What happens if you don't have bodily injury in Georgia?

Drivers in Georgia need $25,000 of bodily injury liability insurance per person (up to $50,000 per accident) and $25,000 of property damage liability insurance. Collision, comprehensive and gap insurance may also be required by a lender or lessor if your vehicle is financed.

In addition, an optional but recommended type of coverage in Georgia is ... read full answeruninsured/underinsured motorist insurance. It replaces the liability coverage an at-fault driver should’ve had and pays for your costs up to your policy limits.

Here’s How Much Car Insurance Drivers Need in Georgia:

If you lease or finance your car, you may be required to carry coverage types that are not mandatory under Georgia law. Lenders or lessors usually require comprehensive and collision insurance. Collision insurance covers repairs to your car when you hit another car or object. If the damage to your vehicle was caused by something other than a collision—like a natural disaster, vandalism, falling objects, or animals—it is most likely covered by comprehensive insurance. Lenders may also require gap insurance, which covers the difference between what you owe on your loan or lease and what the vehicle is worth if it has been stolen or totaled.

Even if you’re not required to carry these optional coverage types, you may still need them. You can learn more about when to drop optional coverage and the penalties for driving without insurance in Georgia to make sure you’re paying for the coverage you need.

The penalty for driving without insurance in Georgia is a fine of at least $200, loss of driving privileges, criminal conviction and potential jail time. Georgia is not lenient with drivers who get caught on the road without insurance, even first-time offenders.

For a first offense, you will be charged with a misdemeanor that remains on your record permanently. This can affect your career and housing opportunities. You will also have to pay a court-ordered fine. And your license will be suspended for 60 days, with no hardship allowances. That means you won’t even be able to drive to work, school or doctor’s appointments. On top of all that, it’s possible—although unlikely—to spend up to a year in jail for a first offense in Georgia.... read full answer

The penalties go up for multiple offenses within a five-year period. In addition to higher fines, of up to $1,000, you can lose your license for as long as six months. The chances of serving jail time also increase with each offense.

Penalties for Driving Without Insurance in Georgia

Consequences of an Insurance Lapse in Georgia

If you don’t actually get caught by a police officer for driving without insurance, Georgia imposes automatic penalties for just letting your insurance lapse. If your insurance is ever terminated or expired, your insurance company must electronically notify the Georgia Department of Driver Services (DDS). The DDS gives you 30 days from the date of the expiration to provide proof of new insurance.

There are no penalties if they receive your new insurance information within the 30-day period, as long as there has been no lapse in coverage (10+ days without coverage). If there has been a lapse, you’ll face fines of $85 - $185, depending on whether it is a first, second or third offense.

If you don’t provide proof of new insurance during the 30 days, you’ll get a “Notice of Pending Suspension.” That gives you 30 additional days to pay your fine and provide proof of insurance, or else your vehicle’s registration will be suspended.

In addition to all the penalties the state imposes, auto insurance rates are about 30% higher on average once you’ve been convicted of driving without insurance or you’ve allowed your coverage to lapse. You may even need to find an insurer in Georgia that works with high-risk drivers, such as Esurance, Dairyland or Serenity Insurance.

In Georgia, you need $25,000 in bodily injury coverage per person ($50,000 per accident). Bodily injury liability insurance pays for other people’s injuries after a car accident that you cause, and it can also cover your legal fees if you are sued after a crash.

In addition to bodily injury liability insurance, drivers in Georgia need to purchase $25,000 in ... read full answerproperty damage liability insurance. Property damage liability coverage pays for damage to others’ property after an accident caused by the policyholder.

Together, these Georgia liability insurance requirements are often written as 25/50/25. Even though Georgia only requires 25/50/25 in liability insurance, it’s a good idea to purchase more coverage if you can afford it. Buying higher coverage limits can protect you financially if you cause a serious accident.

For more information, check out WalletHub’s complete guide to bodily injury liability insurance.