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Here's what you need to know when driving in Georgia

Car insurance in Georgia costs $1,535 per year — just over $6 more than the national average rate. What goes into your auto insurance premium is highly individual, depending on many factors such as your age, location, driving record and more.

In our guide to Georgia car insurance, we analyzed average car insurance rates in the Peach State to help you find a budget-friendly policy that meets your needs. Continue reading to find out how much auto insurance costs in Georgia so you know what's fair for your situation. If you're ready to see how much you can save by shopping around, submit your ZIP code above to get personalized auto insurance quotes from top companies.

The best car insurance companies in Georgia

Here are the top three car insurance companies in Georgia, according to third-party customer satisfaction ratings from J.D. Power.

1st place medal
USAA

USAA received a score of 890 (out of 1,000) in J.D. Power's 2021 U.S. Auto Insurance Study and also won top marks in The Zebra's Customer Satisfaction Survey. Note: only members of the military community are eligible for USAA membership.

2nd place medal
State Farm

State Farm is one of the nation's most popular insurance companies and was given a score of 859 in J.D. Power's 2021 auto study.

3rd place medal
Auto-Owners

Coming in third place with a score of 849 in J.D. Power's 2021 customer satisfaction survey, Auto-Owners earned above-average ratings.

Key takeaways
  • Georgians pay about $6 less for car insurance on average
  • The cheapest major car insurance company in Georgia is Auto-Owners

The cheapest car insurance companies in Georgia

These companies offer the cheapest rates in the following scenarios.

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Cheapest for full coverage — Auto-Owners

The cheapest rates for full coverage come from Auto-Owners at $1,148 annually or $96 per month.

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Cheapest for bad credit — Nationwide

If you have poor credit, rates from Nationwide come in at $1,908 annually or about $159 per month.

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Cheapest after at-fault accident or DWI — Auto-Owners

Auto-Owners is the most affordable company in Georgia if you have a recent DWI or at-fault accident.

Company Avg. Annual Premium
Nationwide $1,439
Georgia Farm Bureau $1,466
USAA $1,518
Allstate $1,643
Progressive $1,861
State Farm $1,897
GEICO $3,298
Updated: 03/14/23.

Dynamic auto insurance data methodology

Methodology: The auto insurance rates displayed above and throughout this page are dynamic, meaning the data will refresh when the most recent information is made available. Rates are based on a sample driver profile — a 30-year-old single male driver with a Honda Accord and full coverage. This profile was adjusted based on common pricing factors used by major car insurance companies, like age, coverage level, driving record and others.


Georgia auto insurance laws

Car insurance is required in almost every state, including Georgia. Georgia mandates every driver to carry a certain amount of coverage — and proof of insurance — in order to be road-legal.

Opting for the legal minimum coverage level is cheaper than full coverage — expect to pay $582 every year for the state minimum level of coverage in Georgia. This rate is less expensive than the nationwide average by 62%.

Expect to pay $582 every year for the state minimum level of coverage in Georgia.

State minimum coverage

In order to drive legally in the state of Georgia, you must carry at least the minimum liability limits listed below:

  • Bodily injury: $25,000 per person
  • Bodily injury: $50,000 per accident
  • Property damage: $25,000 per accident

Optional coverage in Georgia (varies by carrier):

  • Comprehensive
  • Collision
  • Gap coverage
  • Medical payments
  • Roadside assistance
  • Uninsured/underinsured motorist coverage
car with blue windshield

If you want more protection beyond the minimum, you can choose a policy with comprehensive and collision. This will protect you against the financial ramifications of car accidents, theft, vandalism or weather incidents. This is commonly known as full coverage.

Better coverage, however, comes at a cost. In Georgia, a comprehensive insurance policy with a $1,000 deductible costs $1,394 — that's 140% more than liability-only insurance. If you choose a full coverage policy with a $500 deductible, expect to pay 175% more than you would for basic coverage.

