Auto Insurance in Georgia

The Georgia Office of the Commissioner of Insurance and Safety Fire (OCI) regulates auto insurance policies in the state. As of 2022, there were about 10.4 million registered vehicles in Georgia, with an estimated 12% (>1.2 million) of them uninsured or underinsured. In 2021, there were approximately 387,444 auto crashes in Georgia. Hence, drivers in the state need to carry car insurance policies to provide financial coverage during an accident. Georgia auto insurance policies cover car damages resulting from collisions or covered perils like theft, vandalism, riot, or natural disasters. It pays for third-party claims due to bodily injury, property damage, and medical costs. Auto insurance policies in Georgia exclude personal belongings (like laptops, phones, or clothes) stolen from your insured car. It does not cover engine failure caused by negligence, mechanical fault, or wear and tear. Georgia law mandates all drivers to carry minimum coverage limits of liability insurance, which are:

What Car Insurance is Required in Georgia?

Driving without carrying proof of up-to-date car insurance in Georgia can lead to fines and vehicle registration suspensions. In Georgia, auto insurance is divided into:

• Private auto insurance

• Commercial auto insurance

Georgia car insurance rates vary by the insurer, but the costs are calculated based on factors like age, gender, annual mileage, location, driving record, and the type of car you drive. The average cost of car insurance in Georgia is between $100 and $149 per month for full coverage and between $32 and $56 per month for minimum coverage. To save on car insurance premiums, speak to a Georgia-licensed auto insurance agent who can give you information on available auto insurance discounts in the state. Additionally, they know multiple companies from whom they can compare auto insurance quotes to get affordable car insurance coverage.

Why Do we Need Auto Insurance?

Georgia law mandates every driver in the state to maintain continuous liability insurance coverage on vehicles with active registrations. All Georgia drivers must carry a minimum of $25,000 per person and $50,000 per accident in bodily injury liability, and $25,000 per occurrence in property damage liability. Driving without carrying proof of up-to-date car insurance in Georgia can lead to:

• Vehicle registration suspension or revocation

• Up to $25 fine for vehicles with active registration

• Extra $160 if the $25 fine is not paid within 30 days

• Refusal to renew or reinstate vehicle registration of uninsured drivers who have not paid their fines and have an unresolved lapse of coverage

As of July 2022, there were about 10.4 million registered vehicles in Georgia, with an estimated 12% (>1.2 million) of them uninsured or underinsured.

Georgia recorded approximately 387,444 auto crashes in 2021. This makes it important for drivers to have auto insurance coverage so that in the event of property damage, bodily damage, or death caused by their vehicles, their auto policy will bear the bulk of the loss. Here are some reasons to consider purchasing auto insurance in Georgia:

• To get coverage if you cause an accident: You will have to bear the costs anytime you are at fault in an accident, and if you do not have car insurance, you might have to pay for those costs out of pocket. However, an auto insurance policy with collision coverage will cover damages resulting from an accident you cause.

• To be protected during natural disasters: Natural disasters like wildfires, hail, and tornadoes are unavoidable and can cause severe damage to your car. Paying out of pocket for vehicle repairs caused by these disasters can be extremely expensive. Hence, having comprehensive coverage pays for repairs in the event of covered perils. This policy also covers your car if it gets stolen or vandalized.

• Provides coverage when others drive your car: When anyone listed on your car insurance policy gets into an accident while driving your insured car, your auto insurance policy will cover that person and your car if they are at fault.

• Provides coverage for businesses that own or use cars: Businesses that use cars like ride-share companies, logistics companies, taxi services, and home services companies (like plumbing companies) should get commercial auto insurance policies. Even businesses that do not use cars daily can get commercial auto insurance if they have company vehicles. Commercial auto insurance policies protect company drivers and businesses against financial complications if accidents occur.

To get car insurance quotes in Georgia, speak with a state-licensed property insurance professional.

