Find the Best Business Insurance Options in Georgia
Businesses in every industry in Georgia need the right business insurance policy to protect them against many hazards. Georgia is an attractive place for business owners to set up shop thanks to its thriving tourism appeal from its roots in the film industry, among other factors. However, businesses in Georgia are vulnerable to threats like vandalism, shoplifting, cybercrime, and more.
Georgia is currently home to 1.1 million small businesses. Also, the 1.6 million small business employees working in the state deserve to be protected against injury or illness caused by their jobs or work environments. An independent insurance agent in Georgia can help your business get equipped with all the coverage it needs. But for starters, here's a deep dive into Georgia business insurance.
Best Business Insurance Companies in Georgia
Many insurance companies in Georgia offer coverage for businesses of all kinds. But not all of these business insurance companies are created equal. Some offer a better blend of coverage and cost than others. That's why we've selected just a few of our top picks for the best business insurance companies in Georgia.
- Liberty Mutual: Liberty Mutual offers many types of coverage, including several forms of business insurance. Liberty Mutual is also a Fortune 500 company with great ratings from AM Best and the Better Business Bureau (BBB) and offers 24/7 claims reporting.
- Nationwide: Nationwide offers business insurance and many other insurance products. Nationwide also has excellent ratings from both AM Best and the BBB and offers 24/7 claims reporting.
- Progressive: Progressive offers many types of coverage, including business insurance. Progressive also has excellent financial strength ratings, a lot of discount options, and offers 24/7/365 customer service.
- Travelers: Travelers also offers business insurance along with many other kinds of coverage. Travelers also provides excellent customer service and offers many discount options.
A Georgia independent insurance agent can help you browse business insurance options from one of these top-rated local carriers.
Georgia Business Insurance Requirements
Georgia state law requires all businesses that regularly employ at least three workers to carry workers' compensation coverage. This is the only type of business insurance mandated by state law. However, most businesses will want to add more coverage to their policies. Commercial property insurance is a great option to consider to protect your business's structure and inventory against a number of perils. If your business has company vehicles, you'll need to be equipped with commercial auto insurance to protect against theft, damage, or lawsuits caused to or by those company cars.
Georgia law states that your business must have workers' comp if it regularly employs at least three workers. So, the only state-mandated business coverage in Georgia is:
Some optional forms of business insurance coverage in Georgia are:
- Professional liability insurance
- Commercial property insurance
- Cyber liability insurance
- Business income insurance
- Commercial auto insurance
- Commercial general liability insurance
A Georgia independent insurance agent can help you build a business insurance policy that includes all the coverage your company needs.
What Business Insurance Covers in Georgia
All Georgia business insurance policies can be customized. This means that what one business insurance policy covers isn't necessarily what another does. It depends on which coverage you select to go into your policy at the time of purchase. All Georgia business owners may want to at least consider getting more than just workers' comp, and perhaps adding business income insurance, commercial auto insurance, cyber liability insurance, commercial property insurance, and others to their policies. However, a Georgia independent insurance agent can recommend the exact types of coverage that would work best for your unique business depending on its operations.
Liability Coverage Options for Small Businesses in Georgia
Your Georgia business must be protected against all kinds of lawsuits in order to avoid bankruptcy. Any third party can sue your business at any time, which can lead to devastating financial setbacks without the proper coverage. The three major types of business liability coverage to consider in Georgia are:
- Cyber liability insurance: Covers costs of lawsuits related to data breaches and other cybercrimes that may expose or distribute private data like customer credit card numbers.
- Professional liability insurance: Covers costs of lawsuits related to claims of incorrect advice given or services performed by your business.
- Commercial general liability insurance: Covers costs of lawsuits related to third-party claims of bodily injury or personal property damage caused by your business in some way.
A Georgia independent insurance agent will help your business get set up with the right kind of liability coverage.
