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Compare car insurance in Georgia
Get the cheapest car insurance in Georgia for 2022
Georgia’s average annual cost for car insurance is $1,382.52 annually or about $115 monthly, according to the National Association of Insurance Commissioners (NAIC). The state’s average sits 16% above the national average of $1,190 per year.
However, because your car insurance rate depends on many factors like your driving record and exact car, you may or may not pay close to this amount. Plus, the NAIC’s cost includes policies both with state minimum coverage as well as higher coverage like comprehensive and collision. The coverage you choose will affect whether your rates cost more or less than Georgia’s average.
Georgia car insurance quick facts
Minimum liability requirements
25/50/25
Average annual car insurance cost according to the NAIC
$1,382.52
At-fault state
In at fault states, the driver who caused the accident pays for damages.
State minimum car insurance requirements in Georgia
To legally drive in Georgia, you need a minimum amount of liability insurance. You may see the amount of coverage required written as 25/50/25, called the coverage limits. These limits tell you how much your insurance company will pay after an accident — in this case, an accident you cause.
Let’s look in detail at what’s covered by Georgia’s state minimum requirements.
Bodily injury liability
- $25,000 for bodily injuries to one person
- $50,000 for injuries to two or more people
For bodily injuries, Georgia requires you to carry 25/50 in coverage, which pays up to $25,000 for injuries to one person and $50,000 total if you injure several people in the same accident.
This coverage is important because it keeps you from paying out of pocket for someone else’s medical bills or pain and suffering. However, since these costs can get expensive, think about raising your limits higher than Georgia requires.
Property damage liability
- $25,000 in property damage liability
Georgians also need $25,000 for property damage liability, which kicks in for damage to the other driver’s car or personal property like a phone, car seats or cargo. This coverage limit is a common requirement across states, but it offers little protection except for minor car accidents.
Finder tip: Georgia’s state minimum coverage isn’t enough
Georgia keeps in line with what other states require for their drivers, but that doesn’t mean you’re well protected for every car accident scenario. For example, if you total someone else’s car that’s worth $40,000, your property damage liability would pay up to $25,000 to replace their car.
To avoid being responsible for the rest on your own, think about raising your liability limits and adding optional coverage that fits with your budget and driving needs.
Cheapest rates by age in Georgia
Young drivers under age 35 may get the lowest prices with Allstate. Choosing Allstate gives you access to its rewards programs for even lower costs. However, other age groups see the cheapest prices either from Progressive or Geico.
| Age | Allstate | Progressive | Geico | USAA |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 16-24 | $210.00 | $241.61 | $288.24 | $236.70 |
| 25-34 | $183.53 | $185.62 | $198.61 | $189.65 |
| 35-44 | $179.69 | $165.14 | $166.34 | $175.83 |
| 45-54 | $177.02 | $170.51 | $166.90 | $173.05 |
| 55-64 | $150.45 | $128.61 | $138.21 | $140.17 |
| 65+ | $159.18 | $131.69 | $127.12 | $202.24 |
Cheapest rates by gender in Georgia
Both men and women can find the cheapest rate from Progressive, according to this sample. Car insurance rates vary between companies as much as $36 monthly, showing that you’ll lower your costs by shopping around.
| Company | Allstate | Progressive | Geico | USAA |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Men | $177.13 | $168.50 | $204.70 | $188.01 |
| Women | $181.64 | $172.56 | $187.77 | $181.00 |
Sample rates in Georgia from major car insurance companies
The major brands in Georgia trend on the high end compared to the state’s average. To bring down your costs, you could go with Allstate and join Allstate Drviewise. This program tracks your driving and rewards safety with a discount off your premium. Otherwise, get multiple quotes to make sure you’re getting the best deal for you.
| Company | Allstate | Progressive | Geico | USAA |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Rate | $179.21 | $170.53 | $196.23 | $184.82 |
Best car insurance in Georgia
You’ll find a host of local and national car insurance companies in Georgia. To find the best deal for you, shop for companies that give you the widest coverage for a price that fits your budget.
We recommend starting your search with these companies, which we chose by looking at ratings from J.D. Power, Better Business Bureau, AM Best and the National Association of Insurance Commissioners. We also vetted each company’s coverage options and discounts to make sure you get the best deal.
Best for wide coverage & bundling: Progressive
Progressive
Finder rating 4 / 5 ★★★★★
Progressive is a popular choice in car insurance for a reason. The major brand offers a balanced blend of wide coverage, steep discounts especially for safe drivers, competitive rates and pricing tools to work with your budget.
