liability $88 a month.
- [Videographer Insurance](https://insurancebytrade.com/videographer-insurance): Videographers usually need general liability insurance for venue and client requirements, equipment coverage for cameras, gimbals, audio and lighting, and professional liability for missed footage or delivery disputes. According to Insureon's 2026 data, the median cost of general liability is $45 a month and professional liability is $88 a month.
- [DJ Insurance](https://insurancebytrade.com/dj-insurance): Most DJs need general liability insurance because venues, wedding halls and event planners often require a certificate of insurance before you play. Add equipment coverage for speakers, controllers and lights. According to Insureon's 2026 data, the median cost of general liability for small businesses is $45 a month.
- [Event Planner Insurance](https://insurancebytrade.com/event-planner-insurance): Event planners usually need general liability for guest injuries and venue damage, plus professional liability for mistakes like booking errors or missed vendors. If alcohol is served, ask about liquor liability. According to Insureon's 2026 data, general liability has a median cost of $45 a month and professional liability $88 a month.
- [Catering Insurance](https://insurancebytrade.com/caterer-insurance): Caterers usually need general liability (including product liability for food-borne illness), liquor liability if they serve alcohol, and commercial auto for delivery vans. According to Insureon's 2026 data, food and beverage businesses pay a median of $44 a month for general liability and $148 a month for a business owner's policy.
- [Food Truck Insurance](https://insurancebytrade.com/food-truck-insurance): Food trucks typically need commercial auto insurance for the truck, general liability for customer injuries and food-borne illness, equipment coverage for kitchen gear, and workers' comp for employees. According to Insureon's 2026 data, food and beverage businesses pay a median of $44 a month for general liability.
- [Restaurant Insurance](https://insurancebytrade.com/restaurant-insurance): Restaurants usually need a business owner's policy (general liability plus property), workers' compensation, and liquor liability if they serve alcohol. According to Insureon's 2026 data, food and beverage businesses pay a median of $148 a month for a BOP, $44 for general liability and $106 for workers' comp.
- [Daycare Insurance](https://insurancebytrade.com/daycare-insurance): Daycares usually need general liability for injuries to children and visitors, abuse and molestation coverage (often excluded from standard policies), professional liability, and workers' comp for staff. Home daycares also need business coverage because homeowners policies usually exclude it. Insureon's 2026 median for general liability is $45 a month.
- [Home Care Agency Insurance](https://insurancebytrade.com/home-care-agency-insurance): A home care agency usually needs general liability, professional liability, workers' compensation for its caregivers, and hired and non-owned auto coverage. Many agencies also carry abuse and molestation coverage and a fidelity bond. According to Insureon's 2026 data, healthcare businesses pay a median of $31 a month for general liability and $60 a month for workers' comp.
- [Handyman Insurance](https://insurancebytrade.com/handyman-insurance): A handyman mainly needs general liability insurance, plus tools and equipment coverage and commercial auto if you use a work vehicle. Add workers' comp when you hire helpers. According to Insureon's 2026 data, construction businesses pay a median of $82 a month for general liability and $98 a month for a business owner's policy.
- [General Contractor Insurance](https://insurancebytrade.com/general-contractor-insurance): A general contractor needs general liability with completed operations coverage, workers' compensation, commercial auto, and tools and equipment insurance. Builder's risk and an umbrella policy are common for larger projects. According to Insureon's 2026 data, construction businesses pay a median of $82 a month for general liability and $254 a month for workers' comp.
- [Independent Contractor Insurance](https://insurancebytrade.com/independent-contractor-insurance): Most independent contractors need general liability insurance, and anyone giving advice or professional services also needs professional liability (E&O). Clients often require proof of both. According to Insureon's 2026 data, small businesses pay a median of $45 a month for general liability and $88 a month for professional liability.
- [Electrician Insurance](https://insurancebytrade.com/electrician-insurance): Electricians need general liability with completed operations coverage, workers' compensation once they hire, commercial auto for work vans, and tools and equipment insurance. Many also need professional liability for design work. According to Insureon's 2026 data, construction businesses pay a median of $82 a month for general liability and $254 a month for workers' comp.
- [Plumber Insurance](https://insurancebytrade.com/plumber-insurance): Plumbers need general liability insurance that covers sudden water damage and completed work, workers' compensation once they hire, commercial auto for service vans, and tools and equipment coverage. According to Insureon's 2026 data, construction businesses pay a median of $82 a month for general liability and $254 a month for workers' comp.
- [HVAC Contractor Insurance](https://insurancebytrade.com/hvac-contractor-insurance): HVAC contractors need general liability with completed operations coverage, workers' compensation, commercial auto for service vans, and tools and equipment insurance. According to Insureon's 2026 data, installation businesses pay a median of $73 a month for general liability, $118 for a business owner's policy and $193 for workers' comp.
