Georgia law requires all drivers to carry at least $25,000 in bodily liability coverage per injury, $50,000 in bodily liability coverage per accident, and $25,000 in liability coverage for property damage. Note that liability coverage is for accidents the policyholder causes – it does not cover the policyholder’s own bodily injuries or property damage.
If you have specific questions about Georgia’s car insurance laws or would like to schedule a consultation with a car accident attorney in Georgia, contact Bayuk Pratt today.
Is Car Insurance Required in Georgia?
Yes, Georgia requires all drivers to carry a valid insurance policy that will pay for injuries if they cause an accident. Georgia is an at-fault state regarding car accidents, meaning that when you get into a car accident, the at-fault driver’s insurance policy covers your injuries and property damage. To maintain this system, Georgia imposes several insurance requirements on drivers. The point of requiring insurance is so that drivers have the means to pay for any injuries they might cause due to negligent driving.
Even though insurance is required in Georgia, the minimum amounts are relatively small compared to the extent of the damage an accident can cause. Significant injuries and property damage likely cost more than $25,000 each to address. As such, drivers should consider purchasing auto insurance coverage above the legal minimum amount so that they are more protected in case of an accident.
What Is Bodily Injury Liability?
Bodily injury liability coverage will pay for the cost of medical treatment for injuries from a car accident. For instance, if you are in an accident and break your leg, the at-fault driver’s liability policy will pay for costs related to your medical treatment up to the policy’s specified coverage limits. It will also pay for any work income that you miss out on if your injuries prevent you from working and earning a living.
Bodily injury liability covers both injuries and fatalities from accidents. If you cause an accident and someone dies, your liability policy should cover costs related to their death, such as emergency medical bills and funeral expenses.
Again, note that liability insurance covers injuries caused by the policyholder (or someone lawfully driving their vehicle). It does not pay for injuries the policyholder suffers themselves. In other words, a driver who has only liability insurance will not have protection in the event they’re in a single-car accident. Fortunately, optional add-ons like Medical Payments (MedPay) insurance can be purchased to provide this first-party coverage.
What Is Property Damage Liability?
Property damage liability will pay for any property damage you might cause in an accident. For instance, if you run into someone’s vehicle or fence with your car, your property liability coverage will pay for repairs or replacement. Property liability coverage will pay for damage to the victim’s vehicle, but it will not pay for damage to your own vehicle. You need a separate collision coverage policy to pay for your own car’s damage.
Is Uninsured Motorist Coverage Required in Georgia?
Virtually every state requires drivers to carry auto liability insurance or other proof of their ability to pay for an accident they cause. However, many people ignore the rules and drive without coverage, which is why many states require drivers to carry uninsured motorist coverage. This type of coverage will pay for your injuries if you get into a wreck with a driver who doesn’t have insurance.
Notably, Georgia does NOT require drivers to carry uninsured motorist coverage. Insurers must offer uninsured motorist coverage when you purchase a standard liability policy, but you can reject this coverage in writing. If you don’t have uninsured motorist coverage and get into a wreck that is not your fault, you could be on the hook for paying for all your medical costs and property damage.
How Long Can You Go Without Car Insurance in Georgia?
Georgia requires all drivers to carry car insurance and also punishes drivers who let their coverage lapse. If more than ten days go by between the end date of your insurance policy and the effective start date of another, you will have to pay an initial fine of $25 and an additional fine of $160 if you do not get coverage within 30 days. The state might also suspend or revoke vehicle registration for a lapse in insurance.
What Are the Penalties in Georgia for Driving Without Insurance?
According to O.C.G.A 40-6-10, driving without insurance in Georgia is a misdemeanor punishable by a prison sentence of up to 12 months, a fine between $200 and $1,000, and a license suspension between 60 and 90 days. Further violations may incur more severe punishments.
Aside from the legal and administrative penalties, driving without insurance in Georgia carries several liability issues, too. If you cause a car wreck and don’t have liability insurance, you may be personally financially liable for paying for the victim’s injuries. Most people do not have the liquid cash in their personal accounts to pay for a lawsuit, so a court could garnish future earnings or force the sale of assets to compensate the victim.
Note that driving without any valid insurance is not the same as driving without proof of insurance. If you have a valid insurance policy but do not have proof of said policy when an officer requests, you can face up to a $25 fine but will not face a license suspension.
Contact a Georgia Car Accident Lawyer
Dealing with the fallout of a car accident is never easy, especially if you have to navigate around the other driver’s lack of insurance. Fortunately, you do not have to do it alone. The attorneys at Bayuk Pratt have over 50 years of collective experience and have recovered over $300 million for injury victims. We have extensive experience helping accident victims with claims and are unafraid to hold insurance companies accountable for their payment obligations. We are also experienced litigators who can pursue the relevant parties in a formal lawsuit to secure your due financial compensation.
Contact Bayuk Pratt online or call today for a free, no-obligation case consultation with a Georgia car accident attorney.