Get all your necessities covered, plus choose from extras like rideshare, gap or customer parts coverage. Need other types of insurance too? Progressive probably covers it, offering insurance for home, classic cars, RVs and more. To seal the deal, we've found that Progressive offers some of the lowest rates for many drivers. You'll get the best deal if you've stayed claim-free, which could save you up to 30% off your premium.
Pros
- Third-largest US auto insurer
- Competitive rates
- Pricing tool helps you buy within your budget
- Save 30% or more by tracking driving or staying claim-free
- 24/7 online chat or phone support
Cons
- Average customer service
- Slow to respond to complaints
- Must be a 5-year customer to qualify for accident forgiveness
| Telematics | Snapshot |
|---|---|
| Gap insurance | loan/lease coverage |
Best for low mileage: Nationwide SmartMiles
Nationwide
Finder rating 4 / 5 ★★★★★
If you don't drive much, you could save by paying for car insurance per mile with SmartMiles. SmartMiles is one of the only pay-per-mile policies on the market, and it's offered by an experienced brand with strong finances to back your claims.
With SmartMiles, you'll pay a flat rate per month plus a few pennies for every mile you drive. For example, you could pay $95 per month if you drive around 500 miles a month. That adds up to $40 in monthly savings over a traditional policy, according to Nationwide's website.
Pros
- Experienced brand with nearly 100 years in industry
- Extra 10% discount for safe driving
- Miles over 250 per day are free
- Doesn't use your cell phone data
Cons
- Rates may go up if you don't drive safely
- Not compatible with every vehicle
- Mileage tracked through plugin device, not app
| Telematics | Yes |
|---|---|
| Gap insurance | Yes |
Best customer service: Erie
Erie
Finder rating 4.5 / 5 ★★★★★
Unlike some car insurance companies, Erie keeps a longstanding reputation for top-notch service. It's consistently ranked high by J.D. Power across multiple states since 2013. Its secret? The company focuses on local customer support and broad protection to back you if you ever need help with a claim.
In terms of coverage, you can get better car protection, rideshare coverage or free glass repairs with comprehensive coverage. Plus, qualify for first accident forgiveness after staying accident-free as an Erie customer for three years. However, its best feature is Erie Rate Lock, which ensures that your rates stay the same unless you change cars, drivers or addresses.
Pros
- No. 2 in customer satisfaction by J.D. Power in Southeast
- 13,000+ independent agents offer personalized service
- 25% discount for bundling auto + home policies
- Rates locked in unless you make a major policy change
Cons
- Not the cheapest rates around
- No online signup or claims
Best local company: Grange
Grange
Finder rating 3.5 / 5 ★★★★★
Looking to go local for car insurance in Georgia? Get a phone quote from Grange while you're shopping around. Some Georgians are successful at lowering their car insurance rate with Grange.
Despite its local status, Grange doesn't skimp on coverage options. Choose from roadside assistance and rental reimbursement to gap and original manufacturer parts coverage. To give you an idea of its customer service, Grange receives an average number of complaints filed with the National Association of Insurance Commissioners (NAIC) across all its insurance policies.
Pros
- Experienced company with nearly 90 years in industry
- Personalized service through independent agents
- Competitive rates
- 12+ coverage options for wide protection
Cons
- Must sign up through a local agent
- Online claims through website only, not app
- Average app experience
- Average number of complaints filed with NAIC
7 factors that affect car insurance rates in Georgia
Factors are characteristics specific to you that car insurance companies use to set how much you’ll pay for car insurance. The less risky each of your factors is the less you pay, the riskier you are the more you’ll pay. We’ll break down Georgian’s rating factors to keep in mind.
