lmccullough@hawklawgroup.com | July 14, 2025 | Georgia Law
When you’re driving through Augusta, Evans, or anywhere in the Central Savannah River Area, you face a sobering reality: the number of uninsured drivers in Georgia is one in seven.
If you’re hit by a driver without insurance, you could be left with thousands of dollars in medical bills, lost wages, and vehicle damage.
Uninsured motorist (UM) and underinsured motorist (UIM) coverage serve as your financial safety net when the at-fault driver either has no insurance or insufficient insurance to cover your damages.
Knowing when you need uninsured motorist coverage is vital for protecting yourself financially.
If you’ve been injured in such an accident, our experienced Aiken car accident lawyers will help you manage the complex claims process.
What Is Uninsured and Underinsured Motorist Coverage?
⚖️ Georgia law distinguishes between uninsured and underinsured coverage, but both types serve the same purpose—filling the gap when the at-fault driver can’t pay.
The difference between uninsured and underinsured coverage is timing: uninsured motorist coverage protects you when the at-fault driver has no insurance, including hit-and-run accidents where the driver flees the scene.
Underinsured motorist coverage applies when the at-fault driver has insurance, but doesn’t have enough to cover your damages. For example, if your medical bills total $50,000 but the other driver only has $25,000 in liability coverage, UIM coverage helps bridge that gap.
Both types typically include bodily injury protection and coverage for property damage.
Is Uninsured Motorist Coverage Required in Georgia?
Unlike many states that require uninsured motorist coverage, Georgia law allows you to reject UM coverage in writing, though insurance companies must offer it.
However, declining this protection puts you at significant financial risk.
According to the Georgia Department of Insurance, if you choose to purchase uninsured coverage, the minimum limits are:
- $25,000 per person for bodily injury
- $50,000 per accident for bodily injury
- $25,000 per accident for property damage
We strongly recommend purchasing UM/UIM coverage that matches your liability limits. If you have $100,000/$300,000 liability coverage, consider the same limits for your UM/UIM protection to ensure peace of mind.
How UM/UIM Coverage Works After an Accident
Hit-and-Run Accidents in Georgia
Hit-and-run accidents occur frequently on Georgia roads, particularly in metropolitan areas like Augusta and Atlanta. When a driver flees the scene, your UM coverage becomes your primary source of compensation.
When a driver flees the scene, your UM coverage becomes your primary source of compensation for medical bills, lost wages, and pain and suffering.
When the Other Driver Has Too Little Insurance
Many Georgia drivers carry only the state minimum liability coverage, which is often insufficient for serious accidents.
Hypothetical Scenario: You’re injured in an auto accident on I-20 near Evans. Your medical bills total $75,000, and you’ve lost $20,000 in wages. The at-fault driver has only $25,000 in liability coverage. Your UIM coverage would pay for your injuries after the other driver’s policy is exhausted.
Who and What Is Covered?
UM/UIM coverage protects you, your family members, and passengers who are injured in your vehicle. Coverage helps with:
- Medical expenses and rehabilitation costs
- Lost wages and future earning capacity
- Pain and suffering
- Property damage and diminished value
- Rental car expenses
This coverage can help cover medical bills and property damage when the driver is at fault but lacks adequate insurance.
💰 Matching your UM/UIM limits to your liability coverage can be one of the smartest financial decisions you make, especially after a catastrophic accident.
For a detailed overview of how uninsured motorist coverage works in Georgia, including your legal rights and minimum coverage limits, visit the Georgia Office of Commissioner of Insurance.
How Much Uninsured Motorist Coverage Do I Need in Georgia?
The amount of UM/UIM coverage you need depends on your financial situation and risk tolerance. According to the Insurance Information Institute, having the right coverage is essential for protecting your assets. We recommend:
| Your Liability Limits | Recommended UM/UIM Limits | Why This Matters |
|---|---|---|
| $25,000/$50,000 | $25,000/$50,000 | Minimum protection, adequate for minor accidents |
| $100,000/$300,000 | $100,000/$300,000 | Better protection for serious injuries |
| $250,000/$500,000 | $250,000/$500,000 | Comprehensive protection for catastrophic injuries |
Georgia requires a $250 collision deductible for uninsured motorist property damage coverage (UMPD coverage), but this is often waived if you can identify the uninsured driver. If you carry collision coverage, you may not need separate UMPD coverage since collision already covers damage when your vehicle is damaged in an accident.
