When it comes to car insurance, most people pay their monthly premiums without fully understanding what they are actually paying for. That is why it is so important to learn how to read your auto insurance coverage, starting with your declarations page, also known as your “dec page.” This key document is a summary of your insurance policy. It outlines all of your coverages, limits, and deductibles in one place. Knowing how to read it can make a big difference if you are ever involved in an accident. In Georgia, where laws and coverage options can be complex, understanding your dec page can help you stay protected and avoid surprise bills.
Liability Coverage: What It Really Means
Liability coverage is the most basic part of your auto insurance coverage, and it is legally required in Georgia. It comes in two parts: bodily injury liability and property damage liability. Bodily injury liability covers medical expenses and other damages for people you injure in an accident where you are at fault. Property damage liability pays for repairs to vehicles or property you damage in a crash.
On your dec page, this coverage is often listed in a split limit format, such as twenty five thousand and fifty thousand. This means your policy will pay up to twenty five thousand dollars per person and up to fifty thousand dollars total per accident for bodily injuries. Keep in mind that liability coverage does not pay for your own injuries or damage to your vehicle. That is why understanding the limits on your dec page is critical. Low coverage could leave you financially responsible for anything above those amounts.
Medical Payments Coverage: Extra Protection for You
Medical Payments coverage, also called MedPay, is an optional but extremely helpful part of your auto insurance coverage. It helps pay for medical expenses for you and your passengers, regardless of who was at fault in the accident. This coverage can also help with out of pocket expenses like copays, deductibles, or even ambulance fees.
On your dec page, MedPay is typically listed with a simple dollar limit such as one thousand, five thousand, or ten thousand. Many people assume their health insurance is enough, but MedPay can offer quick and direct support when you need it most. It is especially helpful if you have a high deductible health plan or no health insurance at all. Because it kicks in immediately, MedPay can provide peace of mind and early access to medical care.
Uninsured and Underinsured Motorist Coverage: A Must Have in Georgia
Uninsured and underinsured motorist coverage protects you when the other driver does not have insurance or does not have enough. This is especially important in Georgia, where many drivers carry only the minimum required coverage or none at all. If you are hit by one of them, this coverage steps in to help pay your medical expenses, lost wages, and other damages.
There are two types of this coverage in Georgia: add on and reduced by. Add on coverage gives you extra protection by stacking on top of what the at fault driver has. Reduced by coverage only pays the difference between the other driver’s policy and your own, which can lower your recovery. Your dec page should tell you which type you have. If it does not say “add on,” you probably have the reduced version. This small detail can have a big impact on your case.
For more detailed information about what Georgia law requires when it comes to minimum auto insurance coverage, visit the Georgia Office of Commissioner of Insurance and Safety Fire.
The Bottom Line
Knowing what is on your auto insurance dec page can make the difference between peace of mind and financial stress after a crash. Too many drivers wait until it is too late to check their coverage. Take a few minutes to look over your dec page, make sure your limits are enough to protect you, and think about adding or increasing MedPay and UM or UIM coverage if needed. This small step can save you thousands of dollars in the long run.
Need Help? GeorgiaInjury.org Can Guide You
If you have been in a car accident in Georgia and are not sure whether you have enough coverage or what steps to take next, GeorgiaInjury.org is here to help. We connect injured drivers with trusted doctors and experienced attorneys and guide you every step of the way, whether you have insurance or not. If you need help understanding your policy or getting care after a crash, we are just a call away. Reach us at (888) 632-8030 or visit GeorgiaInjury.org to get started.
