Georgia HB 477: Proposed Once-a-Year Limit on Auto Insurance Rate Increases

Every figure in this article is traced to the primary sources listed under Sources.

Georgia House Bill 477 would limit auto insurance rate increases to once per calendar year, but it is not law yet. The bill was introduced in February 2025 and has not been enacted. If it becomes law, the limit would take effect on January 1, 2026.

What would HB 477 do if it becomes law?

The bill would prohibit insurers from raising rates on a private passenger motor vehicle insurance policy more often than once every calendar year. The text states: “no insurer in this state shall raise rates on a private passenger motor vehicle insurance policy more often than once every calendar year.” The limit would apply to policies issued, delivered or renewed in Georgia on or after January 1, 2026, if the bill is enacted. The rule targets the frequency of rate increases at the policy level. It does not cap how much an insurer can raise a rate in a single increase, and it does not replace the state’s existing rate-review process.

What is the status of HB 477?

HB 477 was introduced in the Georgia House of Representatives on February 18, 2025. It was read for a second time on February 20, 2025, and referred to committee. As of October 17, 2026, the bill has not been enacted. The Georgia General Assembly’s 2025–2026 session is still the current session, but the bill has not advanced to a vote in both chambers. The text on the legislature’s website is the bill version, not an enacted law. Drivers should not assume the once-a-year limit is in force.

Who would be affected if the bill passes?

The rule would cover private passenger auto policies issued, delivered or renewed in Georgia on or after January 1, 2026. Drivers who already had a policy before that date would be covered when their policy renews on or after January 1. The bill does not apply to commercial auto policies, and it does not change the state’s minimum coverage requirements. Drivers with a six-month policy should note that the bill’s text ties the limit to the calendar year, not to the policy term. A six-month policy would therefore be covered by the same one-per-calendar-year limit, according to the text.

What can Georgia drivers do now?

Drivers can review renewal notices and compare the premium to the previous term. If a rate increase appears, ask the insurer to explain the date and the reason for the change. Keep a copy of the notice. If the explanation does not resolve the issue, a complaint can be filed with the Georgia Office of Commissioner of Insurance and Safety Fire. Drivers can also compare quotes from other insurers at the same coverage limits and deductibles. Because HB 477 is not law, the current rules on rate filings and increases still apply.

Frequently Asked Questions About HB 477

Is HB 477 a law in Georgia?

No. HB 477 is a bill introduced in the Georgia House of Representatives in February 2025. It has not been enacted. The text would take effect on January 1, 2026, only if it becomes law.

What would HB 477 do if it passes?

It would prohibit insurers from raising rates on a private passenger motor vehicle insurance policy more often than once every calendar year. It would not cap the size of a single increase.

Does the bill apply to six-month policies?

The bill’s text ties the limit to the calendar year, not to the policy term. A six-month policy would be covered by the same one-per-calendar-year limit, according to the text.

What can Georgia drivers do now?

Drivers can review renewal notices, ask their insurer to explain any rate increase, and file a complaint with the Georgia Office of Commissioner of Insurance and Safety Fire if they believe an increase is improper. They can also compare quotes at the same coverage limits and deductibles.

The Bottom Line

HB 477 is a proposed limit, not a law. Georgia drivers should not expect the once-a-year rule to apply until the bill is enacted and takes effect. In the meantime, the existing rate-review process and the OCI complaint path remain available. Drivers who see a rate increase can ask for an explanation and compare coverage options.

How We Verified This

We opened the bill text on the Georgia General Assembly website (legis.ga.gov) and confirmed the proposal’s language and the conditional effective date. We also checked the bill’s status on BillTrack50 and Open States, which show introduction in February 2025 and no enactment. The General Assembly site blocked automated access to the status page during part of this review, so the final status was confirmed through the bill-tracking records. The article is general information, not legal or financial advice and not a personal quote. For complaints and official rules, contact the Georgia Office of Commissioner of Insurance and Safety Fire.