Editor’s Note: This blog was previously published on June 2021 and has been updated for accuracy – August 2025.
This is the third post in a series on Georgia automobile insurance. If you missed the earlier posts, you can read them here:
What Every Georgia Driver Should Know About Car Insurance
The Importance of Bodily Injury UM/UIM in Georgia
Don’t Overlook Property Damage After a Car Accident in Georgia
When you think about recovering damages after a motor vehicle accident, you’re probably focused on medical bills and lost income. These are major concerns—especially after a serious injury. But don’t overlook another significant cost: property damage. Even a relatively minor crash can lead to thousands of dollars in vehicle repairs.
Whether your accident happened in a busy intersection in Alpharetta or a neighborhood in Roswell, knowing how property damage coverage works under Georgia law can help protect your finances. An experienced personal injury attorney in Atlanta can help you explore all your options after an accident.
How Property Damage Insurance Works in Georgia
In Georgia, automobile insurance may pay for damage to your vehicle and other property in three key ways. Knowing the differences can help you recover the compensation you deserve.
1. Property Damage Liability Insurance – Your First Line of Recovery
Georgia drivers are required to carry property damage liability insurance, along with bodily injury coverage. Since Georgia is an at-fault state, the at-fault driver and their insurance company are your first avenue for compensation.
However, the state’s minimum required property damage liability is just $25,000 per incident—which often falls short. Many drivers in Atlanta and North Fulton carry only this minimum, leaving a serious gap if your vehicle was severely damaged or if multiple properties were affected.
If the at-fault driver’s policy doesn’t cover your losses—or if they’re uninsured—you may need to turn to your own policy.
2. Collision Coverage – Optional but Often Essential
Collision coverage is optional in Georgia, but it provides valuable protection. It pays for damage to your vehicle regardless of who was at fault, and may even cover related expenses such as a rental car.
Many drivers in Alpharetta, Roswell and the greater Atlanta area forgo this coverage due to cost. But if you drive a newer or more valuable vehicle, collision coverage can make a big difference in your financial recovery.
Whether or not you should carry this coverage depends on your risk tolerance, the value of your car, and your budget.
3. UM/UIM Property Damage – Coverage That Fills the Gaps
Uninsured Motorist (UM)/Underinsured Motorist (UIM) coverage kicks in when the at-fault driver either has no insurance or doesn’t carry enough to fully cover your losses. While this type of coverage is not required in Georgia, you must opt out of it in writing—meaning it’s often included unless you’ve declined it.
UM/UIM covers both bodily injury and property damage. While the property damage aspect may not seem as critical as the medical portion, it can still make a huge difference—especially if the other driver is uninsured.
If you were injured in a crash with an uninsured or underinsured driver in Atlanta, Alpharetta, or anywhere in North Fulton, UM/UIM coverage might be the key to getting your car repaired or replaced without delay.
And here’s good news: under Georgia law, making a UM/UIM claim for an accident that wasn’t your fault cannot raise your insurance rates.
Talk to a Personal Injury Attorney in Atlanta
If you’ve been in a car accident in Roswell, Alpharetta, or anywhere in North Fulton, and are facing vehicle damage or injuries, it’s important to understand your insurance rights. The Balams Firm helps car accident victims in North Fulton and throughout the Atlanta area get the compensation they deserve.
Atlanta Attorney ReShea Balams fights for maximum compensation for victims of car accidents, slip and falls, premises liability claims, and more. As a trusted personal injury attorney in Atlanta, she knows how to navigate the complex world of insurance coverage and fight for the full compensation you deserve.
Schedule a free, no-obligation consultation today by calling (404) 445-2005 or filling out the contact form on this page.
