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Car accidents are stressful enough, but when the at-fault driver doesn’t have insurance — or doesn’t have enough coverage — victims can be left wondering how they’ll pay for medical bills, lost wages, and vehicle repairs. Unfortunately, this scenario is all too common in Georgia.
That’s why uninsured motorist (UM) coverage is one of the most important protections you can carry on your auto insurance policy. It can mean the difference between financial devastation and fair compensation. In this article, we’ll break down what UM coverage is, how it works under Georgia law, and why Kevin Patrick Law urges every driver to consider it essential.
Despite Georgia law requiring drivers to carry minimum liability insurance — $25,000 per person, $50,000 per accident for bodily injury, and $25,000 for property damage — many drivers violate this requirement.
According to insurance industry studies, around 12% of drivers in Georgia are uninsured. That means in any given accident, there’s a real chance the at-fault driver has no insurance at all. Even when drivers do carry coverage, they may only have the minimum limits, which can be quickly exhausted in serious crashes involving hospital stays, surgery, or long-term rehabilitation.
UM coverage is an optional add-on to your auto insurance policy that protects you if:
The at-fault driver has no insurance.
The at-fault driver has too little insurance to cover your damages (underinsured motorist coverage, often bundled with UM).
You’re injured in a hit-and-run accident and the other driver cannot be identified.
In short, UM coverage ensures that your own insurance company steps in to cover costs when the at-fault driver cannot.
Under O.C.G.A. § 33-7-11, Georgia insurers must offer UM coverage when you purchase or renew an auto insurance policy. While drivers can reject it in writing, doing so is risky — and often leaves victims financially vulnerable.
There are two main types of UM coverage in Georgia:
Add-On (Excess) Coverage
Provides additional coverage on top of the at-fault driver’s liability insurance.
Example: At-fault driver has $25,000 liability coverage, and you have $50,000 UM add-on coverage. You could recover up to $75,000.
Reduced-By (Traditional) Coverage
Your UM coverage is reduced by the at-fault driver’s liability limits.
Example: At-fault driver has $25,000 liability coverage, and you have $50,000 UM reduced-by coverage. You can only recover $25,000 more.
👉 Georgia law gives policyholders the right to choose between add-on and reduced-by coverage. Kevin Patrick Law strongly recommends add-on UM coverage for maximum protection.
Without UM coverage, you may be left with no way to pay for damages if hit by an uninsured driver. Here’s why it’s so critical:
Medical Costs: A single hospital visit can exceed Georgia’s minimum liability limits.
Lost Wages: Serious injuries often mean weeks or months of missed work.
Vehicle Damage: Repair or replacement costs can climb quickly.
Peace of Mind: UM coverage provides security against unpredictable drivers.
It’s not just about protecting yourself — it’s about protecting your family’s financial future.
Hit-and-Run: A driver flees the scene, and you’re left with injuries and damage. UM coverage can step in.
Minimal Insurance: A driver with only $25,000 in coverage causes severe injuries. Your UM add-on coverage fills the gap.
Completely Uninsured Driver: Without UM, you’d have no way to recover costs. With UM, your own policy covers you.
While UM coverage is meant to protect you, insurance companies don’t always make it easy. Filing a claim often involves:
Notifying your insurer quickly after the accident.
Proving the other driver was at fault (just like a regular liability claim).
Providing medical records and bills to justify your damages.
Negotiating with your insurer, who may try to minimize your payout.
Because UM claims can be just as contested as liability claims, working with a lawyer is often essential.
Kevin Patrick Law has extensive experience handling uninsured and underinsured motorist claims in Georgia. The firm:
Investigates the accident to establish fault.
Reviews insurance policies to identify all available coverage.
Handles negotiations with insurance companies that may undervalue claims.
Prepares cases for trial when insurers refuse to pay fair compensation.
By taking an aggressive, trial-ready approach, Kevin Patrick ensures clients are not left at the mercy of tight-fisted insurance adjusters.
If you’re hit by an uninsured or underinsured driver in Georgia:
Call the police and get a report. This is critical for UM claims.
Seek medical attention immediately. Don’t delay treatment.
Document the scene with photos and witness information.
Notify your insurance company of a potential UM claim.
Contact Kevin Patrick Law to ensure your rights are protected.
Uninsured motorist coverage may be optional in Georgia, but it’s one of the smartest investments you can make as a driver. With so many uninsured and underinsured drivers on the road, UM coverage can provide a lifeline when tragedy strikes.
At Kevin Patrick Law, we’ve seen firsthand how UM coverage makes the difference between financial recovery and financial hardship. If you or a loved one has been injured by an uninsured driver in Georgia, contact us today for a free consultation. We’ll fight to ensure every available source of coverage is used to maximize your recovery.
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