Who Has the Cheapest Car Insurance Quotes in Georgia?

ValuePenguin compared auto insurance quotes in Georgia to give the Peach State's 6.5 million licensed drivers a sense of the best rates by city and company. Based on a sample driver profile, the average cost of car insurance in Georgia was $1,335 for a year.

That rate can be quite different from city to city, and indeed, from insurer to insurer, however. Within the same city – Atlanta, for example – annual rates at the most expensive company were over $2,000 pricier than the cheapest insurer in our review. The city of Atlanta ranked as the most expensive in the Peach State with an annual average cost of $1,616 – nearly $500 costlier than Valdosta, the cheapest. For these reasons, we always advise that consumers shop around and compare quotes from at least three companies before selecting an insurer. Enter your zip code above or below for a list of cheap insurers in your area to start comparison shopping.

• Cheapest Auto Insurance Companies
• Best Car Insurance Rates in GA: by City
• Best Car Insurance Companies in GA
• Average Cost of Car Insurance by City

Cheapest Auto Insurance in Georgia

We averaged quotes from the major car insurance companies across 113 cities and towns in the Peach State and found Auto Owners was the cheapest provider. We rank below rates from lowest to most expensive for the other cheapest auto insurance companies in Georgia. Here are the five carriers with the lowest auto insurance rates:

Other companies that offer cheap auto insurance in Georgia are Country, the Hartford, and State Farm. These three companies had the lowest auto insurance costs across the 113 cities we analyzed in Georgia averaging $1,034 per year—about 23% cheaper per year than the $1,335 charged by the average insurer in Georgia. To ensure you get the cheapest rates though, you must compare quotes for yourself as prices will vary depending on your situation. In this case we used a 30 year old male single driver of a Toyota Camry to get our rates. Below we list how every company we surveyed ranked for auto insurance costs in Georgia.

Cheap Car Insurance in Georgia: by City

Because car insurance is highly dependent on where a driver lives, drives, and parks their car, we took a look at costs for a selection of cities in the Peach State. In alphabetical order, this table lists the three cheapest auto insurance companies in a select amount of Georgia locations and their average rates for our sample driver. 

Auto Owners was the cheapest auto insurer in most of the cities we surveyed, although State Farm and Country were the cheapest in a handful of cities as well. Be sure to check the city you live in or if your city is not listed, the prices for the city closest to yours.

Auto Insurance in Atlanta, GA

Cheap auto insurance in Atlanta isn’t difficult to find. The average cost of car insurance in Atlanta is $1,616 per year. That’s about 18% or $283 higher than the average for car insurance in Georgia. Compared to Valdosta, the cheapest city, it was 39% costlier. Rates in Atlanta fluctuate a lot, so to give you an idea of the range of auto insurance cost here, the most expensive company, Victoria, would have covered two years of protection compared to rates from Country, the cheapest insurer. Between Country, Auto Owners and MetLife, drivers see an average rate of $1,172 per year—about a 27% decrease from the citywide cost.

Georgia’s largest city, Atlanta is home to about 444,000 residents, and two famous destinations: the world’s largest aquarium, the World of Coca Cola. The Falcons, Hawks, Thrashers, and Braves sports team call this city home as well. Auto insurance rates in Atlanta were the most expensive in the state of Georgia – no surprise given the city's large population, reputation for traffic, and crime rates.

Auto Insurance in Augusta, GA

Augusta has affordable car insurance too. Despite being the second largest city in Georgia with 198,000 people, its auto insurance costs are middle of the road for the state. Annual premiums can cost on average $1,303, which is 2% lower than the state average. Additionally, costs in Augusta are about 19% cheaper than its larger sister, Atlanta. The cheapest auto insurance companies in Augusta are Auto-Owners, Country and The Hartford. Between the three general insurance companies, the mean premium is $920, a 29% discount to what the average insurer charges in Augusta. In comparison, the most expensive company in Augusta would charge our sample drivers on average $2,448 a year.

Known as the Garden City, Augusta was named after the Princess Augusta of Saxe Gota when it was established in 1735. Today, the city hosts golf pros at the Masters Tournament each year at the Augusta National Club.

