Georgia Car Insurance Laws

Auto insurance requirements in Georgia

Like most states, Georgia requires a certain amount of car insurance coverage for every driver who takes to the road. This is meant to protect you and the other drivers with whom you share the road.

Having proof of insurance is mandatory in Georgia, and must be shown at the behest of any law enforcement official. The minimum auto insurance limits for the state of Georgia can be found below.

If you are currently financing your vehicle, your lienholder could require physical damage insurance (collision and comprehensive) in addition to liability coverage.

What are Georgia's state-mandated car insurance limits?

Almost every state imposes a minimum amount of car insurance in order for its drivers to be considered legal. You’ll often see this referred to as liability limits. The limit is simply the bare minimum of coverage you are required to have as a driver. In the case of Georgia, only liability insurance is required. For an added premium, you can raise your liability limits to provide more coverage.

Liability insurance limits are often written out as three separate numbers, 25/50/25.^[1] Known as a split limit, this separates the coverage amounts on offer. These are commonly divided into three buckets: per-person, per-accident, and property damage.

• Your per-person limit is the available coverage for any individual person that you harm in a car accident. If multiple people are harmed, they are covered up to the “per accident” limit as seen below. 
• The per-accident limit is the overall amount that your insurer is willing to pay out for any bodily injury that you cause in a single accident. This total includes injuries for all those harmed by you in the same accident. Keep in mind that an insurance company will not pay over the “per person” limit for any one person.
• The property damage limit is what covers the physical damages that you cause to another individual’s property in the event of an at-fault auto accident.

Georgia is a diminished value state

Georgia is a diminished value state, meaning drivers are allowed to recover diminished value from the at-fault party’s insurance company. When your vehicle experiences an accident, even if it is fully repaired to its pre-loss condition, the resale value decreases. The involvement in a collision makes your car’s value lesser than similar vehicles that have not experienced an accident. A diminished value claim allows you to recoup the losses you might experience when selling your car. 

Since Georgia is one of the 15 states that offers compensation for diminution in value, you may file by contacting the at-fault party’s insurer. In order to file a diminished value claim in Georgia, certain requirements must be met:

• You must be not at fault for the accident
• You must provide documentation (photos, repair records, and proof of vehicle value from a trusted source) 
• You must file within 4 years of the accident
• Your vehicle must have a market value of $7k+, more than $500 in property damage, low-to-normal mileage, a clean title, and be less than 10 years old
• You must have uninsured motorist coverage

Georgia's penalties for driving without proof of insurance

Operating a motor vehicle without insurance in Georgia is a misdemeanor, resulting in the following penalties:^[2]

• Up to one year in jail
• $25 fine (plus $160 if the fine isn't paid within 30 days)
• License suspension for 60 to 90 days
• Possible vehicle impoundment

You can expect reinstatement fees for your license, along with a fee for allowing your auto insurance to lapse. Accidents resulting in serious injury or death may lead to felony charges, triggering incarceration or fines.

Optional car insurance coverage in Georgia

Georgia law only requires you to carry liability insurance in order to drive legally. Still, additional coverage can add further protection and should be seriously considered.

• Collision: Collision coverage is important if you want to have your own vehicle covered. This coverage helps you to repair damages done when you are involved in a collision with another vehicle or fixed object (other than animals).
• Comprehensive: Comprehensive coverage also covers your vehicle. This coverage typically helps to cover damages your vehicle might sustain (including collisions with animals). When paired with collision, these two are often referred to as full coverage. 
• Gap coverage: If you are leasing or financing your vehicle, gap coverage could be a smart option. Because automobiles depreciate in value so quickly, this coverage pays the difference in the actual cash value of your vehicle and what you still owe on the loan.
• Roadside assistance: If you find yourself broken down on the highway, this coverage can be very helpful. 
• Medical payments: Sometimes referred to as “med pay,” this coverage can go towards the medical bills or funeral expenses incurred by you or those in your vehicle up to the policy limits (typically between $5,000 and $10,000). It’s important to note that this coverage is provided regardless of who is at fault.
• Uninsured/underinsured motorist (UM/UIM): Georgia requires that all car insurance companies in the state provide uninsured/underinsured motorist insurance, and it must typically be refused in writing when purchasing a new policy. This coverage steps in to take care of your injuries or property damage if you are harmed in an accident in which an uninsured or underinsured driver is at fault.

Why adhering to Georgia's car insurance requirements is important

Unfortunately, not every driver on the roads is as attentive as they should be. Even taking your eyes off the road for a second can lead to an accident. As such, having the right insurance coverage is crucial if you want to avoid risk and protect your assets. State minimums are rarely enough coverage to truly keep you protected, and can be increased for a relatively low additional premium.

Shopping for the right auto insurance policy is a great way to stay protected while on the road. The Zebra can help you find and compare side by side insurance quotes giving you a clear sense of the coverage options out there, as well as what they’ll cost.