Georgia Auto Insurance Requirements

Each state requires auto insurance for vehicles and vehicle owners on its roads. Residents of Georgia must adhere to its minimum requirements to legally drive on the state’s road and to register their vehicle. At Wichalonis Insurance Agency serving Cumming, GA, we want you to understand the minimum requirements of our state and how we can help you fulfill them plus how adding other auto insurance types can help you better protect your finances.

In Georgia, the individual at fault for an accident must compensate those injured or whose personal property was damaged in a vehicular accident. Each driver must carry appropriate insurance to cover the compensation of their potential fault.

The state requires each driver to carry insurance for liability and property damage. The minimum required insurance includes:
–   Bodily injury/death coverage of $25,000 per person, 
–   Bodily injury/death coverage of $50,000 per accident, 
–   Property damage coverage of $25,000 per accident.

The reason you have two components to the bodily injury and death coverage is that more than one person may be injured in a single accident. The policy pays up to $25,000 per person, but it maxes out at $50,000 per accident. That means the insurance company only pays for $50,000 of medical costs and funeral costs even if your accident incurred $100,000 of medical bills for the others involved. If they take you to court, you need to pay the other $50,000 plus attorney fees and court costs if the court makes a judgment against you.

The insurance you carry, if you only carry the minimums required in Georgia, does not cover your injuries. Those come out of your pocket unless you add coverage. You would need personal injury protection (PIP) to cover your own medical costs. You would need collision coverage to compensate yourself for repairing or replacing your vehicle.

Contact Wichalonis Insurance Agency serving Cumming, GA for help obtaining the auto coverage you need to protect your automobile and yourself. Let us help insure you today.

Is It Time to Upgrade Your Vehicle?

As your vehicle gets older, it may become less reliable due to age or wear and tear. Whether you’re single or have a family, it’s important to have a vehicle you can rely on for personal or business travels. If your older vehicle poses a greater risk of accidents or has constant breakdowns on the road, it may be time to upgrade to a newer model. The following questions compiled by Wichalonis Insurance Agency in Cumming, GA, can help you determine if it’s time to upgrade your car.

How Reliable is Your Vehicle?

You know it’s time for an upgrade when your vehicle requires constant maintenance or repairs to keep it running. If you’re investing hundreds of dollars’ worth of repairs into your car on a regular basis, it’s probably time to replace it with a newer model.

You should also consider the mileage you have on your vehicle and whether the repairs you make offer a permanent or temporary solution to the problems at hand. Temporary fix-it jobs can cost you more in the long run than replacing your older car. Your goal should be to have a safe, dependable vehicle you can rely on for your daily needs.

Does Your Car Still Meet Your Needs?

A change in lifestyle may prompt you to upgrade your vehicle to better suit your needs. If you’re planning to have children, you may want to replace your sports car with a family sedan. If you get a new job that requires more travel, you may want to upgrade to a safe, fuel-efficient vehicle you can count on for long-distance travel.

When upgrading your vehicle, don’t forget to factor in quality auto insurance coverage to protect you and your family on the road. For more information on auto insurance options and costs, contact Wichalonis Insurance Agency in Cumming, GA.

3 things you should know about auto insurance in Georgia

The fastest way to end up on the wrong side of the law in Cumming, GA is to drive while uninsured. The agents at Wichalonis Insurance Agency can help you stay out of trouble by helping you find the policy that is best for your lifestyle. Read on to learn more about auto insurance in Georgia.

1. Georgia requires drivers to have liability coverage

The state of Georgia requires all drivers to have a minimum of $25,000 bodily coverage per person and $50,000 per accident of the same. The state also requires drivers to have $25,000 in coverage for property damage.

2. You open yourself up to a lawsuit if you go without coverage

You run the risk of receiving a fine for driving without auto insurance if a Cumming, GA peace officer stops you and discovers that you do not have a valid policy. Additionally, you run the risk of having to defend yourself in court if you run into someone while being uninsured.

The state of Georgia is one of many states that has little mercy when it comes to auto insurance. State officials, as well as law enforcement strongly, believe that individuals who operate vehicles should be responsible in every sense of the word. You may be a cautious driver who stops at every red light and yields at all of the crosswalks. You, however, pose a threat to the well-being of individuals if you drive uninsured.

A person injured in an accident that is your fault may face financial loss or even ruin if he has to pay for damages that you caused because your insurance policy either expired or was never instated. It is best, then, to follow the law when it comes to auto insurance and only drives when you have the minimum coverage.

3. Minimum coverage may not be enough

Even with minimum coverage, though, you may find yourself on the defensive side of a court of law if the damages you cause in an accident exceed your policy’s limits. It is for this reason that drivers are advised to find the auto assurance plan that best fits their lifestyle.

The agents at Wichalonis Insurance Agency have been in the business of finding the right insurance plans for consumers for many years. Call them today to get started with a quote!