Auto Insurance in Savannah, GA

Drivers searching for low cost auto insurance in Savannah should know that the average cost for insuring a car in the city is $1,336 per year. Compared to the state average, driving in Savannah costs just $1 more, which is much better than in Atlanta—Savannah having insurance costs that are 17% less. The most affordable companies to insure a car in Savannah are Auto Owners, Country and the Hartford with GEICO as a fourth option. Among the first three insurers, drivers can pay about $976 in annual premiums to provide full coverage for their vehicles – about 27% cheaper than the city average. Military personnel and their families should also include USAA in the mix when they’re looking for quotes.

Savannah is the oldest city in the Peach State, and has been celebrated for its beautiful public squares, Victorian houses, and Spanish moss covered oak trees. Residents here can enjoy a leisurely drive along the Island Expressways to Tybee Island whenever they’re looking for a change of scenery. 

Auto Insurance in Columbus, GA

With a bit of research, you can find cheap car insurance in Columbus, GA. Drivers here pay about $1,385 to insure their cars every year – about 4% higher than the average city in Georgia. Compared to its neighbor, Atlanta, Columbus is about 14% cheaper for a driver to insure their car. The top five cheapest companies to get liability and full coverage are Auto-Owners, Country, The Hartford, State Farm and GEICO. Between the three lowest cost auto insurers the average cost is $972 a year, or 30% lower versus the typical company in Columbus. Comparatively, the most expensive company in Columbus would have charged our sample drivers $2,568, which would have paid for two years of auto insurance at one of the cheaper companies.

Located in the heart of the Chattahoochee Valley in Muscogee County, Columbus is Georgia’s third largest city. Its lands are crisscrossed with five major highways, including Interstate 185 and Route 80, which is great for commuters and getting around. It’s conveniently located for a number of road trips delving into Civil War history and old presidential haunts.

Athens, GA

For one of the five largest cities in Georgia, Athens has the 12th cheapest car insurance rates in the state. Car insurance here is 6% cheaper than the state average at $1,251 per year. The most expensive company in Athens was a little over $2,000 higher in cost compared to the cheapest company, which underscores the need for consumers to shop and compare quotes from different insurers before purchasing a policy. Consider starting a quote with Auto Owners, which we found to be the cheapest company in Athens for car insurance. You may also find great rates at Country and the Hartford as well. Among these three cheap insurers, it costs $904 a year to insure your car. Getting a quote at one of these companies can save Athens drivers 28% on average compared to the citywide driver.

Athens is home to the University of Georgia and 115,000 residents. Football season here is always an eagerly anticipated time as 93,000 fans file in to Sanford Stadium, the 10th largest stadium in the NCAA, to support the Georgia Bulldogs and their mascot, Uga.

Macon, GA

Macon has the eighth highest rates in the state with annual costs of $1,421. In aggregate, yearly premiums are just 6% above the state average. In comparison Atlanta drivers pay 14% more. Who has the cheapest car insurance in Macon? The answer would be Auto Owners, The Hartford, and Country. Among the three general insurers, the mean cost is $1,032 a year, or 27% cheaper than the typical insurer underwriting in the city.

Macon is the county seat of Bibb County, and the effective geographic center of the Peach State. Along the way, it has acquired nicknames such as the Heart of Georgia, and the Cherry Blossom Capital of the World. Four colleges and universities call this city on the Ocmulgee River home: Mercer University, Wesleyan College, Central Georgia Technical University, and Middle Georgia State College.

Albany, GA

Auto insurance costs in Albany are cheaper than the typical city in Georgia. It costs $1,269 for the average driver to insure their car in Albany, which is 5% cheaper than the state mean. If you’re looking for cheap car insurance in Albany, we suggest including Auto Owners, Country and the Hartford.

Located on the banks of Flint River in Dougherty County, Albany is home to 77,000 residents. It’s the site of Radium Springs, Georgia’s largest natural spring, and one of the Seven Wonders of the Peach State. The Georgia State Route 300 and Interstate 75 are the two primary highways here, making it easy for commuters to drive around in the city and the state.