| Factor | How it affects your rates |
|---|---|
 Age | How old you are is a top factor in determining your car insurance rates. With each passing year, you earn more experience on the road. More experience can equal cheaper rates. Teen drivers pay the most, but rates begin to level off around your 20’s with drivers over 50 paying the least. |
 Gender | Georgia takes gender into account when determining your rates. Our analysis of Quadrant data found that men under 18 pay 17% more for car insurance compared to women of the same age. But, between 31 and 45, women see rates 5% higher than men. After 45, rates differ between men and women by only 1%, with women on the higher end. |
 Location | Where you live affects your rates, including where you park your car. High theft rates, high traffic and a high number of uninsured drivers could mean higher rates. Georgia vehicle theft rates stand at 238.2 vehicle thefts per 100,000 inhabitants, according to the FBI’s most recent report on vehicle theft rates. That’s below the national average of 246 vehicle thefts per 100,000 inhabitants. As for uninsured drivers, 12.4% of Georgians on the road are uninsured. That’s slightly less than average for the percent of uninsured drivers in a state according to Insurance Information Institute, with the national average standing at 12.6%. |
 Vehicle and mileage | Your car’s make, model and trim directly affect how much you’ll pay for car insurance. Things like its cost, safety ratings, the likelihood of theft and sportiness all help insurers determine its cost to insure. Safer and cheaper vehicles score the lowest rates, with luxury vehicles with higher repair costs resulting in higher premiums. And, the more you’re on the road, the more at-risk you are to get in an accident, which means higher premiums. However, according to the Bureau of Transportation, Gerogians drive an average of 37.7 miles per day, that’s slightly above the average across the US of 36.1 miles per day. |
 Credit score | Your credit score is included in your credit-based insurance score which insurers use to help calculate rates. According to the Insurance Information Institute, there is a strong correlation between your insurance score and claims filings. A good credit-based insurance score could mean lower rates. Georgia drivers have protections under state laws that regulate the use of your credit history when issuing car insurance policies. Credit score can’t be the only factor used to determine your rates. |
 Coverage | The more coverage you get and the higher limits you choose, the more protection you’ll have and the more you’ll pay in monthly premiums. And, if you opt for full coverage car insurance that includes comprehensive and collision, the amount of your deductible weighs into your costs too, higher deductibles mean lower monthly premiums. |
 Driving Record | The better your driving record, the lower your premium. If you’re in an at-fault accident you could see rates increases from 20% to 50%. And DUI’s in Georgia can increase your rate by around 47%. These types of violations typically stay on your record for about three years. |
What happens if I need an SR-22 in Georgia?
If you’re notified that you need an SR-22, you’ll send this proof of insurance form to the Georgia Department of Driver Services. An SR-22 is a form proving that you meet the car insurance requirements in Georgia. It’s usually required for serious offenses, such as multiple violations of driving without insurance, and how long you’re required to file the SR-22 depends on the violation.
Learn more about filing an SR-22 in Georgia to get back on the road as quickly as possible.
Coverage that we recommend in Georgia
The purpose of your car insurance is to help you recover financially after a car accident. While Georgia requires liability coverage, you need extra protection to cover different types of accident damage. Coverage you may need:
Higher liability limits
Since Georgia requires low limits of 25/50/25 for liability coverage, consider raising the limits on your policy. Doing so makes sure that all damage you cause is covered by your insurance, including legal expenses if someone takes you to court.
Talk with your insurance agent or financial adviser about how much liability coverage makes sense for you.
Collision
When you’re at fault in an accident, your liability coverage pays for damage to the other people involved. However, you’d need collision coverage to pay for your own car damage. Collision coverage isn’t required in Georgia, so you have to add it to your policy.
Consider collision coverage if . . .
- Your car loan requires it.
- It costs less than your car’s value.
- You can’t pay for car repairs or another car out of pocket.
- You drive your car regularly, such as for commuting.
Comprehensive
Since car theft happens about as much as in other states, think about buying comprehensive coverage to help you recover from theft. This coverage also kicks in for other types of damage, like vandalism, windshield cracks or weather damage.
Consider this coverage if . . .
- It’s required for your car loan.
- You can’t repair or replace your car out of pocket.
- Your area has a high risk of theft or serious storms.
Personal injury protection (PIP)
While optional in Georgia, consider personal injury protection to pay for your or your passengers’ medical expenses if you get injured. It also pays for lost income or home services during your recovery. Plus, PIP kicks in no matter who’s at fault in the accident.
Consider this coverage if . . .
- You don’t have health insurance or have a high deductible.
- You want peace of mind that your medical bills are covered.
- You want coverage for lost income.
Uninsured or underinsured motorist
Georgians drive uninsured about an average amount compared to other states. You may want uninsured or underinsured motorist coverage in case you get in an accident with a driver who can’t pay for your damage.
Consider this coverage if . . .
- You can’t pay for car repairs or another car on your own.
- You don’t have health insurance.
- Your health insurance has high out-of-pocket costs.
Top 10 auto insurance companies in USA that serve Georgia
See the top insurers by market share nationally that serve in Georgia, according to S&P Global. To help you choose the right insurer for you, we list each company’s ratings from top rating agencies, including:
- The Better Business Bureau (BBB) rating scores how a business interacts with its customers, rating insurers as high as A++.
- J.D. Power scores companies based on customer satisfaction with their price, billing, claims and customer support. The agency scores out of 1,000 points.
- The National Association of Insurance Commissioners (NAIC) complaint index shows how a company’s number of complaints compares to similar companies. Scores lower than 1.00 show that the company sees fewer than the average number of complaints. Scores above 1.00 show more complaints than average.