How Does Auto Insurance Work in Georgia?

Generally, car accidents involving damages and injuries can be very expensive, especially if you have to pay out of pocket for repairs and medical bills. However, an auto insurance policy will help cover damages to your vehicle and any liability claims resulting from an accident where you are at fault. Vehicle insurance policies in Georgia cover you and any family members listed as drivers on the policy. In addition, some policies can cover anyone who is not on your policy but is driving your car with consent. Car insurance in Georgia consists of several types of coverage; some are mandatory while others are optional. Some of these coverages are:

• Property coverage (covers damage to or theft of your car)

• Medical coverage (covers cost of hospital bills, rehabilitation services, lost wages, and funeral expenses)

• Liability coverage (third-party claims due to bodily injury or property damage)

• Uninsured or underinsured motorist coverage (covers damages caused by uninsured or underinsured drivers)

When any damage occurs to your car due to an accident, natural disaster, or collision with an object, the first thing to do is to notify your auto insurance company. Here are some things you can do before the insurer pays for your claims:

• Take pictures of the damaged car

• Save any relevant documentation like police reports or receipts of any payment made to tow your car

• If you collide with another vehicle, you should collect the other driver's name and insurance information

Your insurer will assign a claims adjuster to investigate the damage and determine how much will be paid based on your policy. You should also send your insurer proof of the damage and any important documentation. Then, you can decide to repair your car with the repair shops that your insurance company works with or any repair shop that you prefer (provided your insurer approves it). After repairing your car, your insurer may pay the shop directly or reimburse you if you pay, but you will be responsible for the deductibles.

How Does Car Insurance Work if I am Not at Fault?

Georgia is an at-fault state, (the opposite of No Fault), meaning that when you get into an accident with another driver, the person who caused the accident will be held responsible for the damages. However, if the at-fault driver has an auto insurance policy, the person’s insurance company will pay for the damages. That is why Georgia law mandates all drivers to carry minimum limits of liability insurance:

• $25,000 bodily injury coverage per driver

• $50,000 bodily injury coverage per accident

• $25,000 property damage liability per occurrence

How car insurance coverage works in Georgia if you are not at fault is that the at-fault driver pays for the damages or injuries you sustained from the accident. Hence, you have the right to file a claim with the at-fault driver’s insurance company in such a situation. You can file claims for damages like lost wages, prescription medications, vehicle damage, medical costs, and physical therapy or rehabilitation. According to Georgia law, the statute of limitation on personal injury and vehicle damage claims is two years and four years, respectively, from the accident date. Hence, it is best to always file your claim immediately if an accident causes damage to you or your vehicle. To file a claim with the at-fault driver's insurance company, you will have to do the following:

• Gather evidence: This will help prove that the other driver is at fault. You should start gathering the necessary evidence from the accident scene by first calling the police to report the accident. Then take pictures of the scene, any damage to your car, and any injuries you sustained from the accident. Talk to eyewitnesses on the scene to gather more information (this can be recorded). Also, take notes on everything you remember about the accident. Afterward, ask for the at-fault driver’s name and insurance information.

• See a doctor: After gathering the evidence, ensure you see the doctor even if the injuries you sustained from the accident were minor. This is because the at-fault driver’s insurance company may claim that you did not sustain any injury from the accident if you do not get treatment. Also, seeing a doctor can ensure you get the necessary treatment for internal injuries.

• Keep track of costs: Ensure you keep any evidence that shows any amount you spent due to the accident. For instance, all receipts, medical bills, and quotes from the repair shop must be kept.

• File a claim: Once you have gathered evidence that the other driver is at fault in the accident, you can file a claim with the at-fault driver’s insurance company. If you do not know how to go about this, you can speak to a Georgia-licensed insurance agent who can help you file the necessary claims

Once the at-fault driver’s insurance company has received your claim, they may accept it, send a counteroffer, or reject it. Often, an insurance company might want to offer you much less than your damages are worth or reject your claims altogether. If this happens, you should contact a Georgia-licensed insurance agent who can ensure you get the right compensation for your claims.

