Understanding the true cost of general contractor insurance is essential for accurate project bidding, business planning, and maintaining healthy profit margins. This comprehensive guide analyzes over 800 general contractor insurance quotes from leading insurers across all 50 states, providing you with detailed benchmarking data to evaluate your current premiums and identify potential savings opportunities.

Our analysis reflects quotes for three distinct business profiles that represent the typical growth trajectory of general contracting businesses. For small contracting firms generating $500,000 in annual revenue, we analyzed businesses with an owner plus 3-5 employees, minimal subcontracting (under 10%), established for 3+ years with clean claims history. Mid-size contractors at $1 million revenue represent operations with 8-12 employees, approximately 20-25% subcontracted work, established businesses with 5+ years experience and documented safety programs. Established contracting companies at $2.5 million revenue encompass firms with 15-20 employees, roughly 30% subcontracted work, and proven track records with comprehensive safety protocols and project management systems.

The data reveals significant variations in insurance costs not only between states but also between carriers within the same state. General contractors who actively compare quotes and negotiate with multiple carriers consistently achieve premiums 30-40% below market averages. This difference can translate to tens of thousands of dollars in annual savings for established firms, directly impacting your bottom line and competitive positioning in the marketplace.

The data below reveals dramatic cost differences between states and carriers, but knowing your coverage needs is equally critical. Learn about which contractors insurance policies actually matter for your business before comparing prices.

Alabama

Alabama contractors face general liability premiums ranging from 0.94% to 4.04% of revenue, with standard $1M/$2M coverage limits showing notable carrier variations.

Revenue LevelAverage PremiumFavorable PremiumHigher-End PremiumPotential Savings
$500,000$8,400$5,700$15,20032%
$1,000,000$13,900$8,200$20,60041%
$2,500,000$29,500$23,600$35,00020%

Workers’ comp in Alabama runs $14.07 per $100 of payroll.

Alaska

With its unique market conditions, Alaska’s GL rates vary from 0.81% to 1.72% of annual revenue for standard coverage.

Revenue LevelAverage PremiumFavorable PremiumHigher-End PremiumPotential Savings
$500,000$6,300$4,100$8,60035%
$1,000,000$9,900$8,100$11,60018%
$2,500,000$22,700$20,300$25,00011%

Alaska’s WC rate sits at $9.78 per $100 payroll.

Arizona

Desert state contractors see liability insurance costs between 0.84% and 2.58% of revenue, reflecting the competitive Phoenix market.

Revenue LevelAverage PremiumFavorable PremiumHigher-End PremiumPotential Savings
$500,000$7,000$4,200$12,90040%
$1,000,000$11,600$8,400$18,50028%
$2,500,000$27,300$21,000$43,50023%

Workers’ compensation: $10.17 per $100 of wages.

Arkansas

The Natural State offers general liability rates from 0.62% to 2.58% of contractor revenue, with significant savings potential.

Revenue LevelAverage PremiumFavorable PremiumHigher-End PremiumPotential Savings
$500,000$6,000$3,100$12,90048%
$1,000,000$10,100$6,200$17,90039%
$2,500,000$23,600$15,400$42,10035%

Arkansas WC: $6.33 per $100 payroll—among the nation’s lowest.

California

California’s massive construction market shows GL premiums from 0.86% to 1.46% of revenue, with surprisingly competitive rates.

Revenue LevelAverage PremiumFavorable PremiumHigher-End PremiumPotential Savings
$500,000$5,900$4,300$7,30027%
$1,000,000$14,200$12,200$17,50014%
$2,500,000$30,100$29,800$30,4001%

Workers’ comp costs $8.46 per $100 in the Golden State.

Colorado

Mountain contractors experience liability rates between 0.82% and 3.18% of revenue, with Denver’s competitive market offering opportunities.

Revenue LevelAverage PremiumFavorable PremiumHigher-End PremiumPotential Savings
$500,000$7,800$5,000$15,90036%
$1,000,000$12,800$9,400$22,10027%
$2,500,000$28,800$20,500$47,10029%

Colorado WC rate: $7.40 per $100 payroll.

