Understanding Liability Insurance in Georgia
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Drivers across the United States must follow their state’s driving and vehicle laws. In almost every state, one of those rules is that you need to carry auto insurance coverage.
However, things can get tricky because each state sets its own rules about how much insurance coverage drivers need. Drivers in Georgia are subject to different insurance requirements than drivers in Louisiana or Florida. You need to know and follow your state’s rules if you own and operate a vehicle.
This guide will explore everything you need to know about liability insurance in Georgia and how to meet the requirements.
Overview of Liability Insurance in Georgia
If your vehicle is registered in Georgia, you have to meet the Georgia liability insurance requirements. Other types of insurance are optional.
There are legal consequences for not carrying sufficient Georgia car insurance, so make sure you have liability coverage on your vehicle.
Georgia’s Minimum Liability Insurance Requirements
Liability insurance typically has two main components: bodily injury coverage and property damage coverage. Georgia law requires your auto liability insurance policy to meet the following minimum coverage requirements:
- $25,000 for the bodily injury or death of one person
- $50,000 for the bodily death or injury of multiple people
- $25,000 in property damage liability coverage per incident
Keep in mind that liability insurance will not cover damage to your own vehicle or your medical expenses if you’re hurt in a car accident you cause. The coverage only extends to other parties when you’re at fault for an accident.
You need to carry your proof of insurance whenever you drive your vehicle. If a law enforcement officer pulls you over, they may ask to see it to make sure you’re following the Georgia liability car insurance requirements.
Review the insurance requirements of your state:
Bodily Injury vs. Property Damage: Key Differences
Bodily injury liability insurance covers the medical bills and related expenses that other people incur when you cause a car accident. Say you’re at fault for an accident that caused the other driver to break their leg. Your bodily injury liability insurance would cover the other driver’s medical bills for their leg.
Property damage liability coverage is for the harm you do to someone else property with your vehicle when you’re at fault in an accident. The most common example is paying for repairs or replacements when you damage another driver’s vehicle. However, this type of coverage also pays for other damage, like hitting someone’s fence or building.
Together, bodily injury and property damage coverage make up liability car insurance in Georgia. You need both to meet the state’s minimum insurance requirements.
Finding Affordable Liability Insurance in Georgia
Finding cheap car insurance in Georgia can be challenging without the right tools. There are so many different plans out there, and many factors affect your insurance rates. Depending on your demographic information, what kind of car you have, and where you live, your rate may vary greatly from others. Shopping around and comparing prices is the key to finding the best rates.
The Importance of Coverage Beyond the Minimum
Georgia sets out minimum auto insurance policy requirements, but you can choose to purchase additional coverage. Other types of coverage include:
Uninsured/Underinsured Motorist Coverage
Even though the law requires drivers to have auto insurance in Georgia, some people on the road might not have coverage. That’s what uninsured and underinsured motorist coverage is for.
If someone without sufficient auto insurance causes a car accident that hurts you or your property, uninsured/underinsured motorist insurance will cover your expenses. These expenses may include medical bills, repairs for your vehicle, or related bills.
Collision Coverage
Collision insurance covers damage to your vehicle in an accident. If you’re in an accident with another vehicle or hit something with your car, your collision coverage may pay for your car repairs or replacement even if you're at fault.
Comprehensive Coverage
Comprehensive auto insurance covers damage to your vehicle from incidents other than car accidents. These policies typically cover damage caused by incidents like theft, extreme weather, and fire. If your vehicle sustains damage in an incident covered by your comprehensive auto insurance, your insurance provider will pay for the repairs or replacement.
Personal Injury Protection (PIP)
Personal injury protection helps pay for your medical expenses related to injuries from car accidents. Some PIP plans may also cover financial hardships resulting from your injuries, like lost income. Several states require drivers to carry PIP, but Georgia is not one of them. In Georgia, PIP is completely optional.
Ready to Compare Auto Insurance Options?
Whether you’re looking for a plan that meets the minimum car insurance requirements or want more coverage, comparing your options is a must. By shopping around and comparing rates, you can find the ideal auto insurance plan for your needs.
Checking each insurance company’s offering separately would take ages, though. Instead, compare all your auto insurance options in one place with EverQuote. It only takes a few minutes to get your custom insurance comparison.
Get a free custom comparison from EverQuote to compare your auto insurance options today.