Workers' comp rates in Georgia depend on your industry and team size. Find answers to common coverage questions below.
Best Workers' Comp Insurance in Georgia
With rates starting at $6 monthly, NEXT, The Hartford and Simply Business offer the cheapest and best workers' comp insurance in Georgia.
Compare top Georgia workers’ comp insurance providers and find your ideal coverage.
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Updated: November 20, 2025
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Best Georgia Workers' Comp Insurance: Fast Answers
What are the best and cheapest workers' comp insurance providers in Georgia?
NEXT offers the top cheap workers' compensation insurance in Georgia. The following are the state's cheapest and best workers' comp insurance providers and their average monthly rates:
- NEXT: $70
- The Hartford: $70
- Simply Business: $72
- Coverdash: $74
- biBerk: $76
Is workers' comp insurance required in Georgia?
Georgia mandates workers' comp insurance for businesses with three or more employees, including part-time workers. Sole proprietors, partnerships and companies with fewer than three employees are exempt. Corporate officers can opt out if they own 10% or more of the company. Non-compliance results in fines up to $1,000 per violation plus potential criminal charges.
How much does workers' comp insurance cost in Georgia?
Workers' compensation insurance costs in Georgia run $75 monthly for a two-person business, which breaks down to about $37 per employee. Costs vary based on your industry and payroll. Speech therapists pay the least at $6 monthly per employee, while roofers pay the highest rates at $422 per employee monthly.
How do you get workers' comp insurance in Georgia?
You can get workers' comp coverage in Georgia by:
- Purchase coverage from private insurance carriers licensed in Georgia
- Buy through the assigned risk pool if standard market options aren't available
- Self-insure if your business meets Georgia's strict financial requirements
Many business owners compare quotes online or through brokers to get the best rate and compliance support.
What does Georgia workers' comp insurance cover?
Workers’ compensation in Georgia covers:
- Complete medical expenses for work-related injuries, from emergency room visits in Atlanta to ongoing treatment in Savannah
- Weekly income replacement benefits while employees recover from workplace incidents
- Permanent disability compensation for workers who suffer lasting impairments from job-related accidents
- Survivor benefits for families when workplace fatalities occur, including funeral costs and ongoing financial support
Best Workers' Comp Insurance Companies in Georgia
NEXT leads our rankings for workers' comp insurance in Georgia, delivering top-tier customer support and extensive coverage options that protect businesses comprehensively. The Hartford and Simply Business round out the top three, offering reliable alternatives for small business owners seeking quality protection.
| NEXT Insurance | 4.59 | $70 | 1 | 2 |
| The Hartford | 4.53 | $70 | 2 | 3 |
| Simply Business | 4.50 | $72 | 5 | 1 |
| Coverdash | 4.43 | $74 | 6 | 2 |
| biBERK | 4.42 | $76 | 2 | 5 |
| Nationwide | 4.41 | $82 | 2 | 4 |
| Progressive Commercial | 4.37 | $72 | 7 | 5 |
| Hiscox | 4.35 | $73 | 4 | 6 |
| Thimble | 4.35 | $72 | 8 | 5 |
| Chubb | 4.26 | $86 | 3 | 4 |
How Did We Determine These Rates and Rankings?
These rates are estimates based on MoneyGeek's analysis of small businesses with two employees across 79 major industries. Actual rates vary based on your business location, industry risk factors, claims history, coverage limits and individual insurer underwriting criteria. Contact insurers directly for personalized quotes.
Get Matched to Top Workers' Comp Insurers in Georgia
Select your industry and state to get a customized Georgia workers' comp quote from your top provider match.