Georgia Auto Insurance Market

Over 8.9 million private and commercial vehicles in Georgia need insurance coverage. As of 2020, there were about 71 insurance companies in Georgia (excluding captive insurance companies), of which 24 of them were domestic property and casualty (P&C) insurance companies.

In 2019, there were about 12.4% uninsured drivers in Georgia, but in 2022 over 1.2 million drivers were either uninsured or underinsured. As of 2022, Georgia's automobile financial responsibility limit for bodily injury (BI) and property damage (PD) liability was 25/50/25. This means that the insured would receive a minimum of $25,000 of bodily injury coverage per person, with a minimum of $50,000 per accident and $25,000 of PD coverage per occurrence.

As of 2021, there were over 26 billion property & casualty (P&C) direct premiums written in Georgia. Car insurance companies accounted for approximately 11.8 billion (est. 11,793,663,000) of that.

How Much is Auto Insurance for a Month?

The average cost of a car insurance premium in Georgia is between $100 and $199 per month for full coverage and between $32 and $106 per month for minimum coverage. These rates differ from one insurer to another because they use different factors to determine insurance rates. To get the best price and to save money on your private or commercial auto insurance premiums, you should speak to a Georgia-licensed insurance agent who can give you information about discounts from the best car insurance companies. Some auto insurance discounts available in Georgia are: good student, safety devices, anti-theft devices, low mileage, good driver/renewal, and auto/home multi policy discount.

What Types of Auto Insurance are in Georgia?

In Georgia, auto insurance is divided into:

• Private auto insurance

• Commercial auto insurance

PRIVATE AUTO insurance covers vehicles used for personal purposes like using the vehicle to run personal errands and commuting from home to work. It provides financial coverage for losses that arise due to an accident, natural calamity, theft, or fire. Private auto insurance covers the insured and provides reimbursement for third-party losses. Your private car insurance will not provide coverage for damages sustained while using your car for any business activity involving the transportation of goods or work equipment. Private car drivers in Georgia should consider buying the following types of private auto insurance policies:

• Private passenger auto liability: It covers bodily injuries and property damages an at-fault insured driver causes to others in an accident. However, it excludes damages to the insured vehicle. Every driver in Georgia is expected to carry liability insurance.

• Private passenger auto physical damage: It covers loss or damage to an insured’s vehicle. It is not mandatory for drivers in Georgia to carry physical damage insurance. However, most lenders in Georgia might require physical damage insurance if they got their cars using loans. Types of physical damage insurance in Georgia:

  • Comprehensive coverage: It covers theft and damages from fire, animals, riots, vandalism, natural disasters (like tornadoes, hurricanes, and hail), and falling objects (like trees). However, it excludes damages resulting from collisions and medical expenses after an accident. Injuries sustained due to fire outbreaks or any other covered event affecting the car, warranting medical attention are covered under medical payment coverage.

  • Collision coverage: It covers damages to your car when it collides with another vehicle, you run into an object, or your car rolls over in an accident. Collision coverage excludes medical expenses after accidents, theft, and damages caused by natural disasters.

COMMERCIAL AUTO insurance covers cars used for business purposes. For example, it protects businesses when a company-owned vehicle is stolen, involved in a collision, or vandalized. Commercial auto insurance also pays for damages to a company vehicle and bodily injuries when employees cause an accident with the insured commercial vehicle. Types of commercial auto insurance policies in Georgia:

• Commercial auto physical damage: It pays for loss or damage to the company's vehicle. There are two types of commercial auto physical damage insurance:

  • Collision coverage: It pays for damages to the company's vehicle due to an accident involving another vehicle or objects like trees or fences. It also provides coverage if the damage is due to an accident that involves the car rolling or falling over.