- [Painting Contractor Insurance](https://insurancebytrade.com/painter-insurance): Painters need general liability insurance to cover damage to customers' property and injuries, workers' compensation once they hire, commercial auto, and tools and equipment coverage. According to Insureon's 2026 data, construction businesses pay a median of $82 a month for general liability, $98 for a business owner's policy and $254 for workers' comp.
- [Roofing Contractor Insurance](https://insurancebytrade.com/roofer-insurance): Roofers usually need general liability, workers' compensation, commercial auto and tools and equipment insurance. Roofing is high-risk work, so premiums run above average: Insureon's 2026 data puts construction businesses at a median of $82 a month for general liability and $254 a month for workers' comp.
- [Landscaping Business Insurance](https://insurancebytrade.com/landscaper-insurance): Landscapers typically need general liability, commercial auto, tools and equipment insurance, and workers' compensation once they hire. Insureon's 2026 data shows landscaping businesses pay a median of $51 a month for general liability, $94 for a business owner's policy and $169 for workers' comp.
- [Cleaning Business Insurance](https://insurancebytrade.com/cleaning-business-insurance): Cleaning businesses usually need general liability, a janitorial bond, and workers' compensation once they hire. Insureon's 2026 data shows cleaning businesses pay a median of $48 a month for general liability, $76 for a business owner's policy and $136 for workers' comp.
- [Pressure Washing Insurance](https://insurancebytrade.com/pressure-washing-insurance): Pressure washing businesses usually need general liability, tools and equipment insurance, commercial auto and workers' comp once they hire. Insureon's 2026 data for cleaning businesses shows a median of $48 a month for general liability and $136 a month for workers' compensation.
- [Pest Control Insurance](https://insurancebytrade.com/pest-control-insurance): Pest control businesses usually need general liability, pollution coverage, commercial auto and workers' comp. Many also add professional liability for inspections. Insureon's 2026 data puts the overall small-business median at $45 a month for general liability; pest control often costs more because of chemical risk.
- [Auto Repair Shop Insurance](https://insurancebytrade.com/auto-repair-shop-insurance): Auto repair shops usually need general (garage) liability, garagekeepers coverage for customers' cars, commercial property, workers' comp and tools and equipment coverage. Insureon's 2026 overall medians are $45 a month for general liability and $83 for a business owner's policy; shops often pay more.
- [Delivery Driver Insurance](https://insurancebytrade.com/delivery-driver-insurance): Delivery drivers need auto coverage that allows business use. Personal auto policies often exclude deliveries, so gig drivers may need a delivery or rideshare endorsement, and courier businesses need commercial auto. Costs vary widely by vehicle, driving record and location; Insureon publishes no median for commercial auto.
- [Insurance for Consultants](https://insurancebytrade.com/consultant-insurance): Consultants mainly need professional liability (errors and omissions), because clients can sue over advice that leads to losses. Many also carry general liability and cyber insurance. Insureon's 2026 data shows consulting businesses pay a median of $29 a month for general liability and $42 for a business owner's policy.
- [IT Consultant Insurance](https://insurancebytrade.com/it-consultant-insurance): Most IT consultants need professional liability (tech E&O) first, because the biggest risk is a client claiming your work caused downtime, data loss or a failed project. Add cyber insurance and general liability. According to Insureon's 2026 data, general liability for technology businesses has a median cost of $30 a month.
- [Real Estate Agent Insurance](https://insurancebytrade.com/real-estate-agent-insurance): Real estate agents mainly need errors and omissions (E&O) insurance, which covers claims that you made a mistake, missed a disclosure or gave bad advice in a transaction. Many also carry general liability, cyber insurance and business auto coverage. Insureon's 2026 data shows a median of $88 a month for E&O across small businesses.
- [Therapist & Counselor Insurance](https://insurancebytrade.com/therapist-insurance): Therapists and counselors mainly need professional liability, also called malpractice insurance, which covers claims that your counseling caused harm, plus legal costs. Private practices usually add general liability and cyber insurance. Insureon's 2026 data shows therapy and counseling businesses pay a median of $29 a month for general liability.
- [Physical Therapist Insurance](https://insurancebytrade.com/physical-therapist-insurance): Physical therapists need professional liability (malpractice) insurance first, because patients can claim a treatment caused injury. Clinics add general liability, a business owner's policy and workers' compensation for staff. Insureon's 2026 data shows healthcare businesses pay a median of $31 a month for general liability and $70 a month for a BOP.
- [Landlord Insurance](https://insurancebytrade.com/landlord-insurance): Landlords need a landlord (dwelling or commercial property) policy that covers the building, liability for injuries on the property, and lost rent after covered damage. Owners with several units often add umbrella insurance. A regular homeowners policy usually doesn't cover a property you rent out, so tell your insurer when you start renting.