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LEARN MORE ABOUT THE BEST BUSINESS INSURANCE IN GEORGIA
Explore the best business insurance providers in Georgia through our guides:
Best Georgia Workers’ Comp Insurance Company Reviews
Review our detailed analysis of the top workers' compensation insurers in Georgia:
NEXT
Best Workers' Comp Insurance in Georgia
MoneyGeek Rating
4.6/ 5
4.4/5Affordability
4.7/5Customer Experience
4.8/5Coverage Points
Average Monthly Workers' Comp Premium
$70We analyzed thousands of workers' compensation quotes from insurers operating in Georgia across 79 industriesWorkers' Comp Digital Experience Score
4.7/5 (1s)Rating based on customer satisfaction with claims handlingWorkers' Comp Customer Likelihood to Be Recommended to Others Score
4.8/5 (1st)Likelihood customers would recommend this provider
The Hartford
Best Georgia Workers' Comp Insurance: Runner Up
MoneyGeek Rating
4.5/ 5
4.4/5Affordability
4.6/5Customer Experience
4.7/5Coverage Points
Average Monthly Workers' Comp Premium
$70Average monthly workers' compensation premium for The Hartford in GeorgiaWorkers' Comp Claims Process Score
4.5/5 (1st)Rating based on customer satisfaction with claims handling experienceWorkers' Comp Customer Likelihood to Be Recommended to Others Score
4.5/5 (2nd)Percentage of customers who would recommend The Hartford to others
Cheapest Workers' Comp Insurance Companies in Georgia
NEXT offers the most affordable workers' compensation insurance in Georgia, priced at $70 per month ($835 annually). This saves you $5 monthly compared to the state's $75 average rate, representing 7% annual savings. The Hartford matches NEXT's $70 monthly rate ($841 annually), while Thimble ranks third at $72 monthly ($858 annually). The table below shows costs from all companies we analyzed.
| NEXT Insurance | $70 | $835 |
| The Hartford | $70 | $841 |
| Thimble | $72 | $858 |
| Progressive Commercial | $72 | $865 |
| Simply Business | $72 | $865 |
| Hiscox | $73 | $871 |
| Coverdash | $74 | $885 |
| biBERK | $76 | $912 |
| Nationwide | $82 | $986 |
| Chubb | $86 | $1,032 |
How Did We Determine These Rates?
These rates represent small businesses with two employees across 79 major industries and focus solely on workers' comp policies. Your actual premium depends on your business location, industry, employee count, claims history, coverage limits and other factors insurers consider.
Cheapest Workers' Comp in Georgia by Industry
NEXT offers the most affordable workers' comp coverage for dental practices at $10 monthly ($124 annually). NEXT leads pricing across 25 industries, including automotive, wedding planning and ad agency sectors. The Hartford ranks as the second-most affordable option, leading in 25 industries including welding, retail and professional services.
| Automotive | NEXT Insurance | $111 | $1,328 |
| Accountants | The Hartford | $19 | $223 |
| Ad Agency | NEXT Insurance | $15 | $177 |
| Auto Repair | Thimble | $143 | $1,711 |
| Barber | NEXT Insurance | $13 | $159 |
| Bakery | Simply Business | $51 | $612 |
| Bounce House | Thimble | $37 | $446 |
| Beauty Salon | NEXT Insurance | $14 | $164 |
| Catering | Chubb | $86 | $1,034 |
| Candle | The Hartford | $37 | $444 |
| Cannabis | Coverdash | $85 | $1,014 |
| Coffee Shop | Progressive Commercial | $44 | $525 |
| Cleaning | The Hartford | $46 | $554 |
