Optional insurance coverage plans such as personal injury protection and uninsured motorist protection may seam to some individuals as a means for the insurance company to make extra profit. In reality these types of coverage are very important and can mean rapid monetary compensation should a serious accident occur. Georgia residents are required to carry a certain amount of liability insurance, but adding personal injury protection does not increase the monthly premium cost significantly.The Importance Of Personal Injury ProtectionGeorgia is not considered a no-fault state, meaning any damages to personal property or vehicles and any injuries sustained in a car accident must be paid for by the person At Fault. Unfortunately the insurance companies will take their time to adjust the amount being paid. In the meantime personal injuries must be treated and the costs can be huge. Carrying PIP in addition to liability insurance means these costs will be covered immediately, with no subsequent increase in PIP premiums.If a driver causes an accident and is injured, his or her collision insurance will only cover damages to the vehicle. Unless health insurance is carried the medical expenses for these injuries must be paid out-of-pocket. But when PIP is added to an insurance policy Georgia drivers will be able to obtain medical care while the fault of the accident is still being determined.Amount Of PIP To CarryMost insurance companies will recommend carrying PIP in the same amount as the basic injury protection on the liability policy. Personal injury protection coverage comes in several different types. There is a small amount available for a low monthly price which covers injuries to the driver only. Customers can also purchase PIP in much larger amounts to cover other passengers in the vehicle as well as children riding on school buses. Sometimes these policies will also cover family members who drive the insured's vehicle. It is important to discuss these options with an insurance agent prior to settling on a dollar amount.Although not mandatory, personal injury protection is a good idea when obtaining any liability policy. The coverage on the basic policy does not include personal injury to non-fault individuals who are in a separate vehicle. This would instead be covered by the injury portion of the liability protection. A full liability policy can be written to include personal injury protection for all parties. This is more expensive but means that non-fault parties will be able to use the insured's coverage to pay for medical expenses. Obtaining all liability insurance information from at-fault drivers is vital when an accident occurs because third party insurance companies are not required by law to contact medical providers.