Doing what we do, it always surprises us, when we ask, how many drivers do not know what their auto insurance limits are — do you know what your limits are???
If you’re like most people, you probably signed up for auto insurance, paid your premium, and filed the paperwork away without giving it much more thought. But here’s the thing: knowing your insurance limits isn’t just for insurance agents or lawyers — it’s essential for every driver on Georgia roads.
Let’s break down what insurance limits are, why they matter, and how they can affect you if you’re ever in a crash.
What Are Auto Insurance Limits?
Your auto insurance policy includes something called “liability limits.” These are the maximum amounts your insurance company will pay if you’re found legally responsible for a car accident. In Georgia, these limits are typically expressed in a format like this:
25/50/25, which means:
- $25,000 for bodily injury per person
- $50,000 for bodily injury per accident (total for all people injured)
- $25,000 for property damage
These are the minimum limits required by Georgia law. But, in many cases, these minimums aren’t nearly enough.
Why Knowing Your Limits Matters
Imagine this: you cause a crash that injures three people and totals another driver’s car. Medical bills can easily exceed $25,000 per person, and replacing a newer vehicle could cost well over $25,000. If your policy only covers the minimum, you could be personally responsible for anything above those limits.
That means your savings, your home, or even your future wages could be at risk.
Knowing your limits allows you to:
- Evaluate whether you have enough coverage
- Understand your financial exposure
- Make informed decisions about increasing your limits or adding umbrella coverage
What About Uninsured/Underinsured Motorist Coverage?
Georgia also allows you to carry Uninsured/Underinsured Motorist (UM/UIM) coverage — and you absolutely should. This protects you if the at-fault driver doesn’t have insurance or doesn’t have enough to cover your damages.
You can choose to have UM/UIM coverage that matches your liability limits, or to have UM/UIM that is excess to the at-fault liability limits, or you can reject UM/UIM in writing. But again — if you don’t know what your limits are, how can you know if you’re protected?
What Is Umbrella Coverage?
Umbrella insurance is extra liability coverage that kicks in after your auto (or homeowners) policy limits are exhausted. Think of it as a safety net that sits on top of your existing coverage.
Let’s say your auto policy covers up to $100,000 in liability, but you’re sued for $300,000 after a serious crash. Your auto insurance pays the first $100,000 — and your umbrella policy could cover the remaining $200,000 (depending on your limits).
Umbrella coverage:
- Protects your assets if you’re sued
- Covers legal defense costs
- Often starts at $1 million in coverage
- Is surprisingly affordable for the amount of protection it offers
It’s especially worth considering if you have savings, a home, or other assets you want to protect. One major accident could put all of that at risk — unless you’ve got an umbrella.
How to Check Your Limits
It’s easy:
- Look at your declarations page — this is the summary page of your auto policy.
- Call your insurance agent — they can walk you through your current coverage.
- Ask questions — don’t be afraid to ask what would happen in different crash scenarios.
Final Thoughts
Insurance isn’t just a legal requirement — it’s a financial safety net. In Georgia, where the minimums are relatively low, it’s especially important to know what you’re working with. Don’t wait until after a crash to find out your coverage isn’t enough.
So, I’ll ask again: Do you know what your limits are? If not, now’s the perfect time to find out.
Here's a friendly, easy-to-follow checklist to help Georgia drivers review their auto insurance coverage:
Auto Insurance Coverage Checklist for Georgia Drivers
If you’ve never looked at your insurance limits before, don’t worry — this checklist will walk you through it step by step. Grab your declarations page or log into your insurance account and let’s get started!
Step 1: Find Your Declarations Page
- [ ] Locate your auto policy’s declarations page — this is the summary of your coverage.
- [ ] If you can’t find it, call your insurance agent or log into your insurer’s website/app.
Step 2: Check Your Liability Limits
- [ ] Look for three numbers like 25/50/25 — these are your bodily injury per person / bodily injury per accident / property damage limits.
- [ ] Ask yourself: Would these amounts be enough if I caused a serious crash?
- [ ] Consider increasing your limits if they’re at Georgia’s minimum — it’s often surprisingly affordable.
Step 3: Review Your Uninsured/Underinsured Motorist Coverage (UM/UIM)
- [ ] Do you have UM/UIM coverage? (It protects you if the other driver doesn’t have enough insurance.)
- [ ] Are your UM/UIM limits equal to your liability limits?
- [ ] If you rejected this coverage, do you understand the risks?
Step 4: Look at Your Comprehensive and Collision Coverage
- [ ] Do you have collision coverage (for damage to your car in a crash)?
- [ ] Do you have comprehensive coverage (for theft, fire, hail, etc.)?
- [ ] Check your deductibles — are they amounts you could afford to pay out of pocket?
Step 5: Talk to Your Agent
- [ ] Ask your agent to walk you through your coverage and explain how it works in a crash.
- [ ] Ask about umbrella policies if you want extra protection beyond your auto limits.
- [ ] Ask if there are any discounts available for increasing your coverage.
Step 6: Know What Happens in a Crash
- [ ] Understand that your insurance pays up to your limits — not beyond.
- [ ] Know that you may be responsible for anything over those limits.
- [ ] Keep a copy of your insurance card in your car and know how to file a claim.
Final Tip
Don’t wait until after a crash to find out your coverage isn’t enough. A quick review now could save you thousands later.
Legal Disclaimer. The information provided is for general informational purposes only and does not constitute legal advice. This content does not create an attorney-client relationship by or with Norris Peacock Injury Law, LLC or its attorneys, nor does it impose any legal duties or obligations on the part of the firm or its attorneys. You should consult a qualified attorney for advice regarding your individual situation.
