Georgia Drivers: Avoid Underinsurance

In the state of Georgia, drivers are legally required to have a minimum level of auto insurance coverage. This includes liability insurance, which covers the cost of any damage or injuries caused by the driver, and uninsured motorist coverage, which protects the driver if they are hit by an uninsured driver. While Georgia law sets out minimum coverage requirements, drivers can also purchase additional coverage options to protect themselves and their vehicles further.

Bodily injury liability insurance

In Georgia, drivers must have liability insurance that meets the minimum limits required by law to drive on public roads and highways. Liability insurance helps pay for damages to others if you are ruled at-fault in an accident or incident. This includes bodily injury liability insurance, which covers the cost of any injuries or medical bills incurred by the other party.

The minimum bodily injury liability insurance required under Georgia law is $25,000 per person and $50,000 per incident. This means that if you are found at-fault for an accident, your insurance will cover the medical expenses of each injured individual, up to $25,000, and the total payout for all injured individuals will not exceed $50,000. This coverage also extends to funeral expenses.

While Georgia only requires a minimum of $25,000 per person and $50,000 per incident in bodily injury liability insurance, it is recommended that drivers purchase more coverage if they can afford it. This is because serious accidents can quickly exceed these limits, leaving you personally liable for the remainder of the expenses. By increasing your liability limits, you can protect yourself financially in the event of a major accident.

In addition to bodily injury liability insurance, Georgia drivers are also required to have property damage liability insurance with a minimum coverage of $25,000 per incident. This covers damages inflicted on another individual's property in an at-fault accident.

Property damage liability insurance

In Georgia, drivers are legally required to have a minimum level of auto insurance coverage, including property damage liability insurance. This is because Georgia is a "'fault state', meaning that the driver who caused the accident is responsible for any resulting damages and injuries.

This type of insurance typically covers damage to another vehicle, but it can also cover damage to property located in the vehicle, such as electronics. It may also cover rental costs for a replacement vehicle while repairs are being made. Importantly, property damage liability insurance does not cover damage to the at-fault driver's car after an accident; it is specifically for damage caused to someone else's property.

In addition to property damage liability insurance, Georgia drivers are also required to have bodily injury liability insurance. This covers medical expenses, lost wages, vehicle repair costs, and pain and suffering for the injured party. The minimum coverage for bodily injury liability insurance in Georgia is $25,000 per person and $50,000 per incident.

While Georgia law sets minimum coverage requirements for liability insurance, drivers can choose to purchase additional coverage if they wish. It is important to remember that having adequate insurance coverage can protect you from financial risk in the event of an accident.

Uninsured motorist insurance

Georgia law requires all drivers to have liability insurance to drive. However, some drivers may not follow the law or may unknowingly allow their coverage to lapse or cancel. These drivers are considered "uninsured". If an uninsured driver causes an accident that damages your vehicle or injures you or your passengers, uninsured motorist insurance would protect you.

Uninsured motorist coverage is not legally required in Georgia, but it is a vital protection to have due to high accident rates and the large number of uninsured drivers in the state. Nearly 1 in 10 drivers in Georgia are uninsured, which means they likely won't be able to pay for another driver's property damage or medical bills if they cause an accident.

Uninsured motorist coverage can help protect you in a number of circumstances, beyond simply being in an accident with someone who does not have insurance. This includes:

• If the other driver is uninsured
• If the driver is underinsured
• If you are in a pedestrian accident
• If you are a passenger in another car
• If you are the victim of a hit-and-run

There are two types of uninsured motorist (UM) coverage:

• Bodily injury: This can cover medical expenses, pain and suffering, and lost wages for you and your passengers.
• Property damage: This covers damages to your vehicle, but may also cover your house, fence, and personal items (e.g. cell phone, laptop).

In Georgia, insurers must offer at least $25,000 in bodily injury to one person, $50,000 in bodily injury per accident, and $25,000 in property damage per accident. Drivers may be able to choose higher coverage amounts.

UM coverage follows you, not your car—which means you’re still protected if you’re riding in another person’s car or traveling as a pedestrian.

Collision insurance

While Georgia law does not require drivers to purchase physical damage coverage, collision insurance is one of the two types of physical damage insurance that can help cover the costs of vehicle collisions. The other type is comprehensive insurance, which covers theft, vandalism, and fire-related losses. Collision insurance is not mandatory in the state of Georgia, but it can be required by the company that finances your vehicle. This is because lenders view your vehicle as collateral for the loan and want to ensure their investment is protected.

When choosing an insurance policy, it is important to consider your specific needs and the value of your vehicle. It is also crucial to read the policy carefully and understand its contents, including any limitations and exclusions. Speaking to an attorney who understands collision insurance in Georgia can help you make an informed decision and ensure you have the right coverage for your vehicle.

Comprehensive insurance

In the state of Georgia, drivers are required to have liability insurance that meets the minimum limits mandated by law to drive on public roads and highways. This includes Bodily Injury Liability and Property Damage Liability. The minimum limits of liability insurance required under Georgia law are:

• Bodily Injury Liability: $25,000 per person and $50,000 per incident
• Property Damage Liability: $25,000 per incident

While liability insurance is mandatory, physical damage insurance is not required by Georgia state law. Physical damage insurance helps pay for loss or damage to your own vehicle and includes two types: comprehensive and collision. Comprehensive insurance, also called "other than collision coverage," covers theft, vandalism, fire-related losses, and damage to your vehicle that does not involve a collision. This includes natural disasters, cracked or broken windows and windshields, acts of vandalism, floods, unexpected objects falling onto your car, and accidents involving animals.

While not mandatory, comprehensive insurance is a wise investment for drivers in Georgia. It provides financial protection for unforeseen incidents that may damage your car, such as weather events, natural disasters, theft, or accidents with animals. Comprehensive insurance covers most damage to your car from incidents outside of a traffic collision. For example, it will cover damage caused by weather events such as hail, wind, floods, and lightning, as well as earthquakes, tornadoes, and hurricanes. It also includes protection against theft, vandalism, and fire-related losses.

When choosing comprehensive insurance in Georgia, you select a policy deductible, which is the amount you will pay out of pocket before the insurance coverage begins. Deductibles can range from $100 to $2,500, and the lower your deductible, the higher your rates will be. It's important to note that comprehensive insurance does not cover personal property stolen from your vehicle, injuries, or legal expenses. For those, you would need additional coverage, such as renter's or homeowner's insurance, and liability insurance.

Frequently asked questions