Best car insurance companies in Atlanta
No one car insurance company offers the best coverage for every motorist. Drivers have a variety of profiles, meaning car insurance quotes come at a variety of prices. That’s why Jerry conducted one of the largest insurance shopping surveys in the nation to learn more about different providers, and which ones best served drivers in the city.
In Atlanta, drivers often choose GEICO or State Farm as their car insurance provider, but other popular companies include Travelers, State Auto, and Progressive.
Getting quotes from several insurance companies will help you understand the differences in pricing among them, and will give you a great starting point to find the perfect Atlanta car insurance policy.
Below, you’ll see a table explaining how drivers rated different popular insurance providers in Atlanta on a scale of 0 to 5.
| Insurance Company | Monthly minimum coverage cost | Monthly full coverage cost | Cost rating | Overall Jerry rating |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Travelers | $50 | $178 | 4.2 | 4.5 |
| State Auto | $61 | $202 | 4.3 | 4.4 |
| Nationwide | $86 | $177 | 4.0 | 4.2 |
| Progressive | $104 | $207 | 3.8 | 4.2 |
| Clearcover | $112 | $248 | N/A | 4.6 |
How’d we get these scores?
Jerry’s experts conducted one of the largest car insurance surveys in the United States. We surveyed 15,000 policyholders, in all 50 states, over the span of 18 months. These policyholders hold insurance policies with 87 different insurance companies. We surveyed policyholders to gauge their satisfaction with their insurance carriers in: policy cost, customer service, buying and renewal experience, as well as claim experience. These scores were all reported by real customers of the insurance companies.
Cheapest car insurance quotes in Atlanta
The average driver in Atlanta, Georgia can expect to pay about $159 per month for minimum coverage liability insurance and about $326 per month for full coverage, meaning that Atlanta drivers pay about 35% more than the average Georgia driver.
| Coverage type | Atlanta, GA | Georgia | United States |
|---|---|---|---|
| State minimum | $159 | $104 | $77 |
| Full coverage | $326 | $213 | $165 |
However, car insurance prices vary from one person to the next, and there’s no one car insurance company in Georgia that provides the best rates every time. Providers use different algorithms to calculate your premiums, so your driver profile, vehicle, credit score, and ZIP code can have an impact on your rates.
The best way to find the most affordable insurance rates in Atlanta is to shop around and compare quotes from multiple providers. Fortunately, this process is simple with Jerry, where we draw from a pool of top providers to help you find the most affordable car insurance coverage in minutes.
Best cheap car insurance quotes in Atlanta
Georgia car insurance laws mandate that all drivers in Atlanta carry minimum liability car insurance. Liability insurance finances the costs of medical treatment, repairs, and replacements if you cause bodily harm to another person or damage another person’s property while driving.
This type of coverage is a great place to start, but it isn’t enough for most drivers. Our insurance agents recommend carrying at least 100k/300k/100k liability insurance and full coverage.
Cheap minimum liability insurance quotes in Atlanta
Georgia state law mandates that all drivers hold at least 25/50/25 minimum liability coverage1:
- $25,000 of bodily injury liability coverage per person
- $50,000 of bodily injury liability coverage per accident
- $25,000 of property damage liability coverage per accident
You’ll find that insurance rates are lowest when you stick with state minimum liability coverage.
| Insurance company | Monthly minimum coverage cost |
|---|---|
| Travelers | $50 |
| State Auto | $61 |
| Nationwide | $86 |
Do you need more than minimum coverage in Atlanta?
Adding more coverage than the 25/50/25 state minimum is generally a good idea.
After an at-fault accident you’re financially responsible for any accident-related expenses that aren’t covered by your insurance. That includes vehicle repair and replacement costs, which could exceed $40,000, not to mention medical bills for the other driver.
On top of all that, Georgia’s car accident laws allow injured parties to sue for a variety of damages up to two years after a collision. That means that you could be required to pay for expenses even years after your accident date.
We recommend 50/100/50 liability coverage, or (even better) 100/300/100 liability coverage limits for improved financial protection.
A general rule that I recommend is to carry enough coverage to protect your current and future assets – at least $100,000/$300,000 of liability coverage is recommended, but you may need more coverage depending on your financial situation.
Cheap full coverage car insurance quotes in Atlanta
Georgia laws don’t require drivers to carry full coverage car insurance, but it’s still a good idea to look into it.
