Georgia Car Insurance Requirements: Minimums and Uninsured Motorist Choices
Georgia requires 25/50/25 liability coverage, and uninsured motorist coverage is included unless you reject it. Added-on vs. reduced-by UM, lapse fees and penalties.
Updated October 7, 2026 · 6 min read
Key takeaways
- Georgia requires liability limits of at least $25,000 per person, $50,000 per accident and $25,000 for property damage (25/50/25).
- Uninsured motorist coverage is included unless you reject it in writing, and the default "added-on" version pays on top of the at-fault driver's coverage.
- Insurers report coverage electronically to the Department of Revenue. A lapse of 10 days or more leads to fees and, eventually, a suspended registration.
- Driving uninsured can bring a fine of $200 to $1,000 and up to 12 months in jail.
Georgia's minimum car insurance
| Coverage | Required minimum |
|---|---|
| Bodily injury liability, per person | $25,000 |
| Bodily injury liability, per accident | $50,000 |
| Property damage liability | $25,000 |
Georgia is an at-fault state. Under its comparative negligence rule, a person who is 50% or more at fault can't recover damages.
Uninsured motorist: added-on vs. reduced-by
Georgia insurers must include uninsured motorist (UM) coverage unless you reject it in writing. Georgia also gives you a choice most states don't:
- Added-on UM (the default) pays on top of the at-fault driver's liability insurance. If their policy pays $25,000 and your damages are higher, your added-on UM can pay up to its full limit toward the rest.
- Reduced-by UM costs less but only pays the difference between your UM limit and the at-fault driver's liability limit. If they carry the same limits you do, it may pay nothing.
For most drivers, added-on UM is the stronger protection. You can choose UM limits equal to your liability limits, and UM property damage comes with a $250, $500 or $1,000 deductible.
Free, no obligation, about two minutes. Or call: Insured 1-888-773-7558 · Uninsured 1-844-900-2302
How Georgia checks insurance
Georgia doesn't rely on paper cards at the tag office. Insurers send coverage information electronically to the Department of Revenue, and you can check your vehicle's insurance status online through DRIVES e-Services. You still need to carry proof in the vehicle, and Georgia accepts electronic proof on your phone.
Lapse fees and penalties
- A lapse is 10 or more days without coverage on record. After your insurer reports a termination, you have 30 days to get new coverage before the state moves toward suspension.
- A $25 lapse fee applies, and reinstating a suspended registration costs $60 for a first suspension, up to $160 for a third or later within five years.
- Driving without insurance is a misdemeanor punishable by a fine of $200 to $1,000 and/or up to 12 months in jail. If you can show coverage was actually in force, the fine is capped at $25.
Is the state minimum enough?
The minimum is what the law requires, not what protects you. Liability limits cap what your insurer pays when you injure someone or damage their property. A serious crash can easily cost more than a minimum policy pays, and you can be personally responsible for the rest. Many drivers choose higher limits, such as 100/300/100, and add collision and comprehensive if their car would be expensive to replace. If you finance or lease, your lender will almost always require collision and comprehensive.
Quotes for higher limits often cost less than people expect, and the price difference between insurers can be larger than the difference between coverage levels. Comparing the same limits across several insurers is the clearest way to see your options.
Frequently asked questions
Is uninsured motorist coverage required in Georgia?
It's included in every policy unless you reject it in writing. You can also choose between added-on and reduced-by UM.
What's the difference between added-on and reduced-by UM?
Added-on pays on top of the at-fault driver's liability coverage. Reduced-by only pays the gap between your UM limit and their liability limit, so it often pays less.
Can I show proof of insurance on my phone in Georgia?
Yes. Georgia accepts electronic proof of insurance.
Sources
- Georgia Office of Insurance and Safety Fire Commissioner: Auto insurance
- O.C.G.A. §33-7-11 (uninsured motorist coverage)
- O.C.G.A. §51-12-33 (comparative negligence)
- Georgia Department of Revenue: Insurance
- Georgia Department of Revenue: Registration reinstatement
- O.C.G.A. §40-6-10 (proof of insurance and penalties)
How this guide was made: researched and drafted with AI assistance (Wren AI), and checked against the government and industry sources listed above. Wren AI is an AI tool, not a person or a licensed insurance agent.
This guide is general information, not insurance, legal or tax advice. Coverage, rules and prices vary by state, insurer and policy. Confirm details with a licensed agent before you buy. Read our editorial policy.