The Insurance Information Institute (Triple-I) has announced its 2025 initiatives aimed at addressing legal system abuse, with Georgia identified as one of the primary states for reform. This announcement was made via email on December 18, 2024.
According to Triple-I, Georgia is a focal point in their campaign against "lawsuit abuse" and rising insurance costs. The state is experiencing challenges from "nuclear verdicts" and aggressive billboard attorney advertising, which contribute to increased liability claims and higher premiums for both consumers and businesses. The organization's efforts will focus on legislative solutions such as "third-party litigation funding disclosure," with the goal of restoring stability to Georgia's insurance market and shielding residents from the economic impacts of unchecked legal system abuse.
The American Tort Reform Association (ATRA) ranks Georgia as the fourth worst "Judicial Hellhole," highlighting the rise in nuclear verdicts and plaintiff-friendly legal practices. From 2013 to 2022, Georgia recorded 64 nuclear verdicts—cases with awards of $10 million or more—amounting to $6 billion in payouts, with a median award of $24 million. DeKalb, Fulton, and Gwinnett counties are noted for having the largest share of these high-value verdicts.
Aggressive advertising by "billboard attorneys" is said to encourage consumers to hire lawyers for auto accident claims, resulting in increased legal involvement and higher claim settlements. This trend contributes to rising auto insurance premiums nationwide. A survey conducted by the Insurance Research Council in 2024 found that 52% of respondents believe attorney advertising raises their auto insurance costs, an increase from 45% in 2021.
Auto insurance costs in Georgia rank among the highest in the United States, with a notable rise in premiums throughout 2024. Insurify reports that the average annual cost of full coverage in Georgia was $2,334 in December 2023, increasing to $2,688 by June 2024. By year-end, it is projected to reach $2,893—a 24% increase compared to the national average increase of 22%.
Triple-I describes itself as the "#1 online source for insurance information," offering data-driven research, white papers, and resources aimed at enhancing public understanding of insurance. The organization comprises over 50 member companies ranging from regional to global carriers and focuses on providing objective information without engaging in lobbying or selling insurance.