Navigating Auto Insurance for New Georgia Residents
Moving to Georgia? Whether you’re here for the peaches, the football, or the sweet tea, there’s one thing you can’t skip: car insurance. Georgia has specific rules about auto coverage, and getting it right is important for staying legal and safe on the road. Let’s break it all down (or maybe that’s a poor choice of words for a Georgia car insurance guide) so you can hit the ground running — or driving.
The Ins and Outs of Georgia Minimum Liability Coverage
In Georgia, every driver must carry minimum liability insurance. Here’s what you’ll need:
- $25,000 for bodily injury per person
- $50,000 for bodily injury per accident
- $25,000 for property damage
This is called 25/50/25 coverage. It’s the bare minimum, and it protects other drivers if you cause an accident. But keep in mind: it won’t cover your own car or medical expenses.
If you want to dive into the official requirements, the Georgia Office of Insurance and Safety Fire Commissioner’s website has the details about GA car insurance.
Why Carrying Adequate Insurance Is Critical in the Peach State
Georgia is an “at-fault” state. That means if you cause an accident, you’re responsible for the costs. If you don’t have enough coverage, you’ll have to pay out of pocket. Medical bills, repairs, and even legal fees can add up fast.
Also, driving without auto insurance in Georgia has serious consequences. Georgia law slaps you with fines up to $185 for a first offense, suspension of your vehicle registration, a reinstatement fee to get your registration back, and a whole heck of a lot of other administrative annoyances that you probably don’t actually want to be dealing with, ever.
It’s cheaper (and a lot less stressful) to carry the right insurance from the start.
Assessing Your Insurance Needs as a New Resident
Moving here gives you the perfect chance to review your coverage as a new Georgia resident. Here are a few questions to ask yourself and your agent when you go shopping for a new policy.
Do I Need Full Coverage?
If your car is financed or leased, you’ll probably need it. Full coverage includes collision and comprehensive insurance, protecting your car no matter who’s at fault or what causes damage or loss. Topping off your liability protection can also go a long way toward giving you peace of mind in the event that you get into a serious accident that harms others.
What’s My Budget?
Balancing costs with adequate coverage is key. A higher deductible can lower your premium but means more out-of-pocket costs in an accident. You’ll want to weigh the pros and cons. Some drivers also believe they can self-insure a portion of their needs, so if you fall into that group, you can decide how much makes sense for your specific life circumstances.
Do I Qualify for Discounts?
Many insurers offer breaks for bundling home and auto policies, maintaining a clean driving record, or even being a good student.
Not sure where to start? Talk to your agent first and foremost to get a sense of what other drivers like you need. You should also take a careful look at your own financial situation to get a sense of what amount of risk you’re willing to take on and what amount of that risk you feel OK offloading to your insurer.
A Checklist for Registering and Insuring Your Vehicle
Getting your car registered and insured in Georgia involves a few steps. Follow this simple checklist to get going:
- Update your address. The DMV requires proof of residency, like a utility bill or lease agreement.
- Get Georgia insurance. Your current policy won’t cut it. You need insurance from a company licensed to operate in Georgia.
- Register your vehicle. Do this at your local county tag office within 30 days of moving. You’ll need:
A. Your Georgia driver’s license
B. Proof of insurance
C. Your car’s title
- Payment for the Title Ad Valorem Tax (TAVT), which is 6.6% of your vehicle’s fair market value. Georgia TAVT might seem complicated, but it’s actually not too tricky to figure out and calculate for yourself.
- Pass an emissions test. Required for vehicles in the Atlanta metro area. Check the Georgia Department of Revenue’s website for locations.
And there you go – a quick checklist for getting up and running in Georgia.
On the Road: Complying with Georgia’s Driving Laws
Every state has quirks, and Georgia is no different. Here are a few laws you might not know:
- Hands-Free Law: It’s illegal to hold your phone while driving. Use Bluetooth or a hands-free device instead.
- Move Over Law: If you see emergency vehicles on the shoulder, move one lane over or slow down. It’s the law.
- Super Speeder Fine: If you’re caught driving 75 mph or more on a two-lane road (or 85 mph on a highway), you’ll pay an extra $200 fine on top of your ticket.
Of course, the most important law of all is that of common sense. Here in Georgia, a good dose of common sense can go a long way toward keeping you safe on the road. Drive safely, don’t take risks, and make sure to keep your eye on the prize.
Welcome to Georgia! Velox Insurance Is Happy You’re Here
And there you have it. Car insurance requirements in Georgia aren’t too tough to sort out, especially if you’ve had to hold a policy in a different state. At the end of the day, you just need to follow the state’s registration rules, hold a policy that meets the requirements, and continue to be a responsible driver and stay out of trouble. That’s peachy keen!
Starting fresh in a new state can feel overwhelming, but your auto insurance doesn’t have to be. At Velox Insurance, we make it easy to compare quotes, find coverage and hit the road with confidence. Check out our online quote tool to see how much you can save. Whether you’re in Atlanta, Macon, or a quiet corner of Georgia, we’ve got you covered at one of our local offices. You can also give us a call at (855) 468-3569!