- [Nonprofit Insurance](https://insurancebytrade.com/nonprofit-insurance): Most nonprofits need general liability insurance for injuries at events and programs, plus directors and officers (D&O) insurance to protect board members from claims about their decisions. Many also need property, volunteer accident, abuse and molestation, and workers' compensation coverage. Insureon's 2026 small-business median for general liability is $45 a month.
- [Insurance for an LLC](https://insurancebytrade.com/llc-insurance): An LLC limits your personal liability for business debts, but it doesn't replace insurance. The LLC itself can still be sued, and insurance pays the legal bills and damages. Most LLCs start with general liability, which Insureon's 2026 data shows has a median cost of $45 a month ($538 a year), then add policies for their industry.
- [Online Store Insurance](https://insurancebytrade.com/online-store-insurance): Online stores mainly need product liability insurance, which covers injuries or damage caused by products you sell, and cyber insurance for customer data and payment risks. Most sellers get product liability through a general liability policy. Insureon's 2026 data shows median costs of $45 a month for general liability and $129 for cyber.
- [Home-Based Business Insurance](https://insurancebytrade.com/home-based-business-insurance): Most home-based businesses need their own business insurance because homeowners and renters policies usually exclude or sharply limit business property and business liability. Small, low-risk businesses may only need a home business endorsement; most others need general liability or a business owner's policy. Insureon's 2026 median for general liability is $45 a month.
- [Church Insurance](https://insurancebytrade.com/church-insurance): Churches usually need general liability for injuries on church property and at events, property coverage for buildings and contents, and abuse and molestation coverage if they run youth or children's programs. Many also add directors and officers coverage for board decisions and auto coverage for church vans. Insureon's 2026 median for general liability is $45 a month.
- [Bakery Insurance](https://insurancebytrade.com/bakery-insurance): Bakeries usually need general liability with product coverage for customer injuries and food-related claims, plus a business owner's policy to protect ovens, mixers and inventory. Home bakers need their own coverage because homeowners policies usually exclude business activity. Insureon's 2026 food and beverage median is $44 a month for general liability and $148 for a BOP.
- [Nurse Malpractice Insurance](https://insurancebytrade.com/nurse-insurance): Most nurses are covered by their employer's malpractice policy at work, but that policy protects the hospital first and usually stops at the job. Many RNs and nurse practitioners add an individual professional liability policy with license defense coverage. Nurse practitioners in independent practice also need general liability and, with staff, workers' compensation.
- [Dentist Insurance](https://insurancebytrade.com/dentist-insurance): Dentists need professional liability (dental malpractice) insurance to cover claims that treatment caused harm, plus a business owner's policy for the office and equipment, workers' compensation for staff and cyber insurance for patient records. Insureon's 2026 data shows healthcare businesses pay a median of $70 a month for a BOP; malpractice pricing varies by specialty and state.
- [Chiropractor Insurance](https://insurancebytrade.com/chiropractor-insurance): Chiropractors need chiropractic malpractice (professional liability) insurance to cover claims that an adjustment or treatment caused injury. Clinic owners also need general liability or a business owner's policy, workers' compensation for staff and cyber insurance for patient records. Insureon's 2026 data shows healthcare businesses pay a median of $31 a month for general liability.
- [Social Worker Insurance](https://insurancebytrade.com/social-worker-insurance): Social workers need professional liability (malpractice) insurance for claims that their assessment, counseling or case decisions caused harm. Agency coverage usually stops at the job, so many add an individual policy with licensing board defense. LCSWs in private practice also need general liability and cyber insurance. Insureon's 2026 therapy and counseling GL median is $29 a month.
- [Veterinarian Insurance](https://insurancebytrade.com/veterinarian-insurance): Veterinarians usually need professional liability (malpractice) insurance for claims that treatment harmed an animal, plus general liability for injuries to people at the clinic. Practice owners add a business owner's policy and workers' comp. Look for coverage that includes licensing board complaint defense. Insureon's 2026 median for professional liability is $88 a month.
- [Pet Business Insurance](https://insurancebytrade.com/pet-business-insurance): Pet sitters, dog walkers, groomers and trainers usually need general liability plus coverage for animals in their care, often called care, custody and control or animal bailee coverage, because standard liability may exclude pets you're looking after. Many also add a bond. Insureon's 2026 median for general liability is $45 a month.

## Coverage guides
- [General Liability Insurance for Small Businesses](https://insurancebytrade.com/general-liability-insurance): General liability insurance pays for claims that your business hurt someone, damaged their property, or harmed them through advertising. It covers legal defense, settlements and medical bills. According to Insureon's 2026 data, the median cost is $45 a month ($538 a year), usually for $1 million per occurrence and $2 million aggregate limits.