Connecticut

Connecticut’s insurance market prices GL coverage from 0.87% to 3.74% of revenue, reflecting northeast regional trends.

Revenue LevelAverage PremiumFavorable PremiumHigher-End PremiumPotential Savings
$500,000$10,400$7,400$18,70029%
$1,000,000$15,700$8,700$24,80045%
$2,500,000$52,300$35,300$83,60033%

Workers’ compensation runs high at $17.17 per $100.

Delaware

First State contractors find liability insurance ranging from 1.12% to 2.91% of revenue, with mid-Atlantic competitive dynamics.

Revenue LevelAverage PremiumFavorable PremiumHigher-End PremiumPotential Savings
$500,000$8,100$5,600$13,40031%
$1,000,000$16,200$11,900$23,20027%
$2,500,000$48,700$29,700$72,80039%

Delaware’s WC: $9.06 per $100 of payroll.

Florida

The Sunshine State’s booming construction market sees GL rates from 1.00% to 3.80% of revenue across carriers.

Revenue LevelAverage PremiumFavorable PremiumHigher-End PremiumPotential Savings
$500,000$10,100$5,000$19,00050%
$1,000,000$16,600$10,000$27,20040%
$2,500,000$42,400$28,800$64,70032%

Florida workers’ comp: $12.61 per $100 wages.

Georgia

Georgia contractors navigate liability premiums between 0.66% and 2.64% of revenue in this southeastern hub.

Revenue LevelAverage PremiumFavorable PremiumHigher-End PremiumPotential Savings
$500,000$6,000$3,300$13,20045%
$1,000,000$10,200$6,600$18,30035%
$2,500,000$26,600$17,400$43,10035%

Georgia posts the highest WC rate: $43.42 per $100 payroll.

Hawaii

Island contractors see general liability costs from 0.58% to 1.35% of revenue, with unique Pacific market conditions.

Revenue LevelAverage PremiumFavorable PremiumHigher-End PremiumPotential Savings
$500,000$4,600$4,500$6,7502%
$1,000,000$8,400$6,600$9,40021%
$2,500,000$18,900$14,400$23,40024%

Hawaii WC costs $10.60 per $100 in wages.

Idaho

Gem State general contractors find liability rates ranging from 0.71% to 2.52% of revenue, with regional carrier competition.

Revenue LevelAverage PremiumFavorable PremiumHigher-End PremiumPotential Savings
$500,000$5,800$3,900$12,60033%
$1,000,000$8,900$6,000$14,40033%
$2,500,000$23,900$17,700$40,00026%

Idaho workers’ comp: $12.93 per $100 payroll.

Illinois

Chicago-area contractors face GL premiums from 0.96% to 4.16% of revenue, among the widest ranges nationally.

Revenue LevelAverage PremiumFavorable PremiumHigher-End PremiumPotential Savings
$500,000$11,400$5,800$20,80049%
$1,000,000$18,100$10,400$28,40043%
$2,500,000$55,200$24,100$88,60056%

Illinois WC ranks high at $19.23 per $100.

Indiana

Hoosier contractors benefit from competitive rates between 0.82% and 2.92% of revenue for standard coverage.

Revenue LevelAverage PremiumFavorable PremiumHigher-End PremiumPotential Savings
$500,000$7,200$4,700$14,60035%
$1,000,000$12,300$8,700$20,60029%
$2,500,000$28,500$20,600$48,00028%

Indiana offers low WC at $5.56 per $100 payroll.

Iowa

Midwest contractors in Iowa see liability insurance from 0.62% to 2.62% of revenue, with strong savings potential.

Revenue LevelAverage PremiumFavorable PremiumHigher-End PremiumPotential Savings
$500,000$6,300$3,600$13,10043%
$1,000,000$10,400$6,600$17,60037%
$2,500,000$26,100$15,600$41,30040%

Workers’ comp: $9.65 per $100 of wages in Iowa.