Full coverage insurance includes two types of coverage:
- Collision coverage pays to repair or replace your vehicle after an accident.
- Comprehensive coverage pays to repair or replace your vehicle after non-collision damages, like vandalism, theft, or a natural disaster.
If you loan or lease your vehicle, most lenders require you to carry collision and comprehensive coverage. However, even if you own your vehicle, these financial protections can be helpful.
If you’re not sure where to start, Jerry helps drivers find the best rates for full coverage car insurance in Atlanta.
| Insurance company | Monthly full coverage cost |
|---|---|
| AAA | $176 |
| Nationwide | $177 |
| Travelers | $178 |
Average cost of car insurance in Atlanta
On average, we’ve found that it costs $159 per month, or $1,908 per year, for minimum coverage liability insurance. Full coverage in the city costs an average of $326 per month, or $3,912 per year.
Georgia insurance rates rose significantly in 2023, and there are a few reasons why.2
- High vehicle repair costs: Georgia residents spend more on vehicle repairs than the average person, and prices have only increased.3
- High healthcare costs: In Georgia, many residents struggle to afford healthcare as the cost of care increases. When insurance companies take on the risk of paying expensive medical bills, they charge higher rates.4
- Dangerous roads: Recent studies found that many of the most dangerous roads in Georgia can be found in Atlanta, including stretches of Highway 85, I-285, and I-20.56 These dangerous areas combined with Atlanta’s high population make the area a higher risk for insurance providers.
- Car accident data: In Georgia, the number of car accident fatalities between 2012 to 2021 increased by nearly 51%. As the likelihood of a severe accident increases, so do your insurance rates.7
- Severe weather events: In recent years, the frequency of severe weather in Atlanta has only increased—meaning a greater risk to your vehicle, and higher premiums as a result.8
- More frequent car thefts: Georgia ranks in the top 10 states for vehicle theft.9 In Atlanta specifically, it’s estimated that an average of 160 cars are stolen each month.10 Insurers will increase your rates to offset the risk of theft.
Remember that car insurance rates are highly individualized. While knowing your city’s average insurance rates is helpful to establish a baseline, the only way to know how much you’ll pay for your insurance is to shop around for quotes. If you shop for the best rates, you may find that your monthly premiums are lower than the city-wide average!
Average cost of car insurance in Atlanta by ZIP code
Car insurance rates can change based on your ZIP code.
Neighborhoods with more traffic, high crime rates, or frequent car accidents are labeled “high-risk” by insurance companies and see steeper rates. In Atlanta, central neighborhoods are often labeled the highest risk.11
| Cheapest ZIPs | Monthly minimum coverage cost |
|---|---|
| 30326 | $121 |
| 30338 | $126 |
Now have a look at how much rates can change in different ZIP codes.
| Most expensive ZIPs | Monthly minimum coverage cost |
|---|---|
| 30311 | $229 |
| 30313 | $240 |
Car insurance quotes in Atlanta by rating factors
In Atlanta, there are a few factors that influence how insurers calculate your car insurance premiums:
- Your driving record and claims history: Any car accidents or tickets on your record will cause your insurance premiums to increase.
- Your age: Drivers under 25 and over 75 will see higher insurance rates than other age groups.
- Your parking spot: If you park your car in a high-risk area (i.e., an area with high theft or accident rates), you’ll typically pay more for your insurance.
- Your vehicle: Luxury, sport, and high-performance vehicles cost more to insure.
- Your credit score: If you have a poor credit score, your insurance rates could be significantly higher.
Cheap car insurance quotes in Atlanta after driving violations
Any points or violations on your Georgia driving record can result in higher rates. The more violations you have on your record, the more you can expect to pay for coverage.
Cheapest car insurance in Atlanta after speeding ticket
A speeding ticket results in a fine of anywhere between $25 to $5001213, but it will impact your insurance rates, too. In Georgia, drivers could see a rate increase up to 15% after a speeding ticket charge, and charges in Atlanta aren’t far off.
| Violation | Monthly coverage cost | Rate increase (%) |
|---|---|---|
| Speeding | $303 | 25% |
Cheapest car insurance in Atlanta after DUI
A DUI charge in Georgia not only comes with the potential for license suspension or jail time, most insurance providers will consider you a high-risk driver and charge more for coverage.
| Violation | Monthly coverage cost | Rate increase (%) |
|---|---|---|
| DUI | $506 | 109% |
Cheapest car insurance in Atlanta after an at-fault accident
An at-fault accident can cause your insurance rates to skyrocket. Providers use your driving record to estimate how many claims you might make, so any accidents on your record can result in significant increases.