| Computer Programming | NEXT Insurance | $27 | $322 |
| Computer Repair | Progressive Commercial | $23 | $270 |
| Contractor | NEXT Insurance | $155 | $1,862 |
| Construction | Thimble | $172 | $2,065 |
| Consulting | Thimble | $28 | $337 |
| Courier | The Hartford | $207 | $2,489 |
| Dental | NEXT Insurance | $10 | $124 |
| Daycare | The Hartford | $13 | $153 |
| DJ | NEXT Insurance | $13 | $158 |
| Drone | Thimble | $25 | $302 |
| Dog Grooming | NEXT Insurance | $61 | $732 |
| Electrical | NEXT Insurance | $54 | $642 |
| Ecommerce | The Hartford | $20 | $242 |
| Excavation | NEXT Insurance | $102 | $1,223 |
| Engineering | The Hartford | $35 | $425 |
| Food Truck | The Hartford | $42 | $504 |
| Florist | The Hartford | $58 | $691 |
| Food | The Hartford | $39 | $471 |
| Gardening | NEXT Insurance | $43 | $519 |
| Funeral Home | NEXT Insurance | $25 | $297 |
| Home-based | The Hartford | $9 | $113 |
| Handyman | Thimble | $90 | $1,083 |
| HVAC | NEXT Insurance | $59 | $714 |
| Hospitality | NEXT Insurance | $65 | $777 |
| Junk Removal | NEXT Insurance | $132 | $1,589 |
| Janitorial | Progressive Commercial | $46 | $553 |
| Jewelry | Simply Business | $28 | $336 |
| Lawyers | NEXT Insurance | $50 | $602 |
| Lawn/Landscaping | Hiscox | $36 | $431 |
| Marine | The Hartford | $143 | $1,717 |
| Manufacturing | Thimble | $55 | $661 |
| Nonprofit | Progressive Commercial | $30 | $354 |
| Massage | Simply Business | $14 | $165 |
| Mortgage Broker | The Hartford | $13 | $155 |
| Moving | NEXT Insurance | $247 | $2,960 |
| Painting | Progressive Commercial | $135 | $1,622 |
| Personal Training | The Hartford | $23 | $276 |
| Party Rental | The Hartford | $34 | $403 |
| Pet | Simply Business | $29 | $352 |
| Pest Control | The Hartford | $66 | $789 |
| Pharmacy | Simply Business | $6 | $72 |
| Pharmacy | The Hartford | $6 | $72 |
| Physical Therapy | The Hartford | $6 | $77 |
| Photography | The Hartford | $16 | $193 |
| Pressure Washing | Coverdash | $84 | $1,007 |
| Plumbing | Thimble | $60 | $722 |
| Real Estate | Thimble | $29 | $346 |
| Retail | The Hartford | $33 | $393 |
| Restaurant | Thimble | $59 | $709 |
| Security | NEXT Insurance | $48 | $578 |
| Roofing | Coverdash | $834 | $10,003 |
| Software | Simply Business | $25 | $300 |
| Snack Bars | Progressive Commercial | $41 | $490 |
| Software | NEXT Insurance | $25 | $300 |
| Speech Therapist | Thimble | $6 | $67 |
| Spa/Wellness | Progressive Commercial | $16 | $193 |
| Tech/IT | NEXT Insurance | $25 | $303 |
| Startup | Progressive Commercial | $12 | $144 |
| Travel | The Hartford | $7 | $78 |
| Transportation | Progressive Commercial | $215 | $2,585 |
| Trucking | NEXT Insurance | $249 | $2,985 |
| Tree Service | The Hartford | $206 | $2,474 |
| Wedding Planning | NEXT Insurance | $26 | $318 |
| Tutoring | NEXT Insurance | $9 | $111 |
| Veterinary | The Hartford | $19 | $223 |
| Welding | NEXT Insurance | $108 | $1,290 |
| Window Cleaning | The Hartford | $195 | $2,344 |
| Wholesale | The Hartford | $37 | $438 |
How Much Is Workers' Comp Insurance in Georgia?
Georgia's workers' comp insurance cost averages $75 monthly ($895 annually), slightly above the national average of $74. Industry rates vary dramatically, with speech therapists paying just $6 monthly ($3 per employee) while roofers face $843 monthly costs ($422 per employee).
