Georgia Automobile Insurance Coverage Types Explained
- Cory D. Raines
- Apr 10
- 3 min read
Updated: Apr 22
Under Georgia law, drivers are required to maintain a minimum level of automobile insurance in order to legally operate a vehicle. However, these minimum requirements often provide limited protection. Many drivers choose to carry additional coverage to better protect themselves in the event of an accident.
Below is an overview of the most common types of automobile insurance coverage available in Georgia.
Bodily Injury Liability Coverage
Bodily injury liability coverage protects drivers who are at fault in an accident that causes injury to another person. This coverage can help pay for:
Emergency medical care
Ongoing medical expenses
Lost wages
Pain and suffering
Funeral expenses
Legal defense costs
Under Georgia law, minimum bodily injury liability limits are:
$25,000 per person
$50,000 per accident
This means that while one injured person may recover up to $25,000, the total payout for all injured parties in a single accident cannot exceed $50,000.
Property Damage Liability Coverage
Property damage liability coverage applies when an at-fault driver causes damage to another person’s property.
This may include:
Vehicle repair or replacement
Damage to buildings or structures
Damage to personal property
Georgia requires drivers to carry a minimum of:
$25,000 in property damage liability coverage
Uninsured Motorist Coverage
Uninsured motorist coverage protects you if you are injured in an accident caused by a driver who does not have insurance.
This coverage may help pay for:
Medical expenses
Property damage
Other losses resulting from the accident
Uninsured motorist coverage applies to you and your passengers, not the at-fault driver. While it is not required under Georgia law, it is strongly recommended given that a significant number of drivers may be uninsured.
Underinsured Motorist Coverage
Underinsured motorist coverage applies when the at-fault driver has insurance, but their policy limits are not sufficient to fully cover your damages.
For example, if the at-fault driver’s policy covers only $15,000 in damages but your total losses are $20,000, underinsured motorist coverage may help cover the difference.
This coverage is often paired with uninsured motorist coverage and, although not required, can be critical in serious accidents.
Medical Payments Coverage (Med Pay)
Medical payments coverage helps pay for medical expenses resulting from an accident, regardless of who is at fault.
This may include:
Hospital visits
Doctor appointments
Treatment and rehabilitation
Med Pay can supplement health insurance and help cover out-of-pocket costs. It is optional under Georgia law but can provide valuable protection.
Collision Coverage
Collision coverage helps pay for damage to your vehicle resulting from an accident, regardless of fault.
This includes:
Collisions with other vehicles
Collisions with stationary objects
Situations where your vehicle is struck by another object
Collision coverage typically involves a deductible, often ranging from $0 to $1,000. For example, if your vehicle is valued at $10,000 and your deductible is $500, the insurer may pay $9,500.
This coverage is not required under Georgia law.
Comprehensive Coverage
Comprehensive coverage protects against damage to your vehicle that is not caused by a collision.
This may include:
Theft or vandalism
Weather-related damage
Falling objects
Fire
Animal-related incidents
Like collision coverage, comprehensive coverage typically includes a deductible. It is optional but provides broader protection beyond accidents.
Key Takeaways
Georgia requires minimum liability coverage, but those limits may be insufficient in serious accidents
Additional coverage options can provide significant financial protection
Uninsured and underinsured motorist coverage are especially important
Understanding your policy can help you avoid unexpected costs after an accident
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