You did everything right—and then a careless driver hit you who had little or no insurance. It is a frustratingly common situation in Georgia. The good news is that your own auto policy may include coverage that pays for your injuries when the at-fault driver cannot. Understanding uninsured and underinsured motorist (UM/UIM) coverage can make the difference between a fully paid claim and being left with the bills.
For a free consultation with a Carrollton personal injury attorney, call Met Lane & Associates, P.C. at 770-834-4107.
What Is UM/UIM Coverage?
Uninsured/underinsured motorist coverage is part of your own auto insurance policy that protects you when the driver who caused your crash has no insurance, not enough insurance, or flees the scene (a hit-and-run). Instead of fighting an empty pocket, you make a claim through your own insurer for the injuries the other driver caused.
Georgia Requires Insurers to Offer UM Coverage
Under O.C.G.A. § 33-7-11, every auto insurer in Georgia must offer UM coverage with each new or renewed policy. You are not required to buy it, but because so many drivers carry only minimum coverage—or none at all—UM/UIM is one of the most valuable protections a Georgia driver can have.
Add-On vs. Reduced-By Coverage
Georgia recognizes two forms of UM/UIM coverage, and the difference is significant:
- •Add-on (“stacking”) coverage is added on top of the at-fault driver’s liability limits. For example, if the other driver has $25,000 in coverage and you have $100,000 in add-on UM, you could access up to $125,000.
- •Reduced-by coverage is offset by the at-fault driver’s limits, so the same numbers would leave only $75,000 of UM available.
Since a 2009 amendment to the statute, add-on is the default form of UM coverage in Georgia—an insured must choose the less protective reduced-by option in writing. Check your policy to confirm what you have.
Don’t Just Accept the At-Fault Driver’s Limits
If your injuries are serious and the at-fault driver’s policy is too small to cover them, you may be leaving money on the table by settling for those limits alone. Before accepting any offer, it is worth having an attorney review all available coverage—including your own UM/UIM—to make sure every source is pursued.
The Deadline and How a Lawyer Helps
UM/UIM claims still run up against Georgia’s two-year personal injury deadline (O.C.G.A. § 9-3-33), and there are specific notice requirements for bringing your own insurer into the case. An attorney can identify every applicable policy, handle the notice and procedural rules, and push back when your own insurer undervalues the claim. Learn more about deadlines in our guide to the Georgia accident statute of limitations.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does my own insurance go up if I use UM coverage?
Using coverage you paid for to recover for someone else’s fault should not be treated like an at-fault claim. Concerns about rates are common, and an attorney can explain how your specific policy works.
What is the difference between add-on and reduced-by UM coverage?
Add-on coverage stacks on top of the at-fault driver’s limits; reduced-by coverage is offset by them. Georgia’s default is add-on unless you elected reduced-by in writing.
Does UM cover hit-and-run accidents?
Yes. UM coverage generally applies when an unidentified hit-and-run driver causes your injuries, subject to your policy’s requirements.
Hit by an Uninsured Driver? Get a Free Consultation
Don’t let another driver’s lack of insurance leave you paying for an injury you didn’t cause. Met Lane & Associates will review all of your coverage options for free, with no upfront fees for personal injury clients. Call 770-834-4107 or visit 619 Newnan St, Carrollton, GA 30117.