Understanding Georgia's Auto Insurance Coverage Limits

Auto insurance coverage limits in Georgia are set at a minimum of $25,000 for bodily injury liability per person, $50,000 per accident, and $25,000 for property damage liability per accident. These minimum limits are intended to provide basic protection for individuals who suffer personal injuries in car accidents. Georgia law requires drivers to have at least this level of liability insurance to drive legally on public roads and highways. Liability insurance helps pay for damages to others if the insured driver is at fault in an accident.

Bodily injury liability: $25,000 per person and $50,000 per accident

In Georgia, drivers are legally required to have liability insurance that meets the minimum limits to drive on the state's public roads and highways. One of the components of this is bodily injury liability coverage, which pays for the medical expenses of those harmed in a car accident caused by the policyholder.

The minimum bodily injury liability coverage in Georgia is $25,000 per person and $50,000 per accident. This means that if you cause a car accident, your insurer will pay up to $25,000 for any individual person's injuries, and up to $50,000 in total for all injuries in a single accident. It's important to note that the insurer will not pay over the per-person limit for a single person's injuries, regardless of the total bill.

Bodily injury liability coverage also covers more than just the medical bills of those harmed. It can also include legal fees if you are taken to court because of the accident, lost wages if the injured person is unable to work, funeral costs if the accident results in fatalities, and pain and suffering if the injured person experiences long-lasting emotional trauma or pain.

While Georgia has set minimum limits for bodily injury liability coverage, it is generally recommended to purchase higher limits if you can afford to. This provides additional protection in the event of a serious accident with significant injuries or multiple injured parties.

Property damage liability: $25,000 per accident

In the state of Georgia, drivers are legally required to have a minimum of $25,000 of property damage liability coverage per accident. This means that if you are found to be at fault in a car accident, your insurance will cover the cost of repairing or replacing the other person's property, up to a maximum of $25,000. This includes damage to their car, as well as any other property damaged as a result of the accident, such as buildings, fences, or telephone poles. It is important to note that property damage liability does not cover injuries to other people or damage to your own vehicle.

Property damage liability insurance is typically represented as the third number in a series of three numbers on a policy, such as "25/50/25". The first two numbers refer to the amount of bodily injury coverage per person and per accident, while the third number indicates the policy's property damage liability limit.

While Georgia law only requires a minimum of $25,000 in property damage liability coverage, it is important to consider purchasing additional coverage. The cost of repairing or replacing a newer or more expensive vehicle can quickly exceed this amount. In the event that the damages exceed your coverage limit, you may be personally liable for the remaining expenses. Therefore, it is recommended to increase your liability limits beyond the minimum required amount to ensure adequate financial protection.

Additionally, it is worth noting that Georgia is a comparative fault state, which means that fault is assigned proportionately based on the amount of fault that is assigned to each driver. If you are found to be at least 50% at fault for an accident, you will not be able to recover any damages or compensation.

Liability insurance is designed to protect you from financial losses in the event of an accident. By having the appropriate level of coverage, you can ensure that you are meeting the legal requirements and protecting yourself from potential out-of-pocket expenses.

Uninsured motorist coverage

Georgia law requires all drivers to have liability insurance. However, not all drivers follow the law, and some 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.

Georgia law requires all automobile insurers operating in Georgia to offer uninsured motorist coverage to policyholders in the same amount as the liability coverage purchased: a minimum of $25,000 per person and $50,000 per accident for bodily injuries, and $25,000 for property damage. Insureds may, however, elect to purchase uninsured motorist coverage in a lesser amount, to select tiers of coverage for different groups of insureds, or to reject it altogether.

Collision and comprehensive insurance

Collision insurance covers the cost of physical damage to your car in an accident. It protects your vehicle even if you are not the at-fault driver. It has a deductible that you must pay before the insurance takes effect, typically between $50 and $2,000. The choice of deductible amount will impact your premium.

Comprehensive insurance, also known as "other than collision coverage", pays for any type of damage to your vehicle that does not involve a collision. It covers incidents such as theft, vandalism, fire, natural disasters, and damage from falling objects. Like collision insurance, comprehensive insurance has a deductible.

Both collision and comprehensive insurance are designed to provide financial protection and help you cover the costs of repairing or replacing your vehicle in the event of an accident or damage. They are optional but highly recommended for responsible car ownership in Georgia.

It is important to note that collision and comprehensive insurance do not cover injuries or medical bills resulting from an accident. Those are typically covered under liability insurance or additional medical coverage.

Optional add-ons: roadside assistance, medical payments, etc

While Georgia law only requires drivers to carry liability insurance, there are several optional add-ons that can provide further protection. These include:

Roadside Assistance

If you find yourself broken down on the highway, this coverage can be a lifesaver. It typically includes services such as towing, jump-starting a dead battery, changing a flat tire, and lockout assistance. This add-on is especially useful if you frequently drive long distances or in remote areas.

Medical Payments

Also known as "med pay," this coverage can help with the medical bills or funeral expenses incurred by you or your passengers in an accident, regardless of who is at fault. This coverage usually has limits of $5,000 to $10,000 per person.

Rental Reimbursement

This add-on provides reimbursement for the cost of a rental car while your vehicle is being repaired after a covered accident. This can be helpful if you rely on your car for daily activities and need a temporary replacement.

Towing and Labor Coverage

In the event your vehicle needs to be towed or requires labour due to a breakdown or accident, this coverage will help offset the costs. This can include towing to a repair shop or even labour costs for minor repairs done on the spot.

Comprehensive Coverage

This type of physical damage insurance covers losses to your vehicle from causes other than collisions. It typically includes theft, vandalism, fire-related losses, severe weather, floods, and even damage from animals. Comprehensive coverage is relatively inexpensive compared to collision coverage and can provide valuable peace of mind.

Collision Coverage

If you want your own vehicle covered in the event of a collision with another vehicle or a fixed object, collision coverage is essential. It helps pay for the repairs or replacement of your vehicle, ensuring you're not left footing the bill.

Gap Coverage

If you're leasing or financing your vehicle, gap coverage can protect you from financial loss if your car is totalled or stolen. It covers the difference between the actual cash value of your vehicle and what you still owe on the loan, ensuring you're not left with a remaining balance.

These optional add-ons allow Georgia drivers to customise their auto insurance policies to suit their specific needs and provide additional protection beyond the minimum liability coverage required by law.

Frequently asked questions