Key Takeaways
- Georgia requires minimum auto liability limits of 25/50/25 ($25,000 per person/$50,000 per accident bodily injury/$25,000 property damage)
- Georgia is an "at-fault" state using modified comparative negligence with a 50% bar
- Uninsured motorist coverage is mandatory in Georgia and cannot be waived
- Georgia uses electronic insurance verification through GRATIS (Georgia Registration and Title Information System)
- Penalties for driving without insurance include license suspension and fines
Georgia Auto Insurance Requirements
Georgia has specific auto insurance requirements that producers must understand.
Mandatory Coverage
Georgia requires all registered vehicles to have liability insurance with minimum limits:
Minimum Liability Limits (25/50/25)
| Coverage | Minimum Limit |
|---|---|
| Bodily Injury per Person | $25,000 |
| Bodily Injury per Accident | $50,000 |
| Property Damage | $25,000 |
Memory Tip: Remember "25/50/25" for Georgia minimum limits.
Mandatory UM Coverage
Georgia requires Uninsured Motorist (UM) coverage:
| Requirement | Details |
|---|---|
| Mandatory | Yes - cannot be waived |
| Minimum Limits | Equal to liability limits |
| Can Reduce | Yes, with written consent to lower limits |
| Coverage Type | Bodily injury only (at minimum) |
Exam Tip: Georgia is one of the states where UM coverage is MANDATORY. It cannot be rejected, only reduced with written consent.
Proof of Insurance
Georgia drivers must carry proof of insurance:
- Physical insurance card, OR
- Electronic proof on smartphone
- GRATIS electronic verification
- Penalties for no insurance include fines and license suspension
Georgia GRATIS System
GRATIS (Georgia Registration and Title Information System) verifies insurance:
How It Works
- Insurers report coverage electronically to GRATIS
- Links insurance records with vehicle registration
- Identifies uninsured vehicles automatically
- Allows targeted enforcement
Compliance
- Must maintain continuous coverage
- Lapses trigger registration suspension
- Reinstatement requires proof of insurance
- SR-22 may be required for repeat offenses
Georgia's At-Fault System
Georgia uses modified comparative negligence with a 50% bar:
How It Works
- Party at fault is responsible for damages
- Fault can be shared between parties
- Recovery reduced by percentage of fault
- 50% bar: If 50% or more at fault, NO recovery
The 50% Bar Rule
| Your Fault | Can You Recover? | Example |
|---|---|---|
| 0-49% | Yes, reduced by fault % | 30% at fault = recover 70% |
| 50% or more | NO | 50% at fault = no recovery |
Exam Tip: Georgia's 50% bar means recovery is barred at exactly 50% fault. Texas uses 51% (recovery barred if MORE than 50% at fault).
Example
If Driver A is 40% at fault and Driver B is 60% at fault:
- Driver A can recover 60% of their damages
- Driver B recovers NOTHING (60% at fault, over 50%)
Personal Injury Protection (PIP)
Georgia does not require PIP coverage:
PIP Status
| Feature | Georgia |
|---|---|
| Required | No |
| Available | Yes, optional |
| Common | Less common than UM |
Uninsured/Underinsured Motorist Coverage
Georgia mandates UM coverage and regulates UIM:
UM Requirements (Mandatory)
| Coverage | Requirement |
|---|---|
| Uninsured Motorist | MANDATORY |
| Minimum Limits | Equal to liability |
| Reduction | Only with written consent |
| Rejection | NOT permitted |
UIM (Underinsured Motorist)
- Optional coverage
- Covers gap when at-fault driver underinsured
- Frequently offered with UM
- Add-on vs. difference in limits options
Georgia Auto Insurance Rating
Georgia uses prior approval for auto insurance rates:
Permitted Rating Factors
- Driving record
- Credit history (with limitations)
- Age and experience
- Annual mileage
- Vehicle type and safety features
- Territory
Prohibited Discrimination
- Cannot discriminate based on race or religion
- Cannot discriminate based on national origin
- Gender-based rating has limitations
- Territorial rating allowed but regulated
What are Georgia's minimum auto liability insurance limits?
Under Georgia's modified comparative negligence rule, what happens if a driver is exactly 50% at fault?
Can Uninsured Motorist coverage be rejected in Georgia?