- [Professional Liability Insurance (Errors & Omissions)](https://insurancebytrade.com/professional-liability-insurance): Professional liability insurance, also called errors and omissions (E&O), pays for claims that your work, advice or service was wrong, late or negligent and cost a client money. It covers legal defense and settlements. According to Insureon's 2026 data, the median cost is $88 a month. Consultants, IT professionals, therapists and real estate agents need it most.
- [Workers' Compensation Insurance for Small Businesses](https://insurancebytrade.com/workers-compensation-insurance): Workers' compensation insurance pays medical bills and part of lost wages when an employee is hurt or gets sick because of work. Every state except Texas requires most employers to carry it, though the employee threshold varies by state. According to Insureon's 2026 data, the median cost is $54 a month, but construction businesses pay far more.
- [Business Owner's Policy (BOP)](https://insurancebytrade.com/business-owners-policy): A business owner's policy (BOP) bundles general liability insurance with commercial property insurance, and usually business interruption coverage, into one policy. It is designed for small, lower-risk businesses and often costs less than buying each policy separately. According to Insureon's 2026 data, the median cost of a BOP is $83 a month ($990 a year).
- [Commercial Auto Insurance](https://insurancebytrade.com/commercial-auto-insurance): Commercial auto insurance covers vehicles your business owns or uses for work, including liability for accidents, damage to your vehicle and injuries. Personal auto policies often exclude business use, so contractors, delivery drivers and caterers usually need it. There is no single typical price: the cost varies widely by vehicles, drivers, location and how the vehicles are used.
- [Product Liability Insurance](https://insurancebytrade.com/product-liability-insurance): Product liability insurance pays for claims that a product you made, sold or distributed injured someone or damaged their property. It covers legal defense and settlements for manufacturing defects, design defects and missing warnings. Many general liability policies include some product coverage, called products-completed operations, but makers and sellers with higher risk often need dedicated limits.
- [Tools and Equipment Insurance](https://insurancebytrade.com/tools-and-equipment-insurance): Tools and equipment insurance, a type of inland marine coverage, pays to repair or replace tools and gear that you move between job sites, vehicles and client locations when they are stolen or damaged. Standard property policies mainly cover items at your business address, so contractors, photographers, DJs and landscapers often need this coverage for mobile gear.
- [Cyber Liability Insurance for Small Businesses](https://insurancebytrade.com/cyber-liability-insurance): Cyber liability insurance helps pay the costs of data breaches, ransomware and other cyber incidents, including notifying customers, restoring data, legal defense and lost income. Any business that stores customer data or takes payments online can benefit. According to Insureon's 2026 data, the median cost of cyber insurance for small businesses is $129 a month.
- [General Liability vs. Professional Liability Insurance](https://insurancebytrade.com/general-liability-vs-professional-liability): General liability covers physical risks: injuries to others, damage to their property and advertising injury. Professional liability (E&O) covers financial losses caused by your work, advice or mistakes. Many service businesses need both. According to Insureon's 2026 data, the median cost is $45 a month for general liability and $88 a month for professional liability.
- [How Much Does Small Business Insurance Cost?](https://insurancebytrade.com/how-much-does-business-insurance-cost): According to Insureon's 2026 data from 100,000 small-business customers, median monthly costs are $45 for general liability, $83 for a business owner's policy, $88 for professional liability, $54 for workers' compensation and $129 for cyber insurance. Your price depends on industry, location, payroll, revenue, claims history, limits and deductibles.
- [Surety Bonds](https://insurancebytrade.com/surety-bonds): A surety bond is a three-party guarantee: a surety company promises a customer or government agency (the obligee) that your business (the principal) will follow the law or finish a contract. If the surety pays a valid claim, you must repay it. Bonds protect your customers, while insurance protects your business.
- [Commercial Property Insurance](https://insurancebytrade.com/commercial-property-insurance): Commercial property insurance pays to repair or replace your business building, equipment, furniture and inventory after covered events like fire, theft, wind or vandalism. It does not cover floods or earthquakes unless added. According to Insureon's 2026 data, the median cost is $108 a month, and many small businesses save by bundling it into a BOP.
- [Commercial Umbrella Insurance for Small Business](https://insurancebytrade.com/commercial-umbrella-insurance): Commercial umbrella insurance adds extra liability limits on top of your general liability, commercial auto and employer's liability policies. When a lawsuit uses up those limits, the umbrella pays the rest, up to its own limit. According to Insureon's 2026 data, the median cost is $86 a month.
- [Event Insurance](https://insurancebytrade.com/event-insurance): Event insurance, also called special event or one-day event insurance, covers liability for injuries and property damage during a single event, such as a festival, fundraiser, wedding or market. Hosts buy it to meet venue requirements, and vendors buy it when organizers ask for a certificate of insurance. Liquor liability and cancellation coverage can be added.