Kansas

Sunflower State contractors find GL rates between 0.70% and 2.44% of revenue across the carrier market.

Revenue LevelAverage PremiumFavorable PremiumHigher-End PremiumPotential Savings
$500,000$5,700$3,600$12,20037%
$1,000,000$9,600$7,100$16,60026%
$2,500,000$22,400$17,600$38,80021%

Kansas WC rate: $10.53 per $100 payroll.

Kentucky

Bluegrass contractors navigate liability costs from 0.66% to 3.02% of revenue, with notable savings opportunities.

Revenue LevelAverage PremiumFavorable PremiumHigher-End PremiumPotential Savings
$500,000$7,600$3,800$14,90050%
$1,000,000$12,100$7,200$19,60040%
$2,500,000$36,500$16,600$75,60055%

Kentucky’s workers’ comp: $9.81 per $100.

Louisiana

Bayou State contractors face the highest GL rates, ranging from 2.09% to 4.28% of revenue for standard limits.

Revenue LevelAverage PremiumFavorable PremiumHigher-End PremiumPotential Savings
$500,000$16,000$13,000$19,50019%
$1,000,000$30,300$20,900$36,30031%
$2,500,000$89,700$68,400$107,00024%

Louisiana WC also runs high: $17.76 per $100.

Maine

Pine Tree State contractors see liability premiums from 0.78% to 2.46% of revenue in this New England market.

Revenue LevelAverage PremiumFavorable PremiumHigher-End PremiumPotential Savings
$500,000$6,600$4,600$12,30030%
$1,000,000$11,200$8,500$17,00024%
$2,500,000$25,900$19,400$39,90025%

Maine workers’ compensation: $10.58 per $100.

Maryland

Old Line State contractors find GL coverage priced between 0.62% and 2.30% of revenue, with Baltimore driving competition.

Revenue LevelAverage PremiumFavorable PremiumHigher-End PremiumPotential Savings
$500,000$5,400$3,100$11,50043%
$1,000,000$9,100$6,300$16,50031%
$2,500,000$23,200$15,600$38,60033%

Maryland offers moderate WC at $7.23 per $100.

Massachusetts

Bay State contractors experience liability rates from 0.96% to 2.85% of revenue, reflecting Boston’s construction boom.

Revenue LevelAverage PremiumFavorable PremiumHigher-End PremiumPotential Savings
$500,000$7,600$4,800$13,50037%
$1,000,000$12,300$9,700$19,00021%
$2,500,000$41,700$24,500$71,20041%

Massachusetts WC: competitive at $6.93 per $100.

Michigan

Great Lakes contractors see GL premiums between 0.64% and 3.08% of revenue, with Detroit market dynamics.

Revenue LevelAverage PremiumFavorable PremiumHigher-End PremiumPotential Savings
$500,000$6,000$3,200$12,00047%
$1,000,000$9,700$6,400$16,40034%
$2,500,000$34,900$17,100$77,10051%

Michigan’s workers’ comp costs $10.27 per $100.

Minnesota

Twin Cities contractors find liability insurance ranging from 0.62% to 1.81% of revenue, among the narrower spreads.

Revenue LevelAverage PremiumFavorable PremiumHigher-End PremiumPotential Savings
$500,000$5,200$3,100$7,90040%
$1,000,000$10,500$6,300$18,10040%
$2,500,000$27,200$15,600$42,60043%

Minnesota WC: $11.44 per $100 of payroll.

Mississippi

Magnolia State contractors navigate GL costs from 0.58% to 3.18% of revenue, with exceptional savings potential.

Revenue LevelAverage PremiumFavorable PremiumHigher-End PremiumPotential Savings
$500,000$8,300$4,000$15,90052%
$1,000,000$14,100$5,800$22,70059%
$2,500,000$47,500$31,400$70,30034%

Mississippi’s WC rate: $9.19 per $100 wages.

Missouri

Show-Me State contractors enjoy relatively tight GL ranges from 0.68% to 1.17% of revenue across carriers.

