Georgia Minimum Coverage Car Insurance: Requirements and Costs (August 2024)
Updated: August 12, 2024
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Georgia requires drivers to have at least $25,000 in bodily injury liability per person, $50,000 per accident and $25,000 in property damage liability per accident. As Georgia follows an at-fault system, the driver responsible for an accident must cover the damages.
To drive legally, you must meet the minimum car insurance requirements. The average monthly cost for this insurance in the state is around $57. When looking for the cheapest car insurance in Georgia, balance cost with coverage.
Why Trust MoneyGeek? MoneyGeek analyzed data from Quadrant Information Services and the Georgia Department of Insurance to give you the most accurate cost data for various Georgia drivers.
These rates reflect the cost of minimum coverage car insurance requirements in Georgia as of August 2024.
In Georgia, drivers must carry minimum coverage auto insurance to drive legally. The state's minimum amounts for liability coverage are as follows:
The cost of your insurance premium is influenced by Georgia operating under a fault system. This means that the driver found at fault for an accident is responsible for paying the damage incurred by all parties. This framework can affect the premium rates because insurers consider the likelihood of a driver being liable for damage in a crash.
Georgia doesn't mandate drivers to carry collision or comprehensive insurance as part of its state minimum auto insurance requirements. However, if you finance or lease a vehicle, lenders typically stipulate that you maintain both types of coverage to protect your investment. These policies cover damage to your car from accidents (collision) and other incidents like theft or weather damage (comprehensive).
Considering the financial protection they offer, collision and comprehensive insurance should be considered by vehicle owners in Georgia, especially those with newer or higher-value vehicles. The choice of collision or comprehensive insurance in Georgia is affected by your financial situation and the value of your vehicle.
What Liability Insurance Covers | What Liability Insurance Doesn't Cover |
|---|---|
Injuries to others if you're at fault in an accident | Your injuries |
Damage to another person’s property if you're at fault in an accident | Damage to your car |
Some coverage for injuries caused by uninsured/underinsured drivers, depending on your policy | Property damage caused by uninsured/underinsured drivers unless additional coverage is purchased |
Repairs for weather-related accidents or if you were hit by an animal |
The table reflects Georgia's state minimum car insurance requirements, including bodily injury and property damage coverage. Remember, specific coverage details depend on your individual policy's terms and conditions.
Age is a key factor in determining car insurance costs. In Georgia, drivers aged 22 to 29 usually face the highest premiums due to their higher risk.
The table below displays the average cost of minimum coverage car insurance in Georgia by age group, showing how rates vary with age.
| 22-29 | Annual Premium$875 | Monthly Premium$73 |
| 30-59 | Annual Premium$689 | Monthly Premium$57 |
| 60 + | Annual Premium$677 | Monthly Premium$56 |
In Georgia, the most affordable options for minimum coverage insurance are:
Choose an insurance plan that fits your budget and provides adequate coverage. Explore all options to find the best car insurance in Georgia for your needs.
| Country Financial | Annual Premium$412 | Monthly Premium$34 |
| Auto-Owners Insurance Co | Annual Premium$490 | Monthly Premium$41 |
| GEICO | Annual Premium$581 | Monthly Premium$48 |
| Mercury | Annual Premium$601 | Monthly Premium$50 |
| Progressive | Annual Premium$875 | Monthly Premium$73 |
| Allstate | Annual Premium$910 | Monthly Premium$76 |
| State Farm | Annual Premium$957 | Monthly Premium$80 |
In Georgia, optional add-on coverages include uninsured/underinsured motorist coverage, medical payments coverage, collision coverage and comprehensive coverage. These options protect against damages not covered by state minimum insurance, such as vehicle repairs or medical expenses, regardless of fault. Assessing how much car insurance you need can help you determine the usefulness of these add-ons.
