Georgia auto insurance laws
Here are a few Georgia auto insurance laws that drivers should be familiar with.
Georgia is an at-fault state
Like most of the U.S., Georgia is an at-fault state, which means the driver found to be at fault for the accident must pay for the medical bills and repairs for both parties. Expenses for serious accidents can easily exceed state minimum coverage. If this happens, the driver must pay for the remainder out of their own pocket, so it's best to purchase more insurance coverage whenever possible.
Consequences of driving without car insurance in Georgia
Driving without auto insurance is a misdemeanor in Georgia. Those who are found guilty of doing so could face the following consequences:
- Vehicle registration suspension
- Fines of up to $25 while the vehicle is actively registered
- Fines of up to $160 in addition to the $25 fine if the lapse of coverage fine isn't paid within 30 days
What is the minimum car insurance required in Georgia?
All Georgia drivers must have at least the following car insurance in order to drive legally:
- $25,000 of bodily injury liability coverage per person
- $50,000 of bodily injury liability coverage per accident
- $25,000 of property damage liability coverage
No auto insurer in Georgia will enable drivers to purchase a policy with lower limits than these. However, all enable drivers to purchase higher coverage limits if they want them.
Other things to consider when looking for car insurance in Georgia
Here are a few other things Georgia drivers should keep in mind when shopping for car insurance.
Georgia is a hotbed for auto theft
Georgia had the 10th most vehicle thefts in the nation in 2022, according to the Insurance Information Institute. Thieves nabbed more than 26,500 cars, up slightly from the year before. Minimum coverage doesn't protect drivers against this. Those who want to be reimbursed for a stolen or vandalized vehicle need to invest in comprehensive coverage as well.
Minimum coverage has a lot of holes
Georgia's state minimum auto insurance requirements are pretty typical, but they have a lot of holes. They don't provide any protection for animal-vehicle collisions or the driver's own vehicle if they cause an accident or get into a single-car accident. Drivers who want the greatest protection should add collision and comprehensive coverage to their policies and invest in more liability coverage whenever possible.
How to find the best car insurance in Georgia
Here are a few tips that can help Georgia drivers find the best coverage at a price they can afford:
- Shop around: Auto insurers evaluate risk differently, which is why they offer the same driver different rates. Comparing quotes from several providers is the best way to find a great deal.
- Take advantage of discounts: More car insurance discounts doesn't always correspond to a lower premium, but it doesn't hurt to check. Drivers who qualify for a special circumstance, like being a veteran or owning a hybrid or electric vehicle, may do better by going with a company that offers discounts catering to these audiences.
Choose a higher deductible: Raising an auto insurance deductible lowers monthly premiums. However, those who go this route will need to save for their deductibles in an emergency fund to avoid being caught off guard in the event of a claim.
