Georgia Auto Insurance Requirements: Minimum Coverage (2025)

Quick Answer: Georgia Minimum Auto Insurance

Georgia requires all drivers to carry liability insurance. The state mandates these minimum coverage amounts:

This is commonly written as 25/50/25. Georgia is an at-fault state, meaning the driver who causes an accident is financially responsible for damages.

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What Georgia Law Requires

Under Georgia Code Title 33, Chapter 34, all registered vehicle owners must:

1. Maintain minimum liability insurance at all times
2. Carry proof of insurance in the vehicle
3. Provide proof at traffic stops and accidents
4. Verify insurance during registration renewal

Understanding 25/50/25 Coverage

Bodily Injury Liability - $25,000/$50,000

This coverage pays for injuries you cause to others:

• $25,000 maximum per injured person
• $50,000 maximum per accident total
• Covers medical bills, rehabilitation, lost wages
• Covers pain and suffering claims
• Does NOT cover your own injuries

Property Damage Liability - $25,000

This coverage pays for damage you cause:

• Other vehicles
• Buildings and structures
• Fences, mailboxes, landscaping
• Personal property in vehicles
• Does NOT cover your vehicle

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Why Georgia's Minimums May Fall Short

While Georgia's 25/50/25 requirements are higher than some states, they still may not cover modern accident costs:

Real-World Cost Comparison

The Coverage Gap Problem

Scenario: You cause an accident with two injured passengers and damage a $55,000 SUV.

• Passenger 1 medical bills: $40,000
• Passenger 2 medical bills: $35,000
• Vehicle damage: $55,000
• Total damages: $130,000
• Your 25/50/25 covers: $75,000 max
• You owe: $55,000 out of pocket

Georgia allows injured parties to sue for damages exceeding your coverage, potentially leading to wage garnishment and asset seizure.

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Georgia's Electronic Insurance Verification

Georgia uses the Georgia Electronic Insurance Compliance System (GEICS):

How GEICS Works

1. Insurers report coverage to state database electronically
2. DMV cross-references insurance with vehicle registration
3. Lapses trigger automatic notification to vehicle owner
4. 30-day grace period to provide proof of coverage
5. Registration suspended if no proof provided

What Happens During a Lapse

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Penalties for Driving Uninsured in Georgia

Georgia enforces insurance requirements strictly:

First Offense

Second Offense (within 5 years)

Third Offense (within 5 years)

Super Speeder + No Insurance

Georgia's "Super Speeder" law adds extra penalties:

• Super Speeder fine: $200
• Combined with no insurance: Increased scrutiny
• Multiple offenses can lead to habitual violator status

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Recommended Coverage for Georgia Drivers

Insurance professionals recommend these levels for Georgia residents:

Minimum Recommended: 50/100/50

Better Protection: 100/300/100

Additional Coverage to Consider

Uninsured/Underinsured Motorist (UM/UIM)

• Approximately 12% of Georgia drivers are uninsured
• Protects you when hit by uninsured or underinsured drivers
• Georgia law requires insurers to offer UM/UIM
• Must actively reject in writing if you don't want it

Medical Payments Coverage (MedPay)

• Pays your medical bills regardless of fault
• Covers you and passengers
• Typically $1,000 - $10,000 limits
• Pays quickly without waiting for liability determination

Collision Coverage

• Pays to repair your vehicle after accidents
• Required by lenders if you have a car loan
• Subject to deductible ($250 - $1,000)

Comprehensive Coverage

• Covers theft, vandalism, weather damage, animals
• Required by lenders for financed vehicles
• Important in Georgia due to severe weather risks

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SR-22 Requirements in Georgia

Certain drivers must file an SR-22 certificate:

When SR-22 Is Required

• DUI/DWI conviction
• Driving while license suspended
• At-fault accident while uninsured
• Accumulating too many points
• Habitual traffic violator status

