Skipping Required Minimum Coverage<\/strong> <\/h2>\n\n\n\nSkipping required minimum insurance is a one-way ticket to losing your license and facing potential harsh penalties. And, if you do get in an accident, it means that your entire bank account plus your home, if you own one, is up for grabs if you get sued. Just don\u2019t skip the minimum, period. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
Georgia drivers’ insurance isn\u2019t just designed to keep your bank account healthy; it\u2019s also there to keep you out of jail. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
Understanding Georgia\u2019s Liability Requirements<\/strong> <\/h3>\n\n\n\nGeorgia law requires every registered vehicle to carry at least $25,000 bodily injury per person, $50,000 bodily injury per incident, and $25,000 property damage liability coverage. Driving without at least these limits can trigger registration problems and fines. Liability coverage in Georgia is not something to forget. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
Just meeting the minimum is only the starting point. Georgia maintains an electronic insurance verification system tied to your registration. Your insurer must transmit proof of coverage to the state database, so even if you have a paper ID card, a mismatch in the database can cause a \u201clapse\u201d flag. You can check what the state sees for your vehicle through the Department of Revenue\u2019s DRIVES services<\/a>. <\/p>\n\n\n\nRisks of Underinsuring Your Vehicle<\/strong> <\/h3>\n\n\n\nMinimum limits can be exhausted quickly. A newer car, a multi-vehicle collision, or injuries with hospital stays can easily exceed 25\/50\/25. If a claim surpasses your limits, you may be personally responsible for the difference. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
Increasing your limits up to an amount that will help cover any injuries and damages is a good idea. In addition, adding collision coverage<\/a>, comprehensive or both will help you pay for the repairs (or replacement) of your vehicle if it is totaled or stolen \u2013 even if a wreck is your fault. <\/p>\n\n\n\nGeorgia also encourages drivers to carry uninsured\/underinsured motorist coverage<\/a>, which protects you if the at-fault driver has none or too little insurance. State law specifies that UM coverage operates as additional insurance in excess of the at-fault driver\u2019s coverage up to your losses. Consider buying UM\/UIM at the same level as your liability limits to avoid making underinsured driver mistakes. <\/p>\n\n\n\nIgnoring Discounts and Savings Opportunities<\/strong> <\/h2>\n\n\n\nA big reason why people complain about their premiums is that they forget about discounts and other savings. Don\u2019t make that same mistake when you\u2019re getting your own policy! It\u2019s one of the most straightforward car insurance tips. Here\u2019s how to save the most money on auto insurance in the Peach State. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
Multi-Car and Bundling Discounts<\/strong> <\/h3>\n\n\n\nMany households leave money on the table by insuring cars on separate policies or splitting home insurance<\/a> and auto with different carriers. On a single policy, multi-car pricing plus bundling home or renters can reduce premiums by a large amount. Insurers report your active policy electronically to the state, so keeping a single, stable policy can also reduce the chance of database mismatches that look like coverage lapses. <\/p>\n\n\n\nSafe Driver and Good Student Savings<\/strong> <\/h3>\n\n\n\nClean driving records often qualify for safe driver discounts. Families with teens can look for good student savings if a listed driver maintains qualifying grades (and not looking for those savings is one of the most common mistakes parents make when insuring teen drivers<\/a>). <\/p>\n\n\n\nWhile discount rules vary by insurer, these programs do not change your legal obligations to keep continuous liability coverage on file with Georgia\u2019s system. Verify your listed drivers and usage so the pricing matches your real-world risk and the state receives the correct electronic data. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
There are plenty of other types of car insurance discounts in Georgia<\/a>. Ask your InsureOne agent which ones you can use to lower your bill.\u00a0<\/p>\n\n\n\n![\"Injured](\"https:\/\/veloxinsurance.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/3\/2025\/11\/vlx-common-mistakes-georgia-drivers-make-with-auto-insurance-2.jpg\")
<\/picture><\/figure><\/div>\n\n\nMisunderstanding Policy Terms<\/strong> <\/h3>\n\n\n\nBefore you sign on the dotted line, be sure you understand exactly what your coverage limits are. Not having a clear picture of your policy can lead to problems when you feel you have a legit claim. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
Misunderstanding the legalese in policy documents might be a lot more common than you realize. Some of the more basic terms (deductible, premium, etc) might be more intuitive, but there\u2019s a fair amount of language that might come across as clunky. Here\u2019s how to avoid making that mistake by being prepared. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
