No, Georgia is not a no-fault car insurance state. However, no-fault coverage is available to cover your injuries in certain situations.
What kind of car insurance is required in Georgia?
In no-fault car insurance states, each driver’s insurance covers their injuries and property damage regardless of fault.
Georgia is a “fault” state, which means all drivers are responsible for the injuries and damage they cause in accidents. All Georgia drivers must carry a minimum amount of liability coverage that pays for any injuries or damage they cause.
However, liability coverage does not cover your injuries in any accidents you cause. Fortunately, you have options to cover those injuries and damages.
What optional no-fault car insurance can Georgia drivers buy?
Medical payments (Med Pay) insurance can pay the damages for injuries to your passengers and yourself, regardless of fault. Med Pay provides an additional amount of coverage in the event the at-fault driver was uninsured or had only the minimum required liability insurance.
It is important to note that this coverage is optional, so unless you purchased it prior to the accident, it cannot help you.
Note: If you used your Med Pay insurance while waiting for your insurance claim with the at-fault driver to settle, your insurer will likely expect you to pay back whatever funds you used initially. Be sure to account for that in your claim.
- Uninsured motorist (UM) coverage provides a source of funds to pay your damages if the at-fault driver was uninsured at the time of the accident, or if s/he fled the scene.
- Underinsured motorist (UIM) coverage provides additional funds if your damages are more than the amount of coverage the at-fault driver maintained.
- Collision coverage will pay for the damage to your vehicle in an accident. Note that there is usually a deductible with collision coverage.
- Comprehensive coverage pays damages to your vehicle that did not result from a collision, such as theft or vandalism. Note that comprehensive coverage usually has a deductible.
- Your health insurance may cover your accident-related injuries once you have exhausted any other options. Be sure to check your policy to determine exactly what it covers; many policies specifically exclude injuries from car accidents.
- As with Med Pay, your insurer may expect you to pay it back if you receive a settlement from another driver.
A Car Accident Attorney Can Further Explain 'Fault' According to Georgia Law
Even though your own insurer should be looking out for your best interests, this is rarely the case. Your insurer is a business and will do what it can to minimize or even deny the coverage you deserve.
Jason R. Schultz has years of experience fighting insurance companies — and winning. Jason knows the tricks insurers use and will protect you from them at every turn.
He will analyze your policies and ensure that your insurance company gives you the compensation you need and deserve for your injuries. Do not fight the insurer alone. Get help from the Law Office of Jason R. Schultz, P.C.
Call 404-474-0804 today to schedule your free consultation.