What Is UM/UIM Coverage in Georgia?
Uninsured Motorist (UM) and Underinsured Motorist (UIM) coverage pays for your injuries when the at-fault driver has no insurance or not enough insurance. It’s coverage you pay for through your own auto insurance policy — and it may be worth far more than you realize.
Georgia’s UM/UIM Requirements
Mandatory Offer (O.C.G.A. § 33-7-11): Every auto insurer in Georgia must offer UM/UIM coverage equal to your bodily injury liability limits. You can reject this coverage — but only through a specific, signed, written rejection.
Here’s the critical part: If the rejection wasn’t properly signed, wasn’t on the correct form, or wasn’t completed at the right time — the rejection is INVALID. That means you have full UM/UIM coverage by operation of law — potentially worth hundreds of thousands of dollars — even if you think you rejected it.
Stacking: The Coverage Multiplier
If you have multiple vehicles on your policy, Georgia law may allow you to “stack” your UM/UIM coverage. Example: $100,000 UM limit × 3 vehicles = $300,000 in available coverage. Insurance companies never volunteer this information.
Add-On vs. Reduced Coverage
Georgia defaults to “add-on” coverage — meaning your UM/UIM limits are added on TOP of whatever the at-fault driver’s insurance pays. “Reduced” coverage (where your UM/UIM is offset by the at-fault driver’s payment) must be specifically elected. If your insurer is offsetting without proper election, they owe you more money.
When Your Own Insurer Becomes the Adversary
Here’s the uncomfortable reality: when you file a UM/UIM claim, your own insurance company becomes your adversary. They:
- Hire adjusters trained to minimize your claim
- Dispute your injuries and treatment
- Stall your claim hoping financial pressure forces a low settlement
- Deny coverage based on technicalities
Bad Faith (O.C.G.A. § 33-4-6)
If your insurer unreasonably denies or delays your valid UM/UIM claim, Georgia law allows you to recover:
- Penalties of up to 50% of the claim amount
- Attorney fees
- Litigation expenses
This makes bad faith a powerful tool against insurers who refuse to honor their policies.