Property Coverage Options for Small Businesses in Georgia
Businesses in Georgia also need protection for their property, including inventory and physical buildings like storefronts or offices. Consider this type of coverage for your Georgia business:
- Commercial property insurance: Covers costs of theft, damage, or destruction to your business's property, like buildings and inventory.
A Georgia independent insurance agent will help your business get set up with the right amount of property coverage.
Other Insurance Options for Small Business Owners in Georgia
Your Georgia business may require additional forms of coverage to be fully guarded against many types of risks. Here are some additional types of Georgia business coverage to consider:
- Commercial auto insurance: Covers costs related to losses with company vehicles, such as if theft or accidents occur.
- Business income insurance: Covers costs related to temporary closures after a covered event like a fire by providing a continued income stream and employee payroll for your business while it's shut down.
A Georgia independent insurance agent will make sure you get set up with every type of business coverage you need.
Average Cost of Business Insurance in Georgia
The cost of business insurance in Georgia varies based on many different factors, like your business's size and industry. The number of workers you employ will also affect your need for coverage, and therefore, how much you pay for it. The business insurance policy options and limits you select will also impact your premium amount. But one of the biggest factors impacting your business insurance cost is your business's niche and risk level. Businesses that are generally lower-risk, such as clothing stores, will pay much less for their coverage than higher-risk businesses, such as those in the construction industry. Your exact location will also impact premium rates based on your area's risk of storm surges and crime.
National Business Insurance Stats
Number of businesses in the US: 30,819,176
Burglary rate per 1,000 residents in the US: 3.76
Auto theft rate per 1,000 vehicles in the US: 2.29
| City | No. businesses | Burglaries / 1,000 people | Auto thefts / 1,000 cars |
| Albany | 7,385 | 9.72 | 3.12 |
| Alpharetta | 9,144 | 1.44 | 0.67 |
| Atlanta | 64,593 | 6.21 | 6.67 |
| Columbus | 17,405 | 10.72 | 3.54 |
| Dalton | 3,595 | 3.52 | 2.39 |
| Decatur | 4,244 | 2.49 | 1.59 |
| Douglasville | 3,848 | 3.9 | 2.11 |
| Duluth | 5,621 | 2.51 | 0.84 |
| Gainesville | 4,480 | 3.94 | 2.18 |
| Lawrenceville | 8,597 | 5.16 | 1.48 |
| Peachtree City | 3,879 | 1.05 | 0.99 |
| Woodstock | 3,383 | 0.33 | 0.66 |
How Does Your Georgia City Measure Up?
Commercial property: Businesses in Albany need protection for their property, including storefronts, office buildings, and inventory, against many threats like vandalism and crime.
Commercial auto: All businesses with commercial vehicles, whether just one delivery car or a whole fleet of vans that transport goods, should be equipped with this coverage in case of theft, vandalism, accidents, lawsuits, and more.
Workers’ compensation: This coverage is required for all businesses in Albany that regularly employ at least three workers. It covers incidents of employee illness, injury, or death caused by job duties or the work environment, and prevents employees from being able to sue the business for such incidents.
Based on a $100,000 annual payroll, here are some average workers' comp costs for the two leading industries in Albany, GA:
- Manufacturing Industry: $2,870/year
- Retail Trade Industry: $1,330/year
Commercial property: Businesses in Athens need protection for their property, including storefronts, office buildings, and inventory, against many threats like vandalism and crime.
Commercial auto: All businesses with commercial vehicles, whether just one delivery car or a whole fleet of vans that transport goods, should be equipped with this coverage in case of theft, vandalism, accidents, lawsuits, and more.
Workers’ compensation: This coverage is required for all businesses in Athens that regularly employ at least three workers. It covers incidents of employee illness, injury, or death caused by job duties or the work environment, and prevents employees from being able to sue the business for such incidents.
