Almost every state in the US has strict laws for motorists insurance. A minimum of third-party liability insurance is mandatory to carry by any motor vehicle owner in most, if not all, states. This is to ensure that every motorist can cover at least the damages they cause to other parties during a road crash.
However, every state has some variations to this law.
In this article, we will be discussing the legalities concerning the state of Georgia.
Requirements for Motorists Insurance in Georgia
As already mentioned, there are some bare minimums to the coverage that every motor-vehicle owner must buy. And the state of Georgia is no different.
Perhaps, in Georgia, there are three caps to this requirement. As you learn more about these laws, you’ll find that every motorist must have at least $25,000 in third-party liability coverage. This includes expenses for injuries and/or death during a road crash.
Apart from this, motorists in Georgia are also required to buy $50,000 insurance per accident for injuries and/death, along with $25,000 in personal property damage liability coverage.
Additional Insurance Covers Available in Georgia
Though the state laws impose a minimum liability coverage for every motorist, it is still the motorist’s choice to get an insurance cover that best suits them.
To put this into perspective, there are plenty of coverage plans offered by insurance companies. For example, there are collision and comprehensive covers, and then there are uninsured or underinsured covers.
Depending upon the requirements, a motorist can choose for comprehensive coverage, which includes repairs and replacement of a motor vehicle when damaged. Or a motorist can choose to get a med-pay and PIP coverage if they wish to receive compensation for medical expenses and loss of income.
Perhaps, as already mentioned, these are personalized choices and depend on the motorist’s free-will. And not to forget, the value of the motor vehicle when buying the insurance.
Repercussions for No-Insurance in Georgia
Despite mandatory motorists’ insurance norms in place, there are cases where motor vehicle owners do not have insurance. It is noteworthy that there are some serious repercussions if caught without a motorist’s insurance.
Usually, if not involved in an accident, the state may revoke or suspend the ownership. On the other hand, if involved in an accident, the outcomes could be far more serious.
For instance, after a road crash, the at-fault party is required to pay compensation against the liability they hold to other road users. With no insurance coverage, at all, the motorists, not only face a risk of courtroom trials but would also need to pay for the expenses out of their pocket.
Besides, the state also levies a penalty for expired insurance covers up to $25. And an additional penalty of $160 might also be levied if the motorist fails to pay the fine within 30 days of laps of insurance.
Every motor vehicle owner regardless of the type of vehicle should own a motorist’s insurance. Well, to make it more clear, it is not only obligatory because the laws say so, but instead, it is a moral and financial obligation for their own good.
