A Guide to Understanding Automobile Insurance Coverage in Georgia

Buying the right insurance coverage to protect yourself and your family is a very important decision. Many clients feel that they have “Full” coverage only to find after a wreck that they did not.

Many injuries from car wrecks are permanent and can destroy a family. We recommend that our clients purchase more than the legally required minimum coverage. Often, clients suffer serious injuries, but have little or no insurance to protect themselves. Do not depend on other drivers to have enough insurance to protect you. Call us anytime for information about your policy and coverages. We have over thirty years experience helping those injured in Georgia. The following is a brief overview of the types of insurance offered in Georgia.

Liability Coverage

This is the only type of coverage that all drivers in Georgia are legally required to purchase. This coverage protects you in the event that you (or someone driving your car with your permission) cause an accident through negligence and injure someone else. Georgia requires at least $25,000 per person and $50,000 per accident in coverage.

Property Damage Liability Coverage

Property damage liability coverage protects you in the event that you, or someone driving your car with your permission, cause an accident through negligence and damage another person’s property.

Uninsured and Under-insured Motorist Coverage

“UM” coverage usually applies when you, your passenger(s) or the person driving your vehicle with your permission are in an accident caused by another driver, and the at-fault driver does not have Liability insurance, or does not have enough Liability insurance to cover your injuries. We highly recommend you purchase as much of this coverage as you can afford.

Uninsured and Under-insured Motorist Property Damage Coverage

This type of UM coverage is similar to collision coverage in that it pays for the damage to your vehicle if the damage to your vehicle was caused by another person who does not have insurance, or enough insurance to cover all the damage to your car.

Medical Payments Coverage

People often believe that if they have health insurance, they do not need this coverage. We disagree. Your health insurance company may not always pay for your injuries if they are caused by someone else. There are also new laws that can allow a health insurance company to recover money back from you that they paid for your medical bills if you later settle your case. Medical payments coverage through your auto insurance will pay for your accident-related medical treatment up to the limits of your coverage. This coverage is usually relatively inexpensive, and we highly recommend you purchase as much of it as you can afford.

Collision Coverage

This pays for the damage to your vehicle regardless of who caused the accident.

Comprehensive Coverage

Comprehensive coverage covers damage to your vehicle caused by an event other than a car accident (fire, theft, ice storm, falling trees, vandalism).

You should consult with your insurance agent when deciding which coverages to purchase.