Workers' Compensation Insurance Laws in Georgia
Each state has its own rules and regulations surrounding insurance coverage. In Georgia, your business's workers' compensation insurance is necessary when you have three or more employees. Any company found without proper protection that meets the state minimum limits or greater could face severe penalties. Having the right coverage is needed when you own and run an operation.
What Does Workers' Compensation Cover in Georgia?
Georgia workers' compensation insurance will help pay for the medical expenses and lost wages of an employee who is injured or becomes ill on the job. This includes the following incidents:
- Traumatic injuries
- Repetitive injuries
- Some mental or cognitive injuries
- Occupational illnesses/diseases
What Doesn't Workers' Compensation Cover in Georgia?
As with a business policy, your Georgia workers' compensation insurance will come with some exclusions. Check out the most common incidents not covered below:
- Intentional injuries or illnesses
- Injuries or illnesses sustained outside of work
- Injuries or illnesses sustained while committing a crime
- Injuries or illnesses sustained under the influence of drugs or alcohol
Common Workers' Compensation Claims in Georgia
The Top 5 industries with the most fatal occupational injuries:
- Construction
- Transportation and warehousing
- Manufacturing
- Crop farming
- Landscaping
The Top 6 most reported fatal occupational injuries:
- Violence and other injuries by persons or animals
- Transportation incidents
- Fires
- Falls, slips, trips
- Exposure to harmful substances or environments
- Contact with objects and equipment
In one recent year, 193 workers' compensation claims in Georgia turned fatal. This means the proper protection for your business is vital. Workers' compensation can help pay for funeral expenses if they arise.
What Are the Best Workers' Compensation Insurance Companies in Georgia?
| Top Workers' Compensation Insurance Companies | Star Rating |
| Travelers |  |
| Encova | |
| Nationwide | |
| ICW Group | |
| Builders & Tradesmen's Insurance |  |
| Liberty Mutual | |
How Much Does Workers' Compensation Insurance Cost in Georgia?
The price for your Georgia workers' compensation policy will vary. Workers' compensation premiums fall within a preset range for each job type. Some examples of current Georgia workers' compensation rates (per $100 of employer payroll) are listed below:
| Industry | Lower Cost | Higher Cost |
| Farming Planting & Harvesting-Cannabis Growers | $1.95 | $9.26 |
| Landscaping Service | $5.10 | $24.23 |
| Tree Trimming-Pruning-Removal | $10.34 | $49.13 |
| Residential Cleaning Service-Housekeepers | $3.86 | $18.34 |
| Breweries-Craft Beers | $0.88 | $4.18 |
National Average Cost of Workers' Compensation Insurance
Healthcare $1,825 Per $100,000 payroll
Retail Trade $2,850 Per $100,000 payroll
Construction $7,430 Per $100,000 payroll
FAQ: Workers' Compensation Insurance in Georgia
What is workers' compensation insurance?
Georgia workers' compensation insurance is required by state law and helps protect business owners and employees. This policy pays for the medical expenses and lost wages of employees who get injured or become ill on the job.
Is workers' compensation required in Georgia?
Employers with three or more employees are required to carry workers' compensation insurance in Georgia. If your business is found not compliant, then you could face hefty fines or even jail time.
How can you acquire a workers' compensation certificate in Georgia?
A Georgia certificate of insurance provides proof of coverage to an inquiring recipient. This evidence of insurance will show your workers' compensation and other business policy limits and expiration dates. You can obtain a certificate from your local insurance adviser.
Why shop workers' compensation insurance with a Georgia independent agent?
A Georgia independent insurance agent works with dozens of top-rated carriers at once, making shopping for workers' compensation coverage easy. They compare policies, prices, and limits for free so that you don't have to.
Is workers' compensation taxable in Georgia?
No. Your employee's workers' compensation benefits are not usually taxable income in Georgia.