What Is Uninsured Motorist (UM) Coverage in Georgia?
Short answer: Uninsured / underinsured motorist (UM) coverage is part of your own auto policy that pays for your injuries when the driver who caused the crash has no insurance or not enough. In Georgia, your policy must include it unless you reject it in writing (O.C.G.A. § 33-7-11).
Definition
UM coverage steps in when the at-fault driver is uninsured, underinsured, unknown (a hit-and-run) or has an insurer that legally denied coverage. In Georgia one coverage handles both uninsured and underinsured drivers, so people usually just say “UM.”
How it works in Georgia
- Required unless rejected: policies must include UM coverage of at least $25,000 per person, $50,000 per accident and $25,000 for property damage, unless a named insured rejects it in writing (O.C.G.A. § 33-7-11(a)). These match Georgia’s minimum liability limits.
- Underinsured drivers: a car with too little liability insurance counts as uninsured for UM purposes. Whether your UM pays on top of the other driver’s limits or is reduced by them depends on your coverage type (O.C.G.A. § 33-7-11(b)(1)(D)(ii)).
- Hit-and-run: if the at-fault driver is unknown, you generally need physical contact with that vehicle or an eyewitness, other than you, who corroborates your account (O.C.G.A. § 33-7-11(b)(2)).
- Serving your insurer: when you sue the at-fault driver, your UM carrier must be served with a copy of the lawsuit (O.C.G.A. § 33-7-11(d)).
- Bad faith: a bad faith refusal to pay a covered UM loss within 60 days of a demand can add a penalty and attorney’s fees (O.C.G.A. § 33-7-11(j)).
Example
A driver carrying the $25,000 minimum runs a red light in Atlanta, and your losses come to $120,000. You have $100,000 in add-on UM coverage. After the other driver’s insurer pays its $25,000, your UM claim may pay up to $100,000 more toward the rest.
Why it matters for your claim
- Many Georgia drivers carry only minimum limits, which rarely cover a serious injury.
- Depending on your policy, UM can also protect you as a passenger, pedestrian or cyclist.
- The service and demand rules are technical, and missing them can put the coverage at risk.
Read more: Uninsured motorist coverage in Georgia and Uninsured and underinsured motorist claims.
Related terms
Frequently Asked Questions
How do I know if I have UM coverage?
Check your declarations page. If no named insured rejected it in writing, the policy generally must include at least minimum UM coverage. A written rejection on an earlier policy with the same insurer can carry over to renewals.
Will I have to sue my own insurance company?
Usually the lawsuit names the at-fault driver, and your UM carrier is served with it and can take part in the defense. Many UM claims settle without a trial.
Browse the full Georgia personal injury glossary
Questions about how this applies to your accident? Call 888-BIG-GUNN or request a free case review. There is no fee unless we recover for you.
This is general information about Georgia law, not legal advice for your situation.
