Drivers operating a motor vehicle on the roadways of Georgia must carry a minimum of liability insurance. The state requires insurance carriers to maintain electronic proof of insurance for each of his or her running motor vehicle. Although the Georgia Motor Vehicle Division keeps record of all insurance policies, it’s the responsibility of the insured party to monitor his or her insurance records. First time insurance buyers will be given an insurance binder that is valid for one month. This binder acts as a driver’s proof of insurance until the Motor Vehicle Division receives a record of the insurance.

Law enforcement officers in the state of Georgia have the right to pull over any driver to check for adequate insurance coverage. Police offers use the Georgia Electronic Insurance Compliance System to ensure drivers are keeping up with their financial responsibilities. Failure to comply with coverage requirements will result in an immediate suspension of the driver’s license and motor vehicle registration. The only way to regain driving privileges is to purchase six months worth of coverage. If a driver does not renew coverage, additional suspension time and fines will result.

If a driver falls below the financial responsibility expectations, he or she will be penalized with a minimum of a six month registration suspension. A lapse in insurance will result in a $25 lapse fee and a registration reinstatement fine of $160 for the first offense. Drivers caught operating a motor vehicle without making the payments to reinstate privileges will suffer misdemeanor charges if caught by law enforcement officers.

Liability Conditions
Georgia’s liability requirements are $25,000 per person for bodily injury, $50,000 per accident for bodily injury and $25,000 per accident for property damage. Liability coverage is important because it covers injury damages as a result of the insured driver’s negligence. Minimums in Georgia are fair sums in regard to the averages of other states although motorists may want to consider additional coverage to align with the cost of medical treatment and property damage repair in their community.

Bodily Injury Plans on Liability Policies
The bodily injury section of the liability policy supplies funds to the other injured individual for medical and wage loss compensation. With a $25,000/$50,000 liability policy, each injured individual can receive no more than $25,000 for expenses. If more than one person is injured, the group will be provided with $50,000 without exceeding $25,000 per person.

Bodily Injury Increases
Drivers can elect a single amount above the minimum requirement for bodily injury insurance. This is not a requirement in Georgia but motorists will find it to provide more of a piece of mind. The limit selected will pay out up to the specified sum for any bodily injury expenses. A limitless number of effected parties can recover monies up to the maximum sum upon qualification.

Property Damage Plans on Liability Policies
The $25,000 minimum auto insurance requirement in Georgia for property damage is used for the repair expenses of damage to the property of another individual. This policy does not cover the bills accrued by the negligent driver for his or her vehicle or property. Any number of parties can recover funds up to $25,000.

Comprehensive and Collision Coverage
Comprehensive and collision coverage policies are plans that can enhance basic coverage. Collision coverage provides protection in the event that the insured driver is the cause of an accident. This collision can occur with another vehicle or any other object. Funds are used for the faulty driver’s motor vehicle repairs or expenses for fixing a public phone pole or guard rail. If insured individuals fall victim to environmental damage, the comprehensive coverage will supply funds to cover repairs.

Tort State
Georgia is a Tort State which means the individual found to be at fault for the collision is responsible to pay for all damages. His or her first responsibility is for the damages caused to another driver’s body of property. If the faulty driver does not have insurance, he or she must still provide funds for the resulting devastation. This scenario can be an expensive endeavor without insurance. Not only will it be costly, but legal actions can result. This puts an individual’s assets in jeopardy. The easiest way to avoid this life changing situation is to purchase Georgia’s auto insurance liability coverage.