Deductibles and Coverage Limits Explained<\/strong> <\/h3>\n\n\n\nA deductible<\/strong> is what you pay out of pocket on comprehensive or collision claims before your insurer pays the rest. Raising it may lower your premium, but make sure the amount is truly affordable if you need repairs. It\u2019s one of the four essential things to consider when shopping for car insurance in Georgia<\/a>. <\/p>\n\n\n\nLimits<\/strong> are the maximum your policy pays on a covered claim. Georgia\u2019s legal minimums are liability limits only. Comprehensive and collision are optional but often required by lenders. If you own your car outright and skip physical damage coverage, you are self-insuring the vehicle and could face a large repair or replacement bill after a crash or theft. <\/p>\n\n\n\nWhat\u2019s Not Covered Under Standard Policies<\/strong> <\/h3>\n\n\n\nYou might be surprised as to what\u2019s not included under a basic policy. These sorts of policy add-ons may not be immediately available unless you specifically request them: <\/p>\n\n\n\n
\n- Rental reimbursement after a covered loss <\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n
\n- Roadside assistance <\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n
\n- Custom equipment beyond a modest limit <\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n
\n- Medical Payments (MedPay) in Georgia can help with medical costs regardless of fault, but it is optional and not automatically included. Consider adding MedPay to plug potential gaps. <\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n
\n- Also, confirm how your UM\/UIM works if you added it. Georgia law provides UM coverage as additional protection above the at-fault driver\u2019s liability, but you need to select and maintain it. Do not assume it is included at the same level as your liability. <\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n
Not Updating Your Policy Regularly<\/strong> <\/h2>\n\n\n\nAnother one of the costly auto insurance mistakes: not regularly reviewing your policy. It\u2019s easy to fall into the trap of not having the protection you need. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
Life Changes That Affect Coverage<\/strong> <\/h3>\n\n\n\nSignificant life events change your risk profile and often your rates. Suppose you decide to move within Georgia or leave the Peach State, add or remove drivers (including teens and household members), change jobs\/commute distance, or pay off your car. In that case, these can all potentially have policy ramifications. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
When these happen, inform your insurer promptly. Georgia ties proof of insurance to your registration electronically. If you switch insurers, make sure the new policy is transmitted to the state without a gap. Use the DOR\u2019s online status lookup to confirm the state sees your active policy. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
Seasonal Driving and Vehicle Changes<\/strong> <\/h3>\n\n\n\nShould you park a car seasonally or place it in storage? Georgia requires continuous liability coverage for vehicles with active registrations. If you cancel coverage but keep the tag, the state will treat that as a lapse and assess fees and registration suspension. If you genuinely will not operate the car, talk to your County Tag Office about the proper steps before you change your insurance. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
Failing to Compare Quotes Periodically<\/strong> <\/h2>\n\n\n\nA good idea is to keep reviewing quotes periodically. You never know if you\u2019re paying the best possible rate unless you check for new pricing on the regular. Here are a few reasons why you shouldn\u2019t hesitate to price shop. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
Why Renewal Rates Can Increase<\/strong> <\/h3>\n\n\n\nRenewals can rise due to claim trends, repair costs, and your own record. Georgia agencies periodically verify your insurance electronically, but they do not control how much any given insurer charges you. If your insurer raises rates, you are free to shop among licensed carriers that will still report your coverage to the state\u2019s system. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
How to Shop for Competitive Rates<\/strong> <\/h3>\n\n\n\nBesides letting a Velox agent do it for you, here\u2019s a four-step guide to getting the most competitive rates in the Peach State: <\/p>\n\n\n\n
\n- Match limits apples-to-apples. Start quotes with at least 25\/50\/25 in liability and consider higher limits. Add UM\/UIM at the same levels for better protection. <\/li>\n<\/ol>\n\n\n\n
\n- Choose realistic deductibles. Balance premium savings with out-of-pocket risk. <\/li>\n<\/ol>\n\n\n\n
\n- Ask about discounts you actually qualify for, then verify the final premium includes them. <\/li>\n<\/ol>\n\n\n\n
\n- Confirm electronic proof. After binding coverage, use the DOR\u2019s DRIVES lookup to ensure the state shows your policy as active to avoid unintended lapse notices. <\/li>\n<\/ol>\n\n\n\n
\n- Check customer satisfaction. <\/li>\n<\/ol>\n\n\n\n
