New Georgia Laws Enhance Insurance Consumer Protections and Transparency

A variety of new laws in Georgia recently took effect, impacting multiple sectors, including the insurance industry, legal processes, and professional standards. These changes aim to enhance regulatory transparency and consumer protections, crucial elements for carriers, providers, and payers within the industry.

Key Legislative Updates in Georgia

One notable legislation is the Georgia Courts Access and Consumer Protection Act, which introduces new guidelines for the litigation financing sector. This law strives to boost transparency for consumers engaging with third-party companies that finance legal costs in exchange for a share of the settlement. Such measures aim to improve consumer protections in financial agreements.

For homeowners, Georgia Act 285 updates HVAC warranty provisions, ensuring these warranties automatically transfer to new homeowners without requiring additional registration. This change, effective for installations post-January 2, 2026, increases transparency and simplifies consumer understanding of coverage.

Environmental, Insurance, and Healthcare Legislation

Georgia Act 259 revises environmental and land-use regulations by removing specific waste classifications. Developers must now showcase compliance with local zoning laws, underscoring an emphasis on regulatory requirements and risk management in new projects.

In the insurance domain, Georgia Act 277 affects policy renewal notifications, extending the required notice period from 30 to 60 days before non-renewal. This change empowers homeowners to secure alternative coverage, enhancing consumer protection and compliance for insurers.

Healthcare regulations under Georgia Act 303 require insurance companies to implement callback systems or online scheduling tools, reducing reliance on provider hold times. The act encourages programs evaluating provider performance to alleviate AI-driven prior authorization delays, streamlining operational processes.

Automotive Regulations

Georgia Act 272 authorizes third-party companies to issue temporary license plates and imposes permits for vehicle booting activities. The law also prohibits vehicle registration through shell companies to evade tax obligations, reinforcing compliance and transparency in automotive regulations.

The insurance industry must adapt to these regulatory changes, ensuring compliance and adjusting operational processes. These updates modernize Georgia's legal and regulatory framework, enhancing transparency and consumer protection across various sectors.