- [Certificate of Insurance (COI)](https://insurancebytrade.com/certificate-of-insurance): A certificate of insurance (COI) is a one-page document that proves your business has insurance. It lists your insurer, policy numbers, coverage types, limits and policy dates. Clients, landlords and venues ask for it before you start work. Your insurer or agent issues it, usually for free, often within a day.
- [Liquor Liability Insurance](https://insurancebytrade.com/liquor-liability-insurance): Liquor liability insurance pays for lawsuits when a customer your business served alcohol injures someone or damages property. Bars, restaurants, breweries, caterers and event vendors that sell or serve alcohol usually need it, because general liability excludes them. Businesses that only provide free drinks occasionally may be covered by host liquor liability.
- [Directors and Officers (D&O) Insurance](https://insurancebytrade.com/directors-and-officers-insurance): Directors and officers (D&O) insurance protects board members, officers and the organization when they are sued over management decisions, such as mismanaging funds or breaching their duties. It pays legal defense and settlements. Nonprofits, churches and businesses with investors or boards are the most common buyers. It doesn't cover fraud or bodily injury.

## State guides
- [Alabama Business Insurance Requirements](https://insurancebytrade.com/business-insurance/alabama): Alabama requires most employers to carry workers' compensation once you have 5 or more employees. General liability isn't required by state law for most businesses, but landlords, clients and venues usually ask for it. Nationally, general liability has a median cost of $45 a month (Insureon, 2026).
- [Alaska Business Insurance Requirements](https://insurancebytrade.com/business-insurance/alaska): Alaska requires most employers to carry workers' compensation once you have 1 or more employees. General liability isn't required by state law for most businesses, but landlords, clients and venues usually ask for it. Nationally, general liability has a median cost of $45 a month (Insureon, 2026), and a business owner's policy $83.
- [Arizona Business Insurance Requirements](https://insurancebytrade.com/business-insurance/arizona): Arizona requires workers' compensation for employers with any employees. General liability isn't required by Arizona law for most businesses, but clients, landlords and licensing boards usually require it. Nationally, general liability has a median cost of $45 a month (Insureon, 2026).
- [Arkansas Business Insurance Requirements](https://insurancebytrade.com/business-insurance/arkansas): Arkansas requires most employers to carry workers' compensation once you have 3 or more employees. General liability isn't required by state law for most businesses, but landlords, clients and venues usually ask for it. Nationally, general liability has a median cost of $45 a month (Insureon, 2026), and a business owner's policy $83.
- [California Business Insurance Requirements](https://insurancebytrade.com/business-insurance/california): California requires workers' compensation for every employer with even one employee, and roofing and tree-service contractors need it even with no employees. General liability isn't required by state law for most businesses, but clients and landlords usually require it. Nationally, general liability has a median cost of $45 a month (Insureon, 2026).
- [Colorado Business Insurance Requirements](https://insurancebytrade.com/business-insurance/colorado): Colorado requires workers' compensation for employers with 1 or more employees. General liability isn't required by Colorado law for most businesses, but clients, landlords and licensing boards usually require it. Nationally, general liability has a median cost of $45 a month (Insureon, 2026).
- [Connecticut Business Insurance Requirements](https://insurancebytrade.com/business-insurance/connecticut): Connecticut requires most employers to carry workers' compensation once you have 1 or more employees. General liability isn't required by state law for most businesses, but landlords, clients and venues usually ask for it. Nationally, general liability has a median cost of $45 a month (Insureon, 2026), and a business owner's policy $83.
- [Delaware Business Insurance Requirements](https://insurancebytrade.com/business-insurance/delaware): Delaware requires most employers to carry workers' compensation once you have 1 or more employees. General liability isn't required by state law for most businesses, but landlords, clients and venues usually ask for it. Nationally, general liability has a median cost of $45 a month (Insureon, 2026), and a business owner's policy $83.
- [D.C. Business Insurance Requirements](https://insurancebytrade.com/business-insurance/district-of-columbia): D.C. requires employers to carry workers' compensation for their employees. General liability isn't required by local law for most businesses, but landlords, clients and government contracts usually ask for it. Nationally, general liability has a median cost of $45 a month (Insureon, 2026).
- [Florida Business Insurance Requirements](https://insurancebytrade.com/business-insurance/florida): In Florida, most non-construction businesses must carry workers' compensation once they have 4 or more employees, and construction businesses need it with just 1 employee. General liability isn't required by state law for most businesses, but clients, landlords and contractor licensing often require it. The national median for general liability is $45 a month (Insureon, 2026).
- [Georgia Business Insurance Requirements](https://insurancebytrade.com/business-insurance/georgia): Georgia requires most businesses to carry workers' compensation once they have 3 or more employees, counting part-time workers. General liability isn't required by state law for most businesses, but clients and landlords commonly require it. Nationally, general liability has a median cost of $45 a month (Insureon, 2026).