Based on a $100,000 annual payroll, here are some average workers' comp costs for the two leading industries in Athens, GA:
- Educational Services Industry: $2,430/year
- Accommodations and Food Services Industry: $1,500/year
Commercial property: Businesses in Atlanta need protection for their property, including storefronts, office buildings, and inventory, against many threats like vandalism and crime.
Commercial auto: All businesses with commercial vehicles, whether just one delivery car or a whole fleet of vans that transport goods, should be equipped with this coverage in case of theft, vandalism, accidents, lawsuits, and more.
Workers’ compensation: This coverage is required for all businesses in Atlanta that regularly employ at least three workers. It covers incidents of employee illness, injury, or death caused by job duties or the work environment, and prevents employees from being able to sue the business for such incidents.
Based on a $100,000 annual payroll, here are some average workers' comp costs for two leading industries in Atlanta, GA:
- Professional, Scientific, and Technical Services Industry: $900/year
- Retail Trade Industry: $1,330/year
Commercial property: Businesses in Augusta need protection for their property, including storefronts, office buildings, and inventory, against many threats like vandalism and crime.
Commercial auto: All businesses with commercial vehicles, whether just one delivery car or a whole fleet of vans that transport goods, should be equipped with this coverage in case of theft, vandalism, accidents, lawsuits, and more.
Workers’ compensation: This coverage is required for all businesses in Augusta that regularly employ at least three workers. It covers incidents of employee illness, injury, or death caused by job duties or the work environment, and prevents employees from being able to sue the business for such incidents.
Based on a $100,000 annual payroll, here are some average workers' comp costs for the two leading industries in Augusta, GA:
- Construction Industry: $4,760/year
- Healthcare Industry: $1,200/year
Commercial property: Businesses in Columbus need protection for their property, including storefronts, office buildings, and inventory, against many threats like vandalism and crime.
Commercial auto: All businesses with commercial vehicles, whether just one delivery car or a whole fleet of vans that transport goods, should be equipped with this coverage in case of theft, vandalism, accidents, lawsuits, and more.
Workers’ compensation: This coverage is required for all businesses in Columbus that regularly employ at least three workers. It covers incidents of employee illness, injury, or death caused by job duties or the work environment, and prevents employees from being able to sue the business for such incidents.
Based on a $100,000 annual payroll, here are some average workers' comp costs for the two leading industries in Columbus, GA:
- Construction Industry: $4,760/year
- Finance and Insurance Industry: $480/year
Commercial property: Businesses in Decatur need protection for their property, including storefronts, office buildings, and inventory, against many threats like vandalism and crime.
Commercial auto: All businesses with commercial vehicles, whether just one delivery car or a whole fleet of vans that transport goods, should be equipped with this coverage in case of theft, vandalism, accidents, lawsuits, and more.
Workers’ compensation: This coverage is required for all businesses in Decatur that regularly employ at least three workers. It covers incidents of employee illness, injury, or death caused by job duties or the work environment, and prevents employees from being able to sue the business for such incidents.
Based on a $100,000 annual payroll, here are some average workers' comp costs for the two leading industries in Decatur, GA:
- Professional, Scientific, and Technical Services Industry: $900/year
- Educational Services Industry: $2,430/year
Commercial property: Businesses in Duluth need protection for their property, including storefronts, office buildings, and inventory, against many threats like vandalism and crime.
Commercial auto: All businesses with commercial vehicles, whether just one delivery car or a whole fleet of vans that transport goods, should be equipped with this coverage in case of theft, vandalism, accidents, lawsuits, and more.
Workers’ compensation: This coverage is required for all businesses in Duluth that regularly employ at least three workers. It covers incidents of employee illness, injury, or death caused by job duties or the work environment, and prevents employees from being able to sue the business for such incidents.
Based on a $100,000 annual payroll, here are some average workers' comp costs for the two leading industries in Duluth, GA:
- Construction Industry: $4,760/year
- Manufacturing Industry: $2,870/year
Commercial property: Businesses in Macon need protection for their property, including storefronts, office buildings, and inventory, against many threats like vandalism and crime.
