Liability insurance is the only required car insurance in Georgia and provides financial protection for drivers in case of an at-fault accident in the following ways:

Bodily injury liability (BI)

: Pays medical expenses up to your policy’s limits for personal injuries to other parties resulting from an accident you caused.

Property damage liability (PD)

: Pays for personal property damage from an accident you cause, up to your policy’s limits.

You don't need to worry about making sure your auto insurance policy meets those minimum requirements - any car insurance policy sold in the state of Georgia will include the coverage listed above.

The only question you need to answer is whether it's enough coverage for you.

Jerry can help you match your state's minimum and help adjust your coverage for you!

Is minimum liability coverage the most cost-effective option?

No. The state of Georgia’s minimum coverage limits offer cheaper premiums than a policy with higher limits, but the lack of coverage ultimately makes it your least cost-effective option.

Here’s why:

Minimum liability coverage is barely enough to cover damages and medical bills following the average car accident. According to data published by the Insurance Information Institute (III), the average bodily injury liability claim in 2021 was $22,734, while the average property damage claim was $5,314.1 This means if you cause a serious accident, you’re much more likely to get sued since you’re minimum coverage won’t be able to pay for all the other driver’s expenses.

No physical damage coverage for your vehicle. Georgia’s minimum insurance requirements help you avoid paying out of pocket for someone else’s vehicle damage, but they do nothing to cover your repair bills like comprehension and collision would.

No uninsured motorist coverage. Filing claims with a stranger’s provider is awkward enough, but considering 12.4% of Georgia’s drivers are uninsured2, you may not even have that option for covering costs if you’re hit by an uninsured driver.

Georgia is a

diminished value

state. If you cause an accident, the other driver can make claims against you not only for property damage, but also for reimbursement on the value their vehicle lost as a result of the accident.

Josh Damico

Vice President Insurance Operations

A general rule that I recommend is to carry enough coverage to protect your current and future assets – at least $100,000/$300,000 of liability coverage is recommended, but you may need more coverage depending on your financial situation.

Our policy recommendations for drivers in Georgia

$100,000 per person/$300,000 per accident of bodily injury liability coverage

$100,000 of property damage liability coverage

Collision coverage

and

comprehensive coverage

to repair or replace the vehicle in the event of a total loss

The average cost of a state minimum liability-only auto insurance coverage is $1,860 per year or $155 per month, while the average cost of a

full-coverage auto insurance

policy in Georgia is $240 per month or $2,878 per year.

Though it costs more in the short term, the financial and legal security offered by higher liability limits and physical damage protections makes full coverage the more cost-effective option.

The Jerry app ensures Georgia drivers receive tailored insurance recommendations to meet their needs.

Emphasizing the importance of comprehensive coverage for both financial and legal security, we provide users with valuable insights into the cost-effectiveness of various insurance options.

To keep your full coverage insurance costs low, select a higher deductible for comprehensive and collision policies.

Remember: Although average insurance rates can help you estimate your personal insurance costs, it’s important to recognize that each driver’s insurance premium is determined by various individualized factors, including the type of car you drive, your driving record, claims history, and demographics.

The Jerry app makes it easy to ensure you have the most affordable coverage by compare multiple insurance quotes for you!

RECOMMENDED

Compare auto insurance policies

No spam or unwanted phone calls · No long forms

ZIP Code

Find insurance savings

Full coverage is required for financed vehicles: If you have an

auto loan

or lease, your lender will require you to maintain comprehensive and collision coverage insurance until you've paid off or returned the car.

Optional coverages in Georgia

To make sure you’re financially secure no matter what comes your way, consider including the following additional coverage options with your Georgia car insurance policy:

Collision insurance

: Helps cover the cost of repairs following a collision with another vehicle or object.

Comprehensive insurance

: Helps cover the cost of repairs following damage caused by non-collision events, like theft, vandalism, or severe weather.

Medical payments coverage (MedPay)

: MedPay helps cover medical bills for you and your passengers after an auto accident. Coverage options range from $1,000 to $10,000.

Roadside assistance

: This is also called

towing and labor coverage

, and it typically provides services like fuel delivery, battery changes, flat tire repair, and more.

Gap insurance:

On leased or financed vehicles, this coverage pays the difference between your car’s

actual cash value

and the amount you still owe on your

car loan

Purchase gap insurance from your insurance company
, not the dealership.

Learn More:

Your guide to the 6 types of car insurance

Penalties for driving without insurance in Georgia

Driving a motor vehicle without insurance in Georgia is considered a misdemeanor3. If you’re unable to produce

proof of insurance

at the request of law enforcement, you could face the following:

$200 to $1,000 in fines

Up to one year in jail

Driver's license suspension

for at least 60 to 90 days

Plus, you’ll face the following penalties from the Georgia Department of Revenue (DOR)4 due to the lapse in coverage:

Registration suspension for the duration you’re uninsured

$300 or more in penalties

FAQs

What are the minimum requirements for auto insurance in Georgia?

Minimum car insurance requirements for Georgia drivers include at least $25,000 per person/$50,000 per accident in bodily injury liability coverage and $25,000 in property damage liability insurance.

Is comprehensive and collision required in Georgia?

No. Comprehensive and collision coverages are not required by Georgia state law. However, if you lease or finance a vehicle, your lender will probably require these protections.

What is considered full coverage in Georgia?

In Georgia, as in the rest of the U.S. “full coverage” refers to a car insurance policy that includes collision and comprehensive insurance in addition to liability coverage, uninsured motorist coverage, and any other coverage mandated by your state’s minimum insurance requirements. It’s the standard level of coverage needed by most drivers.

How long can you go without insurance in Georgia?

Driving without insurance for any length of time is illegal in the state of Georgia. Additionally, vehicle owners are required to have all registered vehicles insured at all times.