We’ve represented thousands of injured clients across Georgia—from Gainesville to Canton to the Atlanta metro—and one thing we know for sure: insurance matters.
In fact, it’s not just about having insurance—it’s about having the right insurance. And no one knows this better than our founding attorneys, Jon and Tom Pope.
With nearly 30 years of experience each, they’ve reviewed countless policies and seen how inadequate coverage can turn a bad day into a financial nightmare. That’s why we want to pull back the curtain and share what we personally carry for our families.
Let’s start with the basics: What happens if the driver who hits you doesn’t have enough insurance?
Here’s the problem—Georgia only requires drivers to carry $25,000 in bodily injury liability coverage. That might cover a minor accident, but it won’t go far in a serious crash involving hospital bills, lost wages, and long-term recovery.
That’s why we never go without Uninsured/Underinsured Motorist Coverage (UM/UIM)—and we recommend you don’t either.
What Should You Ask Your Agent For?
If you’re a cautious, defensive driver trying to protect your family, here’s what we advise:
1. Maximize Your UM/UIM Coverage
Ask for as much uninsured and underinsured motorist coverage as you can reasonably afford. This is your safety net if the person who hits you has little to no insurance. It’s one of the most important coverages you can have.
2. Request Individual Policies Per Vehicle
Have your agent write separate policies for each car you own. Why? Because Georgia law allows you to stack coverage—meaning if you have three cars, each with $100,000 in UM coverage, you could potentially access up to $300,000 in benefits if you’re seriously injured.
3. Add an Umbrella Policy
This isn’t just for wealthy people. A good umbrella policy adds additional layers of protection on top of your auto and homeowners policies—and many also include UM/UIM protection. It can mean an extra $500,000 to $1 million in coverage if the unexpected happens.
Why It’s Worth It
We know it can feel like just another expense. But we’ve seen firsthand how the right coverage can mean the difference between recovery and ruin.
As attorneys who study these policies for a living, we don’t just suggest this advice—we follow it ourselves.
Need Help Reviewing Your Coverage?
If you’re not sure what your current policy includes—or if you’re concerned about whether it’s enough—give us a call. We’ll walk you through it.
At Hasty Pope, we’re not just here for you after the crash. We’re here to help you prevent unnecessary hardship before it even happens.