In Georgia, you must have at least a minimum amount of car insurance to register and drive a vehicle. This protects you and other drivers in case of an accident.
You must always have proof of insurance and show it to law enforcement if asked. Georgia is an at-fault state, so the driver at fault in an accident must pay for damages. Liability coverage is a must. Minimum auto insurance coverage has limits for bodily injury and property damage liability coverage. More car insurance coverage is recommended for more protection.
The lender may require collision and comprehensive coverage if your vehicle is financed or leased. Whether you’re driving on Atlanta’s interstates or touring Savannah’s historic roads, every car in Georgia must meet these insurance requirements to be legal and safe for the public.
Auto Insurance Requirements in Georgia
Georgia insurance laws require all drivers to carry liability insurance that meets specific minimum liability limits before driving. As an at-fault state, Georgia holds the responsible driver financially responsible for injuries and damages from a car accident. The minimum liability coverage, written as 25/50/25, is listed below.
- $25,000 bodily injury liability per person
- $50,000 bodily injury liability per accident
- $25,000 property damage liability per accident
These minimums provide basic financial protection for injured parties in a car accident you cause. Liability only covers damages and injuries to others, not your vehicle or medical bills for you and your passengers.
If the damages exceed your policy limits, you’re personally responsible for the rest. So, drivers are highly encouraged to get full-coverage insurance, which includes collision and comprehensive coverage, to get more financial protection beyond the state minimum coverage.
Liability coverage in Georgia
In Georgia, liability insurance is the only insurance required by law, and it’s for others—not you—if you’re at fault in an accident. This required coverage ensures that third parties will receive financial help for injuries or property damage if you cause an accident.
Liability insurance in Georgia consists of two parts detailed below.
- Bodily Injury Liability (BI): Bodily injury coverage pays for medical bills, lost wages, and funeral costs for people injured or killed in an accident you cause.
- Property Damage Liability (PD): Property damage liability coverage pays for repairs or replacement of property, like another person’s vehicle, damaged in the accident.
The minimum required coverage limits are 25/50/25 as detailed below.
- $25,000 bodily injury liability coverage per person
- $50,000 bodily injury liability coverage per accident
- $25,000 property damage liability coverage per accident
These minimums are basic coverage but may not be enough if the accident results in serious injuries or property damage. In that case, you’re personally responsible for any amount above the minimum limits, which could put your assets at risk.
Liability insurance doesn’t cover your injuries or vehicle repairs, so drivers are encouraged to consider other coverage options for more complete protection.
Is Georgia a Comparative Fault State?
Georgia uses a comparative fault system to determine liability in car accidents. Each drivers damages are reduced by their percentage of fault, and if you’re found 50% or more at fault, you can’t recover anything.
In multi-vehicle accidents, fault is divided among all drivers. Each driver is responsible for damages for their share of blame. While damages are limited to that percentage, you can still recover from any negligent party under joint liability rules. This can add complexity to getting a payout from an insurance company.
Optional Car Insurance Coverage in Georgia
While Georgia law only requires liability insurance to drive legally, there are optional coverages to increase your financial protection and fill gaps in standard auto insurance policies. These additional insurance coverages are especially valuable to protect your vehicle, medical costs, or against uninsured motorists.
- Collision Coverage: Collision coverage pays for damage to your car from a collision with another car or object. You want this coverage to repair your own vehicle after an accident.
- Comprehensive Coverage: Also known as “other than collision” coverage, comprehensive insurance covers damages from non-collision events like theft, vandalism, fire, or animal strikes. When combined with collision insurance, these are referred to as full coverage car insurance.
- Gap Insurance: If you’re leasing or financing your vehicle, gap insurance covers the difference between its actual cash value and the balance on your loan or lease. This is important due to the fast depreciation of a new car.
- Medical Payments Coverage (MedPay): MedPay covers medical expenses for you and your passengers, regardless of who is the at-fault driver. Policy limits are typically in the range of $5,000 to $10,000.
