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Motorcycle Insurance Minimum Requirements in Georgia

If you're a Georgia resident who owns or leases a motorcycle, you must register and establish financial responsibility for the motorcycle. The most common way to do so is by purchasing motorcycle insurance.

Read more to learn about Georgia's motorcycle insurance requirements.

Ways to Establish Financial Responsibility

The state requires you to establish financial responsibility for your motorcycle so you're financially able to cover the cost of any accidents in which your motorcycle is involved.

You can establish financial responsibility in one of two ways:

    • Purchase traditional liability coverage from a motorcycle insurance carrier licensed with the Office of Insurance and Safety Fire Commissioner.
    • Self-insure through the Office of insurance and Safety Fire Commissioner. Please note this might not be an option for you. Please call (800) 656-2298 to find out if it is, and what steps you need to take to self-insure.

Two-Wheeled Vehicles Defined

You can call the Department of Revenue's Motor Vehicle Division at (855) 406-5221 if you have questions about the definitions of two-wheeled vehicles and whether you need to register and insure yours.

Georgia Motorcycle Insurance Requirements

Purchasing liability insurance is probably the most common way to meet the state's financial responsibility requirements. If you choose this route, make sure your motorcycle insurance policy includes at least:

    • $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

As you shop and compare motorcycle insurance quotes, you might also want to browse the additional types of coverage available with insurance policies to make sure you're fully protected.

Electronic Reporting

Your motorcycle insurance company must electronically submit information about your insurance policy to a statewide database. This helps the state know you're meeting the financial responsibility requirements, and you can even keep up with your insurance status online.

Proof of insurance and Financial Responsibility

Having proof of insurance with you at all times safeguards you in the event the MVD hasn't yet received a record of your coverage or a law enforcement officer pulls you over.

insurance Card

The state requires insurance carriers to issue policyholders these cards. If you purchased a traditional insurance policy, this card won't act as a sufficient proof of insurance; however, you still must keep it with you at all times.

insurance Binder

If this is your first time purchasing insurance for your motorcycle, your carrier will issue you an insurance binder. This binder acts as proof of insurance for 30 days― the time period during which the MVD is awaiting an electronic record of your coverage.

Bill of Sale/Declaration Page

Together, the bill of sale and insurance declaration page act as proof of insurance if you've just purchased the motorcycle and are waiting for the MVD to receive an electronic record of your coverage.

Self-Insured Information

If you have the option of self-insuring your motorcycle, the Office of Insurance and Safety Fire Commissioner will issue you a self-insured insurance information card and a certificate of self-insurance. Keep these documents with you at all times.

Penalties for Failure to Maintain Financial Responsibility

Depending on the offense number, you could face some pretty stiff penalties if the MVD catches you with no motorcycle insurance, such as:

    • A registration suspension.
    • A $25 lapse fee and a registration reinstatement fee of up to $60.
    • Misdemeanor charges if you operate your motorcycle before paying your fees and reinstating your registration.

If you think you're exempt from maintaining financial responsibility, check out what the MVD has to say. If you have additional questions, or need more information about your specific fees and registration reinstatement process, contact the MVD at (855) 406-5221.

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