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Did you know that 97.7% of Georgia’s businesses are small businesses? We understand that finding the best business insurance for your Georgia business can be difficult and time-consuming. Whether you own an electrical business in Atlanta, a swimming pool service in Marietta, or a lawn care service in Decatur, we can help you find the perfect coverage for your specific needs. So what business insurance coverages do you need?
The state of Georgia requires all employers with three or more—full-time or part-time employees—to carry workers’ compensation insurance. Likewise, if a contractor hires subcontractors, he or she is responsible to carry workers’ compensation for them if they don’t already have it.
Georgia also requires any businesses that use vehicles for commercial use to obtain commercial auto insurance with specific coverages. Georgia does not require businesses to get general liability insurance, though some states do.
Though they aren’t legally required there are a few types of business insurance anyone should consider for the risks they face.
A business owner’s policy (BOP) is a great way for small business owners in Georgia to save money on necessary coverage. A typical BOP consists of general liability insurance, commercial property insurance, and business interruption insurance. An insurance company will often offer a BOP at a more affordable price than purchasing each type of insurance separately.
Commercial flood insurance is offered through the National Flood Insurance Program (NFIB). If you’re in an area that’s usually hit with heavy storms and flooding, you want to consider protecting your business with this insurance policy. Almost all forms of flooding are excluded from commercial property insurance. So any damage caused directly by flooding or rising water would be your responsibility. Anyone in a flood zone needs this insurance.
Commercial auto insurance is necessary when you use any type of vehicle while conducting business. Are you a trucker? Do you make deliveries? Do you drive to meet clients for meetings? Georgia requires you to get commercial insurance that satisfies these requirements:
Keep in mind that these are just minimum requirements and you can opt for coverage that will provide more of a cushion in the case of an accident. Likewise, personal auto policies will exclude coverage if you're in an accident and were working.
As mentioned earlier, if your Georgia business has three or more employees, you need to carry workers’ compensation insurance. Workers’ compensation helps pay for your employee’s medical treatment if they are injured at work (or become ill due to a work-related exposure). It can also help pay a portion of their lost wages until they’re able to return to work.
Employment Practices Liability Insurance (EPLI) protects small business owners and other management (specified in the policy) if they’re accused of workplace harassment, discrimination, wrongful termination, etc.
If you offer professional services or give professional advice as part of your services, you need professional liability insurance (also referred to as errors and omissions insurance). If you’re accused of making a professional error, negligence, etc. you can be sued for either personal or physical damages. If you have professional liability insurance coverage, your insurance company will provide you with legal representation, cover legal costs and legal expenses, and pay out any necessary monetary settlements.
Do you run an online business or offer online purchases? Or store customer information? If you handle any customer information (name, phone numbers, credit card information, addresses) you need to do your best to protect it. If you have cyber liability insurance and you’re hacked or the subject of a cyber attack, your insurance company can help you clean up the mess. They’ll help you notify affected customers, provide them with credit monitoring, and even pay any ransom demands.
What you pay an insurance company for coverage for your small business depends on a variety of factors. Here are a few just to give you an idea of the information you’ll need to provide the insurance agent you're working with:
Due to all of these factors—even the insurance company you choose—the price you pay for business insurance can vary wildly from the next business. Because of this, we recommend speaking with an insurance agent to get an accurate quote for coverage.
Let us help you protect your business and keep your mind at ease. At CommercialInsurance.Net, our mission is to help medium and small businesses manage risk by finding business insurance quotes at a reasonable price. To get a competitive insurance quote, complete the form at the top of the page. Or, give us a call at 877-907-5267! One of our specialists will contact you soon.