  • Comprehensive coverage: It pays for any losses collision insurance does not cover and provides other coverages that include damage to the business vehicle.

• Commercial automobile liability: It covers liability claims for bodily injury or property damage caused to others in the event of an accident involving your business vehicle. It also covers the medical expenses the third party incurs due to the injuries. It does not cover damages to the vehicle itself.

PROPERTY DAMAGE (PD)

All car insurance policies in Georgia include property damage because Georgia law mandates all drivers in the state to carry a minimum of $25,000 in property damage liability (PD). However, Georgia drivers can get a maximum limit of $100,000 in property damage liability. Property damage liability auto insurance covers the cost of repairs if you cause damage to another person's vehicle or property like a fence or gate. For instance, suppose you are returning from work and a dog dash across the road and, while swerving to avoid it, you drive up onto the sidewalk and smash through somebody's fence. In that case, your property damage liability auto insurance will cover the damage incurred.

Property damage liability auto insurance can cover other people's personal items in your car during an accident. For instance, if someone's laptop in your car is damaged during an accident, your property damage liability car insurance will pay for the damage. However, property damage liability coverage typically excludes damages to your own vehicle. Hence, you may consider getting collision and comprehensive coverage to help cover damages caused to your own vehicle.

What Does Property Damage Liability Auto Insurance Cover?

Property damage liability auto insurance in Georgia covers:

• Repairs of damages you caused to another person’s vehicles

• Repairs of damages you caused to another person's property like a fence, house, lamp post, and mailbox

• Legal fees arising from the property damage claim

• Loss of income from a business closure due to an accident you caused. For instance, if you crash into a person's business property, and the business closes due to repairs, your property damage liability will cover the business owner’s income loss

Other vehicle insurance policies in Georgia that provide property damage coverage are:

• Comprehensive coverage: It covers damages to your vehicle caused by theft, accidents, and weather-related damages, but does not cover damages from a collision with another car. Comprehensive coverage is subject to a deductible, which can be as low as $0 and as high as $1,000.

Generally, comprehensive coverage in Georgia covers car damages related to:

• Fire

• Broken windshields

• Riots and vandalism

• Natural disasters like floods, earthquakes, and hurricanes

• Theft of the vehicle or specific parts of the vehicle

• Fallen objects like branches, rocks, or hail

  • Collision coverage: It covers insured vehicles when damaged in an accident with another vehicle or object like a fence or a tree. Collision excludes non-collision damages like theft, riot, fire, or vandalism. Collision coverage is subject to a deductible ($0 - $1,000).

  • Auto liability coverage: It covers third-parties injuries and property damages in the event of an accident where you are at fault.

  • Car Replacement Assistance (or Car Replacement Insurance): Provides an additional sum to the actual cost of the vehicle, if the vehicle is considered a total loss. Typical coverage is for an additional 10%-20% of the actual cash value. (NOTE: this feature is not offered by every insurer)

BODILY INJURY (BI) - Auto Insurance in Georgia

Georgia law mandates all drivers in Georgia to carry a minimum of $25,000 of bodily injury coverage per person, and a minimum of $50,000 per accident. However, Georgia drivers can get a maximum limit of $100,000 of bodily injury liability per person, and a maximum of $300,000 per accident. Bodily injury liability auto insurance covers injuries you cause to another driver if you are at fault in an accident. It covers medical bills, lost wages, and even funeral costs if necessary. Bodily injury liability does not cover any injury you sustain in an accident.

What Does Bodily Injury Liability Cover?

Bodily injury liability auto insurance in Georgia covers:

• Medical bills: It pays for the third party's hospitalization, emergency care services, and other related health care.

• Lost wages: Your bodily injury liability coverage will cover the other driver’s lost income if they cannot work due to the accident.

• Legal fees: If the other driver decides to file a lawsuit against you, your bodily injury liability coverage can help cover the legal fees if you are at fault in the accident.

