Georgia

Certificate of insurance tracking for Georgia contractors

Short answer

In Georgia, workers’ comp is required for employers regularly employing three or more people, full or part time. That leaves small subs without it. But under O.C.G.A. 34-9-8, a principal contractor can be liable for a sub’s employees, and if the sub is too small to be covered, the claim can go straight to the contractor. We track certificates for Georgia GCs and show what to verify.

Written by Liam · CertChase · Last reviewed October 3, 2026

In this section

01Georgia guideGeorgia statutory employer ruleUnder O.C.G.A. 34-9-8, a Georgia principal contractor can owe workers’ comp for a sub’s employees. What it says and how to protect yourself.02Georgia guideGeorgia workers’ comp and subsGeorgia requires workers’ comp for employers with three or more employees. What that means for the subs you hire and what to ask for.

Why Georgia is worth a closer look

Many Georgia subs have only a few workers. A sub with fewer than three employees may legally have no workers’ comp. If one of those workers is hurt on your job, the injured worker can bring the claim to you as the principal contractor. That makes “small sub, no certificate” a bigger risk than it looks.

Not legal or insurance advice. This is general information. Your contract, your state and your policy decide what applies to you. Ask your broker or attorney.

Frequently asked questions

Does Georgia require workers’ comp for subcontractors?

Generally for employers with three or more employees. Smaller employers may not be covered, but the principal contractor can be liable for their workers under the statutory employer rule.

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