Editor’s Note: This blog was previously published on May 2021 and has been updated for accuracy – July 2025.
This is the second post in a series on Georgia automobile insurance. If you missed the first post, you can read it here: What Every Georgia Driver Should Know About Car Insurance.
Uninsured and underinsured motorist coverage (UM/UIM) is technically optional in Georgia. But don’t let that fool you. It’s some of the most important protection you can carry. In fact, it’s so important that Georgia law requires insurers to include UM/UIM coverage in every auto policy unless you specifically opt out.
And yet, many Georgia drivers—whether in Atlanta, Roswell, or across North Fulton— still waive the coverage or only carry the bare minimum. Here’s why that can be a costly mistake, especially if you ever need to rely on a car accident attorney to help recover damages.
What is UM/UIM Bodily Injury Coverage?
Uninsured Motorist (UM) coverage kicks in if you’re hit by a driver who doesn’t have insurance at all.
Underinsured Motorist (UIM) coverage helps when the at-fault driver does have insurance, but not enough to cover your injuries and damages.
UM/UIM can cover both bodily injury and property damage—but in this post, we’re focusing on bodily injury. (We’ll address property damage coverage in a future article.)
If you’re ever injured in a wreck, this type of coverage could make or break your ability to recover compensation—and why you need a personal injury attorney in Atlanta to fight for you.
Do I Really Need UM/UIM in Georgia?
In short? Yes.
Around 12.4% of drivers in Georgia are uninsured, which puts the state right around the national average. But with more than 7.6 million licensed drivers on Georgia roads—including high-traffic areas like Atlanta and Roswell—you’re potentially sharing the road with nearly a million uninsured drivers—not to mention those driving without a valid license.
In fact, the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) reports that 13% of drivers involved in fatal accidents are unlicensed, and they account for nearly 1 in 5 traffic deaths.
Even if the at-fault driver is clearly negligent, collecting compensation without proper insurance is nearly impossible. Most people simply don’t have the personal assets to cover the cost of a serious injury.
And while some drivers do carry insurance, many only carry the legal minimum. In Georgia, that’s just $25,000 in bodily injury coverage—an amount that can be exhausted in a single ER visit. That won’t get you far if you’re dealing with serious injuries, and it’s a scenario many auto accident lawyers see all too often.(For context: a spinal injury hospital stay can cost around $140,000, with first-year costs approaching $200,000.)
That’s where UM/UIM coverage comes in—it protects you when the other driver can’t. For anyone in North Fulton or metro Atlanta, that protection is vital.
How Much UM/UIM Should I Carry?
There’s no one-size-fits-all answer, but here are a few things to consider:
- You can reject UM/UIM coverage entirely.
- If you do purchase it, you can carry up to the same limits as your liability coverage but not more.
- You can choose lower UM/UIM limits, but doing so may leave you under-protected in a serious accident.
You also have a choice between non-stackable (aka “traditional”) and stackable (aka “add-on”) UM/UIM coverage. Here’s the difference:
- Non-stackable: Your policy limit includes whatever the at-fault driver has.
Example: If your UM/UIM limit is $50,000 and the other driver has $25,000, you can only collect an additional $25,000 from your insurer. - Stackable: Your coverage adds on top of the other driver’s policy.
Same example: You could recover $25,000 from the other driver + $50,000 from your policy = $75,000 total.
Stackable coverage costs more, but it provides far more protection—and any experienced car accident attorney in Atlanta will tell you it’s worth every penny.
What If I Need to Use My UM/UIM Coverage?
Many drivers hesitate to file a claim with their own insurance, worried it might raise their premiums. But here’s some good news: Georgia law prohibits your insurer from increasing your rates if the accident wasn’t your fault.
Still, it’s critical to act quickly. Waiting too long to notify your insurer could jeopardize your claim. Review your policy for any deadlines, and when in doubt, notify them sooner rather than later.
If you’re unsure how to proceed or feel overwhelmed, a trusted auto accident lawyer or personal injury attorney in Atlanta can guide you through the process and help protect your rights.
The Bottom Line
UM/UIM coverage is one of the smartest ways to protect yourself and your family on Georgia roads. Declining or minimizing coverage might save you a few dollars in premiums, but it could cost you everything if you’re hit by a driver who isn’t properly insured.
If an uninsured or underinsured motorist has already injured you in a crash here in Atlanta, Roswell, North Fulton, or beyond, don’t wait to explore your options. You may still be entitled to full compensation, and the right legal guidance can make all the difference.
Atlanta Attorney ReShea Balams fights for maximum compensation for victims of motor vehicle accidents, slip and fall injuries, premises liability, and more. The Balams Firm offers free, no-obligation consultations so injury victims can get the information they need to make informed decisions during difficult times.
Schedule yours today by calling (404) 445-2005 or filling out the contact form on this page.
