Protect Yourself with Uninsured Motorist Coverage in Georgia
Car accidents can leave you facing expensive medical bills and property damage, especially if the other driver has no insurance or not enough insurance. Uninsured motorist coverage, also called UM coverage, helps you pay for your injuries, lost wages, and vehicle repairs when the at fault driver cannot. In Georgia, uninsured motorist coverage is a crucial part of your auto insurance policy that can protect you and your family after an accident.
In this blog, you will learn why uninsured motorist coverage matters, how it protects you in Georgia, and how an experienced North Druid Hills car accident lawyer can help you understand your rights and maximize your insurance coverage after an accident.
What is Uninsured Motorist Coverage?
Uninsured motorist coverage, also known as UM coverage, protects you when an at fault driver does not have enough insurance or has no insurance at all. This coverage helps pay for medical expenses, lost wages, and property damage after a car accident.
Definition of Uninsured Motorist Coverage
Uninsured motorist coverage is part of your auto insurance policy. It provides compensation if you are in an accident with a driver who has no insurance or not enough insurance. In Georgia, uninsured motorist coverage can include uninsured motorist bodily injury (UMBI) and uninsured motorist property damage (UMPD).
Difference Between Uninsured and Underinsured Coverage
Uninsured motorist coverage protects you when the at fault driver has no insurance. Underinsured motorist coverage, also called UIM coverage, applies when the at fault driver has liability coverage that does not cover all your expenses. Both types of motorist coverage can be combined for better financial protection.
Georgia Law on Uninsured Motorist Coverage
Georgia law, under O.C.G.A. § 33-7-11, requires insurance companies to offer uninsured motorist coverage with every auto insurance policy. You can choose to accept or reject this coverage in writing. If you accept it, your policy may help pay for injuries and property damage that an uninsured driver causes.
Why You Need Uninsured Motorist Coverage in Georgia
Uninsured motorist coverage provides important financial protection if you are in an accident with an uninsured or underinsured driver. This coverage can protect you from high medical expenses, lost wages, and damage to your vehicle.
Georgia’s Minimum Liability Insurance Limits
Georgia law requires drivers to have liability insurance with minimum coverage limits. The limits are $25,000 per person and $50,000 per accident for bodily injury and $25,000 for property damage. These limits often do not cover all expenses after a serious car accident. If the at fault driver’s insurance is not enough, uninsured motorist coverage can help cover the difference.
Financial Protection for Your Family
Uninsured motorist coverage pays for your medical expenses, lost wages, and vehicle repairs if the at fault driver has no insurance or not enough insurance. It also covers injuries caused by a hit and run driver. This coverage helps you avoid paying large bills out of your own pocket. It can also protect your family members who are in the car with you.
Peace of Mind After an Accident
Uninsured motorist coverage provides peace of mind. You know you have insurance protection even if the other driver does not. This can help you focus on your recovery after a car accident. It can also reduce the stress of dealing with medical bills and property damage.
Added Financial Security in Georgia
Adding uninsured motorist coverage to your auto insurance policy in Georgia can help you feel more secure. It gives you a safety net for serious accidents. A car accident attorney can help you understand your options and make sure you have the right insurance coverage for your needs.
Scenarios Where Uninsured Motorist Coverage Protects You
Uninsured motorist coverage can help you handle many situations after a car accident. This coverage gives you financial support when you need it most.
Accidents with Uninsured Drivers
If you are in a car accident and the at fault driver has no insurance, uninsured motorist coverage pays for your medical bills, lost wages, and damage to your car. It ensures you are not left with high expenses that the at fault driver cannot cover.
Accidents with Underinsured Drivers
Sometimes, the at fault driver has liability coverage that is too low to cover your full costs. Underinsured motorist coverage, or UIM coverage, steps in to pay for medical expenses and property damage not covered by the other driver’s insurance. This coverage can be crucial if you have serious injuries or expensive property damage.
Hit and Run Accidents
If you are in an accident with a driver who leaves the scene, uninsured motorist coverage can still help. Hit and run accidents can lead to serious medical bills and vehicle damage. UM coverage pays for your costs when the at fault driver is unknown or cannot be found.
Accidents Involving Family Members or Passengers
Uninsured motorist coverage also protects your family members and passengers in your car. It can pay for their medical expenses and lost wages if the at fault driver has no insurance or not enough insurance. This can reduce the stress of worrying about their care and financial recovery.
Accidents with Significant Medical Expenses
If you suffer a serious injury in an accident, your medical bills can be very high. Even if the at fault driver has some insurance, it may not be enough. Uninsured motorist coverage and underinsured motorist coverage can help pay for surgeries, hospital stays, and follow-up care.
Key Facts About Uninsured Motorist Coverage in Georgia
Understanding how uninsured motorist coverage works in Georgia can help you make better decisions about your auto insurance policy.
Georgia’s Required Offer of Coverage
Under Georgia law, insurance companies must offer uninsured motorist coverage when you buy an auto insurance policy. This coverage is not automatically included, so you need to accept it in writing to have it on your policy. If you choose not to have this coverage, you must reject it in writing.
Stacking of Coverage Limits
Georgia allows drivers to stack their uninsured motorist coverage if they have more than one vehicle on the policy. Stacking means you can add the coverage limits for each vehicle together, giving you more financial protection. This can be helpful if you are in a serious accident and need to pay for large medical bills or property damage.
Types of Uninsured Motorist Coverage
There are two types of uninsured motorist coverage in Georgia. Added-on coverage provides extra protection on top of what the at fault driver has. Reduced-by coverage subtracts the at fault driver’s liability coverage from your uninsured motorist coverage limit. Knowing the difference helps you understand how much protection you have.
Coverage for Bodily Injury and Property Damage
Uninsured motorist coverage pays for your injuries and property damage if the at fault driver has no insurance or not enough insurance. It covers medical expenses, lost wages, and repair or replacement of your vehicle and personal property. This protection can be essential if the accident leaves you with high costs.
Peace of Mind and Financial Security
Having uninsured motorist coverage in Georgia gives you peace of mind. You know you have extra financial support if you are in an accident with an uninsured driver or a hit and run driver. This coverage can help you recover faster and protect your financial future.
Contact an Experienced North Druid Hills Car Accident Attorney Today!
If you have been in an accident with an uninsured driver or underinsured driver, contact our team at GMV Law Group today. Our North Druid Hills car accident lawyers will review your auto insurance policy, explain your uninsured motorist coverage, and help you secure the compensation you need for medical expenses, lost wages, and property damage.
Contact us at 404-975-4878 for a free case review today!
