Georgia Insurance Claims Center

Navigating insurance claims is complex. Adjusters work for the insurance company — not for you. Learn how Georgia insurance claims work and how to protect your rights.

How Insurance Claims Work in Georgia

Georgia is a fault-based (tort) state, which means the driver who caused your accident is financially responsible for your damages. In practice, this means you file a claim against the at-fault driver’s liability insurance company — and their adjuster decides how much (or how little) to pay you.

Georgia’s minimum liability insurance requirements are 25/50/25 under O.C.G.A. § 33-7-11 — just $25,000 per person for bodily injury. For anyone with serious injuries, these minimums are rarely enough to cover medical bills, lost wages, and pain and suffering.

Understanding how the insurance claims process works — and the tactics insurers use to minimize payouts — is essential for protecting your right to fair compensation. The guides below cover every aspect of the process.

Insurance Claims Guides

Dealing with Insurance Adjusters

Insurance adjusters work for the insurance company — not for you. Learn what to say, what to avoid, and when to stop talking and call a lawyer.

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O.C.G.A. § 33-4-6

Bad Faith Insurance Claims

When an insurer unreasonably denies or delays your claim, Georgia law allows you to recover up to 50% in penalties plus attorney's fees under O.C.G.A. § 33-4-6.

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Subrogation & Letters of Protection

Understand how your insurer's subrogation rights and medical letters of protection affect your settlement — and how to maximize your take-home recovery.

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O.C.G.A. § 33-7-11

Georgia Insurance Requirements

Georgia requires minimum liability coverage of 25/50/25. Learn what each number means, why minimums are rarely enough, and how UM/UIM coverage protects you.

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Uninsured Motorist Claims

When the at-fault driver has no insurance, your own UM coverage may be your only path to compensation. Learn how uninsured motorist claims work in Georgia.

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Underinsured Motorist Claims

When the at-fault driver's policy limits don't cover your damages, underinsured motorist (UIM) coverage fills the gap. Learn how to file a UIM claim in Georgia.

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Related Resources

Explore our practice areas and frequently asked questions for more detailed guidance on handling insurance claims after a Georgia car accident.

Frequently Asked Questions About Georgia Insurance Claims

How does the insurance claims process work after a car accident in Georgia?
After a car accident in Georgia, you (or your attorney) file a claim with the at-fault driver's liability insurance company. The insurer assigns an adjuster who investigates the accident, reviews medical records, and makes a settlement offer. You can negotiate, and if you cannot reach a fair agreement, you can file a lawsuit. Georgia is a fault-based state, so the at-fault driver's insurer is responsible for your damages.
Should I talk to the other driver's insurance company after an accident?
You should be very careful. The other driver's insurance adjuster's job is to minimize what their company pays. Anything you say — especially in a recorded statement — can be used against you. Provide only basic facts (name, date, location) and avoid discussing fault, injuries, or medical treatment. It is generally best to let an attorney handle all communication with the opposing insurer.
What is bad faith insurance in Georgia?
Bad faith occurs when an insurance company unreasonably denies, delays, or underpays a valid claim. Under O.C.G.A. § 33-4-6, if your own insurer refuses in bad faith to pay a covered loss within 60 days of your demand, you can recover a penalty of up to 50% of its liability for the loss or $5,000, whichever is greater, plus attorney's fees. The penalty applies to your own policy, not to the other driver's insurer.
How long does an insurance company have to settle a claim in Georgia?
Georgia law does not set a specific deadline for settlement. For a claim on your own policy, the bad faith statute (O.C.G.A. § 33-4-6) gives the insurer 60 days after your demand before bad faith penalties can apply. In practice, most claims settle within a few months to a year, depending on complexity.
What should I do if the insurance company denies my claim?
First, get the denial in writing and understand the stated reason. Common reasons include disputed liability, alleged pre-existing conditions, or policy exclusions. An experienced attorney can evaluate whether the denial is legitimate or whether the insurer is acting in bad faith. If bad faith applies, you may be entitled to additional penalties under Georgia law.
Do I need a lawyer to file an insurance claim after a car accident?
You are not legally required to hire a lawyer, but it is strongly recommended — especially for anything beyond minor property damage. Insurance companies have teams of adjusters and attorneys working to minimize your payout. Studies consistently show that accident victims represented by attorneys recover significantly more compensation than those who handle claims alone.

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