SR-22 Requirements

Maintaining SR-22

• Continuous coverage required for 3 years
• Any lapse restarts the 3-year period
• Insurer notifies DMV if coverage cancelled
• Immediate suspension if SR-22 cancelled

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Georgia-Specific Rules

At-Fault Insurance State

Georgia follows "at-fault" (tort) rules:

• The driver who causes the accident pays
• Their insurance handles injury and damage claims
• Injured parties can sue at-fault driver
• No "no-fault" PIP requirements

Proof of Insurance Requirements

Acceptable forms of proof:

• Insurance ID card (paper or electronic)
• Insurance policy declarations page
• Insurance binder

Georgia accepts electronic proof - smartphone apps and digital cards are valid.

Rental Car Coverage

When renting in Georgia:

• Your personal policy may extend to rentals
• Check with your insurer before renting
• Rental company insurance available but expensive
• Credit cards may offer secondary coverage

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How Much Does Georgia Auto Insurance Cost?

Average annual premiums in Georgia:

Factors Affecting Georgia Rates

• Location: Atlanta metro is most expensive
• Driving record: Accidents and tickets increase rates
• Age: Young drivers pay significantly more
• Credit history: Georgia allows credit-based pricing
• Vehicle type: Sports cars and luxury vehicles cost more
• Coverage levels: Higher limits mean higher premiums
• Deductibles: Higher deductibles lower premiums

Ways to Lower Georgia Insurance Costs

• Bundle policies: Home + auto discounts
• Good driver discount: Clean record for 3-5 years
• Defensive driving course: May reduce rates 10-15%
• Good student discount: Students with B average
• Pay-per-mile: Low-mileage drivers
• Shop around: Rates vary significantly

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Frequently Asked Questions

Is car insurance required in Georgia?

Yes. Georgia law requires all registered vehicles to carry minimum liability insurance of 25/50/25. Driving without insurance results in fines, license suspension, and registration suspension.

Does Georgia require uninsured motorist coverage?

No, but insurers must offer it. You must reject UM/UIM coverage in writing if you don't want it. Given the ~12% uninsured driver rate in Georgia, UM/UIM coverage is strongly recommended.

Can I drive in Georgia with out-of-state insurance?

Yes, if you're visiting. Your valid out-of-state policy covers you temporarily. If you become a Georgia resident, you must obtain Georgia insurance within 30 days of establishing residency.

What happens if I'm hit by an uninsured driver?

Without UM coverage, you'd need to sue the at-fault driver personally, which may be unsuccessful if they have no assets. With UM coverage, your own insurance pays your medical bills and vehicle damage up to policy limits.

How does Georgia verify insurance?

Georgia uses the GEICS (Georgia Electronic Insurance Compliance System). Insurers report coverage status electronically, and the state cross-references with vehicle registrations. Lapses are detected automatically.

What's the "Super Speeder" law?

Georgia's Super Speeder law adds a $200 fine for driving 85+ mph on any road or 75+ mph on two-lane roads. While not directly insurance-related, a Super Speeder conviction can increase your insurance rates and may trigger additional scrutiny.

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Key Takeaways

• Georgia requires 25/50/25 minimum liability coverage
• At-fault state: Driver who causes accident pays damages
• GEICS monitors insurance status electronically
• Penalties include fines, license suspension, registration suspension
• SR-22 required for DUI, suspended license, uninsured accidents
• UM/UIM recommended: ~12% of Georgia drivers are uninsured
• Consider higher limits: 50/100/50 or 100/300/100 recommended

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Important Disclaimer

This guide provides general information about Georgia auto insurance requirements based on publicly available sources. This is not legal or insurance advice. Insurance requirements can change, and individual circumstances vary.

Always verify current requirements with the Georgia Department of Driver Services and Department of Insurance. Consult with a licensed insurance professional for advice specific to your situation.

Last verified: November 2025

Sources: Georgia Department of Driver Services, Georgia Code Title 33, Georgia Department of Insurance