Georgia Auto Insurance Guide

Whether you’re tailgating to a Georgia Tech game, cheering for the Atlanta Braves or the Falcons, traveling the Antebellum trail from Athens to Macon, camping along Allatoona Lake or doing business in Atlanta, the Peach State has miles of places to go. From Gainesville to Valdosta, Marietta to Savannah and all points in between, car insurance is crucial to being a responsible Georgia driver.

 

Auto Insurance Resources for GA State Residents

As of 2010, there were more than 5.7 million licensed drivers in the Peach State. The Insurance Research Council estimates that 12% of Georgia drivers are uninsured. The Georgia Department of Transportation Crash Analysis Statistics and information Notebook for 2008 report a total of 342,534 traffic accidents resulting in 133,555 injuries and 1,703 deaths. One out of 6 traffic fatalities involved a large truck. Georgia’s rural counties have the highest fatal crash rate. Leading contributing factors in all Georgia traffic accidents include tailgating and other reckless driving practices, speed, alcohol and weather conditions. Car accidents are the leading cause of death and injury to children in Georgia. Uninsured, alcohol-impaired and reckless drivers are good reasons to make sure you have enough car insurance while living and driving in the Peach State.

 

Georgia State Minimum Car Insurance

Georgia state law requires you to carry a minimum amount of car insurance or face severe penalties. The Peach State has a tort-based system. That means if you cause an accident, you can be sued. While Georgia does not require that you carry, additional personal liability or Collision and Comprehensive coverage, if you own property or other valuable assets, you would be wise to supplement the minimum requirements shown below:

• $25,000 bodily injury per person per accident
• $50,000 bodily injury for all persons per accident
• $25,000 property damage liability
• $25,000/$50,000 uninsured/underinsured motorist

 

Georgia Car Insurance Laws

Georgia law requires that you carry proof of Georgia auto insurance in your vehicle and produce it if a law enforcement officer asks to see it. Failure to do so is a misdemeanor and carries fines between $200 and $1,000, with possible imprisonment up to 12 months. Your registration can be suspended for up to 6 months. You will also have to pay a $25 lapse fee and up to $160 to reinstate your registration. If you are a repeat offender, a judge can impound your car.

 

Regulating Agency and References

Georgia Department of Insurance
This agency is responsible for regulating vehicle insurance policies sold in Georgia. For more information, visit their website at www.gainsurance.org

Georgia Department of Driver Servicesn
This is the agency responsible for licensing drivers and registering vehicles. You can learn more about Georgia auto insurance requirements, penalties and related information at www.dds.ga.gov

National Association of Insurance Commissioners (NAIC)
This is an organization of insurance regulators from the 50 states, District of Columbia and the five U.S. territories. NAIC provides a forum for the development of uniform policies when appropriate. NAIC members are elected or appointed state government officials who regulate the conduct of insurance companies and agents in their respective states or territories. Visit NAIC at www.naic.org

Insurance Information Institute (III)
This organization’s mission is to improve public understanding of insurance – what it is and how it works. Visit III at www.iii.org/

 

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