| Driving record | Monthly coverage cost | Rate increase (%) |
|---|---|---|
| At-fault accident | $269 | 11% |
Cheapest car insurance in Atlanta after other driving violations
Other types of driving violations, like stunt driving or reckless driving, can raise insurance prices. Have a look at how much certain violations can impact your coverage rates.
| Violation | Monthly coverage cost | Rate increase (%) |
|---|---|---|
| Driving with suspended license | $288 | 19% |
| Failure to obey signal | $325 | 34% |
| Failure to yield | $387 | 60% |
| Open container | $413 | 71% |
Cheap car insurance quotes in Atlanta by age
Your age has an impact on car insurance. Teenagers and seniors in particular see higher rates than other age groups.
Cheapest car insurance in Atlanta for young drivers
Drivers aged 16 to 19 see the highest car insurance rates of any age group due to their lack of experience on the road, and the increased likelihood of an accident.
For teen drivers in Atlanta, it often makes the most financial sense to stay on their parent or guardian’s insurance policy for as long as possible.
| Age | Monthly minimum coverage cost | Monthly full coverage cost |
|---|---|---|
| <18 | $486 | $995 |
| 18-21 | $359 | $661 |
Cheapest car insurance in Atlanta for middle-aged drivers
As drivers gain more experience behind the wheel, their rates lower. Drivers 25-64 see some of the cheapest rates for all age demographics, with rates rising again after motorists turn 65+.
| Age | Monthly minimum coverage cost | Monthly full coverage cost |
|---|---|---|
| 22-25 | $274 | $394 |
| 26-34 | $186 | $280 |
| 35-44 | $162 | $252 |
| 45-54 | $160 | $235 |
While driver premiums are often lower than average for this age group, drivers can still achieve even cheaper costs by looking into car insurance discounts and bundling policies.
Cheapest car insurance in Atlanta for senior drivers
Older drivers see costlier insurance rates as well. An increased risk of accidents, a higher likelihood of sustaining severe injuries in a crash, and a decline in reaction time all contribute to senior car insurance rates.
To help you save on cost, some car insurance companies for seniors offer discounts for safe driving, reduced vehicle usage, and telematics programs.
| Age | Monthly minimum coverage cost | Monthly full coverage cost |
|---|---|---|
| 55-64 | $152 | $222 |
| 65+ | $167 | $224 |
Cheap car insurance quotes in Atlanta based on insurance history
A lapse in your insurance coverage can impact the cost of your coverage. Insurance providers consider lapses or uninsured motorists red flags, meaning if you have those violations on your record, expect to pay more.
| Insurance history | Monthly coverage cost | Rate increase (%) |
|---|---|---|
| With coverage lapses | $303 | 25% |
Cheap car insurance quotes in Atlanta for drivers with poor credit
Many insurance companies also factor in your credit score. Even safe drivers will see a hike in their rates if their credit score is 550 or lower.14
Compared to those with excellent scores, motorists in Georgia with poor credit can see upwards of a 96% increase in their premium.
| Credit score | Monthly coverage cost |
|---|---|
| < 600 | $178 |
| 601 – 999 | $146 |
| 700+ | $101 |
Cheap car insurance quotes in Atlanta for popular cars
The type of car you drive can have a big impact on your rates. Newer vehicles, or those with high safety ratings, make your car safer and therefore cheaper to insure.
Some of the most popular vehicles in Atlanta with high scores in these categories include:
- Chevrolet Silverado
- RAM 1500 Limited
- Ford F-150
- Toyota Tacoma
- Toyota RAV 4
Pending on the safety features, and what model you have, insurance rates can fluctuate.
| Vehicle type | Monthly minimum coverage cost |
|---|---|
| Toyota Tacoma | $142 |
| Toyota RAV 4 | $162 |
| Ford F-150 | $190 |
| RAM 1500 | $233 |
| Chevrolet Silverado | $317 |
How to lower car insurance costs in Atlanta
1. Shop around and compare quotes
Comparing quotes from several companies is the only way to get the best rates for your needs. Most experts recommend shopping for quotes every six months.
This might feel daunting, but Jerry finds quotes for you from a pool of top insurance companies, so you’ll only need a few minutes to check out your options.