Commercial auto: All businesses with commercial vehicles, whether just one delivery car or a whole fleet of vans that transport goods, should be equipped with this coverage in case of theft, vandalism, accidents, lawsuits, and more.
Workers’ compensation: This coverage is required for all businesses in Macon that regularly employ at least three workers. It covers incidents of employee illness, injury, or death caused by job duties or the work environment, and prevents employees from being able to sue the business for such incidents.
Based on a $100,000 annual payroll, here are some average workers' comp costs for the two leading industries in Macon, GA:
- Manufacturing Industry: $2,870/year
- Retail Trade Industry: $1,330/year
Commercial property: Businesses in Roswell need protection for their property, including storefronts, office buildings, and inventory, against many threats like vandalism and crime.
Commercial auto: All businesses with commercial vehicles, whether just one delivery car or a whole fleet of vans that transport goods, should be equipped with this coverage in case of theft, vandalism, accidents, lawsuits, and more.
Workers’ compensation: This coverage is required for all businesses in Roswell that regularly employ at least three workers. It covers incidents of employee illness, injury, or death caused by job duties or the work environment, and prevents employees from being able to sue the business for such incidents.
Based on a $100,000 annual payroll, here are some average workers' comp costs for the two leading industries in Roswell, GA:
- Manufacturing Industry: $900/year
- Finance and Insurance Industry: $480/year
Commercial property: Businesses in Savannah need protection for their property, including storefronts, office buildings, and inventory, against many threats like vandalism and crime.
Commercial auto: All businesses with commercial vehicles, whether just one delivery car or a whole fleet of vans that transport goods, should be equipped with this coverage in case of theft, vandalism, accidents, lawsuits, and more.
Workers’ compensation: This coverage is required for all businesses in Savannah that regularly employ at least three workers. It covers incidents of employee illness, injury, or death caused by job duties or the work environment, and prevents employees from being able to sue the business for such incidents.
Based on a $100,000 annual payroll, here are some average workers' comp costs for the two leading industries in Savannah, GA:
- Accommodations and Food Services Industry: $1,500/year
- Construction Industry: $4,760/year
Georgia Business Insurance FAQs
The cost of a business insurance policy in Georgia isn't standard. Business insurance policy costs in Georgia vary based on many factors, like:
- Your business's industry
- The number of employees you have
- Your business's gross annual sales
- The exact location of your business
- The number of company vehicles you use
- Your business's claims history
Yes, all businesses in Georgia that regularly employ at least three workers must carry workers' comp coverage by state law.
What your Georgia business insurance covers will depend on the types of coverage you select to go into your policy. But you'll want to at least consider adding workers' comp, business income, commercial auto, cyber liability, and commercial property coverage to your policy.
Small business general liability insurance in Georgia covers third-party lawsuits filed against your company for claims of personal property damage or bodily injury. It can reimburse for legal fees like attorney and court costs.
Yes, small business health insurance plans are available for businesses in Georgia with 50 or fewer employees. But if your business has 25 or fewer employees who earn a salary of $50,000 or less per year, you may also qualify for a tax credit.
Our research found that the best small business insurance companies in Georgia this year are Liberty Mutual, Nationwide, Progressive, and Travelers. These companies were selected based on financial strength ratings, customer service reviews, policy options and rates, discount options, and more.
Small businesses in Georgia should at least consider getting workers' comp coverage, commercial property coverage, cyber liability coverage, business interruption coverage, and general liability coverage.
An independent insurance agent in Georgia can help make your coverage journey much easier and smoother. They shop and compare policies from many different Georgia business insurance companies for you. They'll present you with only the options that offer the best blend of coverage and cost.
Do You Know What Your Business Insurance in Georgia Covers?
https://www.ehealthinsurance.com/georgia-health-insurance/health-plans/group-medical
https://sbwc.georgia.gov/frequently-asked-questions/workers-compensation-insurance-faqs