Is Uninsured Motorist Coverage Required in Georgia?

Georgia does not require drivers to have uninsured motorist coverage. However, this optional form of insurance could protect you if you are in an accident caused by a driver who lacks sufficient insurance.

Without uninsured motorist coverage, you could face significant out-of-pocket expenses if you get into an accident with an uninsured or underinsured motorist. It’s unlikely that your insurance provider will cover the damage caused by the uninsured or underinsured driver if you don’t have this coverage.

What Is Uninsured/Underinsured Motorist Coverage?

Uninsured motorist (UM) and underinsured motorist (UIM) coverage are types of insurance designed to protect you if the at-fault driver either doesn’t have any insurance or doesn’t have enough to cover your losses.

Georgia is an at-fault state, which means you will usually file a claim with the at-fault party’s insurance when you get into a car accident. However, you must file a claim with your uninsured motorist policy if the at-fault driver has no insurance. If they have insurance but their policy limits are too low, you must file an additional claim with your underinsured motorist policy.

Depending on the terms of your policy, UM and UIM coverage can cover medical bills, lost wages, and even property damage. This coverage can be crucial if you suffer severe injuries and your losses exceed the at-fault driver’s policy limits. Contact our Savannah car accident lawyer today.

What Are the Minimum Liability Insurance Requirements in Georgia?

In Georgia, drivers must carry a minimum amount of liability insurance to operate a vehicle legally. These minimum requirements are:

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

Your liability insurance doesn’t cover your losses, and the other driver’s liability insurance limits may be too low to cover your losses in the event of a serious accident. For this reason, uninsured and underinsured motorist coverage can be crucial. The last thing you want is to have to pay out-of-pocket for your accident-related losses.

Are Insurers in Georgia Required to Offer Uninsured Motorist Coverage?

Georgia law requires insurance companies to offer uninsured motorist coverage as part of your auto insurance policy. However, you have the option to reject this coverage. Rejecting this coverage could save money in the short term, but having it can save you much more if you ever need to use it.

While uninsured motorist coverage is not mandatory to purchase, the law makes sure consumers are aware of its availability and the protection it offers. If you decline this coverage, you could be at financial risk if involved in an accident with an uninsured or underinsured driver.

Does Uninsured Motorist Coverage Apply to Hit-and-Runs?

Uninsured motorist coverage can apply to hit-and-run accidents. It can provide financial protection in cases where the at-fault driver flees the scene and identification is impossible.

This type of coverage makes sure that you avoid a difficult financial position due to another driver’s negligence. It protects you from having to pay out-of-pocket for your medical bills and property damage for an accident that was not your fault.

If police identify the at-fault driver after your uninsured motorist coverage pays for your losses, you do not have to file an additional claim. Your insurance provider will likely file a claim against the driver to recover the compensation it paid you.

Is It a Good Idea to Have Uninsured Motorist Coverage?

Having uninsured motorist coverage is generally a good idea. Despite Georgia’s laws requiring drivers to carry liability insurance, many drivers in the state are uninsured or underinsured. If someone doesn’t have the legally required insurance, do you trust them to be a good driver? This is why having uninsured motorist coverage is a good idea.

Uninsured motorist coverage also provides peace of mind. If you are the victim of a hit-and-run or an accident with insufficient insurance to cover your losses, knowing you won’t have to pay for your losses yourself can be reassuring. This peace of mind alone can be worth the price of coverage.

What Should You Do if You Have Been in an Accident with an Uninsured Motorist?

There are several steps you should take after being in an accident with an uninsured or underinsured motorist:

• Call the Police – After any car accident, you should call the police so they can file an accident report. This report will be necessary for your insurance claim.
• Gather Evidence – Take photos of the accident scene, vehicle damage, and any injuries. Also, collect contact information from witnesses if possible. This evidence will be crucial in supporting your claim.
• Seek Medical Attention – Even if you initially feel fine, seeking medical attention after an accident is important. By doing this, you’re creating a paper trail of any injuries you have and getting screened for internal injuries that often have delayed onset symptoms.
• Contact Your Insurance – You’ll want to notify your insurer about the accident as soon as possible. They will guide you through the process of filing a claim. However, it’s vital that you do not admit fault for the accident when speaking to any insurance company, whether it’s yours or the other driver’s.
• Consult a Car Accident Lawyer – A legal professional can help you with an uninsured motorist claim. They can assist you with gathering evidence, filing your claim, negotiating with the insurance company for a fair settlement, and even representing you in court if the insurer denies your claim.

Contact a Georgia Car Accident Lawyer

If you suffered an injury in an accident with an uninsured or underinsured motorist in Georgia, having an experienced car accident attorney on your side is essential. A knowledgeable lawyer can help you understand your rights, negotiate with insurance companies, and seek the compensation you need.

Don’t let an uninsured driver leave you footing the bill for the damage they caused. Contact Spiva Law Group today for a free consultation. We’ll provide an evaluation of your case, explain your legal options, and walk you through the uninsured motorist claim process.