In Georgia, a comprehensive insurance policy with a $1,000 deductible costs $1,394 — that's 140% more than liability-only insurance.

The Zebra's guide to Georgia car insurance laws


Learn more about car insurance requirements in the state of Georgia with our helpful guide.


Compare car insurance rates from the best companies in Georgia.

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Georgia car insurance premiums by rating factor

Rating factors such as your coverage level, age and driving history affect what you pay for car insurance. These will differ from person to person, and every company weighs these factors differently when generating quotes.

Consult average rates by rating factor below to get a better understanding of how much you can expect to pay in Georgia.

Cheap auto insurance in Georgia for minimum coverage

Choosing liability-only at the state minimum level will make your car insurance significantly cheaper than getting full coverage, though insurance professionals recommend you purchase auto insurance above state-minimum levels for better financial protection. In Georgia, the average cost for minimum coverage is $49 per month, or $582 yearly — a savings of $1,016 compared to full coverage.

Company Avg. Annual Premium
USAA $590
Georgia Farm Bureau $598
GEICO $726
State Farm $732
Allstate $741
Progressive $804
Nationwide $849
Updated: 03/14/23.

Cheap auto insurance in Georgia with bad credit

Almost every state includes credit score as a rating factor. Past data inform insurers that those with poor credit tend to file more claims, making them riskier to insure. This is why drivers with bad credit are charged much higher rates. In Georgia, people with poor credit generally pay an additional $1,431 yearly compared to drivers with excellent credit. Consult sample rates from different insurance companies below and use this information as a jumping-off point in your search for affordable insurance with bad credit.

Company Avg. Annual Premium
Nationwide $1,908
Allstate $2,467
Progressive $2,543
USAA $2,765
Georgia Farm Bureau $2,818
State Farm $3,722
GEICO $4,471
Updated: 03/14/23.

Cheap auto insurance in Georgia with an at-fault accident

It's no secret that a checkered driving record will make your car insurance expensive. Like bad credit, a history of accidents and citations is another risk indicator. In Georgia, a recent at-fault accident can raise your rate by as much as $755 annually.

Safe driver discounts

In addition to having a cheaper premium, some companies offer a safe driving discount. While the amount varies based on your company, it can range between 5 and 10%.

Company Avg. Annual Premium
Georgia Farm Bureau $1,794
USAA $2,173
Nationwide $2,387
Allstate $2,498
State Farm $2,639
Progressive $3,142
GEICO $4,315
Updated: 03/14/23.

Cheap auto insurance for young drivers in Georgia

Teens and drivers in their 20s pay the most for car insurance compared to older age groups. This is due to younger drivers' relative inexperience on the road compared to older drivers and higher accident frequency. Teen drivers pay more than three times the national average rate. In Georgia, teens pay $5,760 per year, which is more than $4,231 than the national average and over three times as much as a 30-year-old Georgia driver.

Company Avg. Annual Premium
Georgia Farm Bureau $4,073
USAA $4,371
Nationwide $5,172
Allstate $5,666
GEICO $7,077
State Farm $7,278
Progressive $8,714
Updated: 03/14/23.

Georgia auto insurance rate by violation

Receiving a ticket or violation will make your premium go up. Because every insurer's pricing standards are different, it's difficult to say how much exactly you can expect your rate to increase. Using data, however, we can provide general estimates.

See below for average auto insurance rates in Georgia after a few common citations.

