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Georgia workers' compensation insurance: Your guide to requirements and getting a policy
If you’re a Georgia employer looking to protect both your business and your team, you’re in the right place. At Beyond, we provide the essential information you need to understand how workers’ compensation works and how to stay compliant.
Workers’ compensation acts as a financial safety net – for both businesses and employees. If an employee gets hurt or falls ill due to work, the insurance typically helps cover medical bills, lost wages, and rehabilitation. For employers, it offers legal protection from most lawsuits related to job-related injuries or illnesses.
Most Georgia businesses with three or more employees – whether full-time, part-time, or seasonal—are required by law to carry workers’ compensation coverage. If your company is a corporation or LLC, corporate officers and members count toward this total even if they’ve exempted themselves from receiving coverage.
Yes. Sole proprietors and business partners aren’t required to have coverage but can opt in voluntarily. Other exceptions include railroad workers, farm laborers, domestic employees, and federal employees.
In Georgia, standard policies include:
Partial wage replacement
Coverage for medical care
Rehabilitation services for job-related injuries or occupational illnesses
Employees should report any incident to a supervisor as soon as possible. Legally, they must notify their employer within 30 days or they may forfeit their right to benefits.
Employers are then responsible for completing Form WC-1, known as the Employer’s First Report of Injury or Occupational Disease.
There are a few options:
Purchase a policy from a licensed private insurance carrier
Apply to become self-insured (requires approval from the State Board of Workers’ Compensation)
To self-insure, employers must submit:
An application
Three years of audited financial statements
A $500 non-refundable fee
A surety bond or letter of credit (usually at least $250,000)
Skipping workers’ comp can be costly – and even criminal.
Penalties may include:
$500 to $5,000 per violation
Civil fines between $1,000 and $10,000 for false claims or misrepresentation
Criminal charges, including fines up to $10,000 or 12 months in jail, or both
Responsibility for all uncovered medical costs, legal fees, and even 10% extra in wage compensation
Important: You can’t deduct workers’ comp premiums from employee wages.
To stay compliant, you must post:
The State Board of Workers’ Compensation Bill of Rights
A list of authorized physicians (P1 or P3 form)
The name of your insurance provider—or a certificate of self-insurance if applicable
All of these must be placed in a clearly visible area. For posters, call 404-656-3870.
Here are some helpful resources:
Having a policy isn’t just about following the rules. It protects your people and your business. Employees get the care they need. Employers get peace of mind knowing they’re protected from lawsuits and financial risk.
If you’re ready to set up workers’ compensation coverage or just want help understanding your options, Beyond is here to support you.
