What changed in Georgia

Insurance law does not sit still, but most guides are written once and left alone. Repealed programs and retired forms keep circulating for years. This is what actually changed inGeorgia, when, and where to verify it.

1. April 21, 2025

   Fault system

   Seat belt non-use became admissible evidence of comparative negligence

   Senate Bill 68 (2025 Act 9, effective on the Governor's signature) rewrote O.C.G.A. § 40-8-76.1(d). Until then, failure to wear a seat belt could not be considered evidence of negligence at all. It may now be admitted on negligence, comparative negligence, causation, assumption of risk and apportionment of fault, and may be used to reduce a damages award. Guides that still say seat belt use is inadmissible in a Georgia injury case are describing the pre-2025 rule. Non-use still cannot be a basis for cancelling coverage or raising rates.

   Georgia General Assembly — SB 68 (2025)