2. Hunt for car insurance discounts
Most insurance companies offer discounts for a variety of things. Some common ones include:
- Good student discounts: If you’re a full-time student, your provider might offer a discount if you maintain a B average or better.
- Good driver discounts: Drivers who have a clean driving record for at least three consecutive years often qualify for savings.
- Telematics discounts: Many insurers offer discounts if you’re willing to use a telematics device to track when, how far, and how well you drive. Some insurers will even offer discounts for the simple act of signing up for this service!
- Bundling discounts: If you bundle your home and auto insurance (or your auto and renters insurance) with the same company, you might be eligible for a discount.
3. Increase your deductible for comprehensive and collision coverage
As you raise your deductible for your full coverage car insurance, your monthly rates will decrease. Just remember that you’re responsible for paying your deductible out-of-pocket after an accident, so you should never raise it higher than you can afford.
FAQ
-
Who has the cheapest car insurance in GA?
-
Is car insurance required in Atlanta?
-
Why is Georgia auto insurance so expensive?
Sources
- https://oci.georgia.gov/insurance-resources/auto ↩︎
- https://www.wsbtv.com/news/local/atlanta/georgia-car-insurance-prices-rose-more-than-30-other-states-2023-study-says/GQP2BQD4FBD73PDLKQ4RJBNLTY/ ↩︎
- https://metroatlantaceo.com/news/2022/03/georgia-residents-spend-more-average-vehicle-costs/?utm_source=metroatlantaceo&utm_medium=rss&utm_campaign=rss ↩︎
- https://www.healthcarevaluehub.org/advocate-resources/publications/georgia-residents-struggle-afford-high-healthcare-costs-covid-fears-add-support-range-government-solutions-across-party-lines ↩︎
- https://www.fox5atlanta.com/news/study-finds-georgias-most-dangerous-roads-are-in-metro-atlanta ↩︎
- https://www.spauldinginjurylaw.com/blog/dangerous-highways-georgia/ ↩︎
- https://www.gahighwaysafety.org/traffic-data/ ↩︎
- https://www.weather.gov/ffc/svrclimo ↩︎
- https://valdostatoday.com/news-2/region/2023/04/georgia-ranks-among-top-10-for-highest-vehicle-theft-rates/ ↩︎
- https://www.atlantanewsfirst.com/2023/04/05/georgia-ranks-top-10-nation-car-thefts/ ↩︎
- https://crimegrade.org/vehicle-theft-atlanta-ga/ ↩︎
- https://www.peachstatelawyer.com/speeding-laws-in-georgia/ ↩︎
- https://kaufmanlawatlanta.com/what-happens-when-you-get-your-first-speeding-ticket/ ↩︎
- https://consumerfed.org/wp-content/uploads/2023/07/Official-CFA-Credit-Score_2023-FINAL-REPORT.pdf ↩︎
Liz Jenson is an insurance writer who specializes in general automotive and insurance topics. Liz’s mission is to produce informative and useful content to help car owners make smart choices when buying cars and car insurance. Since joining Jerry in 2021, Liz has written nearly 4,000 long- and short-form articles on topics including state-specific insurance recommendations, common car insurance questions, and deep dives into vehicle model details. Before they came to Jerry, Liz was a full-time student at Indiana University, Bloomington working on a double major in English and French.
Maria is an insurance writer with over 10 years of experience as a professional writer. Prior to joining Jerry’s editorial team in 2023, she worked at various online publications like Nimble Media, Factinate.com, and served as editor-in-chief at The Medium. She holds a double major in English and Professional Writing and Communications.
As Vice President of Insurance Operations at Jerry, Josh Damico leads teams across product development, operations and carrier relations, integrating Jerry’s smart and fast car insurance customer experience with that of traditional carriers to help customers find savings and coverage. Josh’s nearly 20 years of insurance-industry experience and knowledge generate partnerships with more than 55 name-brand and specialty insurance partners that enable Jerry to serve customers with all types of vehicle and policy needs.
Previously, Josh held executive roles at Geico, where he had vast regional oversight and leadership opportunities. In his most recent role as director of sales, servicing, and underwriting, Josh developed and executed profit and growth strategy for the New England states and New Jersey.
Josh holds a bachelor’s degree in business administration and management from Medaille College.
*Illustration only. For all the pricing information presented in this article (including various tables), please note that not all customers find savings and the information is for illustrative purposes only. Savings depend on type of car, location, policy features, driving history and other factors. Drivers who switch through Jerry save over $70/month on average.
