Auto insurance is a type of insurance that helps protect you financially in the event of an accident or other vehicle-related incident. It is required by law in Georgia for all drivers to have at least the minimum amount of liability coverage. Insurance companies in Georgia are licensed and regulated by the Office of Insurance and Safety Fire Commissioner. If you have a problem with your insurer, you can file a complaint directly with the Office of Insurance and Safety Fire Commissioner here. You can also counsel with a personal injury attorney at the Jewkes Firm if you have questions about your auto or home insurance.
There are many different types of auto insurance coverage available, and it’s important to understand your options so you can make an informed decision about the coverage that’s right for you.
Minimum Legal Requirements in Georgia
In Georgia, the minimum required liability coverage is as follows:
- $25,000 per person for bodily injury liability
- $50,000 per accident for bodily injury liability
- $25,000 per accident for property damage liability
This coverage helps pay for damages or injuries that you cause to another person or their property while operating a vehicle. It’s important to note that this coverage does not protect you or your own vehicle in the event of an accident.
Additional Coverage Options in Georgia
In addition to liability coverage, there are several other types of coverage available in Georgia:
- Collision coverage: This coverage helps pay for damages to your own vehicle if you are involved in an accident. It covers damages caused by a collision with another vehicle or object, such as a tree or fence.
- Comprehensive coverage: This coverage helps pay for damages to your vehicle that are not caused by a collision. This includes things like theft, vandalism, and damages caused by natural disasters.
- Uninsured/underinsured motorist coverage: This coverage helps pay for your medical bills and other expenses if you are involved in an accident with a driver who does not have insurance or does not have enough insurance to cover the damages. This is very important coverage and is often overlooked by insurance agents. It is often the cheapest insurance you can buy, relative to other insurance options. Also, the best type of uninsured motorist coverage is “stacked” or “traditional” coverage rather than “reduced by” coverage. Stacked or traditional coverage applies on top or in excess of whatever coverage the at-fault driver has, while reduced by coverage is reduced by any amount of coverage the at-fault driver has. Be sure you know the difference and how it applies to your policy. Often reduced by coverage is of no help as it is reduced to zero if the other driver has any coverage. You do not want to pay for coverage that is of no benefit to you.
- Medical payments coverage: This coverage helps pay for your medical bills and those of your passengers if you are involved in an accident, regardless of who is at fault. These policies can be purchased in various amounts, from $1,000 to as much as $100,000. We recommend purchasing at least $5,000 to $10,000 in medical payments coverage, as this type of coverage is relatively inexpensive and an help you avoid out-of-pocket costs if you need medical help following a car wreck. This type of coverage applies even if you are at-fault for the wreck!
It’s important to consider the type and amount of coverage that is right for you based on your individual circumstances. Factors to consider may include the value of your vehicle, your financial situation, and the likelihood of being involved in an accident.
It’s also worth noting that auto insurance premiums can vary significantly depending on various factors such as your age, driving history, and the type of vehicle you drive. Some insurance companies may offer discounts for things like maintaining a clean driving record or participating in a defensive driving course. Discounts are often available for cars with more safety features, such as car alarms, electronic tracking, automatic brake lights, etc.
In conclusion, auto insurance is an important financial protection for drivers in Georgia. It’s important to understand the different types of coverage available and choose a policy that meets your individual needs and budget. Make sure to shop around and compare quotes from multiple insurance companies to find the best coverage at the most affordable price.
Contact one of the experienced South Atlanta personal injury attorneys at The Jewkes Firm should you have any questions or if you or a loved one was involved in a car accident. 770-741-2517.