Accident/Violation Avg. Annual Premium % Rate Increase $ Rate Increase
One Med/PIP claim $1,982 0% $0
None $1,982 0% $0
Two Med/PIP claims $1,989 0% $8
One comp claim $1,994 1% $13
Not-at-fault accident $1,996 1% $15
Two comp claims $2,029 2% $47
Driving without lights $2,240 13% $258
Failure to wear a seat belt $2,255 14% $273
Child safety restraint $2,261 14% $280
Failure to show documents $2,318 17% $337
Driving with expired registration $2,408 22% $427
Speeding in school zone $2,471 25% $489
Speeding 6 - 10 MPH over limit $2,471 25% $489
Driving too slowly $2,471 25% $489
Texting while driving $2,477 25% $495
Cell phone violation $2,477 25% $495
Speeding 11 - 15 MPH over limit $2,478 25% $496
Illegal turn $2,485 25% $503
Failure to yield $2,485 25% $503
Following too closely $2,485 25% $503
Speeding 16 - 20 MPH over limit $2,490 26% $508
Improper passing $2,492 26% $510
Failure to stop at a red light $2,492 26% $510
Wrong way/wrong lane $2,499 26% $517
Speeding 21 - 25 MPH over limit $2,586 30% $604
Passing school bus $2,605 31% $623
Operating a vehicle without permission $2,631 33% $650
At-fault accident - less than $1000 $2,643 33% $661
Open container $2,778 40% $796
At-fault accident - $1000-$2000 $2,843 43% $862
At-fault accident - greater than $2000 $2,864 45% $882
In 65 MPH zone $2,876 45% $895
Reckless driving $3,430 73% $1,449
Racing $3,506 77% $1,525
Refusal to submit to a chemical test $3,670 85% $1,689
Driving with a suspended license $3,672 85% $1,691
DUI $3,713 87% $1,732
Leaving scene of an accident/hit and run $3,811 92% $1,830
Updated: 03/14/23.

Georgia DWI laws

If you get a DWI in Georgia, this violation can increase your auto insurance premium by 87%. It can be a challenge to find affordable car insurance with a recent DWI on your record, as it often triggers a larger uptick in premium costs than many other citations.

 
Low-cost car insurance after a DWI in Georgia

It’s integral to assess each of your insurance choices carefully if you're convicted of a DUI or DWI violation in Georgia. Car insurance premiums following a DWI can vary substantially by insurance company. For example, the least expensive car insurance company with a DWI in Georgia, Auto-Owners, advertises annual rates 43% less than the statewide average insurance rate with a DWI. The second-cheapest insurer for auto insurance after a DWI in Georgia is Allstate, while the most expensive is GEICO, with prices 61% above average.

Company Avg. Annual Premium
Allstate $2,207
Progressive $2,740
Nationwide $2,931
Georgia Farm Bureau $2,965
USAA $3,070
State Farm $3,340
GEICO $5,987
Updated: 03/14/23.

There is no insurer in particular that offers an inexpensive DWI car insurance rate that's comparable to a rate without a DWI on your record. The recommended way to save after a DWI citation is to shop around with as many companies as possible.

 

Georgia SR-22 insurance

An SR-22 is a routine legal requirement triggered by a violation such as a DWI conviction, a ticket for driving without insurance, an at-fault collision, driving with a suspended license or accumulating too many points on your license. It is not a type of insurance policy, but a form issued by your insurance company with the state of Georgia to ensure that you remain insured.

Finding cheap auto insurance with an SR-22 in Georgia might require some research, but it could pay off in the end.

 

How to acquire an SR-22 in Georgia

For currently insured drivers

If you already have an active auto insurance policy, requesting an SR-22 is fairly straightforward. Contact your insurance company and request that the company file an SR-22 certificate request on your behalf. If your current insurance company won't request a certificate, you should look for a new auto insurance company.

 

For uninsured drivers

When filing for a new policy, you might be saddled with an up-front fee to have your prospective insurer file an SR-22 request for you and to cover your high-risk driving profile. Needing an SR-22 certification might disqualify you from getting coverage from some companies, while others will sell you a policy.

 

For drivers without a vehicle

Not owning a vehicle makes it more difficult to obtain an SR-22, as you will need to furnish proof of insurance to receive the certificate. If you don't own a vehicle, you should apply for a non-owners car insurance policy before filing for an SR-22. Non-owners auto coverage is typically cheaper than traditional coverage since it doesn't cover physical damage to your vehicle.