- [Hawaii Business Insurance Requirements](https://insurancebytrade.com/business-insurance/hawaii): Hawaii requires most employers to carry workers' compensation once you have 1 or more employees. General liability isn't required by state law for most businesses, but landlords, clients and venues usually ask for it. Nationally, general liability has a median cost of $45 a month (Insureon, 2026), and a business owner's policy $83.
- [Idaho Business Insurance Requirements](https://insurancebytrade.com/business-insurance/idaho): Idaho requires most employers to carry workers' compensation once you have 1 or more employees. General liability isn't required by state law for most businesses, but landlords, clients and venues usually ask for it. Nationally, general liability has a median cost of $45 a month (Insureon, 2026), and a business owner's policy $83.
- [Illinois Business Insurance Requirements](https://insurancebytrade.com/business-insurance/illinois): Illinois requires workers' compensation for employers with 1 or more employees, including part-time workers. General liability isn't required by state law for most businesses, but landlords, clients and many local licenses require it. Nationally, general liability has a median cost of $45 a month and a business owner's policy $83 a month (Insureon, 2026).
- [Indiana Business Insurance Requirements](https://insurancebytrade.com/business-insurance/indiana): Indiana requires workers' compensation for employers with 1 or more employees. General liability isn't required by Indiana law for most businesses, but clients, landlords and licensing boards usually require it. Nationally, general liability has a median cost of $45 a month (Insureon, 2026).
- [Iowa Business Insurance Requirements](https://insurancebytrade.com/business-insurance/iowa): Iowa requires most employers to carry workers' compensation once you have 1 or more employees. General liability isn't required by state law for most businesses, but landlords, clients and venues usually ask for it. Nationally, general liability has a median cost of $45 a month (Insureon, 2026), and a business owner's policy $83.
- [Kansas Business Insurance Requirements](https://insurancebytrade.com/business-insurance/kansas): Kansas requires most employers to carry workers' compensation once your annual payroll is over $20,000. General liability isn't required by state law for most businesses, but landlords, clients and venues usually ask for it. Nationally, general liability has a median cost of $45 a month (Insureon, 2026), and a business owner's policy $83.
- [Kentucky Business Insurance Requirements](https://insurancebytrade.com/business-insurance/kentucky): Kentucky requires most employers to carry workers' compensation once you have 1 or more employees. General liability isn't required by state law for most businesses, but landlords, clients and venues usually ask for it. Nationally, general liability has a median cost of $45 a month (Insureon, 2026).
- [Louisiana Business Insurance Requirements](https://insurancebytrade.com/business-insurance/louisiana): Louisiana requires most employers to carry workers' compensation once you have any employees. General liability isn't required by state law for most businesses, but landlords, clients and venues usually ask for it. Nationally, general liability has a median cost of $45 a month (Insureon, 2026).
- [Maine Business Insurance Requirements](https://insurancebytrade.com/business-insurance/maine): Maine requires most employers to carry workers' compensation once you have 1 or more employees. General liability isn't required by state law for most businesses, but landlords, clients and venues usually ask for it. Nationally, general liability has a median cost of $45 a month (Insureon, 2026), and a business owner's policy $83.
- [Maryland Business Insurance Requirements](https://insurancebytrade.com/business-insurance/maryland): Maryland requires workers' compensation for employers with 1 or more employees. General liability isn't required by Maryland law for most businesses, but clients, landlords and licensing boards usually require it. Nationally, general liability has a median cost of $45 a month (Insureon, 2026).
- [Massachusetts Business Insurance Requirements](https://insurancebytrade.com/business-insurance/massachusetts): Massachusetts requires workers' compensation for employers with any employees. General liability isn't required by Massachusetts law for most businesses, but clients, landlords and licensing boards usually require it. Nationally, general liability has a median cost of $45 a month (Insureon, 2026).
- [Michigan Business Insurance Requirements](https://insurancebytrade.com/business-insurance/michigan): Michigan requires workers' compensation for employers with 3 or more employees, or with at least 1 employee working 35 or more hours a week. General liability isn't required by Michigan law for most businesses, but clients, landlords and licensing boards usually require it. Nationally, general liability has a median cost of $45 a month (Insureon, 2026).
- [Minnesota Business Insurance Requirements](https://insurancebytrade.com/business-insurance/minnesota): Minnesota requires most employers to carry workers' compensation once you have 1 or more employees. General liability isn't required by state law for most businesses, but landlords, clients and venues usually ask for it. Nationally, general liability has a median cost of $45 a month (Insureon, 2026).
- [Mississippi Business Insurance Requirements](https://insurancebytrade.com/business-insurance/mississippi): Mississippi requires most employers to carry workers' compensation once you have 5 or more employees. General liability isn't required by state law for most businesses, but landlords, clients and venues usually ask for it. Nationally, general liability has a median cost of $45 a month (Insureon, 2026), and a business owner's policy $83.