• Funeral costs: If the injuries sustained by the third-party unfortunately result in death, bodily injury liability coverage will cover the funeral costs

• Pain and suffering: Your bodily injury liability coverage can cover emotional stress or prolonged pain from an at-fault accident.

Other car insurance policies in Georgia that provide bodily injury liability coverage are:

• Medical payments coverage: It is an optional coverage that pays for medical and funeral expenses incurred after a car accident. Typical coverage for medical payments is between $1,000 - $100,000 per person.

• Auto liability coverage: It covers costs when you are at fault in an accident that causes damages or injuries to other drivers.

• Uninsured/underinsured motorist (UM/UIM): Although Georgia law requires all drivers to have liability insurance to drive. There are more than 1.2 million uninsured or underinsured drivers on Georgia roads. Hence, if such drivers cause accidents that damage your vehicle or cause bodily injury to you or your passengers, your uninsured/underinsured insurance would cover the expenses incurred. Typically UM/UIM coverage in Georgia is purchased for the amount equal to the selected Bodily Injury Liability.

• Personal injury protection: It is not mandatory in Georgia. Personal injury protection (PIP) coverage pays for injuries you sustain during an accident. Typical coverage for PIP in Georgia is between $1,000 - $100,000 per person.

LIABILITY - Auto Insurance in Georgia

Liability auto insurance provides financial protection on your behalf if you injure others or cause damage to their properties in an accident. It covers medical bills, medication, legal fees, and lost wages of the injured person. Georgia law mandates all drivers to carry minimum limits of liability insurance:

• $25,000 bodily injury coverage per driver

• $50,000 bodily injury coverage per accident

• $25,000 property damage liability per occurrence

Most times the state minimum is lower than the amount needed to protect Georgia drivers in the event of an accident. Hence, most drivers opt for higher liability coverages so that they can have full protection if they are at fault in an accident.

Typical auto liability coverages that can be purchased in Georgia:

The majority of Georgia drivers get at least:

• $100,000 bodily injury coverage per driver

• $200,000 bodily injury coverage per accident

• $100,000 property damage liability per occurrence

Speak with a Georgia-licensed auto insurance agent, who can assess your liability needs and provide a professional adviser on the needed coverage amounts.

ADDITIONAL COVERAGES TYPICALLY OFFERED AS PART OF FULL COVERAGE CAR INSURANCE IN GEORGIA:

Personal Auto vs. Commercial Auto Insurance

There are a lot of similarities between both personal and commercial auto policies. For example, they both cover legal expenses, bodily injury, and property damage related to auto accidents. The typical differences between personal auto and commercial auto insurance are:

• Personal auto insurance covers you and any family member listed in your policy, while commercial auto insurance covers the business owner and their employees. If you own a company that rents vehicles, you can get hired and non-owned auto insurance as an addition to your commercial auto insurance policy.

• Commercial auto insurance policies offer higher liability limits and broader coverage, making it more expensive than personal auto insurance.

• Personal auto insurance policies cover vehicles used for personal purposes, while commercial auto insurance policies cover vehicles used for commercial purposes.

There are several factors you must consider while determining which type of auto insurance to purchase. For instance:

• The type of vehicle: You might not be able to get personal auto insurance if your vehicle is above a certain weight. If your car weighs 10,001 lbs or more, you should get a commercial auto insurance policy.

• Who owns the car: If you register your car under a business name, your personal auto insurance will not cover it in the event of an accident. You should instead get a commercial insurance policy for the car.

• The vehicle usage: If all you do with the car is drive to work or travel for less than 50 miles, you can get personal auto insurance. However, if you transport or deliver goods to your customers with your car, you should get a commercial auto insurance policy.

Speak with a Georgia-licensed insurance agent for further clarity on the type of auto insurance policy that will suit your needs. They can also help you find affordable car insurance policies in the state that suit your personal and business needs.

