This will be the final post in a series on recent changes to Georgia Uninsured (UM) motorist insurance laws - changes that effect everyone that has been injured in an accident with a car or truck.
In earlier posts I talked about how the new law creates a new type of UM coverage - what is known as "stackable" UM coverage and I talked about why this is good news for Georgia drivers.
I am going to finish this series of posts by giving you a caveat and a warning. You must know what I am about to tell you.
As a insured Georgia driver there are two ways to get "stackable" UM coverage (and one way for your insurance company to take it away from you):
THE FIRST WAY
If you already carry UM coverage your current coverage will automatically be converted into "stackable" UM coverage on January 1, 2009. Your premium will go up (a little) as a result - because you are getting more coverage. If you already carry UM coverage you do not need to do anything to get "stackable" UM coverage.
Be warned, however, that your insurance company is required by law to send you a notice 45 days before the first renewal of your policy advising of the new coverage option (of the availability of "stacking" UM coverage). Most companies will use that notice as a way of asking you if you want the new coverage or if you want to pay (slightly) less to keep the old "set off" UM coverage. Don't fall for this! If you chose the "set off" UM coverage you will lose all the benefits of the new law. Just remember this - you don't need to do anything to get the new "stackable" UM coverage. You do not have to reply to the notice - it is simply a notice. My suggestion? Throw it in the trash or recycle bin, treat yourself to a tasty beverage or snack, and forget all about insurance for a while.
THE SECOND WAY
If you do not currently carry ANY UM coverage you will not receive a notice from your insurance company. Please call your agent or insurance company today and tell them you want to add UM coverage. Make sure it is "stackable" coverage. You will discover adding it only increases your premiums slightly.
Finally, and this is for both those who already have UM coverage and those who (hopefully) are going to call later today and add it, MAKE SURE YOU PURCHASE ENOUGH COVERAGE! Here at our injury law firm we recommend at least $100,000.000 per person/$300,000.00 per occurrence. More is ideal. Again, UM coverage is cheap! Buy a lot of it and protect yourself and your family in the event you are badly injured by an uninsured or underinsured motorist.
