Last updated: August 2023
As you drive through Uptown Columbus, it’s easy to see why this hub of Georgia history and breweries is considered a hidden treasure of the south. But whether you’re on the way to enjoy the riverwalk or driving a few hours to enjoy the great outdoors, you need affordable auto insurance coverage to make sure you and your vehicle are protected.
Since 1991, we’ve helped people find the right insurance to match their needs, no matter what their credit or insurance histories look like. If you’re looking for great cheap car insurance in Columbus, GA, call Direct Auto.
Columbus, GA Minimum Car Insurance Requirements
Georgia auto insurance policies must at least meet the Peach State’s minimum liability coverage limits, typically expressed as three numbers (representing thousands of dollars) separated by slashes. For example, the liability limits in Georgia are 25/50/25, and they help pay for bodily injury and property damage claims after an accident that is primarily your fault.
If you’re still confused what your insurance policy must include, please refer to the chart below.
|
Coverages |
Is It Required by Law? |
|
Bodily Injury Liability Coverage provides financial protection if you cause an accident that injures another person. It helps pay for their medical expenses and your legal services (if necessary). |
Yes. $25,000 bodily injury per person/$50,000 bodily injury per accident. |
|
Property Damage Liability Coverage helps pay to repair or replace other people’s property that is damaged in an accident you cause. It typically involves damage to another vehicle, but it could help pay to repair a house, fence, mailbox, and more. |
Yes. $25,000 property damage per accident. |
|
Uninsured/Underinsured Motorist Coverage (UM/UIM) helps pay for your medical bills and related expenses if the other driver has no coverage (UM), insufficient coverage (UIM), or can’t be identified due to hit and run. In some states, UM/UIM can also help pay for property damage. |
Not required. |
|
Collision Coverage helps pay to repair or replace your vehicle if you collide with another car, tree, guardrail, or another object, regardless of fault. |
Not required.1 |
|
Comprehensive Coverage helps pay to repair or replace your vehicle if it’s damaged by something other than a collision, like fire, floodwaters, falling branches, vandalism, or contact with an animal. |
Not required.1 |
1Your lender may require these coverages if you lease or finance your vehicle.
Columbus, GA Proof of Financial Responsibility & Penalties
Every Georgia driver is required to have proof of financial responsibility to drive legally. If you’re caught driving without insurance, you could lose your registration, face fines, and even face jail time. The penalty depends on which offense it is and if you cause an accident.
Drivers must always carry proof of insurance and must be able to present proof of insurance upon request, such as during a traffic stop, at an accident scene, etc. You can do so by showing your physical ID card or downloading an electronic copy to your mobile device.
To fight back against uninsured motorists, Georgia requires insurers to submit notice of any terminations, additions, or deletions on your policy to the Georgia Department of Revenue's Insurance Database. So, if you let your coverage lapse in Georgia, the state will know.
SR-22 Insurance in Columbus, GA
In many states, high-risk drivers are also required to keep an SR22 (also known as a certificate of financial responsibility) on file with the state verifying they have purchased auto insurance coverage that satisfies the state’s minimum coverage requirements. Drivers might be required to fulfill SR-22 requirements if:
- They have been caught not maintaining proper liability coverage.
- They were convicted of a DUI/DWI.
- They have committed other serious driving violations.
Direct Auto specializes in helping drivers find affordable car insurance coverage, regardless of their driving or insurance history. Give us a call today for a free quote.
Georgia Regional Auto Insurance
Depending on where you live, you might have specific wishes and “must-haves” in your mind for your car insurance policy. After all, a policyholder who lives and drives in busy, downtown Atlanta might want more coverage than someone who lives in a small town with little traffic. But no matter what city you call home in the Peach State, we’re here to help you get covered.
Athens, GA, Auto Insurance
Atlanta, GA, Auto Insurance
Augusta, GA, Auto Insurance
Savannah, GA, Auto Insurance
Other Georgia Auto Insurance Resources
- Office of Insurance and Safety Fire Commissioner
- Georgia Department of Revenue
- Georgia Department of Driver Services
Get Covered with Direct Auto Insurance!
Have a question for us at Direct Auto? Need to start a policy? Just want to talk? Call us at 1-877-GO-DIRECT or visit our nearest location. For common questions, you can also consult our FAQs page.
For additional details and disclaimers, please see our Terms of Use.