Uninsured Motorist Coverage in Georgia: What You Need to Know
Uninsured Motorist Coverage in Georgia: What Macon Drivers Should Know
Auto accidents happen every day on Georgia’s roads. Although state law requires all drivers to carry liability insurance, many people drive without sufficient coverage or without any insurance at all. If you are involved in a wreck with these drivers, your uninsured motorist (UM) and underinsured motorist (UIM) coverage can make all the difference.
At Buzzell, Welsh & Hill in Macon, GA, our personal injury lawyers help clients throughout Middle Georgia understand and use their UM/UIM policies after an accident.
Learn the facts about underinsured and uninsured motorist coverage to best protect yourself and your family.
What Is Uninsured and Underinsured Motorist Coverage?
Uninsured motorist coverage protects you if you’re hit by a driver who has no insurance. Underinsured motorist coverage applies when the at-fault driver has insurance, but their policy limits are too low to cover the full cost of the damages.
This coverage helps pay for:
- Medical expenses and hospital bills
- Lost wages due to missed work
- Pain and suffering
- Vehicle repairs and property damage
Georgia insurance companies are required to offer UM/UIM coverage, but drivers can choose to decline it. But, considering the risk of colliding with an uninsured or underinsured driver on Georgia’s roads, carrying this coverage is one of the smartest financial decisions you can make.
Why Uninsured Motorist Coverage Is So Important in Georgia
According to the Insurance Research Council, about 15% of Georgia drivers have no car insurance at all, 18% are found to be underinsured following a car accident.
Georgia’s minimum liability coverage is:
- $25,000 per person for bodily injury
- $50,000 per accident for bodily injury
- $25,000 for property damage
These minimums rarely cover the full cost of a serious accident. If you’re seriously hurt in a wreck, the other driver’s insurance may not come close to paying your medical bills or property damage.
Your UM/UIM coverage steps in to bridge the gap, ensuring you aren’t left paying for someone else’s mistake.
How Uninsured Motorist Claims Work in Georgia
When you’re hit by an uninsured or underinsured driver:
- Get medical treatment immediately to begin healing and document injuries.
- Notify your insurance company about the accident and potential UM/UIM claim.
- Gather evidence, including police reports, photos, and witness statements.
- Speak with a Macon car accident lawyer who understands Georgia insurance laws.
An experienced attorney can evaluate your coverage, handle the paperwork, and negotiate directly with the insurance company so that you can focus on recovery.
Choosing the Right UM/UIM Coverage Limits
Georgia law allows you to “stack” certain UM/UIM policies, which means you can combine coverages from multiple vehicles or policies for greater protection.
When selecting coverage:
- Opt for limits higher than Georgia’s minimums, if possible.
- Review your policy annually to ensure it remains effective for you.
- Ask your agent whether your policy includes “added-on” (also called “stacked”) or “reduced-by” (also called “non-stacked”) coverage*.
*Stacked coverage means that your limits will be added to the limits of the at-fault driver. Non-stacked coverage means that your limits are reduced or offset by whatever the at-fault driver’s carrier pays.
You may be surprised to learn that higher UM/UIM limits often cost less than you might expect and can save you from overwhelming financial loss after an accident.
Frequently Asked Questions About Uninsured Motorist Insurance
Q: What does uninsured motorist coverage mean in Georgia?
A: Uninsured motorist coverage protects you when the driver who caused your accident doesn’t have coverage or doesn’t have enough to pay for your damages.
Q: Is uninsured motorist coverage required in Georgia?
A: No. It’s optional, but all Georgia insurers are required to offer it to drivers. It’s up to you to add it to your policy or reject it if you don’t want it.
Q: How much UM coverage should I carry?
A: It’s recommended to choose at least $100,000 per person or more to ensure adequate protection for serious injuries when involved in a wreck with an uninsured or underinsured driver.
Q: Can I use my UM coverage if I’m a passenger?
A: In many cases, yes. UM/UIM protection often applies even if you’re a passenger or pedestrian struck by another vehicle.
Serving Drivers Across Middle Georgia
At Buzzell, Welsh & Hill, our attorneys proudly serve injured clients throughout Macon, Warner Robins, Forsyth, Milledgeville, and other areas of Middle Georgia. Whether your accident happened on I-16, I-75, Riverside Drive in Macon, or a rural road in Houston County, we can help you pursue full compensation through your UM/UIM coverage.
Contact Buzzell, Welsh & Hill for legal guidance after a car wreck with an uninsured driver in Georgia.
If you’ve been injured in a car crash caused by an uninsured or underinsured driver, don’t face the insurance companies alone. The personal injury attorneys at Buzzell, Welsh & Hill in Macon have decades of experience helping Georgia drivers recover what they’re owed.
Contact us today to schedule a free consultation. We’ll explain your rights, review your policy, and fight to get you the compensation you deserve: 478-221-9034