Protect Your Georgia Ride with Velox Insurance<\/strong> <\/h2>\n\n\n\nYou\u2019ve seen the auto insurance mistakes that raise costs. A few wise choices now can save you thousands later. Velox can help you choose limits, add UM\/UIM and MedPay where it makes sense, and keep your coverage properly reported to the state. Ready to get started? Give us a call now at (855) 468-3569<\/a>, get a quote online<\/a>, or visit one of our Georgia offices<\/a> today to save on car insurance in the Peach State. <\/p>\n\n\n\nFAQs<\/strong> <\/h2>\n\n\n\nWhat Are the Consequences of Letting My Policy Lapse?<\/strong> <\/h3>\n\n\n\nLetting the policy lapse, even briefly, is a bad idea. A lapse can trigger a $25 lapse fine and a $160 reinstatement fee, along with registration suspension until you fix it. Multiple suspensions within five years can stack consequences and costs. Pay attention to billing, especially when switching carriers or updating payment methods. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
Does the Type of Car I Drive Affect My Insurance Rates?<\/strong> <\/h3>\n\n\n\nYes. Vehicles that cost more to repair or are stolen more often can be more expensive to insure. If you finance or lease, your lender may require comprehensive and collision coverage. No matter the car, you must still carry Georgia\u2019s 25\/50\/25 liability minimums and ensure your insurer reports your policy to the state. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
How Can I Avoid Being Overcharged for Auto Insurance in Georgia?<\/strong> <\/h3>\n\n\n\n
Georgia law requires every registered vehicle to carry at least $25,000 bodily injury per person, $50,000 bodily injury per incident, and $25,000 property damage liability coverage. Driving without at least these limits can trigger registration problems and fines. Liability coverage in Georgia is not something to forget. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
Just meeting the minimum is only the starting point. Georgia maintains an electronic insurance verification system tied to your registration. Your insurer must transmit proof of coverage to the state database, so even if you have a paper ID card, a mismatch in the database can cause a \u201clapse\u201d flag. You can check what the state sees for your vehicle through the Department of Revenue\u2019s DRIVES services<\/a>. <\/p>\n\n\n\n Minimum limits can be exhausted quickly. A newer car, a multi-vehicle collision, or injuries with hospital stays can easily exceed 25\/50\/25. If a claim surpasses your limits, you may be personally responsible for the difference. <\/p>\n\n\n\n Increasing your limits up to an amount that will help cover any injuries and damages is a good idea. In addition, adding collision coverage<\/a>, comprehensive or both will help you pay for the repairs (or replacement) of your vehicle if it is totaled or stolen \u2013 even if a wreck is your fault. <\/p>\n\n\n\n Georgia also encourages drivers to carry uninsured\/underinsured motorist coverage<\/a>, which protects you if the at-fault driver has none or too little insurance. State law specifies that UM coverage operates as additional insurance in excess of the at-fault driver\u2019s coverage up to your losses. Consider buying UM\/UIM at the same level as your liability limits to avoid making underinsured driver mistakes. <\/p>\n\n\n\n A big reason why people complain about their premiums is that they forget about discounts and other savings. Don\u2019t make that same mistake when you\u2019re getting your own policy! It\u2019s one of the most straightforward car insurance tips. Here\u2019s how to save the most money on auto insurance in the Peach State. <\/p>\n\n\n\n Many households leave money on the table by insuring cars on separate policies or splitting home insurance<\/a> and auto with different carriers. On a single policy, multi-car pricing plus bundling home or renters can reduce premiums by a large amount. Insurers report your active policy electronically to the state, so keeping a single, stable policy can also reduce the chance of database mismatches that look like coverage lapses. <\/p>\n\n\n\n Clean driving records often qualify for safe driver discounts. Families with teens can look for good student savings if a listed driver maintains qualifying grades (and not looking for those savings is one of the most common mistakes parents make when insuring teen drivers<\/a>). <\/p>\n\n\n\n While discount rules vary by insurer, these programs do not change your legal obligations to keep continuous liability coverage on file with Georgia\u2019s system. Verify your listed drivers and usage so the pricing matches your real-world risk and the state receives the correct electronic data. <\/p>\n\n\n\n There are plenty of other types of car insurance discounts in Georgia<\/a>. Ask your InsureOne agent which ones you can use to lower your bill.