Add-On Coverage | What It Covers | What It Doesn't Cover |
|---|---|---|
Uninsured/Underinsured Motorist Coverage | Medical expenses, lost wages and repair costs if you're hit by a driver with no or insufficient insurance | Damage to your vehicle if you're at fault or damage that exceeds policy limits |
Personal Injury Protection (PIP) | Medical expenses, lost income and funeral costs for you or your passengers regardless of who's at fault | Vehicle damage or injuries to the other driver |
Roadside Assistance | Services like towing, flat tire changes and jump-starts when your car breaks down | Cost of parts or repairs needed after the tow |
Gap Insurance | Pays the difference between your car's current value and what you still owe if it's totaled or stolen | Vehicle depreciation or overdue loan payments |
Rental Car Reimbursement | The cost of a rental car while your vehicle is being repaired after a covered event | Fuel, insurance or other rental extras |
Collision Coverage | Repairs to your car after an accident, regardless of fault | Damage due to theft, vandalism or natural disasters |
Comprehensive Coverage | Repairs to non-collision damages from events like theft, fire or hail | Damages from a collision or personal injuries |
Towing and Labor Coverage | Towing and basic roadside-assistance labor costs at the site of your vehicle's breakdown | More extensive repairs needed at a garage |
Custom Parts and Equipment Coverage | Safeguards aftermarket enhancements like custom wheels or stereo systems | Original parts that came with your vehicle |
Accidental Death Coverage | Offers a payout if you or a passenger dies or experiences certain injuries in a car accident | Non-accidental death or injuries |
Classic Car Insurance | Agreed-upon values for your unique vehicle, tailored for vintage or collector cars | Regular use like your daily commute |
The ticket cost for driving without insurance in Georgia varies, mainly based on past offenses. Penalties are generally less severe for first-time offenders than those with previous violations, but repeat offenders can expect to face harsher consequences.
Driving without minimum coverage auto insurance is a severe violation in Georgia, emphasizing the importance of adhering to the law. Ensuring you have the required insurance keeps you compliant and protects you financially on the road.
After your car insurance policy is canceled in Georgia, seek new coverage to avoid the serious risks of driving uninsured. You can consult your previous insurance agent for options or shop around for new policies from different providers. Maintain at least the state minimum car insurance coverage.
The Georgia Department of Revenue (DOR) will be notified when you lack insurance because insurance companies must report cancellations. The DOR operates a database similar to TexasSure, which helps track the insurance status of vehicles registered in the state.
If you're struggling to find coverage, Georgia has no specific state program for drivers. However, the Georgia Automobile Insurance Plan (GAAIP) is a market of last resort for high-risk drivers. Carry state minimum car insurance coverage to stay safe and legal.
Your car insurance policy in Georgia may have been canceled for a few reasons:
Find answers to your questions regarding Georgia's minimum car insurance requirements.
In Georgia, the law requires minimum coverage auto insurance with the following limits: $25,000 for bodily injury liability per person, $50,000 for bodily injury liability per accident and $25,000 for property damage liability per accident. Uninsured/underinsured motorist coverage and personal injury protection aren't required.
Georgia requires minimum coverage auto insurance to ensure drivers can cover costs from accidents. This insurance helps pay for the damage or injuries caused by motorists, protecting both the policyholder and other road users. It reduces the financial burden on accident victims and supports public safety by ensuring drivers have some financial responsibility.
In Georgia, comprehensive insurance isn't required by law. However, it's worth considering for protection against theft or natural disasters. It's especially recommended if you have a newer vehicle or are financing your car, as lenders may require it.
Driving uninsured in Georgia can lead to severe penalties. First-time offenders face fines starting at $200; repeat offenses can result in higher fines and license suspension. You’ll also need to pay a $25 lapse fee and a $60 restoration fee to reinstate your registration. To avoid these costs, keep at least the minimum required insurance coverage.
About Mark Fitzpatrick
Mark Fitzpatrick is a Licensed Property and Casualty Insurance Producer and MoneyGeek's Head of Insurance. He has analyzed the insurance market for over five years, conducting original research and creating personalized content for every kind of buyer. He has been quoted in several insurance-related publications, including CNBC, NBC News and Mashable.
Fitzpatrick earned a master’s degree in economics and international relations from Johns Hopkins University and a bachelor’s degree from Boston College. He is passionate about using his knowledge of economics and insurance to bring transparency around financial topics and help others feel confident in their money moves.
