From the chaotic perimeter of I-285 in Atlanta ("The Watermelon 500") to the container-heavy routes out of the Port of Savannah, Georgia is the logistics heart of the South. Whether you are hauling carpets from Dalton, onions from Vidalia, or containers up I-16, you are operating in a high-volume, high-risk environment.
However, Georgia presents a unique financial threat: "Nuclear Verdicts." Georgia courts frequently award massive settlements ($10M+) in truck accident cases, which has forced insurance carriers to raise rates across the board to cover these potential payouts.
In Georgia, the average commercial truck insurance premium typically lands between $12,000 and $18,500 per year. This guide breaks down exactly what you need to pay to keep your authority active with the Georgia Department of Public Safety (DPS).
Key Takeaways: Georgia Truck Insurance Costs
- The Price Tag: Georgia is ranked as one of the most expensive states (Top 5). Expect to pay around $15,800 annually for a Semi-Truck with a clean record.
- Monthly Breakdown: A typical owner-operator pays roughly $1,300/month for Liability and $300/month for Physical Damage.
- The GIMC Factor: Intrastate carriers must register for the GIMC Program (Georgia Intrastate Motor Carrier) and display a specific USDOT number suffix.
- Port Access: If you haul out of Savannah (Garden City Terminal), you generally need UIIA-compliant insurance with General Liability, which adds to the cost.
Real Numbers: Estimated Costs by Truck Type
Let's look at the hard data. The following estimates represent the average annual cost for Auto Liability ($1M Limit) for a driver with a clean record in Georgia. Because of the high litigation risk, the spread between a "safe" driver and a "new" driver in Georgia is massive. A new venture can easily see quotes over $20,000.
| Vehicle Type | Limit $300,000* | Limit $500,000 | Limit $750,000 | Limit $1,000,000 (Standard) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Hotshot | $9,500 | $11,200 | $12,800 | $14,500 |
| Box Truck | $8,200 | $9,800 | $11,000 | $12,500 |
| Dump Truck | $9,000 | $10,800 | $12,200 | $13,800 |
| Semi Truck | $11,500 | $13,500 | $15,200 | $16,500 |
| Tow Truck | $9,500 | $11,500 | $13,000 | $14,800 |
Last update: December 15, 2025.
Logrock Reality Check: Georgia allows lower liability limits ($100k/$300k split) for intrastate trucks under 10,000 lbs. However, if you are over 10,001 lbs (which includes almost all commercial work), the state recommendation and market standard is $750,000 to $1,000,000. If you touch a broker's load, you need $1M.
Liability Limits: Intrastate vs. Interstate
Georgia rules change depending on whether you cross state lines. We have broken this down into two tables to make it clear.
Table 1: Intrastate Requirements (Georgia DPS / GIMC)
For trucks that never leave Georgia (e.g., Atlanta to Macon).
| Vehicle Weight / Type | Minimum Liability Limit | Filing Required? |
|---|---|---|
| Freight < 10,000 lbs GVW | $100k/$300k/$50k Split | Yes (Form E/ GIMC) |
| Freight > 10,001 lbs GVW | $750,000 CSL | Yes (Form E/ GIMC) |
| Hazmat (Gas/Oil) | $1,000,000 - $5,000,000 | Yes (Form E) |
| Household Goods (Movers) | $300,000 + Cargo Ins. | Yes (Form E+H) |
| Passenger (12+ seats) | $500,000 CSL | Yes (Form E) |
Note: "Split" means Bodily Injury per person / per accident/Property Damage. "CSL" is Combined Single Limit. Intrastate carriers must register for a GIMC Number.
Table 2: Interstate Requirements (FMCSA / Federal)
For trucks that cross state lines (e.g., Savannah to Jacksonville, FL).
| Vehicle Weight / Type | Minimum Liability Limit | Filing Required? |
|---|---|---|
| Freight < 10,000 lbs | $300,000 CSL | No (Unless Hazmat) |
| Freight > 10,001 lbs | $750,000 CSL | Yes (BMC-91X) |
| Hazmat (Gas/Oil/Explosives) | $1,000,000 - $5,000,000 | Yes (MCS-90) |
| Passenger (16+ seats) | $5,000,000 CSL | Yes (BMC-91X) |
Georgia Requirements & Critical Filings
To operate legally, your insurance agent must submit specific forms to the DPS or FMCSA.
- Form E: The gold standard. It proves to the Georgia DPS that you have valid liability insurance. Mandatory for all "for-hire" carriers operating in the state.
- GIMC Registration: If you operate only within Georgia, you must register for the Georgia Intrastate Motor Carrier (GIMC) program. Your truck must display your USDOT number followed by the suffix "GA".
- UIIA Endorsement: Essential for the Port of Savannah. Requires specific General Liability and Auto Liability limits to enter the port.
- Form H: Mandatory for Household Goods Movers to prove Cargo Insurance coverage.
Your Questions Answered: "People Also Ask" FAQs
"Nuclear Verdicts." Georgia has had several jury awards exceeding $10 million in trucking lawsuits. Insurers price this legal risk into every policy, making Georgia one of the top 5 most expensive states for coverage.
This is Georgia's version of the DOT authority for trucks that never leave the state. You register via the Georgia Trucking Portal, and you must mark your truck with "USDOT XXXXXXX GA" to avoid fines during MCCD inspections.
Yes. To enter the Garden City Terminal, you typically need to be UIIA compliant. This often requires General Liability (minimum $1M) and Trailer Interchange coverage in addition to your standard Auto Liability.
The Logrock Difference: We Handle the GIMC Filings
Getting your authority in Georgia involves navigating the Georgia Trucking Portal and ensuring your Form E connects correctly to your GIMC registration. A mismatch here means your trucks get parked by the MCCD. At Logrock, we handle the compliance heavy lifting. We ensure your filings are submitted instantly and help you secure the specific endorsements needed for UIIA port access or hazardous material routes. We fight to find you the best rate in a tough market.
Conclusion & Get Your Georgia Quote
Georgia offers massive volume for truckers, but the costs of insurance and compliance are high. Don't risk your business on a policy that leaves you exposed to a "nuclear" lawsuit or non-compliant with the DPS. Ready to get a solid number for your business? Contact Logrock today for a customized, no-obligation quote and keep your wheels turning.
