Which Insurance Pays After a Georgia Car Crash? Liability, UM, and MedPay Explained

Georgia is an at-fault state

Georgia doesn't use a no-fault or personal injury protection (PIP) system. The driver who caused the crash, through their liability insurer, is responsible for the injured person's damages. Your own health insurance and optional coverages may pay some bills first, but the claim is ultimately against the at-fault driver.

The minimum liability limits: 25/50/25

Georgia requires liability coverage of at least $25,000 for injury or death of one person, $50,000 for two or more people in one accident, and $25,000 for property damage. The figures are set in O.C.G.A. § 33-7-11(a)(1)(A) and adopted by the compulsory insurance laws (§§ 33-34-4 and 40-9-37).

Since 2025, drivers convicted of DUI must carry at least 50/100/50, and 100/300/100 after a repeat conviction, for three years (O.C.G.A. § 33-7-16). If you were hit by an impaired driver, see our DUI injury cases page.

A $25,000 limit can be exhausted by a single ambulance ride, ER visit, and imaging. In a serious injury case, it's often only the starting point.

Uninsured and underinsured motorist (UM) coverage

UM coverage pays when the at-fault driver has no insurance, not enough insurance, or can't be found (a hit-and-run). Under § 33-7-11, an auto policy must include UM coverage unless the named insured "reject[s] the coverage in writing." By default, UM limits equal your liability limits, but you can "affirmatively choose" lower UM limits, down to 25/50/25.

"Added-on" vs. "reduced-by" UM: why it matters

• Added-on (also called excess) UM pays in addition to the at-fault driver's liability coverage. This has been Georgia's default since January 1, 2009.
• Reduced-by UM is reduced by whatever the at-fault driver's insurance pays. You get it only if you selected it in writing.
• Example of the math only: you have $100,000 in UM and the at-fault driver has $25,000 in liability. With added-on UM, up to $125,000 in combined coverage may be available. With reduced-by UM, the most available is $100,000 total.
• Added-on recovery still can't exceed your total economic and noneconomic losses. And a written rejection or selection carries over at renewal with the same insurer, so check what you signed.

MedPay: optional in Georgia

Medical payments coverage pays your medical bills after a crash regardless of fault, usually in modest amounts. In Georgia it's optional. Insurers must file rates for MedPay of at least $2,000, but the statute says plainly that it "shall not be construed as a requirement for the offering or quoting" of MedPay (O.C.G.A. § 33-34-3.1). If you have it, it can help with deductibles and copays while the claim is pending. Our article on who pays your medical bills covers the order of payment.

Other coverage that may apply

• Health insurance: usually pays medical bills as they come in, and may seek repayment from the settlement. See health insurance and Medicaid liens.
• Collision coverage: repairs your car regardless of fault, minus your deductible. See property damage claims.
• Rideshare coverage: Uber and Lyft carry their own policies that depend on whether the driver was on the app. See our Uber accident and Lyft accident pages.
• Commercial policies: trucks and company vehicles often carry much higher limits. See our truck accident page.
• Household policies: UM coverage from a resident relative's policy may also apply in some situations. Bring every policy in the household to your consultation.

What to do now

• Report the crash to your own insurer promptly, as your policy requires, but stick to the facts.
• Request your full policy and declarations page, not just the ID card.
• Don't sign UM rejection or reduced-by forms without understanding them.
• Hit by an uninsured or hit-and-run driver? Read what to do after a collision with an uninsured driver.

Frequently Asked Questions