Cheap Car Insurance in Georgia

Known as the Peach State for its long tradition of producing the sweet, fleshy fruit, Georgia is the fourth state named to the Union. Established as the 13th colony, its name is a homage to King George II. Georgia is considered the “deep south” of the nation and features parts of the Appalachian and Blue Ridge mountains, as well as forests, valleys, swamps, and beaches on the Atlantic Ocean. There’s plenty of variety for all visitors and residents alike.

Due to its humid climate, Georgia is a lush state with abundant rainfall, hot summers and mild winters in most parts. Drinking sweet tea on the porch while visiting with neighbors is still a thing in this part of the country that defines the term “southern hospitality.”

In Savannah, you can admire stately, antebellum homes on cobblestone streets. Atlanta offers a mix of old and new with nods to its civil rights history and its established rap music stronghold. Other spots not to miss include coastal pleasures such as Tybee and Jekyll islands, checking out a true swamp at the Okefenokee National Wildlife Refuge, riding a streetcar to the National Center for Civil and Human Rights in Atlanta, and demolishing a plate of shrimp and grits or fried green tomatoes!

You’ll need to drive to get around in the Peach State, so have your car insurance card handy just in case. For those visitors who make the wise decision to move to Georgia and for already-established residents, remember the agents at Acceptance Insurance are friendly and local and will help you find the right insurance at the right price – no matter your driving record.

Although Georgia is far above average in most respects, luckily its drivers pay about the same for their car insurance as average Americans. For the basic state-required liability, Georgia drivers pay $639 annually, close to the $622 national average. For a more robust package, Georgians pay on average $2,085 annually for full coverage, which includes the required liability and adds collision and comprehensive insurances to the bag. In America, drivers average $2,014 for full coverage.

Taking the time to choose the best car insurance coverage doesn’t have to be an all-day affair. We can help you with several options to pick from so you get what you need at a price you can afford.

What Is the Average Premium for Cheap Full Coverage Car Insurance in GA?

Georgia drivers pay an average of $174 monthly for full coverage. Full coverage includes liability (which drivers are free to increase from the required minimum), plus collision and comprehensive. Those who are purchasing a vehicle through a lender are usually required to have full coverage.

Along with helping to pay for the damage and injuries others suffer if you cause an accident, this type of protection pays for damages to your vehicle regardless of whether you are at fault or even if you are not in the car when the damage happens.

Collision kicks in to pay for repairs (or replacement) if your vehicle is damaged in a collision with another vehicle, a fence (or other object) or even if the accident is a single-vehicle rollover. It does not matter if you caused the accident, but it does have a deductible.

Comprehensive also has a deductible. Except for hitting a wild animal, this protection is for damages that occur when you aren’t driving. For example, a hailstorm or a tree limb that falls on your car while it is parked. This will also replace your vehicle if it is stolen.

You can purchase these coverages separately as add-ons to your policy.

How Much Does Liability Insurance or Minimum Required Auto Coverage Cost in GA?

For the most basic required liability, an average driver with a squeaky-clean record may be able to get away with roughly $54 per month. Most drivers decide to increase the minimum levels for enhanced protection. That’s because your liability insurance helps to pay for injuries and damages other people suffer if you cause an accident. If your liability insurance is insufficient, you’ll be forced to pay for the rest out of pocket. If you don’t have the money, your assets may be seized.

Additionally, remember that liability insurance will never cover your own injuries and damages. If you cause an accident and you do not have collision insurance, you’ll be paying for all of that out of your own pocket, too.

How do Rates Compare Across Georgia’s Major Cities

Location is just one factor insurers use to generate a policy cost, but it can be a big one. For example, congested cities where accidents are more frequent and vehicle crime is higher, rates may be higher than for drivers in more rural areas. Here are some average rates for some of Georgia’s cities.

Unless otherwise specified, we use the following methodology to arrive at our average cost: male, age 30, lowest possible legal coverage allowed by Georgia. Your rates will be determined by several factors, including your age, your gender and the amount of coverage you want to purchase.

What are Some Car Insurance Discounts in Georgia?

