Auto Insurance In GA

Knowing the requirements for minimum auto insurance coverage in Georgia can help you make wise decisions as you consider your insurance options. State laws govern the types and amounts of insurance Georgia residents must purchase in order to drive on the public roads and highways. More than the minimum requirements might be necessary if you have a car loan or if you desire more protection.

Basics for Auto Insurance in GA

Georgia sets the required minimum amount of bodily injury liability coverage at $25,000/$50,000. These amounts means that for injury or death caused by the driver, the insurance company will pay a single person up to $25,000 and up to a maximum total of $50,000 for injuries or death to all persons involved in a single accident. The coverage applies to occupants of another car, occupants of the driver’s car, or pedestrians. For auto insurance in GA, property damage liability coverage must be a minimum of $25,000. This amount is the maximum the insurance company will pay for damage that you do to another person’s property while driving. It does not include damage to your own car from an accident or from other causes. Coverage for these physical damages must be purchased through collision and comprehensive insurance.

Collision and Comprehensive Auto Insurance in GA

Georgia does not require collision or comprehensive auto insurance, although banks and other lenders often require both of these types of insurance for car loans. Collision insurance provides protection for damages to your own car if it is involved in a collision with another vehicle or some other object. Comprehensive insurance provides coverage for damages to your car from sources other than a collision, such as flood, severe weather, fire, theft, and vandalism. For auto insurance in GA, consider the age and condition of your car compared to the cost of premiums charged for both collision and comprehensive insurance. Typically, this type of insurance covers repairs and replacement costs limited to the vehicle’s cash value. If repair costs run more than the cash value of the vehicle, the company pays only the value of the vehicle at the time of the damage.

Theft and Auto Insurance in GA

The National Insurance Crime Bureau has listed Georgia as one of the top ten states for car theft. Theft is considered theft of the vehicle itself or theft of parts of the vehicle. Some insurance companies may use a state’s ranking in car theft as well as many other factors to determine their rates for comprehensive insurance premiums. If you drive a commonly stolen vehicle your premiums may be higher. Some companies that sell auto insurance in GA may offer discounts for the use of certain anti-theft protection devices. According to The National Association of Insurance Commissioners (NAIC), Georgia formally encourages insurance companies to offer discounts to car owners who use anti-theft protection devices, but does not require discounts. Different comprehensive policies may also offer different levels of coverage for such things as car rental while you are without a vehicle due to theft.

Uninsured Motorist and Underinsured Motorist Auto Insurance in GA

Georgia does not require insurance for uninsured motorist protection or underinsured motorist protection. Uninsured motorist protection offers protection against damage incurred from a driver who is at fault but has no insurance. Similarly, underinsured motorist protection offers coverage for damage incurred from a driver who is at fault but who lacks enough insurance to cover the claim. Different options are available in Georgia for uninsured motorist coverage. For your free comparison quote for auto insurance, enter you zip code at the top of the page.