Q: Will My Insurance Premiums Increase if I Make an Uninsured Motorist Claim?

A: Many of our clients have uninsured/underinsured motorist coverage or medical payments coverage on their own auto insurance policies.  Additionally, you may be able to make a claim against a policy owned by a relative who lives in the same household. 

You pay a premium to your insurance company each month for these very important coverages.  These coverages can benefit you after a collision, even when you are not at fault.  Your uninsured and underinsured coverage protects you when your injuries exceed the maximum policy limits of the defendant’s insurance policy.  Medical payments coverage can help you get the medical treatment you need.  Georgia law prevents the insurance company from punishing those who make such claims, ensuring you are able to take full advantage of the protection you purchase.

Georgia insurance law, O.C.G.A. § 33-9-40, bars insurance companies from either adding a surcharge to premiums or cancelling the policy of a customer who makes a claim for an accident in which they were not at fault. 

Further, O.C.G.A. § 33-24-45 specifically prohibits an insurance company from failing to renew a policy due to an accident for which the driver of the insured vehicle was not at fault or where the insured makes a claim against the uninsured or underinsured motorist coverage, med pay, comprehensive coverage or towing and road service coverage of a policy.