Is Uninsured Motorist Coverage Required in Georgia?
If you’re driving in Georgia- you may wonder whether you need uninsured motorist coverage.
In short, no, the state does not require it.
However, opting out of this coverage could leave you vulnerable in case of a crash.
Without it, your options for covering medical bills, damages, and other expenses in an uninsured motorist accident are limited.
As an uninsured motorist accident attorney who handles car accident cases daily – I will explain why this insurance is essential and how it can protect you after a wreck or collision.
What is uninsured motorist coverage?
Uninsured motorist coverage is an insurance policy that – helps cover your expenses if you’re injured or your vehicle is damaged in a crash caused by a driver with no insurance.
Unfortunately – not all drivers obey the law and carry insurance – and even fewer have enough coverage to pay for the damages they cause.
While Georgia law requires drivers to have minimum liability coverage – which includes $25,000 for bodily injury and $25,000 for property damage – this often isn’t enough – especially when it comes to medical bills or significant vehicle repairs.
If you’re in a wreck with an uninsured or underinsured driver, you could end up paying for your medical expenses, car repairs, and more. That’s where uninsured motorist coverage can help.
Why is uninsured motorist insurance important?
As mentioned, Georgia law doesn’t mandate that drivers carry UM coverage. But imagine you’re in an accident with someone who doesn’t have insurance.
Even if they’re at fault – getting compensation might be tough. You can sue the other driver. But if they lack the funds to pay a judgment, your efforts may go to waste. Without UM coverage, you must pay for your medical bills, repairs, and other expenses out of pocket.
This is where a skilled uninsured motorist accident lawyer can guide you through your legal options. Without UM coverage, you must pay for your medical bills, repairs, and other expenses out of pocket.
What happens if the other driver is underinsured?
What if the driver who caused the accident has some insurance but not enough to cover your damages?
We call this situation an underinsured motorist accident.
For example – if the at-fault driver has $25,000 in coverage but your medical bills amount to $50,000. Your insurance could help cover the difference if you have UM coverage.
An uninsured motorist accident attorney can assist in reviewing your case and explaining whether your coverage will apply in your situation. Sometimes, a stacking UM policy can be particularly useful.
Stacking allows you to increase the coverage amount by adding your policy’s limits on top of what the other driver’s insurance offers. If you have a policy that stacks – you could be better protected if you’re injured in a severe crash.
How does UM insurance work in different scenarios?
UM coverage doesn’t only help drivers.
It extends to passengers in your vehicle, family members living in your home, and even pedestrians or cyclists involved in an accident.
If an uninsured motorist injures someone, they can use UM coverage for medical bills and other claims. Even if they weren’t in your car during the accident.
What if you don’t have UM insurance?
If you decide not to purchase UM insurance – and you’re involved in an uninsured motorist accident, the situation can get tricky. Some alternatives – such as MedPay or Collision coverage, might help cover medical bills or property damage. But these options aren’t always enough to cover the full extent of your injuries or losses.
If you’re unsure about the kind of insurance you have – it is worth checking with your provider. Or go for a consultation with an Atlanta personal injury attorney to learn about your coverage options.
Final thoughts
Even though uninsured motorist coverage isn’t mandatory in Georgia – it is a smart choice to guarantee you’re financially protected in the event of an accident. You can sue the other driver, but if they lack the funds to pay a judgment, your efforts may go to waste.
And if you’re already dealing with an accident – don’t hesitate to reach out to an uninsured motorist accident attorney for help.
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