Is RV insurance required in Georgia?

Yes for motorized RVs in Georgia (liability matches state auto minimums). Travel trailers borrow from the towing vehicle. Specialty RV coverage strongly recommended for physical damage and personal effects.

What is a deductible?

The amount you pay out of pocket on a covered claim before insurance pays the rest. Higher deductibles mean lower premiums.

How do I cancel my insurance policy?

Cancellation is a written request to the carrier with a specific date, usually 14 days notice. Most carriers refund unused premium pro rata. Never cancel before the new policy is in force.

What commercial coverage do Georgia businesses need beyond a business package policy and general liability?

Beyond a business package policy and general liability, the most common Georgia specialty commercial needs are commercial umbrella, inland marine, cyber, and management liability.

Do I have to use the carrier’s preferred contractor?

Usually no. Most policies let you choose any licensed contractor, though preferred shops have their own benefits.

General FAQs

What does O.C.G.A. Section 33-4-6 mean for policyholders?

All FAQs

Quick answer: O.C.G.A. Section 33-4-6 gives Georgia policyholders the right to sue for the claim amount plus a financial penalty and attorney fees if their insurer refused to pay a covered claim without reasonable cause.

O.C.G.A. Section 33-4-6 is Georgia’s statutory bad faith law. It was written to deter insurers from refusing legitimate claims by making that refusal financially costly for the insurer.

What penalties does O.C.G.A. 33-4-6 allow a Georgia court to award?

If your insurer refuses to pay a covered loss without reasonable cause, and you follow the required procedural steps, a Georgia court can award three things: the full amount of the covered loss, a penalty of up to 50 percent of the loss (the exact amount is set by the court based on the circumstances), and reasonable attorney fees. The attorney fee exposure is significant because insurance litigation costs are substantial, and that threat changes the negotiating dynamic. For example, a Georgia homeowner whose insurer denies a $60,000 wind loss claim without reasonable cause and then fails to pay within the required 60 days after a written demand could face a court judgment of $60,000 plus up to $30,000 in statutory penalty plus attorney fees.

What procedural steps are required before filing a bad faith claim under O.C.G.A. 33-4-6?

The procedural steps are mandatory. Before filing suit, you must send a written demand to the insurer. The insurer then has 60 days from receipt of that demand to pay the claim. If they pay within 60 days, the bad faith penalty does not apply, even if their earlier refusal was unreasonable. Filing suit before the 60-day window closes eliminates the bad faith penalty as a remedy, even if you win on the underlying claim amount. The demand letter starts the statutory clock, so the sequence matters.

Does O.C.G.A. 33-4-6 apply to every claim dispute with an insurer?

No. The statute applies to refusals to pay, not to disagreements about the amount of a claim. If the insurer pays something but you dispute the value, you may need the policy’s appraisal clause or a different legal theory. Courts have also interpreted "without reasonable cause" to mean the insurer had no legitimate factual or legal basis for the denial, not merely that their position was ultimately incorrect. For example, if an insurer denies a claim by applying a policy exclusion that a court later finds does not apply, but the insurer’s reading was at least arguable under the policy language, a court may not award the statutory penalty even though the insured prevailed on coverage.

What is the difference between O.C.G.A. 33-4-6 and O.C.G.A. 33-6-34?

O.C.G.A. 33-4-6 is the policyholder’s statutory remedy in court: it allows a judge or jury to award the claim amount, a penalty, and attorney fees when an insurer refuses a covered claim without reasonable cause. O.C.G.A. 33-6-34 is the regulatory statute: it defines unfair claims settlement practices and is enforced by the Georgia Department of Insurance against insurers. A pattern of conduct can trigger both a court action under 33-4-6 and a DOI complaint under 33-6-34, and the two paths are not mutually exclusive.

When should I consult an attorney before invoking O.C.G.A. 33-4-6?

Before sending a formal demand letter, consulting with a licensed attorney who handles insurance disputes in Georgia is the appropriate step. The demand letter starts the 60-day clock and sets the legal record for everything that follows. An attorney can evaluate whether the refusal meets the "without reasonable cause" standard before you commit to the statutory process. A free coverage review with a licensed advisor can also help assess whether your home insurance or commercial policy language supports your underlying coverage position before escalating to legal action.