Revenue LevelAverage PremiumFavorable PremiumHigher-End PremiumPotential Savings
$500,000$4,900$3,900$5,85020%
$1,000,000$9,400$7,100$10,60024%
$2,500,000$21,700$17,000$25,70022%

Workers’ compensation: $12.48 per $100 in Missouri.

Montana

Big Sky contractors see liability premiums between 1.00% and 3.04% of revenue in this expansive market.

Revenue LevelAverage PremiumFavorable PremiumHigher-End PremiumPotential Savings
$500,000$6,700$5,200$9,50022%
$1,000,000$11,400$10,400$13,7009%
$2,500,000$36,400$25,100$76,10031%

Montana WC costs $9.85 per $100 payroll.

Nebraska

Cornhusker contractors benefit from low GL rates ranging from 0.38% to 1.08% of revenue—among the nation’s best.

Revenue LevelAverage PremiumFavorable PremiumHigher-End PremiumPotential Savings
$500,000$3,900$3,300$5,40015%
$1,000,000$6,800$4,600$9,60032%
$2,500,000$15,800$9,600$21,10039%

Nebraska’s workers’ comp: $9.15 per $100.

Nevada

Silver State contractors face GL premiums from 1.10% to 3.32% of revenue, reflecting Las Vegas construction activity.

Revenue LevelAverage PremiumFavorable PremiumHigher-End PremiumPotential Savings
$500,000$10,900$6,300$16,60042%
$1,000,000$18,300$11,600$24,50037%
$2,500,000$47,100$27,600$73,90041%

Nevada WC rate: $7.89 per $100 wages.

New Hampshire

Granite State contractors find liability costs between 1.08% and 2.92% of revenue in this New England market.

Revenue LevelAverage PremiumFavorable PremiumHigher-End PremiumPotential Savings
$500,000$8,600$5,800$14,60033%
$1,000,000$14,500$11,300$20,20022%
$2,500,000$33,500$27,000$47,50019%

New Hampshire’s WC: $9.54 per $100 payroll.

New Jersey

Garden State contractors navigate high GL rates from 1.46% to 3.78% of revenue, typical of the tri-state area.

Revenue LevelAverage PremiumFavorable PremiumHigher-End PremiumPotential Savings
$500,000$12,900$10,200$16,10021%
$1,000,000$22,700$14,600$32,30036%
$2,500,000$67,000$44,900$94,60033%

New Jersey WC runs high: $17.09 per $100.

New Mexico

Land of Enchantment contractors see liability insurance from 0.87% to 3.26% of revenue across the carrier market.

Revenue LevelAverage PremiumFavorable PremiumHigher-End PremiumPotential Savings
$500,000$8,100$5,800$16,30028%
$1,000,000$13,700$8,700$22,60036%
$2,500,000$42,400$25,400$68,10040%

New Mexico workers’ comp: $12.78 per $100.

New York

Empire State contractors face premium GL rates from 1.65% to 4.27% of revenue, reflecting NYC’s high costs.

Revenue LevelAverage PremiumFavorable PremiumHigher-End PremiumPotential Savings
$500,000$14,500$11,600$18,20020%
$1,000,000$25,600$16,500$36,40036%
$2,500,000$75,600$50,700$106,70033%

New York’s WC: $11.47 per $100 of wages.

North Carolina

Tar Heel contractors find exceptional GL rate ranges from 0.42% to 2.58% of revenue, with strong competition.

Revenue LevelAverage PremiumFavorable PremiumHigher-End PremiumPotential Savings
$500,000$5,200$2,100$12,90060%
$1,000,000$8,400$4,300$18,20049%
$2,500,000$23,500$12,500$42,80047%

North Carolina WC costs $16.73 per $100 payroll.

North Dakota

Peace Garden State offers moderate GL rates from 0.74% to 1.82% of revenue in this oil boom market.