How Does Car Insurance Work When you Get Into an Accident?

Several things happen when you get into an accident in Georgia, depending on the level of damage. So, if you get injured in an accident, and you are not at fault, then you can file a claim against the at-fault driver for the following:

• Medical costs: If you sustain any injury during the accident, you should immediately see the doctor. All drivers in Georgia are expected to carry a state minimum coverage car insurance of $25,000 bodily injury coverage per person and a minimum of $50,000 per accident. Hence, the at-fault driver’s bodily injury coverage should cover all medical expenses related to the accident. You have to keep track of the amount you spend on medical bills so you can include it in your claim.

• Lost wages: If the injuries sustained during the accident made you miss work for some time, then you can include lost wages in your claim. The at-fault driver’s bodily injury liability coverage should provide coverage for that.

• Renter costs: If the accident damages your car and you have to get a rental car because your car is under repair, the at-fault driver’s insurance company will cover the cost of the rented car.

• Vehicle damages: If your car got damaged due to the accident, the at-fault driver’s property damage liability coverage would cover your car's repairs.

When you file your claim with the at-fault driver’s insurance company, they will send an insurance adjuster to verify your claims. The adjuster can visit you in the event of a bodily injury or go to wherever your car was towed to in the case of vehicle damage. The adjuster will determine how much you will be paid after collecting the proof of the accident. Do not forget to always file your claims as soon as the accident happens because the statute of limitation on personal injury and vehicle damage claims in Georgia is two years and four years, respectively, from the accident date.

How Much Auto Insurance Coverage Do I Need?

Georgia law requires you to have minimum coverage limits of liability insurance:

• $25,000 bodily injury coverage per driver

• $50,000 bodily injury coverage per accident

• $25,000 property damage liability per occurrence

In addition to bodily injury and property damage, you may need to purchase other coverages like comprehensive and collision even though it is not required by Georgia law. This is because these coverages cover damages resulting from covered perils or if your car collides with another vehicle. Also, if you got your car using a loan, your lender may require you to have comprehensive or collision coverage. Since there are no minimum requirements for collision and comprehensive coverages, you can just get the amount you need and the deductibles you can afford. Generally, the amount of coverage you purchase should be able to restore your car to the state it was before the accident occurred. Contact a Georgia-licensed property insurance agent to determine the right auto insurance coverage you should get based on your needs.

No matter the amount of auto insurance coverages you purchase, the factors below will affect the cost of your car insurance bill:

• Age: Teen drivers and seniors should expect to pay more for auto insurance in Georgia because most insurers consider them high risk drivers. Teen drivers or young drivers do not have driving experience and are more likely to get into accidents than experienced, mature drivers. Also, seniors (individuals above 65 years) who can no longer drive well due to old age are prone to accidents and are more likely to be injured in a collision. Hence, insurers in Georgia charge these age groups more than younger drivers

• Location: Where you live in Georgia affects your auto insurance premiums. Expect to pay more if you live in populated cities like Atlanta and Savannah because there are more vehicles on the road, and the likelihood of accidents increases compared to less populated areas like Albany.

• Driving history: Your driving record can either increase or decrease your auto insurance premiums. If you have a history of accidents or serious traffic violations, your auto insurance premium can increase by 10 to 15 percent compared to when you have a clean record.

• The type of car you drive: Some vehicles, like expensive or newly purchased ones, cost more to insure. However, if your car has high safety equipment, you might qualify for discounts.

• Credit history: Some car insurance companies review the credit histories of Georgia drivers to determine their auto insurance premiums. Drivers with bankruptcies and late payments should expect to pay higher premiums.

• Annual mileage: An auto insurance company will charge you more if you drive more than 50 miles daily. This is because you will be more prone to accidents if you are always on the road. However, you will pay less if you only drive for pleasure.