Finding good ways to save money on your car insurance is always as sweet as a Georgia peach! Be sure and ask your independent agent what discounts you qualify for, as well as checking back with them if your circumstances change. For example, if you retire or begin working from home, you may be able to qualify for a low-mileage discount. Other popular discounts include:

Georgia is an at-fault state. As such, it requires you to carry a minimum amount of liability insurance to help pay for any injuries or damage in a wreck you cause. Keep in mind, liability-only will not pay for your own damages and repairs.

What are Mandatory Vehicle Insurance Requirements in Georgia?

Mandatory car insurance requirements in the Peach State include:

• Bodily Injury Coverage per Person: $25,000
• Bodily Injury Coverage per Accident: $50,000
• Property Damage Per Accident: $25,000

Once you have a policy, this information is reported to the state. If your policy lapses – even for one day – your insurer is required to also report that to the state. If you get stopped for any reason or if you are involved in an accident, even one that is not your fault, the police will know you do not have insurance. The consequences can be harsh, including assigning you at least part of the blame for the wreck even if you were completely innocent.

What Happens if You are Caught Driving Without Insurance in GA?

If you are reported to the Georgia DMV for no insurance, you may have your license suspended.

• You won’t be able to register your vehicle or have your license reinstated until you pay a fine, which could be around $85 to $100. That climbs up to $160 if you receive two offenses within five years.
• You may be charged with a misdemeanor, which comes with fines up to $1,000.
• If it happens again, one possible repercussion is the need to file an SR-22 certificate with the state. Having an SR-22 designation signals to insurance companies that you are a high-risk driver, which means higher insurance rates.

What Factors Does Georgia Law Allow in Determining Your Insurance Premiums?

As mentioned, underwriters use many factors to determine your premium. Some of these are under your control and some of them are not. Some are unique to you, which is why it can be hard to find two people with the same rate, even if most things seem the same.
Seven common factors insurers look at include:

1. Driving record
2. Claims history
3. Credit Score
4. Location
5. Type of Vehicle
6. Age
7. Gender

You have some influence over the first five and none over the last two. There are ways you can lower your premium, however, including making use of discounts (as mentioned above) and choosing a higher deductible and lower coverage limits. At Acceptance, our friendly, local agents have experience at finding the perfect balance so your policy fits you like a glove.

Am I Required to Report an Accident in Georgia to Authorities?

According to Georgia law, you are required to report an accident if someone is injured or killed or if property damage is greater than $500 as soon as possible. Given today’s repair shop costs, $500 won’t cover much more than a bent fender, so it’s probably a good idea to just call 9-1-1 if you get into an accident.

Since you don’t want to get into a he said-she-said situation with another driver, a police report and witness statements, plus photos, are your best bet.

In some parts of Georgia, congestion can play a role in causing frustrating and longer driving time, like some of Atlanta’s busiest interchanges. In other parts of the state, a slower, more rural pace is the norm. As far as weather challenges are concerned, rain is the biggest threat overall, but upper mountain areas may be hit with snow and wind. Areas closest to the coast are subject to hurricanes.

How Many Car Accidents Happen in Georgia?

In 2021, there were 1,797 traffic fatalities in the Peach State. Of those, 391 were noted as having alcohol-impaired driving and 369 were attributed to speeding. Motorcyclists totaled 185, with 165 of those wearing helmets at the time of the crash. Pedestrian deaths came in at 306, with bicyclists at 15.

How Many Drivers are Uninsured/Underinsured Motorists in GA?

In 2019, Georgia was 23rd among states for number of uninsured motorists. There is also a large percentage of underinsured motorists (those who don’t carry more than the required minimum). Uninsured motorist coverage (UM) and underinsured motorist coverage (UIM) is not required in Georgia, but it’s a good idea for those who want to protect themselves financially.

If you are hit by a driver with no insurance or not enough insurance, you may be left having to pay for repairs and medical bills. You can sue, but if they don’t have any assets, you may not get any compensation. UM is a fairly cheap add-on that can save the day by kicking in to cover those costs.