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Rates by city

Car insurance companies calculate your rate based on many factors, and an important one is the location of the vehicle. The cheapest car insurance is found in Lake Park, Georgia, and the most expensive in Candler-McAfee.

Have a look at the table below to see average car insurance costs in some of Georgia's biggest cities.

City Avg. Annual Premium
Augusta $1,904
Columbus $1,995
Macon $2,063
Savannah $2,067
Atlanta $2,322
Updated: 03/14/23.

Car insurance price trends in Georgia

In Georgia, average annual auto insurance costs decreased by just $4 in the past year. A typical Georgia driver pays an average of $1,535 per year.

Year over year pricing trends in Georgia tends to be more volatile compared to rates across the United States. The steepest decrease occurred from 2012 to 2013, while the highest surge took place from 2011 to 2012. In recent years, premiums in Georgia have somewhat stabilized.

GEORGIA CAR INSURANCE RATE TRENDS
Year Avg. Annual Premium — Georgia Yearly Change — Georgia Avg. Annual Premium — US Yearly Change — US
2021 $1,535 -$4 $1,529 $46
2020 $1,539 -$65 $1,483 -$61
2019 $1,604 $10 $1,544 $23
2018 $1,594 $152 $1,521 $84
2017 $1,442 $140 $1,437 $69
2016 $1,302 $141 $1,368 $88
2015 $1,161 -$65 $1,280 $51
2014 $1,226 $70 $1,229 $34
2013 $1,156 -$622 $1,195 -$80
2012 $1,778 $423 $1,276 $82

If your rates are rising faster than the average in your state, compare quotes and find a better deal. The Zebra's car insurance comparison engine furnishes quotes based on your specific profile — enter your ZIP below to get started.


Georgia car insurance FAQs

Below you'll find answers to some of the most commonly asked questions regarding Georgia auto insurance.

Auto-Owners has the cheapest rates in Georgia at $96 per month for a full coverage policy. Nationwide and Georgia Farm Bureau also offer rates that are lower than average. The best way to find the cheapest car insurance in Georgia is to compare auto insurance quotes from as many companies as possible.

The average rate in Georgia is $1,535 per year, or $128 per month.

Georgia's average premium ($1,535/year) is comparable with the nation's average ($1,529), costing just $6 more.

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RECENT QUESTIONS

If I hit a pole at a gas station and damaged my car will my policy cover the cost of fixing it?

Your policy will have to include collision coverage for your damage to be repaired. You can always contact your insurance provider to find out if you have it.
Aug 31, 2016 Cedartown, GA

Will comprehensive insurance cover damages caused by road debris?

Sorry to hear about your accident. If you have comprehensive coverage, it should cover any damages caused by debris.
Jan 14, 2020 St. Marys, GA

Am I covered while I'm moving to a new state?

I'm so sorry to hear about your accident during such a transitional and inconvenient time! I would contact your insurance company in Oregon and talk to the claims department to see if this will be covered. Many companies provide a grace period for you to obtain other insurance while you are moving to another state.
Jul 22, 2022 Atlanta, GA

How do I get a false claim off my insurance report?

I would call my prior insurance company (your renters provider) showing the false claim and see how they have it marked. I would also have them send confirmation that the claim was dropped and not paid out.
Jan 30, 2020 Atlanta, GA

About The Zebra

The Zebra is not an insurance company. We publish data-backed, expert-reviewed resources to help consumers make more informed insurance decisions.

  • The Zebra’s insurance content is written and reviewed for accuracy by licensed insurance agents.
  • The Zebra’s insurance content is not subject to review or alteration by insurance companies or partners.
  • The Zebra’s editorial team operates independently of the company’s partnerships and commercialization interests, publishing unbiased information for consumer benefit.
  • The auto insurance rates published on The Zebra’s pages are based on a comprehensive analysis of car insurance pricing data, evaluating more than 83 million insurance rates from across the United States.