Get the right commercial insurance for your Atlanta business
Which insurance policies are recommended for Atlanta businesses?
General liability insurance
A general liability policy protects Atlanta businesses from lawsuits related to customer accidents, defamation, and copyright infringement. Most commercial leases require this coverage.
- Customer injuries at your business
- Damages to a customer's property
- Libel and other advertising injuries
Professional liability insurance
This policy covers the cost of lawsuits related to mistakes and oversights. It's also called errors and omissions (E&O) insurance.
- Mistakes that cause financial loss
- Accusations of professional negligence
- Missed deadlines
Cyber insurance
Cyber liability covers costs related to a data breach or cyberattack at your business. Every Atlanta business that handles credit cards or other personal information should carry this coverage.
- Customer notification costs
- Fraud monitoring services
- Data breach investigations
Business owner’s policy
A BOP bundles general liability coverage and business property insurance together at a discount. It's the policy most often recommended for small businesses in Atlanta.
- Customer bodily injuries
- Damaged business property
- Business interruption coverage
Workers’ compensation insurance
Workers’ comp insurance is required for all Atlanta businesses that have three or more employees. It also protects sole proprietors from costs that personal health insurance might deny.
- Medical bills from employee injuries
- Disability benefits
- Workplace injury lawsuits
Commercial auto insurance
All vehicles owned by Atlanta businesses must be covered by commercial auto insurance. This policy covers auto accident injuries and property damage.
- Medical expenses from an accident
- Property damage caused by your vehicle
- Auto accident lawsuits
Errors and omissions insurance
Consultants and professional services in Atlanta carry this coverage to protect against legal costs from clients harmed by your advice or services. It's sometimes called professional liability insurance.
- Errors and oversights
- Late or incomplete work
- Negligence accusations
Commercial property insurance
This policy covers the cost of repair or replacement of your building's physical structure and its contents. Bundle it with general liability coverage in a BOP for savings.
- Storm damage
- Fires
- Theft and vandalism
Commercial umbrella insurance
An umbrella policy provides coverage once the limit is reached on your underlying general liability, commercial auto, or employer's liability policy.
- Customer lawsuits
- Auto accident lawsuits
- Employee injury lawsuits
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Which business insurance policies are required in Atlanta?
State and local laws can determine the type of coverage you need. These policies help you comply with Georgia business insurance requirements.
Workers' compensation insurance
The state of Georgia workers’ compensation law requires this coverage for all businesses that regularly employ three or more people. That includes both full-time and part-time employees, regardless of their weekly wage.
Businesses must either purchase a policy through an insurance company or get permission to self-insure their company.
Workers' compensation pays for medical expenses from job-related injuries and illnesses. It also provides disability benefits for injured Atlanta workers.
Commercial auto insurance
Georgia state law requires commercial auto insurance for all vehicles that are owned by a business. This insurance policy pays for medical bills, legal fees, and property damage after an auto accident.
Atlanta businesses must meet the state's requirements for auto liability coverage, which are:
- $25,000 per person bodily injury liability
- $50,000 per accident bodily injury liability
- $25,000 per accident property damage liability
Keep in mind that this is the minimum you're required to carry. It's worth considering higher limits, given the potential cost of a lawsuit. Trucking companies also may need more coverage to comply with regulations.
If you need business insurance coverage for personal, rented, or leased vehicles used for travel to job sites or work-related errands, you may want to consider a hired and non-owned auto policy instead.
How much does business insurance in Atlanta cost?
Small businesses in Atlanta don't have to pay a lot for commercial insurance. Here are a few average costs for Georgia businesses, based on policy data from Insureon customers:
General liability: $47 per month
Workers' comp: $61 per month
Professional liability/E&O: $83 per month
The cost of business liability insurance depends on factors such as:
- Type of business
- Business operations
- Number of employees
- Policy limits and deductibles
- Claims history
Top professions we insure
Other common questions about Atlanta business insurance
How do I get a certificate of insurance for my business?
Sometimes you need to get insured quickly to sign a contract or other agreement. With Insureon, you can get same-day insurance in three easy steps:
- Fill out our easy online application to get quotes from top-rated insurance agencies.
- Choose a policy and pay for it online.
- Download a certificate of insurance (COI) by logging into your account.
Our licensed insurance agents will help you get coverage for your Atlanta small business that matches your risks and your budget. Most businesses can get their certificate of insurance within a few hours of applying for quotes.
Can my business be held liable for a data security breach?
Yes – that's why cyber insurance is so crucial. Small businesses are a common target of cyberattacks since they often have fewer security measures in place.
Georgia's data breach laws require Atlanta businesses to notify any residents whose personal information is exposed in a data breach. Your business could also end up paying for a data breach investigation, a PR campaign, and other costs related to a breach or cyberattack.
Cyber insurance covers these costs and provides resources so you can get back to business fast.
Does my industry affect Atlanta insurance requirements?
Yes, the city of Atlanta may have special requirements for business insurance and bonds, depending on the type of work you do. Additionally, every business operating in Atlanta needs to have a city of Atlanta business license.
Here are a few examples of businesses that might need extra protection:
- Contractors and some handymen may need contractor general liability insurance or a surety bond to sign a contract or bid on a project. Having the right insurance and bonds helps you comply with state licensing requirements.
- Cleaning businesses may need a janitorial bond to fulfill the terms of a contract in Atlanta.
- Photographers and videographers may have to show proof of insurance to receive media permits to shoot on Atlanta public properties.
When running a business in Atlanta, from a cleaning company to a hair salon, you need to be aware of laws and regulations for Georgia, Fulton County, and the city of Atlanta.
How can I get help starting a small business in Atlanta?
Though Atlanta's small business community, including the surrounding area of Decatur and Marietta, continues to flourish as the No. 1 place to start your business, there's always room for new companies and entrepreneurs. Here's a list of local grants and resources to help you get started:
- Access to Capital for Entrepreneurs (ACE) is the Peach State's most extensive community loan fund for small businesses.
- SCORE Atlanta connects small business owners with mentors and has a wide range of free workshops and other resources.
- Atlanta Small Business Network (ASBN) offers insight into local business trends and area resources.
- Atlanta Downtown provides information about financial assistance programs dedicated to small businesses in downtown Atlanta.
- The University of Georgia Small Business Development Center (SBDC) enables new entrepreneurs to receive business-building training, consultation, and more.
- Invest Atlanta is a local organization focused on building the local economy and providing access to small business resources.
- Atlanta Business Alliance (ABA) offers a support system for small business owners.
- The Women's Entrepreneurship Initiative (WEI) hosts an incubator for female business owners and community engagement activities.
- Urban League of Greater Atlanta (ULGATL) helps African American business owners achieve economic empowerment.
- The U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA) is a trusted source for small business loans with competitive rates and fees.
Keep in mind that many lenders will require you to first obtain business insurance, which is yet another reason to insure your small business.
How can I save money on Atlanta business insurance?
Small business owners can save money on insurance by comparing quotes from different insurance companies. With Insureon, you can get free quotes from top-rated providers by filling out one easy application.
There are a few other ways to save, such as:
- Bundle policies for a discount. The most popular option is a business owner's policy.
- Choose less expensive policy options, such as lower limits or a higher deductible.
- Focus on workplace safety. Fewer accidents means fewer claims, which helps keep your premium low.
Learn more about how to find cheap business insurance.