\u00a0<\/p>\n\n\n Before you sign on the dotted line, be sure you understand exactly what your coverage limits are. Not having a clear picture of your policy can lead to problems when you feel you have a legit claim. <\/p>\n\n\n\n Misunderstanding the legalese in policy documents might be a lot more common than you realize. Some of the more basic terms (deductible, premium, etc) might be more intuitive, but there\u2019s a fair amount of language that might come across as clunky. Here\u2019s how to avoid making that mistake by being prepared. <\/p>\n\n\n\n A deductible<\/strong> is what you pay out of pocket on comprehensive or collision claims before your insurer pays the rest. Raising it may lower your premium, but make sure the amount is truly affordable if you need repairs. It\u2019s one of the four essential things to consider when shopping for car insurance in Georgia<\/a>. <\/p>\n\n\n\n Limits<\/strong> are the maximum your policy pays on a covered claim. Georgia\u2019s legal minimums are liability limits only. Comprehensive and collision are optional but often required by lenders. If you own your car outright and skip physical damage coverage, you are self-insuring the vehicle and could face a large repair or replacement bill after a crash or theft. <\/p>\n\n\n\n You might be surprised as to what\u2019s not included under a basic policy. These sorts of policy add-ons may not be immediately available unless you specifically request them: <\/p>\n\n\n\n Another one of the costly auto insurance mistakes: not regularly reviewing your policy. It\u2019s easy to fall into the trap of not having the protection you need. <\/p>\n\n\n\n Significant life events change your risk profile and often your rates. Suppose you decide to move within Georgia or leave the Peach State, add or remove drivers (including teens and household members), change jobs\/commute distance, or pay off your car. In that case, these can all potentially have policy ramifications. <\/p>\n\n\n\n When these happen, inform your insurer promptly. Georgia ties proof of insurance to your registration electronically. If you switch insurers, make sure the new policy is transmitted to the state without a gap. Use the DOR\u2019s online status lookup to confirm the state sees your active policy. <\/p>\n\n\n\n Should you park a car seasonally or place it in storage? Georgia requires continuous liability coverage for vehicles with active registrations. If you cancel coverage but keep the tag, the state will treat that as a lapse and assess fees and registration suspension. If you genuinely will not operate the car, talk to your County Tag Office about the proper steps before you change your insurance. <\/p>\n\n\n\n A good idea is to keep reviewing quotes periodically. You never know if you\u2019re paying the best possible rate unless you check for new pricing on the regular. Here are a few reasons why you shouldn\u2019t hesitate to price shop. <\/p>\n\n\n\n Renewals can rise due to claim trends, repair costs, and your own record. Georgia agencies periodically verify your insurance electronically, but they do not control how much any given insurer charges you. If your insurer raises rates, you are free to shop among licensed carriers that will still report your coverage to the state\u2019s system. <\/p>\n\n\n\n Besides letting a Velox agent do it for you, here\u2019s a four-step guide to getting the most competitive rates in the Peach State: <\/p>\n\n\n\n You\u2019ve seen the auto insurance mistakes that raise costs. A few wise choices now can save you thousands later. Velox can help you choose limits, add UM\/UIM and MedPay where it makes sense, and keep your coverage properly reported to the state. Ready to get started? Give us a call now at (855) 468-3569<\/a>, get a quote online<\/a>, or visit one of our Georgia offices<\/a> today to save on car insurance in the Peach State. <\/p>\n\n\n\n Letting the policy lapse, even briefly, is a bad idea. A lapse can trigger a $25 lapse fine and a $160 reinstatement fee, along with registration suspension until you fix it. Multiple suspensions within five years can stack consequences and costs. Pay attention to billing, especially when switching carriers or updating payment methods. <\/p>\n\n\n\n Yes. Vehicles that cost more to repair or are stolen more often can be more expensive to insure. If you finance or lease, your lender may require comprehensive and collision coverage. No matter the car, you must still carry Georgia\u2019s 25\/50\/25 liability minimums and ensure your insurer reports your policy to the state. <\/p>\n\n\n\nRisks of Underinsuring Your Vehicle<\/strong> <\/h3>\n\n\n\n
Ignoring Discounts and Savings Opportunities<\/strong> <\/h2>\n\n\n\n
Multi-Car and Bundling Discounts<\/strong> <\/h3>\n\n\n\n
Safe Driver and Good Student Savings<\/strong> <\/h3>\n\n\n\n
![\"Injured](\"https:\/\/veloxinsurance.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/3\/2025\/11\/vlx-common-mistakes-georgia-drivers-make-with-auto-insurance-2.webp)
<\/picture><\/figure><\/div>\n\n\nMisunderstanding Policy Terms<\/strong> <\/h3>\n\n\n\n
Deductibles and Coverage Limits Explained<\/strong> <\/h3>\n\n\n\n
What\u2019s Not Covered Under Standard Policies<\/strong> <\/h3>\n\n\n\n
\n
\n
\n
\n
\n
Not Updating Your Policy Regularly<\/strong> <\/h2>\n\n\n\n
Life Changes That Affect Coverage<\/strong> <\/h3>\n\n\n\n
Seasonal Driving and Vehicle Changes<\/strong> <\/h3>\n\n\n\n
Failing to Compare Quotes Periodically<\/strong> <\/h2>\n\n\n\n
Why Renewal Rates Can Increase<\/strong> <\/h3>\n\n\n\n
How to Shop for Competitive Rates<\/strong> <\/h3>\n\n\n\n
\n
\n
\n
\n
\n
Protect Your Georgia Ride with Velox Insurance<\/strong> <\/h2>\n\n\n\n
FAQs<\/strong> <\/h2>\n\n\n\n
What Are the Consequences of Letting My Policy Lapse?<\/strong> <\/h3>\n\n\n\n
Does the Type of Car I Drive Affect My Insurance Rates?<\/strong> <\/h3>\n\n\n\n
How Can I Avoid Being Overcharged for Auto Insurance in Georgia?<\/strong> <\/h3>\n\n\n\n