Georgia Minimum Coverage Car Insurance: Requirements and Costs (2024)


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Updated: May 20, 2024

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Georgia's state minimum car insurance requirements include $25,000 for bodily injury liability per person, $50,000 per accident and $25,000 for property damage liability per accident. Georgia operates under an at-fault system, which means that the driver responsible for an accident is liable for the damages. Therefore, drivers must have at least the state minimum coverage to legally drive. The monthly cost for state minimum car insurance in Georgia is around $38.

When looking for the cheapest car insurance in Georgia, consider price and the level of protection. Understanding the minimum car insurance requirements is a good starting point for drivers in Georgia.

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 a range of Georgia drivers.

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These rates reflect the cost of minimum coverage car insurance requirements in Georgia as of June 2024.

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Georgia Minimum Coverage Car Insurance Requirements

In Georgia, drivers are required to carry minimum coverage auto insurance to legally drive. The state's minimum amounts for liability coverage are as follows:

  • $25,000 for bodily injury liability per person.
  • $50,000 for bodily injury liability per accident.
  • $25,000 for property damage liability per accident.

The cost of your insurance premium is influenced by Georgia operating under a fault system. This means that the driver who is found to be at fault for an accident is responsible for paying the damages incurred by all parties. This framework can affect the premium rates because insurers consider the likelihood of a driver being liable for damages in a crash.

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ARE COLLISION AND COMPREHENSIVE COVERAGE REQUIRED IN GEORGIA?

Georgia does not mandate drivers to carry collision or comprehensive insurance as part of its state minimum auto insurance requirements. But if you finance or lease a vehicle, lenders typically stipulate that you maintain both types of coverage to protect their investment. These policies cover damages 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 Does Minimum Coverage Cover?
What Liability Insurance Covers
What Liability Insurance Doesn't Cover

Injuries to others if you are at fault in an accident

Your injuries

Damage to another person’s property if you are at fault in an accident

Damages 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.

Average Cost of Minimum Coverage Car Insurance in Georgia

Age is the most significant determinant of the cost of minimum coverage car insurance. In Georgia, drivers between the ages of 22 and 29 typically face the highest premiums due to their relative inexperience on the road and higher risk of accidents.

The table below outlines the average costs for minimum coverage car insurance in Georgia by age group, highlighting how policy rates can vary with age.

22-29Annual Premium$589Monthly Premium$49
30-59Annual Premium$459Monthly Premium$38
60 +Annual Premium$449Monthly Premium$37

Cheapest Companies for Minimum Coverage Car Insurance in Georgia

In Georgia, the most economical choices for minimum coverage insurance come from two providers known for their competitive rates:

  • Auto-Owners: $365 per year; $30 per month
  • Country Financial: $440 per year; $37 per month

IKdentify insurance that not only fits your budget but also adequately covers your needs. Explore all options and find the best car insurance in Georgia that's right for you.

Data filtered by:Results filtered by:
Age Group:
Age Group:30-59
Auto-Owners Insurance CoAnnual Premium$365Monthly Premium$30
Country FinancialAnnual Premium$440Monthly Premium$37
GEICOAnnual Premium$563Monthly Premium$47
MercuryAnnual Premium$571Monthly Premium$48
AllstateAnnual Premium$709Monthly Premium$59
State FarmAnnual Premium$777Monthly Premium$65
ProgressiveAnnual Premium$796Monthly Premium$66

Optional Add-On Coverages in Georgia

In Georgia, optional add-on coverages include uninsured/underinsured motorist coverage, medical payments coverage, collision coverage and comprehensive coverage. These options provide protection for damages not covered by state minimum insurance, such as repairs to your vehicle 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 are at fault or damages that exceed 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.

Penalties for Driving Without Insurance in Georgia

The cost of a ticket for driving without insurance in Georgia varies, particularly based on past offenses. For a first-time offender, penalties are generally less severe than for those with previous violations. Repeat offenders can expect to face harsher consequences.

  • Fines: First-time offenders face substantial fines that increase significantly for subsequent offenses.
  • Vehicle Impoundment: Authorities may impound your car, leading to additional costs.
  • Vehicle Registration Suspension: Your vehicle's registration could be suspended, requiring payment of fees to restore it.
  • License Suspension & Reinstatement Fee: Your driving privileges may be revoked, with reinstatement contingent on paying fees.
  • Required SR-22: You may have to provide proof of insurance through an SR-22 form, demonstrating financial responsibility.

Driving without minimum coverage auto insurance is a serious violation in Georgia, emphasizing the importance of adhering to the law. Ensuring you have the required insurance not only keeps you compliant but also protects you financially on the road.

What to Do if Your Policy Is Canceled

After your car insurance policy is canceled in Georgia, immediately 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 are required to 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 does not have a specific state program for drivers. However, the Georgia Automobile Insurance Plan (GAAIP) serves as a market of last resort for high-risk drivers. Carry state minimum car insurance coverage to stay safe and legal on the road.

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WHY WAS MY POLICY CANCELED?

Your car insurance policy in Georgia may have been canceled for a few reasons:

  • Non-Payment: If you missed paying your premiums, the insurance company could cancel your policy.

  • Fraud: Providing false information or making deceptive claims can lead to cancellation.

  • License Suspension: Losing your driving privileges means you can't be insured.

  • Too Many Claims: Filing numerous claims in a short period might result in loss of coverage.

  • Risky Driving: Serious traffic violations can cause an insurer to consider you too high-risk to insure.

FAQ: Georgia Minimum Coverage Car Insurance

Here, you'll find concise answers to your questions regarding Georgia's minimum car insurance requirements.

What is the minimum car insurance coverage in Georgia?
Why does Georgia require minimum automobile liability coverage for motorists?
Do you need comprehensive insurance in Georgia?
What happens if you drive uninsured in Georgia?

About Mark Fitzpatrick


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Mark Fitzpatrick has analyzed the property and casualty insurance market for over five years, conducting original research and creating personalized content for every kind of buyer. Currently, he leads P&C insurance content production at MoneyGeek. Fitzpatrick 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.