Insurance Center

Georgia requires all drivers to carry accident liability insurance for each vehicle they own. The mandatory insurance will help cover medical payments for those injured in an accident. It will also cover damage to property such as vehicles or buildings.

The minimum amounts that you may be covered in order to satisfy the law are:

• $25,000 per person for bodily injury

• $50,000 per accident for bodily injury to two or more people

• $25,000 per accident for property damage

Recently, technology has made it possible for the state to verify your insurance status online. The Department of Revenue requires insurance companies to submit your policy information electronically to a statewide database when you purchase coverage.

You can and should check your status online with the Department of Revenue. Verifying that your insurance coverage is documented can save you time, trouble, and expense in the future.

You will need to provide your vehicle identification number (VIN) and your title number―both are located on the vehicle's Georgia registration papers. Insurance companies have 30 days to transmit the data, so if you've just purchased your coverage recently, please allow processing time.

Even though the electronic transmission shows proof of your coverage, it is wise to carry hard-copy documentation in your vehicle at all times. Some insurance companies still issue cards, but if yours does not, carry a copy of the declarations page from your policy in your glove box. The information will come in handy in case of an accident, during a roadblock, or if you get pulled over for a traffic violation. It may also be necessary when traveling in other states.

If you find an error in the system's reporting of your insurance status, or if you have other questions, you may contact the Department of Revenue at (404) 362-6500.

Penalties

You could suffer stiff penalties and your vehicle registration could be suspended if your insurance policy lapses or is cancelled. The state defines the word "lapse" as 10 or more days without continuous coverage.

If your coverage lapses, you will be fined a $25 lapse fee and a $60 reinstatement fee before you can renew your license plates. It is a misdemeanor to drive a vehicle with a suspended registration, so you could face additional penalties, fines, or even impoundment if you are stopped by law enforcement without insurance coverage.

For second- and third-time insurance offenders, the penalties and fees increase. By the third offense, you will pay a $25 lapse fee and a $160 reinstatement fee, and your vehicle's registration will be suspended for six months. If you are convicted of driving the car during this time, even harsher penalties will apply.

Exemptions

There are occasions when your vehicle need not be covered by insurance. If your vehicle qualifies for one of the exemptions listed below, you will need to complete an affidavit stating the reasons, and you will be exempt from the lapse fees and penalties.

The exemptions are:

• Vehicle was sold or the ownership transferred

• Owner moved to another state or the ownership was transferred out of state

• Vehicle lease was terminated

• Vehicle was wrecked, salvaged, or junked

• Vehicle was repossessed, stolen, or not driven because it was inoperable

• Vehicle was stored or used seasonally for agricultural purposes

Those in the military are also exempt if they are deployed and the vehicle is not being driven. If you are in the military, you will need to file an affidavit to claim your exemption. You can file this before, during, or after your deployment at your local tag office.