- [Missouri Business Insurance Requirements](https://insurancebytrade.com/business-insurance/missouri): In Missouri, most businesses must carry workers' compensation once they have 5 or more employees, while construction businesses need it with 1 employee. General liability isn't required by state law for most businesses, but clients and landlords commonly require it. The national median for general liability is $45 a month (Insureon, 2026).
- [Montana Business Insurance Requirements](https://insurancebytrade.com/business-insurance/montana): Montana requires most employers to carry workers' compensation once you have any employees. General liability isn't required by state law for most businesses, but landlords, clients and venues usually ask for it. Nationally, general liability has a median cost of $45 a month (Insureon, 2026).
- [Nebraska Business Insurance Requirements](https://insurancebytrade.com/business-insurance/nebraska): Nebraska requires most employers to carry workers' compensation once you have 1 or more employees. General liability isn't required by state law for most businesses, but landlords, clients and venues usually ask for it. Nationally, general liability has a median cost of $45 a month (Insureon, 2026).
- [Nevada Business Insurance Requirements](https://insurancebytrade.com/business-insurance/nevada): Nevada requires most employers to carry workers' compensation once you have 1 or more employees. General liability isn't required by state law for most businesses, but landlords, clients and venues usually ask for it. Nationally, general liability has a median cost of $45 a month (Insureon, 2026).
- [New Hampshire Business Insurance Requirements](https://insurancebytrade.com/business-insurance/new-hampshire): New Hampshire requires most employers to carry workers' compensation once you have any employees. General liability isn't required by state law for most businesses, but landlords, clients and venues usually ask for it. Nationally, general liability has a median cost of $45 a month (Insureon, 2026).
- [New Jersey Business Insurance Requirements](https://insurancebytrade.com/business-insurance/new-jersey): New Jersey requires workers' compensation for employers with 1 or more employees, and employers also take part in the state's temporary disability and family leave insurance programs. General liability isn't required by state law for most businesses, but clients and landlords usually require it. The national median for general liability is $45 a month (Insureon, 2026).
- [New Mexico Business Insurance Requirements](https://insurancebytrade.com/business-insurance/new-mexico): New Mexico requires most employers to carry workers' compensation once you have 3 or more employees (1 or more in construction). General liability isn't required by state law for most businesses, but landlords, clients and venues usually ask for it. Nationally, general liability has a median cost of $45 a month (Insureon, 2026).
- [New York Business Insurance Requirements](https://insurancebytrade.com/business-insurance/new-york): New York requires almost every employer to carry workers' compensation, plus disability benefits (DBL) and paid family leave (PFL) coverage, starting with the first employee. General liability isn't required by state law for most businesses, but clients and landlords usually demand it. Nationally, general liability has a median cost of $45 a month (Insureon, 2026).
- [North Carolina Business Insurance Requirements](https://insurancebytrade.com/business-insurance/north-carolina): North Carolina requires most businesses to carry workers' compensation once they have 3 or more employees. General liability isn't required by state law for most businesses, but clients, landlords and general contractors usually require it. The national median for general liability is $45 a month and for a business owner's policy $83 a month (Insureon, 2026).
- [North Dakota Business Insurance Requirements](https://insurancebytrade.com/business-insurance/north-dakota): North Dakota requires most employers to carry workers' compensation from the state fund once you have any employees. General liability isn't required by state law for most businesses, but landlords, clients and venues usually ask for it. Nationally, general liability has a median cost of $45 a month (Insureon, 2026).
- [Ohio Business Insurance Requirements](https://insurancebytrade.com/business-insurance/ohio): Ohio requires workers' compensation for employers with any employees, and coverage must be bought from the state fund (Ohio Bureau of Workers' Compensation). General liability isn't required by Ohio law for most businesses, but clients, landlords and licensing boards usually require it. Nationally, general liability has a median cost of $45 a month (Insureon, 2026).
- [Oklahoma Business Insurance Requirements](https://insurancebytrade.com/business-insurance/oklahoma): Oklahoma requires most employers to carry workers' compensation once you have any employees. General liability isn't required by state law for most businesses, but landlords, clients and venues usually ask for it. Nationally, general liability has a median cost of $45 a month (Insureon, 2026).
- [Oregon Business Insurance Requirements](https://insurancebytrade.com/business-insurance/oregon): Oregon requires most employers to carry workers' compensation once you have any employees. General liability isn't required by state law for most businesses, but landlords, clients and venues usually ask for it. Nationally, general liability has a median cost of $45 a month (Insureon, 2026).
- [Pennsylvania Business Insurance Requirements](https://insurancebytrade.com/business-insurance/pennsylvania): Pennsylvania requires workers' compensation for employers with any employees, including part-time workers. General liability isn't required by state law for most businesses, but clients, landlords and many local permits expect it. Nationally, general liability has a median cost of $45 a month and a business owner's policy $83 a month (Insureon, 2026).