Revenue LevelAverage PremiumFavorable PremiumHigher-End PremiumPotential Savings
$500,000$4,800$3,700$6,70023%
$1,000,000$10,800$7,400$18,20031%
$2,500,000$26,800$18,600$42,70031%

North Dakota boasts the lowest WC: $3.51 per $100.

Ohio

Buckeye contractors enjoy competitive liability rates from 0.46% to 2.36% of revenue, with Cleveland-Columbus dynamics.

Revenue LevelAverage PremiumFavorable PremiumHigher-End PremiumPotential Savings
$500,000$4,900$2,300$11,80053%
$1,000,000$7,800$4,600$16,10041%
$2,500,000$21,800$13,300$37,60039%

Ohio offers low workers’ comp at $4.59 per $100.

Oklahoma

Sooner State contractors see GL premiums between 0.83% and 2.34% of revenue in this energy-driven market.

Revenue LevelAverage PremiumFavorable PremiumHigher-End PremiumPotential Savings
$500,000$7,500$4,900$11,70035%
$1,000,000$12,600$9,300$16,00026%
$2,500,000$27,800$20,700$37,40026%

Oklahoma’s WC rate: $13.80 per $100 wages.

Oregon

Pacific Northwest contractors find liability costs from 0.61% to 2.23% of revenue, with Portland market influence.

Revenue LevelAverage PremiumFavorable PremiumHigher-End PremiumPotential Savings
$500,000$4,700$3,100$8,70034%
$1,000,000$10,700$6,200$22,30042%
$2,500,000$25,000$15,300$52,70039%

Oregon workers’ comp: competitive at $6.70 per $100.

Pennsylvania

Keystone State contractors navigate GL rates from 0.91% to 3.46% of revenue across Philadelphia and Pittsburgh markets.

Revenue LevelAverage PremiumFavorable PremiumHigher-End PremiumPotential Savings
$500,000$8,600$4,600$17,30047%
$1,000,000$14,500$9,100$24,00037%
$2,500,000$38,100$27,400$57,00028%

Pennsylvania’s WC costs $9.50 per $100 payroll.

Rhode Island

Ocean State contractors face liability premiums from 1.32% to 3.48% of revenue in this compact market.

Revenue LevelAverage PremiumFavorable PremiumHigher-End PremiumPotential Savings
$500,000$10,300$7,700$17,40025%
$1,000,000$16,800$14,000$23,60017%
$2,500,000$48,700$33,000$67,00032%

Rhode Island WC: $9.03 per $100 of wages.

South Carolina

Palmetto State shows the widest GL range nationally—from 1.14% to 5.94% of revenue—creating massive savings opportunities.

Revenue LevelAverage PremiumFavorable PremiumHigher-End PremiumPotential Savings
$500,000$14,300$5,700$29,70060%
$1,000,000$23,100$11,400$40,30051%
$2,500,000$76,600$28,500$116,60063%

South Carolina’s WC ranks high: $21.48 per $100.

South Dakota

Mount Rushmore State contractors see liability costs from 0.88% to 3.28% of revenue in this regional market.

Revenue LevelAverage PremiumFavorable PremiumHigher-End PremiumPotential Savings
$500,000$8,100$5,100$16,40037%
$1,000,000$13,700$8,800$24,20036%
$2,500,000$45,400$25,500$76,90044%

South Dakota workers’ comp: $10.29 per $100.

Tennessee

Volunteer State contractors find GL premiums ranging from 0.60% to 3.14% of revenue, with Nashville growth impact.

Revenue LevelAverage PremiumFavorable PremiumHigher-End PremiumPotential Savings
$500,000$6,500$3,200$15,70051%
$1,000,000$10,700$6,100$21,20043%
$2,500,000$28,600$15,000$50,00048%

Tennessee’s WC rate: $12.84 per $100 wages.

Texas

Lone Star contractors navigate broad GL ranges from 0.80% to 3.34% of revenue across this massive market.

Revenue LevelAverage PremiumFavorable PremiumHigher-End PremiumPotential Savings
$500,000$9,700$4,000$16,70059%
$1,000,000$15,600$8,000$24,20049%
$2,500,000$47,300$26,500$79,30044%

Texas offers exceptional WC rates: $4.39 per $100.