Filing a UM/UIM Claim in Georgia
What to Do After the Crash
Taking the right steps immediately after an accident can strengthen your UM/UIM claim:
- Seek medical attention immediately, even if you feel fine
- Call 911 to report the accident and request police
- Document everything with photos and witness statements
- Report to your insurance company within 24 hours
- Preserve all evidence, including medical records and receipts
Taking immediate steps after a crash is critical—see our full guide on what to do when you get in a car accident to protect your health and legal rights.
⏳ Quick action after a crash isn’t just about healing—it’s essential for meeting claim deadlines and preserving your right to compensation.
Common Claim Challenges
Insurance companies often create obstacles when handling UM/UIM claims through denied coverage, claim delays, disputed liability, or underpayment offers. Without UMBI coverage, you may be left to cover the damage yourself.
Not sure whether to accept the offer from your insurer? Learn why it’s often a mistake in our article: Should I accept the first insurance settlement offer in Georgia?
How our Georgia Injury Lawyer Can Help
Our experienced attorneys will handle all communications with your insurance company, investigate the accident thoroughly, calculate your full damages, and negotiate for maximum compensation.
Do I Really Need UM/UIM if I Have Health Insurance?
Health insurance and UM coverage serve different purposes and shouldn’t be considered substitutes for each other. While many auto insurance policies include medical payments coverage, this typically provides limited benefits compared to comprehensive UM protection.
Health Insurance Covers:
- Medical bills (with deductibles and co-pays)
- Some rehabilitation costs
UM/UIM Coverage Covers:
- Medical expenses with no deductibles
- Lost wages and future earning capacity
- Pain and suffering compensation
- Property damage to your vehicle
- Coverage for passengers and family members
Hypothetical Scenario: If you’re hit by an uninsured driver, your health insurance might cover your medical bills, but what about your damaged vehicle, lost wages, or pain and suffering? Only UM coverage provides comprehensive protection. Additionally, states that require uninsured motorist coverage mandate it because health insurance or personal injury protection alone isn’t sufficient for auto accidents.
If you’re concerned about liability, read more about what happens when you are at fault for a car accident in Georgia to better understand your rights and responsibilities.
Why Choose Our Georgia Auto Accident Attorneys
At Hawk Law Group, we’ve been fighting for accident victims in the Central Savannah River Area for over 35 years. Our attorneys have recovered millions of dollars for our clients in various types of personal injury cases.
We understand the unique challenges of UM/UIM claims and know how to maximize your recovery. With offices in Augusta, Evans, Thomson, Waynesboro, and Aiken, we’re conveniently located to serve accident victims throughout the CSRA.
Call us today at (706) 539-5191 or reach out online for a free consultation. We work on a contingency fee basis, so you pay nothing unless we win your case.
FAQs About Georgia UM/UIM Coverage
Is uninsured motorist coverage required in Georgia?
No, Georgia law allows you to reject UM coverage in writing, but insurance companies must offer it. However, declining this coverage puts you at significant financial risk if you’re hit by an uninsured driver.
Does UM/UIM cover hit-and-run accidents in Georgia?
Yes, UM coverage applies to hit-and-run accidents where the at-fault driver cannot be identified. This protection is vital given the frequency of hit-and-run accidents in Georgia, and may help cover your damages when the other driver flees.
What happens if I don’t have UM coverage in Georgia?
Without UM coverage, you’ll be personally responsible for all damages if you’re hit by an uninsured driver. This includes medical bills, lost wages, and vehicle damage, potentially costing tens of thousands of dollars. While Georgia doesn’t require uninsured motorist coverage, most drivers carry liability insurance, but many don’t have adequate limits.
How much does UM/UIM cost?
UM/UIM coverage is relatively inexpensive, typically adding only $100-300 annually to your auto insurance policy. The cost is minimal compared to the potential financial devastation of being unprotected. Insurance companies are mandatory in many states to offer this coverage because of its importance.
Can I sue an uninsured driver in Georgia?
Yes, you can sue an uninsured driver personally, but most uninsured drivers lack the financial resources to pay a judgment. UM coverage is usually your best option for recovery when you need insurance or enough coverage to pay for damages.