Auto Insurance In Georgia: What You Need To Know

If you're a driver in Georgia, you're required by law to have a certain amount of car insurance. This is to protect you and other drivers on the road. In Georgia, you must have liability insurance that meets the state's minimum limits to drive on public roads and highways. This includes $25,000 in bodily injury coverage per person, $50,000 in bodily injury coverage per accident, and $25,000 in property damage coverage per accident. Liability insurance helps cover the costs of injuries or property damage you cause to others in an accident where you're at fault.

Bodily injury liability insurance

In Georgia, drivers must have liability insurance that meets the minimum limits required by law to drive on the state's public roads and highways. One of the components of this liability insurance is Bodily Injury Liability Insurance.

It is important to note that liability insurance never pays for your injuries or damages to your own property. It only covers injuries or property damage that you cause to others. Therefore, it is recommended to increase your liability limits beyond the required amount for more protection.

Property damage liability insurance

In Georgia, drivers must carry a minimum of $25,000 in property damage liability insurance per incident. This is a legal requirement to drive on the state's public roads and highways. Property damage liability insurance covers the cost of damage to another person's property in an accident where you are at fault. This includes damage to another vehicle, as well as property not related to a car, such as buildings, mailboxes, or other items. It also covers the cost of a rental car for the other person while their vehicle is being repaired.

The minimum liability coverage required in Georgia is $25,000 for bodily injury per person, $50,000 for bodily injury per accident, and $25,000 for property damage per accident. This is often written as 25/50/25 and referred to as a split limit.

It is important to note that meeting the state's minimum requirements for auto insurance may not provide enough coverage in the event of a serious accident. You can purchase additional coverage to increase your protection.

Uninsured motorist insurance

There are two types of uninsured motorist coverage: bodily injury and property damage. Bodily injury coverage can include medical expenses, pain and suffering, and lost wages for you and your passengers. Property damage coverage includes damages to your vehicle and may also cover your house, fence, and personal items (e.g. cell phone, laptop).

In Georgia, uninsured motorist coverage is not mandatory. However, insurance companies are required to offer it to all policyholders, and it must be rejected in writing if the driver does not want it. Given that Georgia has one of the highest rates of uninsured drivers in the United States, it is a wise idea to include this coverage in your insurance policy.

Physical damage insurance

In the state of Georgia, drivers are required by law to carry a minimum amount of auto insurance to protect themselves and their families against costs associated with vehicle-related accidents and incidents. This includes liability insurance, which helps pay for damages to others if the insured driver is ruled at-fault in an accident. While liability insurance is mandatory, physical damage insurance is not required by Georgia state law.

If you choose to purchase physical damage insurance, you are allowed to file a claim under your policy even if someone else caused the accident. This type of insurance is relatively expensive, with collision coverage being more costly than comprehensive coverage. When deciding on a policy, it is important to shop around and compare different companies' products and prices.

In addition to physical damage insurance, Georgia drivers may also want to consider optional coverages such as uninsured motorist protection, medical payments coverage, and roadside assistance, depending on their specific needs and circumstances.

Penalties for driving without insurance

In Georgia, driving without insurance is considered a misdemeanor and can result in various penalties. These penalties are designed to deter people from driving without the required auto insurance and to ensure that drivers take financial responsibility in the event of an accident. Here are the consequences for driving without insurance in Georgia:

Penalties for Non-Insured Drivers in Georgia:

• Jail time: Driving without insurance in Georgia can result in a jail sentence of up to one year. This emphasizes the seriousness of the offense and aims to deter people from taking the risk of driving uninsured.
• Fines: There is a $25 fine for driving without insurance, which increases to $185 if the fine is not paid within 30 days. This financial penalty is intended to discourage people from ignoring the requirement to have auto insurance.
• License suspension: The offender's driver's license can be suspended for a period of 60 to 90 days. This means they will temporarily lose their driving privileges, making it illegal for them to operate a motor vehicle during this time.
• Vehicle impoundment: In some cases, the offender's vehicle may be impounded. This means the vehicle will be towed and held in a lot, and the owner will have to pay fees to get it released.
• Reinstatement fees: To reinstate a suspended license, there will be additional fees. These fees vary depending on the specific circumstances and the length of the suspension.
• Felony charges: If an accident occurs as a result of driving without insurance and it results in serious injury or death, the driver may face felony charges. This can lead to more severe consequences, including incarceration or significant fines.

It's important to note that these penalties are in place to emphasize the importance of maintaining the required auto insurance coverage in Georgia. Driving without insurance not only puts the driver at risk but also endangers other motorists and individuals on the road. By complying with the insurance requirements, drivers can protect themselves financially and legally in the event of an accident.

Frequently asked questions