General Liability Insurance for Daycare and Childcare in Georgia: Coverage, Costs, and Requirements

General liability insurance is a required and essential coverage for Georgia daycare and childcare facilities. It covers third-party bodily injury and property damage claims arising from your facility and care operations. The Georgia Department of Early Care and Learning (DECAL) requires licensed childcare centers and home learning centers to carry GL as a condition of licensing.

Quick Answer

Estimated general liability premiums for Georgia childcare facilities:

Facility Size	Estimated Annual GL Premium
Small daycare (up to 20 children)	$700 to $1,400 per year
Mid-size center (21 to 60 children)	$1,300 to $2,700 per year

Georgia childcare GL premiums are below the national average.

What GL Covers for Georgia Childcare Facilities

Bodily Injury to Children

Covers claims arising from injuries to children in your care. Common examples: a child who falls on the playground, a child injured during an activity, or a visitor child injured at your facility.

Bodily Injury to Parents and Visitors

Covers claims from parents, guardians, and other adults who are injured at your facility during drop-off, pick-up, or facility visits.

Property Damage

Covers damage to a parent's or third party's property that occurs at your facility or during care operations.

Defense Costs

GL covers attorney fees, court costs, and settlement amounts for covered claims, even if the claim is unfounded.

What GL Does Not Cover for Georgia Childcare Facilities

Abuse and Molestation

Standard GL policies exclude claims arising from child abuse or molestation. Georgia childcare operators must purchase a separate abuse and molestation (A&M) coverage endorsement or standalone policy. This is the most important coverage gap for childcare facilities.

Professional Errors

GL excludes claims arising from professional negligence in childcare or early education. Professional liability insurance covers those claims.

Employee Injuries

Georgia requires workers compensation for employers with three or more employees. GL does not cover employee injuries.

Georgia-Specific Considerations

DECAL Licensing Requirement

The Georgia Department of Early Care and Learning requires licensed childcare centers and home learning centers to carry GL insurance as a condition of their license. Confirm current minimum limits with DECAL when applying for or renewing your license.

Abuse and Molestation Coverage Is Essential

Georgia childcare operators should not operate without abuse and molestation coverage. Standard GL excludes it. Purchase an A&M endorsement or standalone policy and confirm it is in place before accepting any children into care.

Georgia's Pre-K Program

Georgia's universal Pre-K program, administered by DECAL, serves four-year-old children in licensed childcare settings. Childcare providers participating in Georgia's Pre-K program must meet DECAL's insurance requirements. Confirm requirements with DECAL before enrolling as a Pre-K provider.

Quality Rated Program Requirements

Georgia's Quality Rated program rates childcare facilities on quality standards. Facilities participating in Quality Rated may face additional insurance requirements from DECAL. Confirm current insurance requirements for your Quality Rated participation level.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do Georgia daycare centers need general liability insurance?

Yes. DECAL requires licensed childcare centers and home learning centers to carry GL as a condition of licensing.

What does GL cover for a Georgia childcare facility?

GL covers bodily injury to children, parents, and visitors at your facility, property damage, and defense costs.

Does GL cover child abuse claims at a Georgia daycare?

No. Standard GL policies exclude abuse and molestation claims. Purchase a separate abuse and molestation coverage endorsement or policy.

How much does GL cost for a Georgia daycare?

Georgia childcare facilities typically pay $700 to $1,400 per year for a small center GL policy.

What is the minimum GL limit required for a Georgia childcare license?

Confirm current minimum limits with DECAL when applying for or renewing your license, as requirements may change.

Disclaimer

This article is for informational purposes only and does not constitute insurance or legal advice. Coverage details and costs vary by carrier and individual circumstances. Consult a licensed insurance agent and attorney for guidance specific to your situation.

Sources

• Georgia Department of Early Care and Learning
• Georgia Office of Insurance and Safety Fire Commissioner
• Insurance Information Institute
• National Association for the Education of Young Children