Workers’ Comp Insurance GA

An A-Z guide on everything you need to know before you purchase a Georgia Workers' Comp Insurance Policy

Georgia is proud of its strong commitment to keep its workers safe. Their workers’ compensation laws are a great example of that commitment. They keep over 5 million employees safe while shielding more than 300,000 employers from liability should an accident happen in the workplace.

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Required with

3 employee

Sole Proprietors are not required

Officers of an INC & members of an LLC are counted as employees for coverage minimum

Is workers’ comp insurance required in Georgia?

Yes. If you are an employer in Georgia with three or more employees, you are required to provide workers’ comp coverage. This includes part-time employees that are employed on a regular basis.

LLC officers or members of an incorporated company are considered part of the employee count. Even if they waive coverage, they’re still counted as part of the employee count to see if you need to provide workers' compensation insurance.

Georgia law allows up to 5 officers or members of an LLC to waive coverage on themselves.

Do you need workers’ compensation coverage if you're self-employed?

Self-employed individuals, also known as sole proprietors, are not required to obtain workers’ comp coverage.

Who is exempt from Georgia workers’ comp requirements?

There are some categories of workers that are exempt from Georgia’s workers’ compensation law. Exempt categories include federal employees, railroad employees, farmers and farm laborers. Also, large companies have the option of self-insuring.

How much is workers’ comp coverage in Georgia?

Your Georgia workers’ comp rate will depend on the following factors:

The type of business you have
The size of your payroll
Your safety record
Claim history

How can Georgia small business owners save money on workers' comp?

“Why do I always seem to pay more than I expected for my workers comp insurance?” This question is asked by almost every executive I meet.” David R. Leng, author of “Stop being frustrated and overcharged year after year by your workers’ compensation program”

Many small business owners don’t realize that they can reduce their workers’ comp costs! Here are some easy ways to save.

Classify your workers correctly: Make sure your employees are assigned to the proper job role, or class code. An incorrect class code can bring your premium up. There are many nuances you need to understand, so having an expert on your side is critical.
Ask to have dividends applied: This one quick call to your agent can save you lots of money. This up-to-5% credit can usually be applied post-audit if there are minimal or no claims.

There are also credit programs you can set up in your business. These efforts can take a bit more time - but are well worth the effort in terms of workers’ comp savings. Here are some of the most common credit programs available in most states:

Safety program: This can include daily and monthly safety meetings, tool box meetings, and constant review of OSHA protocols.
Return-to-work (RTW) program: This means that in case of injury the employee can still work for the company in light duty work while the employee is recuperating.
Drug and alcohol-free workplace program: This is a formal program and typically includes a written policy and random testing.

Lastly, be vigilant about claims: Having fewer claims lowers your Experience Modification Rate (Ex-Mod) which directly reduces your premium.

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How does workman’s comp work in GA?

Workers’ comp rates vary according to state and are based on your industry and payroll size.

Here’s a quick overview of the lifecycle of a workers’ comp policy: When you buy a policy, you will be asked to estimate your payroll for the year. The insurance company will use that estimate to determine your premium. At the end of the policy term, which is usually one year, your insurance company will preform an audit to determine your actual payroll. Depending on the results, you may receive a refund or a bill.

Keeping accurate record of your payroll throughout the year is essential. It will make sure that you get back any money coming to you and will save you from getting slapped with a big bill at audit.

What does workers’ comp cover in Georgia?

Workers who file a workers' comp claim in Georgia can receive benefits for the following:

Medical bills

Medical bills, physical therapy, prescriptions, and necessary travel expenses for any work-related injury. They may also be entitled to medical and vocational rehabilitation. If the injury is catastrophic in nature, they may be entitled to lifetime medical benefits.

Lost Wages

Lost wages for time missed due to the illness or injury

Death Benefits

Death benefits, including funeral and burial costs. In some cases, the family and loved ones of the deceased employee may receive financial assistance.

Workers' comp coverage also protects employers from legal action. This means that if an employee sues your business because of a workplace injury, the insurance will cover the legal costs of the case.

How to get workers’ comp insurance in Georgia

Employers can purchase workers’ compensation insurance from any insurance company that is licensed in the state of GA. Kickstand Insurance offers insurance throughout Georgia. Large businesses may have the option to apply for self-insurance.

What can happen if I don’t have workers’ comp insurance in GA?

An employer who doesn’t follow workers’ comp laws in Georgia can face both civil and criminal charges.

Employers who make false of misleading statements to obtain or deny benefits can be fined between $1,000 and $10,000 per violation. If they fail to have workers’ compensation insurance, the penalty can range from $500 to $5,000, as determined by the State Board of Workers’ Compensation.

Employers who don't carry workers’ compensation insurance can be charged with a misdemeanor. Plus, anyone who lies about their coverage status may face criminal charges, including up to 12 months in prison.

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FAQS

What are workers’ comp death benefits in GA?

Funeral and Burial Costs: Reasonable compensation for burial and funeral expenses are provided to the surviving spouse or family, up to $7,500.
Lost Wages: Dependents receive two-thirds of a deceased employee’s average weekly wage or a maximum of $725.00 per week for death on or after July 1, 2022. Dependents are the surviving spouse, children, or dependent stepchildren.

A widowed spouse with no children is limited to a total compensation amount of $270,000.

How do workers’ comp settlements work in GA?

In GA, most settlements are paid in a lump sum. However, the insurance company might agree to a structured settlement instead. This type of settlement is more common when a worker has serious injuries that are permanent and require long-term care. Instead of receiving one large sum, payments are scheduled over a period of time, such as monthly, annually, or every few years.

The State Board of Workers' Compensation in Georgia must approve all workers' comp settlements. Once the employee and the insurance company have agreed on the settlement terms, the board reviews all pertinent documents and typically approves the settlement. After that, the employee begins to receive payment according to the agreed-upon schedule.

What are the statutes of limitations regarding workers’ comp in GA?

In GA, any employee filing a workers’ comp claim must do so within one year of the date of injury.

Additionally, they must notify their employer about it within 30 days of the accident.

How do I get a workers’ comp insurance policy with Kickstand Insurance?

Start by filling out a short online form about your business. We’ll use that info to get you an estimated quote. Then, one of our experienced agents will contact you to review the quote and make sure you are getting the absolutely lowest rate possible for your business. Once the quote is finalized, you’re ready to buy the policy - often with coverage starting that day!

Ready: Fill out an online form. It only takes 5 minutes!
Set: One of our agents will contact you to review the quote.
Go: You can get covered starting today!

Workers’ Comp Insurance GA