Why Work with Great Southern Agency?

 

• National Reach – Licensed to serve businesses in all 48 lower states

• Carrier Reach – With up to 59 insurance companies to shop with, we can find the correct program for your insurance needs

• Local Expertise – Headquartered in Carrollton, GA, with deep industry knowledge

• Tailored Policies – We don’t sell cookie-cutter coverage; we design policies around your trade and contracts

• Dedicated Service – Our team works with you year-round, not just at renewal

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Frequently Asked Questions — Contractor Insurance

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What types of insurance does a contractor need?

Most contractors need a combination of General Liability, Workers' Compensation, Commercial Auto, and Inland Marine (tools & equipment) coverage. General contractors working on larger projects often also need Umbrella/Excess Liability and Builders Risk. The right mix depends on your trade, contract requirements, and state regulations.

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Do I need contractor insurance if I'm a sole proprietor?

Yes. Even as a one-person operation, you face real liability exposure. If you damage a client's property or someone is injured on a job site, you're personally on the

hook without coverage. Many general contractors and project owners also require proof of insurance before allowing subs on site.

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What is completed operations coverage and why does it matter?

Completed operations extends your general liability coverage to claims that arise after a job isfinished — for example, a structural issue discovered months after

project completion. This is one of the most commonly overlooked gaps in contractor policies and one of the most expensive mistakes when a claim hits.

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Do subcontractors need their own insurance?

Yes — and as a general contractor, you should require it. If a sub you hire causes damage or injury and they have no coverage, the claim can flow back to your policy. Always collect certificates of insurance from every subcontractor before work begins.

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What is a certificate of insurance (COI) and how fast can I get one?

A COI is a document proving your coverage is active. Property owners, GCs, and municipalities routinely require them before work can start. At Great Southern Agency, we handle certificate requests quickly so your jobs don't stall waiting on paperwork.

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How much does contractor general liability insurance cost?

Cost varies based on your trade, annual revenue, payroll, claims history, and coverage limits. A sole proprietor painter may pay a few hundred dollars annually while a mid-size general contractor could pay several thousand. Because we work with up to 59 carriers, we can shop your risk to find competitive pricing for your specific operation.

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Is workers' compensation required for contractors in most states?

In most states, workers' compensation is required for businesses with three or more employees, including part-time workers. Even if you're not legally required to carry it, many project owners and GCs will require it by contract. It also protects you from costly medical and wage claims if a worker is injured on the job.

 

What is builders risk insurance?

Builders risk covers a structure under construction against damage from fire, weather, vandalism, and other covered perils. It typically runs for the duration of the project and is often required by lenders or project owners. It does not cover contractor tools or liability — those require separate policies.

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Does my personal auto insurance cover my work truck?

Generally, no. If you use a vehicle for business purposes — hauling tools, transporting materials, traveling between job sites — personal auto policies typically exclude those exposures. A Commercial Auto policy covers your vehicles the way they're actually used.

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Can Great Southern Agency write contractor insurance outside of Georgia?

Yes. We are licensed to write coverage in all 48 lower states, making us a strong fit for contractors who operate across state lines or are headquartered outside Georgia.

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What is an umbrella or excess liability policy and do I need one?

An umbrella policy provides additional limits above your underlying general liability, auto, and workers' comp policies. Many commercial contracts now require $2M, $5M, or higher limits — an umbrella is usually the most cost-effective way to meet those requirements.

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This page is for general contractors, artisan contractors, and subcontractors seeking liability, workers' compensation, and commercial insurance in Georgia and nationwide.​​​​