- [Rhode Island Business Insurance Requirements](https://insurancebytrade.com/business-insurance/rhode-island): Rhode Island requires most employers to carry workers' compensation once you have 1 or more employees. General liability isn't required by state law for most businesses, but landlords, clients and venues usually ask for it. Nationally, general liability has a median cost of $45 a month (Insureon, 2026).
- [South Carolina Business Insurance Requirements](https://insurancebytrade.com/business-insurance/south-carolina): South Carolina requires most employers to carry workers' compensation once you have 4 or more employees. General liability isn't required by state law for most businesses, but landlords, clients and venues usually ask for it. Nationally, general liability has a median cost of $45 a month (Insureon, 2026).
- [South Dakota Business Insurance Requirements](https://insurancebytrade.com/business-insurance/south-dakota): South Dakota's workers' compensation rules are listed differently by different sources, so confirm with the Department of Labor & Regulation before you hire. General liability isn't required by state law for most businesses, but landlords, clients and venues usually ask for it. Nationally, general liability has a median cost of $45 a month (Insureon, 2026).
- [Tennessee Business Insurance Requirements](https://insurancebytrade.com/business-insurance/tennessee): Tennessee requires workers' compensation for employers with 5 or more employees, and for construction employers with 1 or more employees. General liability isn't required by Tennessee law for most businesses, but clients, landlords and licensing boards usually require it. Nationally, general liability has a median cost of $45 a month (Insureon, 2026).
- [Texas Business Insurance Requirements](https://insurancebytrade.com/business-insurance/texas): Texas is the only state where most private employers can choose not to carry workers' compensation. Employers who opt out (non-subscribers) must notify the Texas Department of Insurance and their employees, and they lose key legal defenses in injury lawsuits. General liability isn't required by state law for most businesses; its national median is $45 a month (Insureon, 2026).
- [Utah Business Insurance Requirements](https://insurancebytrade.com/business-insurance/utah): Utah requires most employers to carry workers' compensation once you have any employees. General liability isn't required by state law for most businesses, but landlords, clients and venues usually ask for it. Nationally, general liability has a median cost of $45 a month (Insureon, 2026).
- [Vermont Business Insurance Requirements](https://insurancebytrade.com/business-insurance/vermont): Vermont requires most employers to carry workers' compensation once you have 1 or more employees. General liability isn't required by state law for most businesses, but landlords, clients and venues usually ask for it. Nationally, general liability has a median cost of $45 a month (Insureon, 2026).
- [Virginia Business Insurance Requirements](https://insurancebytrade.com/business-insurance/virginia): Virginia requires workers' compensation for employers with 3 or more employees. General liability isn't required by Virginia law for most businesses, but clients, landlords and licensing boards usually require it. Nationally, general liability has a median cost of $45 a month (Insureon, 2026).
- [Washington Business Insurance Requirements](https://insurancebytrade.com/business-insurance/washington): Washington requires workers' compensation for employers with any employees, and coverage must be bought from the state fund run by the Department of Labor & Industries. General liability isn't required by Washington law for most businesses, but clients, landlords and licensing boards usually require it. Nationally, general liability has a median cost of $45 a month (Insureon, 2026).
- [West Virginia Business Insurance Requirements](https://insurancebytrade.com/business-insurance/west-virginia): West Virginia requires most employers to carry workers' compensation once you have 1 or more employees. General liability isn't required by state law for most businesses, but landlords, clients and venues usually ask for it. Nationally, general liability has a median cost of $45 a month (Insureon, 2026).
- [Wisconsin Business Insurance Requirements](https://insurancebytrade.com/business-insurance/wisconsin): Wisconsin requires most employers to carry workers' compensation once you have 3 or more employees. General liability isn't required by state law for most businesses, but landlords, clients and venues usually ask for it. Nationally, general liability has a median cost of $45 a month (Insureon, 2026).
- [Wyoming Business Insurance Requirements](https://insurancebytrade.com/business-insurance/wyoming): Wyoming requires most employers to carry workers' compensation from the state fund once you have any employees. General liability isn't required by state law for most businesses, but landlords, clients and venues usually ask for it. Nationally, general liability has a median cost of $45 a month (Insureon, 2026).

## Tools and references
- [Business insurance cost calculator](https://insurancebytrade.com/business-insurance-cost-calculator): coverage needs + median cost by profession and state.
- [Workers' comp requirements by state](https://insurancebytrade.com/workers-comp-requirements-by-state): employee thresholds for 50 states + DC.
- [Glossary](https://insurancebytrade.com/glossary): plain-English definitions of business insurance terms.

## Optional
- [Full content for AI assistants](https://insurancebytrade.com/llms-full.txt)
- [How we research](https://insurancebytrade.com/how-we-research)
- [Editorial policy](https://insurancebytrade.com/editorial-policy)