Is uninsured motorist coverage required in Georgia?

Georgia's UM statute, O.C.G.A. §33-7-11, says an auto liability policy can't be issued in the state unless it includes coverage for damages you're legally entitled to recover from an uninsured motorist, and covers bodily injury, death and property damage. In practice:

1. It's included by default. You don't have to ask for UM. It's there unless you reject it.
2. The minimum matches liability: 25/50/25. You can buy more, up to your liability limits and sometimes beyond.
3. Rejection must be in writing, signed by the named insured. A verbal 'no thanks' to an agent doesn't count.
4. Added-on is the default type. If you don't pick a UM type, your policy provides added-on (excess) UM.

So the honest answer to 'is uninsured motorist coverage required in Georgia' is: required to be offered and included, but not mandatory to keep.

Say another driver causes a crash that leaves you with $80,000 in injury damages. They carry the $25,000 minimum, and you carry $50,000 of UM.

With added-on (excess) UM (Georgia's default):
Their $25,000 is paid first, and then your full $50,000 UM applies on top. Total: $75,000.

With reduced-by UM:
Your $50,000 UM is reduced by their $25,000, so UM pays only $25,000. Total: $50,000.

Same crash and same premium bracket, but a $25,000 difference. Reduced-by UM is a little cheaper, and that's the only reason to choose it. If you have savings, dependants or a physically demanding job, added-on is almost always worth it. See the full walkthrough in our Atlanta uninsured driver scenario.

In a no-fault state like New York, your own PIP pays your medical bills whoever caused the crash, even if the other driver is uninsured. Georgia has no mandatory PIP. If an uninsured driver hits you, your options are:

• Your UM coverage, which is the best option
• Your own MedPay, if you bought it, usually a small limit
• Your health insurance, subject to deductibles and your out-of-pocket maximum
• Suing the uninsured driver personally, which is rarely collectible

That's why UM is the most important optional coverage in an at-fault state. The same logic applies in Texas and Colorado. If the uninsured driver later tries to sue you, see can an uninsured driver sue an insured driver.

Generally yes to both, with conditions. Hit-and-run crashes can qualify as uninsured-motorist claims, but insurers usually expect a prompt police report, and cases with no physical contact face extra proof requirements. Georgia UM can also include property damage, often with its own deductible, which helps if you don't carry collision coverage. Report quickly and keep evidence. Late notice is one of the most common reasons UM claims run into trouble.

• O.C.G.A. §33-7-11: Uninsured motorist coverage (Justia)
• Insurance Research Council: 1 in 3 drivers uninsured or underinsured (2023 data)
• Insurance Information Institute: Compulsory auto and uninsured motorists
• Hub: No-Fault vs At-Fault Car Insurance States