Choose The Hartford for Your Small Business Insurance in California
In California, 4.3 million small businesses employ 7.6 million people.1 In order to run successful companies and help protect their employees, small business owners rely on business insurance.
The Hartford has more than 200 years of insurance experience, and we’re proud to have helped over 1.5 million small business owners protect their livelihoods.
Types of California Business Insurance Coverages We Offer
At The Hartford, we make it easy for you to get the business insurance coverage you need in California.
A Business Owner’s Policy (BOP) combines some of the most critical business insurance coverages your company needs into one convenient and cost-effective policy.
General liability insurance helps protect your California business from claims that it caused bodily injury or property damage to others.
Most state laws require you to carry this insurance to help compensate employees for expenses associated with work-related injuries or illnesses like medical bills, rehabilitation and lost wages.
Commercial auto insurance helps cover the cost of an auto accident if you or your employee is at fault. If you or your employees drive a vehicle for business reasons, having the right commercial vehicle insurance is important.
Business property insurance, also called commercial property insurance, helps protect your owned or rented building, tools and the equipment you use to operate your business.
Professional liability insurance helps protect your California business from claims that it made a mistake in the professional services given to customers.
How Much Is Business Insurance in California?
On average, The Hartford’s small business customers in California pay between $58 a month and $165 a month for business insurance, depending on the coverage.**
How Much The Hartford’s Small Business Customers in California Pay for Insurance**
| Average Annual Premium | Average Monthly Premium | |
|---|---|---|
| General Liability Insurance | $691 | $58 |
| Business Owner’s Policy (BOP) | $1,984 | $165 |
| Workers’ Compensation Insurance | $1,924 | $160 |
Keep in mind that every business is unique and has different needs. That’s why it’s helpful to get a business insurance quote, since insurance premiums can vary widely between business owners. When you get coverage, insurers can look at different factors to come up with your rate, such as your:
- Business’ location
- Type of work
- Claims history
Get a quote today and learn how we can help you get the right coverage for your business.
What Business Insurance Is Required in California?
If you have employees, you must carry workers’ compensation insurance in California. It can help your employees recover from work-related injuries or illnesses. If your business has a company-owned vehicle that you or an employee uses for work, you’ll need commercial auto insurance that meets the minimum required coverage amounts:
- $30,000 for bodily injury, per person per accident
- $60,000 for bodily injury, total per accident
- $15,000 for property damage liability, per accident
You can check with the Department of Motor Vehicles to learn about the minimum coverages California drivers need for their automobile insurance.
Industries Covered by Commercial Insurance in California
Our business insurance coverages can help many kinds of industries in California, including:
How To Get Business Insurance in California
Getting the right type of business insurance is one of the most important decisions you’ll make as a business owner. Both insurance companies and agents can help you get the coverage you need to keep your business protected. In California, you can get a business insurance quote online or by phone.
What Our Customers in California Are Saying
“The rep was very pleasant and articulate. The process went quickly and smoothly.”
Katie, from San Francisco, California
“Very smooth experience after our loss. The process was dealt professionally with empathy to what we have experienced.”
Deki, from San Francisco, California
“The Hartford has helped us deal with every employer’s worst nightmare in an easy and stress-free way. They are extremely professional, and it feels good to know my business is insured and protected by this company.”
Hassan, from San Diego, California
“The help I received from my claim associate was fantastic. … They kept me fully informed every step of the way, and I always knew where things stood throughout the process.”
Valerie, from Truckee, California
“The Hartford was absolutely perfect in the handling of my claims. … They were so honest and understanding through the process.”
Jerry, from Cathedral City, California
“Great customer service and very helpful claims department. Very easy to work with.”
Amin, from Los Angeles, California
Frequently Asked Questions About California Business Insurance
Who Needs Business Insurance in California?
Businesses in different industries can benefit from having coverage in California because every company faces specific challenges from time to time. Some of the industries The Hartford’s business insurance solutions can help protect include:
What Insurance Is Needed for a Small Business in California?
Small businesses in California will need workers’ comp coverage if they have employees. If a business also uses company-owned vehicles for work, it’ll need a car insurance policy with the minimum required coverage.
How Do I Determine the Right Amount of Coverage for My California Business?
A good place to start is to estimate your assets and revenue and try to match your coverage limits. There isn’t a one-size-fits-all insurance policy for small businesses, so it’s important to make sure your specific policy has a coverage limit that’s enough to cover expensive claims. And because every small business faces different risks, you’ll likely need to get various types of coverage.
Do I Need a $1 Million Liability Policy?
A good rule of thumb is to get a minimum of $1 million in liability coverage, or at least an amount equal to the total value of your assets, to help protect your small business from claims that it caused bodily injury or property damage.
Last Updated: February 6, 2026
1 U.S. Small Business Administration, “2025 Small Business Profile: California,” viewed January 2026.
** Costs, premiums, and coverages mentioned are estimates and are not guaranteed. Actual cost, premium, and coverage are determined at the time of quote or issue and are specific to an individual risk. Premiums are based on information provided to The Hartford, including, but not limited to, underwriting and rating criteria. All examples included on this website or in an advertisement are intended for informational purposes only and are not an offer or a guarantee of premium or coverage. Coverage and products described are subject to the terms and conditions found in the policy contract. Any educational information provided about available coverages does not modify the policy language or imply that any claim is covered. Products are not available in all states or for all businesses.
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