Last Updated on October 29, 2020 by Theodore Spaulding
An estimated 12 percent of Georgia motorists are uninsured, according to the Insurance Information Institute (III). This means that nearly one in eight drivers did not even carry the state’s legally-required minimum coverage.
This coverage includes:
- $25,000 per person for bodily injury
- $50,000 per accident for bodily injury
- $25,000 per accident for property damage.
When motorists are uninsured or underinsured, they lack the appropriate coverage to compensate you if you are severely injured in a collision. This is especially true if there are multiple occupants in the vehicle or if several vehicles are involved in the crash. The losses can quickly exceed the limits on a policy with the bare minimum coverage. If the person is uninsured, they may have little or nothing to compensate the victims if the collision is their fault.
Fortunately, drivers who carry uninsured/underinsured motorist coverage (UI/UM) on their insurance policy can protect themselves in the event of a crash. While this coverage exists to compensate drivers and passengers who are hurt in a collision with a financially irresponsible driver, it is not always easy to get the full amount you need from your policy.
With the help of an experienced uninsured/underinsured motorist attorney like those at Spaulding Injury Law, you could get the maximum amount of compensation under your policy. Contact us by phone, fill out a contact form, or chat with us live on our website to discuss your legal options during a free consultation.

What Is Uninsured Motorist Coverage?
Generally, when you are in an accident, and it is the other driver’s fault, then their auto insurance will compensate you for your medical bills, damage to your property, and other losses.
When an uninsured motorist hits you – or you are the victim of a hit-and-run driver – you may find that you have to pay out of your own pocket.
To avoid this, you can add uninsured motorist coverage to your auto insurance policy, which may (depending on your policy) cover:
- Uninsured Motorist Property Damage: This would cover damage to your vehicle.
- Uninsured Motorist Bodily Injury: This coverage pays the medical bills that you incur as a result of the crash. In some cases, it can also extend to passengers in the car.
Is Uninsured Motorist Coverage Required in Georgia?
Uninsured motorist coverage is not required in the state of Georgia. Even though it is not required, it is wise to add the coverage to your policy. It can save you from paying out-of-pocket for costly vehicle damage and medical bills.
Georgia uninsured motorist laws do require companies to offer the coverage, so it may already be included in your policy unless you have explicitly rejected the coverage in writing.
What Is Underinsured Motorist Coverage?
If an underinsured motorist hits you, it is possible that they have a policy that cannot cover the full cost of damage to your car or your medical bills. Having underinsured motorist coverage on your policy can help to cover the gap that the other person’s insurance cannot meet.
Minimum coverage in Georgia amounts to:
- $25,000 per person if they are injured in the wreck
- $25,000 per accident for vehicle damages
- $50,000 total for bodily injury in a collision
Many Georgia drivers only carry these minimum coverage amounts, which may not pay for all of your medical bills if you are severely injured, or if there are multiple people and vehicles involved in the accident. UIM coverage is intended to supplement the at-fault driver’s coverage to help cover more of your losses.
Is Underinsured Motorist Coverage Required in Georgia?
Just like uninsured motorist coverage, you are not required to carry underinsured motorist coverage in Georgia. If you decide to add it to your policy, it may be bundled together with uninsured driver coverage. Check with your insurance agent to learn more and to negotiate the best rates for these types of coverage.