- Our Finder score rates companies based on their coverage, discounts as well as the BBB, J.D. Power and NAIC ratings.
 | ★★★★★ 4/5 | |||||
 | ★★★★★ 4/5 | |||||
 | ★★★★★ 4/5 | |||||
 | ★★★★★ 4/5 | |||||
 | ★★★★★ 4/5 | |||||
 | ★★★★★ 4/5 | |||||
 | ★★★★★ 4/5 | |||||
 | ★★★★★ 4/5 | |||||
 | ★★★★★ 4/5 | |||||
 | ★★★★★ 4/5 |
Which city has the cheapest car insurance in Georgia?
Of Georgia’s largest cities, Marietta has the cheapest rates and Alpharetta has the most expensive car insurance rates. Alpharetta drivers could face rates six times more than Marietta drivers.
Car insurance quotes in Lawrenceville
| Company | Annual car insurance rate |
|---|---|
| Allstate | $1470 |
| Metromile | $2624 |
| Mercury | $2239 |
| Geico | $1563 |
| State Farm | $562 |
Car insurance quotes in Suwanee
| Company | Annual car insurance rate |
|---|---|
| Allstate | $1329 |
| Metromile | $2433 |
| Mercury | $2311 |
| Geico | $1505 |
| State Farm | $530 |
Car insurance quotes in Marietta
| Company | Annual car insurance rate |
|---|---|
| Allstate | $1329 |
| Metromile | $1975 |
| Mercury | $1909 |
| Geico | $1364 |
| State Farm | $480 |
Car insurance quotes in Alpharetta
| Company | Annual car insurance rate |
|---|---|
| Allstate | $1329 |
| Metromile | $2702 |
| Mercury | $1895 |
| Geico | $1364 |
| State Farm | $584 |
Compare car insurance providers in Georgia
Georgia car insurance and driving laws
Understand these important laws in Georgia to drive legally and stay safe on the road.
In Georgia, the driver at fault pays for damage
Georgia is an at-fault state, which means that the driver who caused the car accident pays for the damage. Your insurance company and legal authorities will figure out who’s at fault, based on the specific circumstances.
However, Georgia also looks at whether both drivers are partially at fault under a law called modified comparative fault, according to the legal website Nolo. Under this law, both drivers are assigned a percentage of fault. Drivers who are less than 50% at fault can get reimbursed for their damages.
For example, if you’re 80% responsible for an accident, your insurance pays 80% of the other driver’s damages. However, the other driver isn’t required to pay for your damages, even though they’re 20% at fault.
Using your phone while driving is illegal in Georgia
The Hands-Free Georgia Act makes holding a phone in your hand illegal in the state. You also can’t write, send or read text messages even if you’re doing so hands-free, with the exception of voice-texting.
If you’re caught violating the law, you could get fined $50 to $150 depending on how many offenses you’ve had. However, you can use your phone for streaming music with no videos or as a GPS, but you should set up those apps before getting on the road.
Newcomers have 30 days to register their vehicles in Georgia
You should register your car at your local County Tag Office within 30 days of becoming a resident in Georgia. Before registering, you’ll need to transfer your license and use your temporary Georgia driver’s license to register your car.
Then, you’ll need your valid driver’s license, proof of car insurance, your car’s title or other proof of ownership and your emissions certificate to complete your car registration.
You may need an emissions test if you live near Atlanta
If you live in one of 13 counties in the Atlanta metropolitan area, you probably need an emissions inspection. You can get an inspection at any Georgia Clean Air Force testing location.
However, your car is exempt if its model year is within three years of the current year, or if it’s 25 years old or older. Other qualifications may make you eligible for an exemption.
Case study: Sarah’s experience
Sarah George
Writer
I’ve found Georgia insurance inexpensive, especially for standard coverage. My family drives primarily used cars, have average mileage with no recent accidents, and have good credit. The insurance company sees us a low-risk, so we see rates a few hundred dollars per year below average.
That’s good news for anyone driving in a metropolitan area like mine. I imagine the rate fluctuates based on regions, since the state has both rural and city areas.
Bottom line
Car insurance is both legally required and oftentimes a good decision for your own safety. Research your insurance options to make sure that you’re receiving the coverage that you need — and that your state requires.
- Average Premiums and Expenditures, NAIC, 2018
- Automobile Financial Responsibility Limits By State, III, October 2021
- Georgia Car Accident Laws, Nolo
- Motor vehicle theft rate in the United States in 2020, by state, Statista, 08 October 2021
- Top 10 Highest And Lowest States By Estimated Percentage Of Uninsured Motorists, 2019, III
- State Transportation by the Numbers, BTS
- Largest private auto insurers posted combined ratios under 100% in 2020, S&P Global, May 4, 2021
- Georgia’s Hands-Free Law Took Effect July 1, 2018, Georgia Governor’s Office of Highway Safety
- Register a Vehicle, Georgia Motor Vehicle Division
- See Frequently Asked Questions, Georgia’s Clean Air Force
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