Utah

Beehive State contractors enjoy moderate liability rates from 0.64% to 1.83% of revenue in this growing market.

Revenue LevelAverage PremiumFavorable PremiumHigher-End PremiumPotential Savings
$500,000$4,400$3,600$5,40018%
$1,000,000$10,000$6,700$18,30033%
$2,500,000$26,700$15,900$42,90040%

Utah’s workers’ comp costs $9.90 per $100.

Vermont

Green Mountain contractors see GL premiums between 0.57% and 2.28% of revenue, with rural market characteristics.

Revenue LevelAverage PremiumFavorable PremiumHigher-End PremiumPotential Savings
$500,000$6,200$3,000$11,40052%
$1,000,000$10,200$5,800$16,10043%
$2,500,000$23,400$14,300$37,70039%

Vermont WC: $11.50 per $100 of payroll.

Virginia

Old Dominion contractors benefit from tight GL ranges—0.40% to 0.92% of revenue—among the nation’s most competitive.

Revenue LevelAverage PremiumFavorable PremiumHigher-End PremiumPotential Savings
$500,000$3,300$2,400$4,60027%
$1,000,000$5,900$5,300$6,89010%
$2,500,000$13,500$10,000$16,20026%

Virginia’s workers’ comp: $9.73 per $100 wages.

Washington

Evergreen State contractors find narrow liability spreads from 1.16% to 1.94% of revenue, reflecting stable pricing.

Revenue LevelAverage PremiumFavorable PremiumHigher-End PremiumPotential Savings
$500,000$7,600$6,000$9,70021%
$1,000,000$12,300$12,000$15,6002%
$2,500,000$29,400$28,900$34,6802%

Washington State WC: $8.20 per $100 payroll.

West Virginia

Mountain State contractors see GL costs ranging from 1.08% to 3.47% of revenue in this coal country market.

Revenue LevelAverage PremiumFavorable PremiumHigher-End PremiumPotential Savings
$500,000$9,500$5,400$16,80043%
$1,000,000$15,100$10,900$22,70028%
$2,500,000$51,000$27,200$86,70047%

West Virginia boasts low WC: $5.72 per $100.

Wisconsin

Badger State contractors navigate liability premiums from 0.62% to 2.70% of revenue, with Milwaukee market influence.

Revenue LevelAverage PremiumFavorable PremiumHigher-End PremiumPotential Savings
$500,000$6,800$3,600$13,50047%
$1,000,000$11,100$6,600$18,10041%
$2,500,000$26,600$15,500$42,60042%

Wisconsin’s WC rate: $13.07 per $100 wages.

Wyoming

Cowboy State contractors enjoy GL rates between 0.60% and 2.24% of revenue in this energy-focused market.

Revenue LevelAverage PremiumFavorable PremiumHigher-End PremiumPotential Savings
$500,000$4,700$3,300$5,60030%
$1,000,000$10,000$6,200$16,00038%
$2,500,000$25,500$15,100$37,40041%

Wyoming offers low workers’ comp: $4.31 per $100.

Stop Overpaying for Contractor Insurance—Your Competition Isn’t

This data tells a compelling story: contractors using the same insurers, in the same states, with similar operations are paying dramatically different rates. The difference between favorable and higher-end premiums isn’t about luck—it’s about strategy, negotiation, and having the right tools to compare your options.

Consider what these savings mean for your business. A mid-sized contractor in Texas paying average rates could save $7,600 annually by securing favorable pricing. In South Carolina, that same contractor could pocket over $11,000 in savings. These aren’t theoretical numbers—they represent real contractors who took action to optimize their insurance costs.

But here’s what most contractors don’t realize: securing these favorable rates isn’t about calling dozens of agents or filling out endless applications. The contractors achieving 30-60% savings are using technology to their advantage, comparing multiple quotes instantly and negotiating from a position of knowledge.

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