Georgia Auto Insurance: What Coverage Do I Need?

If you're a driver in Georgia, it's important to know the state's auto insurance requirements to ensure you're properly covered. Georgia law mandates that all drivers carry a minimum level of auto insurance, specifically liability insurance, to protect themselves and others in the event of a vehicle-related accident. This includes bodily injury liability coverage of $25,000 per person and $50,000 per incident, as well as property damage liability coverage of $25,000 per incident. While these are the mandatory minimums, drivers can opt for additional coverage, such as collision and comprehensive insurance, to protect themselves and their vehicles more comprehensively. Understanding these requirements is crucial for legal compliance and ensuring adequate financial protection in case of unforeseen events on Georgia's roads.

Bodily injury liability insurance

In Georgia, drivers must carry liability insurance that meets the minimum limits required by law to drive on the state's public roads and highways. Liability insurance helps pay for damages to others if you are ruled at fault in an accident or incident. The minimum limits of liability insurance required under Georgia law are:

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 you purchase more coverage if you can afford it. This is because serious injuries can easily exceed $25,000 in medical expenses, and your per-accident limit can be quickly reached if multiple people are injured in a single accident. By increasing your liability limits, you can protect yourself financially in the event of a serious accident.

In addition to covering medical and funeral expenses, bodily injury liability insurance can also cover your legal fees if you are sued after a crash. This type of insurance is crucial in Georgia, as it is an at-fault state, meaning the at-fault driver is responsible for paying for everyone injured in the accident. There are no restrictions on the right to sue after an accident in at-fault states, even if the insured buys personal injury protection (PIP).

Property damage liability insurance

The state of Georgia operates a 'fault state' system, which means that the driver who caused the accident is responsible for the damages and injuries they have caused. Therefore, it is a legal requirement to carry a minimum level of property damage liability insurance.

It is important to note that the minimum coverage required by law may not be sufficient for your needs. For example, $25,000 is a relatively low amount of property damage coverage, and it is possible to damage multiple vehicles or structures up to this amount. You can purchase additional coverage to ensure you are properly insured.

Uninsured motorist coverage

In Georgia, UMC is particularly important due to the "Florida Factor". Florida has the highest rate of uninsured motorists in the country, at nearly 27%. As Florida is a prime East Coast tourist destination, huge numbers of out-of-state visitors traverse Georgia's highways to get there, increasing the risk of uninsured drivers on Georgia's roads.

UMC can be helpful for both property damage and bodily injury claims. For example, if you are rear-ended and the other driver doesn't have insurance, or if the injuries you sustain are so severe that you require extensive treatment, forcing you to accrue medical expenses that exceed the other driver's liability limits.

While UMC isn't commonly used, there are certain situations that could arise where not having this policy can have a lasting negative impact on your personal injury case and your health in general. It is not uncommon for there to be either no liability coverage or insufficient liability coverage compared to the total sum of damages. Unfortunately, there are those who choose to ignore the law and drive without liability coverage.

In Georgia, you must sign a form stating that you have been offered and actively declined UMC. If you didn't realize the potential dangers of not having UMC, you may be able to argue that you weren't made fully aware of the risks.

Collision insurance

• Crashes you cause with another driver
• Collisions with objects such as trees or guardrails
• Roll-over accidents
• Pothole damage
• Accidents caused by uninsured or underinsured drivers

However, collision insurance does not cover damage from non-traffic events, such as theft, extreme weather, or running into a deer. It also does not cover damage or injuries you cause to others while driving, or medical costs from injuries to yourself or your passengers after an accident.

In Georgia, drivers are required to have liability insurance that meets the minimum limits. Liability insurance helps pay for damages to others if you are ruled at fault in an accident. The minimum limits required by Georgia law are:

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

While collision insurance is not mandatory, it can provide valuable protection for your vehicle. If you decide to purchase collision insurance, you can save on premiums by choosing a higher deductible. However, keep in mind that collision coverage becomes less valuable over time, as it will never pay out more than the car's value. Therefore, it may be worth reconsidering this coverage as your car ages.

Comprehensive insurance

While not required by Georgia state law, comprehensive insurance is often required by lenders or leasing companies if you financed or leased your vehicle. It is also particularly useful for drivers who live in areas with high crime rates, extreme weather conditions, or rural areas with a higher likelihood of encountering deer or other animals.

When purchasing comprehensive insurance in Georgia, you will need to select a deductible, which is the amount you will pay out of pocket before the insurance coverage kicks in. Deductibles typically 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 cannot be purchased on its own; it must be accompanied by at least the minimum liability coverage required in Georgia.

Frequently asked questions