| Accountants | $21 | $248 |
| Ad Agency | $16 | $194 |
| Auto Repair | $154 | $1,847 |
| Automotive | $119 | $1,430 |
| Bakery | $55 | $656 |
| Barber | $14 | $171 |
| Beauty Salon | $15 | $178 |
| Bounce House | $40 | $486 |
| Candle | $40 | $483 |
| Cannabis | $85 | $1,015 |
| Catering | $75 | $902 |
| Cleaning | $50 | $596 |
| Coffee Shop | $48 | $572 |
| Computer Programming | $29 | $346 |
| Computer Repair | $24 | $290 |
| Construction | $184 | $2,208 |
| Consulting | $31 | $366 |
| Contractor | $169 | $2,022 |
| Courier | $229 | $2,743 |
| DJ | $14 | $172 |
| Daycare | $14 | $163 |
| Dental | $11 | $135 |
| Dog Grooming | $66 | $789 |
| Drone | $27 | $326 |
| Ecommerce | $22 | $263 |
| Electrical | $58 | $695 |
| Engineering | $39 | $465 |
| Excavation | $109 | $1,311 |
| Florist | $62 | $740 |
| Food | $43 | $513 |
| Food Truck | $46 | $553 |
| Funeral Home | $27 | $329 |
| Gardening | $48 | $571 |
| HVAC | $64 | $766 |
| Handyman | $96 | $1,150 |
| Home-based | $10 | $122 |
| Hospitality | $70 | $842 |
| Janitorial | $49 | $592 |
| Jewelry | $30 | $365 |
| Junk Removal | $143 | $1,714 |
| Lawn/Landscaping | $38 | $460 |
| Lawyers | $53 | $639 |
| Manufacturing | $59 | $713 |
| Marine | $154 | $1,843 |
| Massage | $15 | $178 |
| Mortgage Broker | $14 | $168 |
| Moving | $266 | $3,195 |
| Nonprofit | $32 | $387 |
| Painting | $144 | $1,725 |
| Party Rental | $37 | $448 |
| Personal Training | $25 | $304 |
| Pest Control | $71 | $856 |
| Pet | $31 | $375 |
| Pharmacy | $6 | $78 |
| Photography | $17 | $210 |
| Physical Therapy | $7 | $84 |
| Plumbing | $65 | $782 |
| Pressure Washing | $84 | $1,008 |
| Real Estate | $31 | $367 |
| Restaurant | $64 | $766 |
| Retail | $36 | $431 |
| Roofing | $843 | $10,119 |
| Security | $53 | $635 |
| Snack Bars | $44 | $530 |
| Software | $27 | $320 |
| Spa/Wellness | $18 | $211 |
| Speech Therapist | $6 | $73 |
| Startup | $13 | $157 |
| Tech/IT | $28 | $331 |
| Transportation | $231 | $2,776 |
| Travel | $7 | $85 |
| Tree Service | $224 | $2,688 |
| Trucking | $274 | $3,291 |
| Tutoring | $10 | $122 |
| Veterinary | $20 | $239 |
| Wedding Planning | $29 | $347 |
| Welding | $118 | $1,413 |
| Wholesale | $40 | $483 |
| Window Cleaning | $213 | $2,550 |
Georgia Workers' Comp Insurance Cost Factors
These cost factors affect workers' compensation insurance rates in Georgia:
Drug-Free Workplace Program Discount
Georgia's Drug-Free Workplace Program gives certified employers a 7.5% premium discount. This program works because substance abusers file three to five times more workers' comp claims and cost 300% more in medical expenses. Georgia's 7.5% discount beats the 5% most other states offer, and certification costs just $35 annually. For a business paying $2,500 in premiums, you save $187 each year.
Industry Composition Impact
Georgia employs significant numbers in construction, manufacturing, logistics and health care. These high-risk industries drive up average workers' comp rates across the state. Georgia projects construction employment will grow 7.2% by 2029 and leads the nation in advanced manufacturing growth. Research shows that 44.5% of construction claims originate from workers with less than one year of experience, and this influx of inexperienced workers contributes to elevated rates.
NCCI Rate Setting
Georgia uses the National Council on Compensation Insurance to set rates based on actual claims data from businesses operating in the state. Your rates reflect real Georgia injury experience, not national averages. Georgia's index rate dropped from $2.27 per $100 of payroll in 2018 to $1.64 in 2020. These swings show how Georgia's costs respond to legislative changes and local claim trends.
2013 Reform Impact
Georgia's 2013 reform capped medical benefits at 400 weeks for non-catastrophic injuries. Before this cap, claims could generate unlimited medical costs over many years. The 400-week limit lets insurers predict their maximum exposure more accurately. Lower and predictable claim costs mean lower premiums for you. This reform helped drive Georgia's rate drop from $2.27 to $1.64 per $100 of payroll.
Medical Provider Network Requirements
You must post a panel of at least six physicians or use a State Board-certified Managed Care Organization. Emergency room costs in Georgia hit $2,100 per day in 2020, up from $1,665 in 2015. Your physician panel directs injured employees to providers who understand workers' comp protocols and cost containment. These providers coordinate care efficiently and avoid unnecessary treatments that drive up your premiums.