• Gender: Insurance providers use statistical evidence to determine which group of individuals (male and female) are prone to accidents and are more likely to file claims. Statistics reveal that male drivers under the age of 25 are more likely to be involved in accidents. About 15% of all licensed drivers in Georgia are under age 25, accounting for 29% of all accidents and 26% of all fatal accidents in the state. This is why male drivers pay higher auto insurance premiums than females.

When speaking with your chosen Georgia-licensed insurance agent, explain your insurance needs and ask about car insurance discounts that could save money in your particular situation. For example, if you have been accident free and you also have the need for homeowners insurance, you could save both by bundling auto and home coverage, and by being a good driver.

Does Georgia Auto Insurance Cover:

Does Auto Insurance Cover the Driver or the Vehicle?

In Georgia, auto insurance covers the vehicle, not the driver. So, if someone listed on your policy is driving your car and gets into an accident where they are at fault, your auto insurance policy will pay for the other driver’s bodily injuries and physical damages.

Does Car Insurance Cover Rental Cars?

Yes, your personal auto insurance will provide coverage when you rent a car, as long as you have full coverage. For instance, you will be covered if the rented car is stolen or damaged due to a collision, and you have comprehensive and collision coverage. Also, your liability coverage will apply if you damage another person's property or vehicle while in the rented car. There are times whereby it is reasonable to get rental insurance. You should get rental car insurance if the following applies to you:

• Your auto insurance policy does not have comprehensive and collision coverage

• Your current auto insurance is provided by your employer

• You do not want to pay high deductibles

Before renting a car in Georgia, speak with a licensed auto insurance agent to help you determine if your auto coverage will extend to the rental vehicle.

Can I Use my Insurance When Renting a Car?

Yes, you can use your Georgia car insurance when renting a car as long as it is for personal travels. However, you should purchase commercial coverage if you want to use the rented car for commercial purposes. Speak with a Georgia-licensed property insurance agent who can provide more information on how your auto insurance policy can cover your rental car.

Does Car Insurance Cover Repairs?

Yes, car insurance in Georgia covers repairs for damages resulting from collisions or other events like theft or fire. However, your car insurance policy will not cover repairs for routine wear and tear or mechanical breakdowns. For instance, your collision coverage will cover repairs if your car gets damaged in an accident with another car or an object like a fence or tree. In addition, your comprehensive coverage will cover repairs if your car is damaged due to theft, vandalism, natural disasters, and animal damage. Also, if you cause damage to another person's car, your auto liability coverage will cover the repairs.

Does Car Insurance Cover Windshield Replacement?

Yes, car insurance in Georgia covers windshield replacement through comprehensive and collision coverage. For instance, if your windshield gets damaged when hit by an animal or falling debris, your comprehensive coverage will cover it. However, if your windshield gets damaged in a collision, your collision coverage will cover it. If your car's windshield is damaged in an accident and the other driver is at fault, you can file a claim against the at-fault driver’s insurance to cover the cost of the repairs.

Does Car Insurance Cover Engine Failure?

Yes, car insurance policies with comprehensive and collision coverage pay for engine repairs if the damage occurred due to an accident or a tree limb fell on the vehicle. Your uninsured/underinsured motorist coverage can also pay for engine repairs if a driver with little or no insurance hits you. However, your car insurance policy will not cover engine failure resulting from mechanical failure or normal wear and tear. Some car insurance companies in Georgia offer mechanical breakdown insurance (MBI), which may cover general mechanical failures, but it is not as common as comprehensive, collision, or uninsured motorist coverage.

Does Car Insurance Cover Theft of Personal Items?

No. A car insurance policy in Georgia does not cover theft of personal items. However, if your vehicle is stolen or specific parts of it are missing due to theft, your comprehensive coverage will pay for it. You might find few insurance providers who can offer personal property coverage at an extra cost to cover the theft of personal items. Although your car insurance in Georgia will not cover personal property theft, your homeowners or renters insurance policy will cover personal belongings stolen from your home and vehicle.