- Uninsured/Underinsured Motorist Coverage (UM/UIM): While Georgia requires drivers to carry liability insurance, not every driver does. Uninsured motorist coverage protects you if an at-fault driver has no auto insurance or does not have enough coverage. Insurance companies in Georgia must offer this auto coverage, but it needs to be declined in writing.
- Roadside Assistance: This additional coverage provides help in roadside emergencies like breakdowns, flat tires, or towing needs. Roadside service gives you peace of mind in unexpected situations.
Although these insurance coverages are not required by law, they’re essential. If you’re financing or leasing a vehicle or want broader financial protection in case of an accident they are a good thing to have.
Penalties for Driving Without Car Insurance in Georgia
Driving without valid auto insurance in Georgia is a misdemeanor offense with significant legal and financial consequences. Uninsured Drivers in Georgia may face some of the following penalties listed below.
- Fines from $200 to $1,000
- Up to 12 months in jail
- License suspension from 60 to 90 days
- Vehicle impoundment
- Reinstatement fees for the driver’s license and lapsed insurance coverage
If you don’t pay the fine within 30 days, you’ll be charged an extra $160. Making false statements about your insurance status is a misdemeanor and carries the same penalties.
In more serious cases—especially accidents involving serious injury or death—felony charges may apply, and that means longer time in jail and bigger fines. Did you know that in 2019, 12.4% of Georgia drivers were uninsured, close to the national average of 12.6%, according to the Insurance Research Council.
SR-22 Insurance for High-Risk Drivers in Georgia
In Georgia, high-risk drivers may be required to have SR-22 insurance, which is a Certificate of Financial Responsibility. Your insurance company files this certificate with the Georgia Department of Driver Services (GA DDS) and proves you have the state’s minimum liability coverage.
An SR-22 is usually required for drivers with bad driving records who have been convicted of serious offenses such as DUI, multiple major traffic violations, repeated license suspensions, or at fault in an accident while uninsured. If your SR-22 lapses or is canceled for any reason, the DDS will be notified, and your driver’s license will be suspended.
Continuous coverage with an SR-22 is key to getting your license back and keeping it in Georgia.
Why Having the Required Car Insurance in Georgia Matters
Driving in Georgia is risky—many risks come from momentary distractions or inattentive drivers. A split second of not paying attention and you can be in an accident. That’s why having the right Georgia car insurance is essential to meet state requirements and protect your money and assets.
Georgia requires minimum liability insurance, but those limits are often not enough to cover the full cost of an accident. However, increasing your coverage limits can give you much better protection for a small increase in car insurance premiums.
At Insurance Navy, we help drivers in Atlanta and all of Georgia find cheap and reliable car insurance. We compare quotes from multiple carriers to give you a clear view of your options—so you get the coverage you need at a price you can afford. Get a quote today and talk to an insurance agent.
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the minimum liability insurance limits in Georgia?
Georgia requires drivers to carry minimum liability coverage of 25/50/25 to protect against financial loss from accidents they cause.
Is personal injury protection (PIP) or medical payments coverage required in Georgia?
No, Georgia is an at-fault state, so PIP coverage is not required, and MedPay coverage is optional but recommended.
How does Georgia check to see if I’m insured?
Insurance companies must report coverage information to the Georgia Electronic Insurance Compliance System (GEICS) within 30 days of policy issuance so authorities can verify active insurance.
What happens if my insurance lapses while my registration is active?
If your insurance lapses while your registration is still active, Georgia charges a $25 lapse fee. If you don’t resolve the lapse, your registration will be suspended, and you’ll need to pay a $60 reinstatement fee to get it back.
I just moved to Georgia, when do I need to get state insurance?
To be compliant, new Georgia residents must get state-compliant Georgia auto insurance and a Georgia driver’s license within 30 days of establishing residency.
Does Georgia accept electronic proof of insurance on a smartphone?
Yes, Georgia law allows drivers to show digital insurance cards on their smartphone or electronic device during traffic stops or when law enforcement asks.