Labor Shortage Impact
Construction and manufacturing sectors face severe worker shortages in Georgia. Even if every unemployed person with manufacturing experience returned to work, the industry would only fill 65% of vacant jobs. You end up hiring inexperienced workers who carry higher injury risk. Research shows 44.5% of construction claims came from workers with less than one year's experience. More claims mean higher EMR scores and increased premiums at renewal.
Georgia State Fund (Assigned Risk Pool)
Georgia contracts with NCCI to run its Assigned Risk Plan for businesses that can't get private coverage. You land here with poor claims history or high-hazard operations. State Fund rates run 25% to 50% higher than voluntary market rates because the pool contains only the riskiest businesses. Maintaining a good safety record and shopping the voluntary market aggressively helps you avoid these significantly higher costs.
Immigrant Workforce Considerations
Georgia employs more immigrant workers in manufacturing than any other state industry. Language barriers in safety communication increase injury risk. Workers who don't fully understand machine lockout procedures or chemical hazard warnings get injured more often. These injuries drive up your claims costs and EMR. Implementing multilingual safety programs, visual aids and effective cross-language communication reduces claim frequency and lowers your costs.
How Much Workers' Comp Insurance Do I Need in Georgia?
Georgia doesn't set a specific dollar amount for required workers' compensation coverage. Your policy must cover statutory benefits mandated by state law when you have three or more employees, including part-time and seasonal workers. Coverage pays two-thirds of injured workers' average weekly wages up to $800 per week and covers all authorized medical treatment for 400 weeks. Catastrophic injuries receive lifetime benefits.
Your actual premium depends on your total payroll and industry classification code. Georgia uses NCCI rates ranging from $0.81 per $100 of payroll for clerical work to $7.23 for roofing. Skipping coverage results in fines up to $10,000 and possible jail time.
Georgia Workers' Comp Insurance Exemptions
While you're required to have coverage in Georgia, some business categories are exempt from workers' comp requirements:
- Businesses with fewer than three employees: Georgia only requires workers' comp when you regularly employ three or more people, including part-timers and seasonal workers.
- Up to five corporate officers or LLC members can opt out: Officers and LLC members get automatic coverage, but up to five can file Form WC-10 to exempt themselves (though they still count toward your three-employee threshold).
- Sole proprietors and partners (can opt in): You're automatically exempt as a sole proprietor or partner, but you can choose coverage by filing Form WC-10 with your insurance carrier.
- Farm labor employers (can opt in for workers): Agricultural employers generally don't need to cover farmworkers, but you can voluntarily provide coverage by filing Form WC-10.
- Independent contractors: 1099 contractors aren't covered under your workers' comp policy and need to get their own coverage if they want protection.
- Domestic workers: Employees working in private homes like nannies, housekeepers and caregivers don't fall under Georgia's workers' comp requirements.
- Casual or temporary workers: Workers you hire for short-term or irregular jobs outside your normal business operations may not qualify for coverage.
- Railroad employees: Railroad workers get coverage through the Federal Employers Liability Act (FELA) instead of Georgia's state system.
- Federal government employees: Federal workers receive coverage through the Federal Workers' Compensation Program rather than state workers' comp.
FEDERAL WORKERS' COMP PROGRAMS OVERRIDE STATE REQUIREMENTS
Federal civilian employees in Georgia receive benefits through the Federal Employees' Compensation Act (FECA) rather than the state's workers' compensation system. Railroad workers get coverage under the Federal Employers' Liability Act (FELA), and maritime workers are protected by the Longshore and Harbor Workers' Compensation Act.
Georgia longshoremen can file claims under both state and federal law, but they can't collect duplicate benefits for the same injury.
Independent contractors and unpaid volunteers don't qualify for Georgia workers' compensation because state law doesn't classify them as employees.
How to Get the Best Workers' Comp Insurance in Georgia
Get workers' comp insurance with the right provider at the best price.
- 1Determine if you need workers' comp coverage in Georgia
Georgia law requires businesses with three or more employees to carry workers' compensation insurance. This threshold includes part-time, full-time and seasonal workers. Corporate officers and LLC members count toward this requirement even if they opt out of coverage. Sole proprietors and partners don't count as employees but can elect coverage by filing Form WC-10. Independent contractors don't qualify under Georgia law.
- 2Gather your business information
Get quotes from at least three insurers to compare your business insurance costs accurately. Georgia doesn't operate a state fund. The National Council on Compensation Insurance administers Georgia's Assigned Risk Plan for businesses that can't find coverage through private carriers. Shop around because the cost of your coverage varies significantly between carriers, even for identical classification codes.
- 3Request workers' comp quotes from multiple carriers
Once you have quotes, focus on insurers who understand your specific business risks. Georgia requires employers to provide either a Panel of Physicians with at least six doctors or contract with a certified Managed Care Organization. Construction companies should prioritize carriers experienced with Georgia's workers' comp requirements and return-to-work programs.
- 4Research providers with industry experience
Once you have quotes, focus on insurers who understand your specific business risks beyond simply offering cheap business insurance rates. Georgia requires employers to provide either a Panel of Physicians with at least six doctors or contract with a certified Managed Care Organization. Construction companies should prioritize carriers experienced with Georgia's workers' comp requirements and return-to-work programs.
- 5Evaluate your top provider options
Look into each insurer's track record to determine which offers the best insurance for your business:
- Check claim processing times and complaint history with Georgia's Office of Insurance and Safety Fire Commissioner
- Verify if the insurer offers Panel of Physicians or Managed Care Organization options, which have been available in Georgia since the workers' comp law was established
- Ask about the insurer's experience with Georgia's panel requirements, including the mandate for at least one orthopedic physician
- Choose carriers offering return-to-work programs and safety consultations that help reduce your long-term costs
- 6Review and purchase your workers' compensation policy
Read policy terms carefully, focusing on coverage limits, exclusions and renewal conditions specific to Georgia regulations. Consider pay-as-you-go workers' comp structures if you have seasonal employees or fluctuating payroll. Pay-as-you-go options have low upfront premiums and let you make payments based on actual payroll. Georgia requires employers to post their Panel of Physicians and the State Board Bill of Rights in prominent workplace locations.
- 7Reassess before annual renewal
Before your policy renews, review how your business has changed. Check your employee count and experience modification rate, which NCCI calculates based on your claims history. Georgia passed workers' compensation reform in 2013 that placed a 400-week medical cap on non-catastrophic injuries. Your rates can still increase at renewal even without claims because Georgia insurers can apply policy credits and debits up to 25%.
Best Georgia Workers' Compensation Insurance: Bottom Line
NEXT, The Hartford and Simply Business rank as georgia's top workers' comp insurers. Businesses should research each company's service quality, maximize discounts and select coverage that fits your budget.
About Mark Fitzpatrick
Mark Fitzpatrick, a Licensed Property and Casualty Insurance Producer, is MoneyGeek's resident Personal Finance Expert. With over five years of experience analyzing the insurance market, he conducts original research and creates tailored content for all types of buyers. His insights have been featured in publications like CNBC, NBC News and Mashable.
Fitzpatrick holds a master’s degree in economics and international relations from Johns Hopkins University and a bachelor’s degree from Boston College. He's also a five-time Jeopardy champion!
He writes about economics and insurance, breaking down complex topics so people know what they're buying.
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- Georgia Department of Industrial Relations. "Independent Contractors." Accessed November 27, 2025.
- Georgia Division of Workers' Compensation. "DWC Employer Information." Accessed November 27, 2025.
- NEXT. "Ergo Gains Access to the U.S. Market With the Full Acquisition of NEXT." Accessed November 27, 2025.
- PR Newswire. "Simply Business Partners With Employers® to Expand Workers' Compensation Offering for Small Business Customers." Accessed November 27, 2025.
- PR Newswire. "Simply Business Partners With SolePro to Offer Unique Owner-Excluded Workers' Compensation to Small Business Customers." Accessed November 27, 2025.
- PR Newswire. "Simply Business Teams Up With Cerity® to Offer Workers' Compensation Coverage to Small Business Customers." Accessed November 27, 2025.
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