Alpharetta, GA

Alpharetta's 62,000 residents can see average car insurance costs of $1,418, a tad more expensive than the state average of $1,335. Compared to other Fulton County neighbors like Atlanta, Alpharetta rates are 12% cheaper. Comparison shopping yields Auto-Owners, The Hartford and Country as the top three cheapest companies in Alpharetta for car insurance. With an average cost of $988, the Alpharetta average is about 44% more expensive than what you would get at those three insurers. If you’re a member of the armed forces, or a relative of one, then you should also consider USAA. Nationwide and GEICO round out the top five affordable companies in Alpharetta.

Alpharetta is anchored in the west by Wills Park, an equestrian center, and Lake Windward to the east. Every year, the town hosts a number of community events for its residents that include: the Mayor’s Challenge race, and the Old Soldier’s Day Parade. 

Marietta, GA

For low cost auto insurance in Marietta, The Hartford, Auto Owners and Country were the three cheapest companies for general commuters. Among these three, the mean cost was $976 a year for full coverage car insurance. That comes out to 29% cheaper than the overall city average of $1,383. Keep in mind that these figures are based on our sample driver with good credit and no accidents or violations within the past five years – so your quotes will be different. Veterans in Marietta can also consider USAA.

Measuring 23 square miles in size, the city of Marietta has six historic districts. The Earl Smith Strand Theatre and the Marietta Players keep the performing arts scene active for the city’s 58,000 residents. 

Valdosta, GA

Valdosta was the cheapest city in our study based on auto insurance costs in Georgia with an average annual car insurance premium of $1,163. That’s 13% lower than the average city in Georgia, and 28% more affordable compared to what Atlanta drivers pay. To save even further, consider getting quotes from Auto Owners, Central Mutual, Country, State Farm – five of the cheapest car insurers in Valdosta. Among these five companies, the average yearly cost of $898 was a third lower than what the typical insurer charged in the city.

Established as Lowndes County’s county seat in 1837, the city was initially situated four miles north of its current location. Four miles south and some two hundred years later, Valdosta is now home to 58,000 residents, and three National Register Historic Districts.

East Point, GA

Drivers here can pay on average $1,590 a year to insure their vehicles. This ranks the city as the third most expensive in our analysis and 19% costlier than the Georgia average. Based on our data, the lowest-cost insurers in East Point are GEICO, Country, and Auto Owners. These three companies charge on average $1,109, which comes out to a 30% discount to the citywide average.

The city of East Point was named after its location as the easternmost terminus for the Atlanta & West Point Railroad. It measures 14 square miles in size, and is bordered to the north by Fort McPherson, and to the southeast by Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta Airport. 36,000 people call this city home. 

Douglasville, GA

Out of our 30-city sample, Douglasville had the fifth most expensive costs for auto insurance, likely in part to its close proximity 20 miles away from downtown Atlanta. Drivers will be glad to know that living in the city with the fourth highest costs can still save on auto insurance. The companies with the three best car insurance rates in Douglasville represent a 31% decrease compared to what the typical insurer in the city quotes.

The city’s founding was largely influenced by a new railroad, which helped to usher in a prosperous period of cotton and mill industry. Today, Douglasville’s infrastructure is mostly served by a network of interstate highways and routes that crisscross the city, including U.S. Highway 78 and Interstate 20.

Dunwoody, GA

Costs in Dunwoody are 5% higher than the Georgia average. Drivers looking for low-cost auto insurance in Dunwoody should consider getting quotes from Auto Owners, The Hartford, and Country. These providers had three of the lowest rates for general drivers. Our sample drivers saw quotes that were 30% cheaper among these three companies, which averaged $988 a year for basic liability insurance.

20 miles north of Atlanta lies the city of Dunwoody. The Perimeter Mall is located in the neighborhood of Perimeter Center, and is notable for being one of the largest shopping malls in the South. Roughly 47,000 people call Dunwoody home, but it is estimated that 100,000 people commute to work in the Perimeter Mall area.

The Best Car Insurance Companies in Georgia

It's one thing to be the cheapest company, and another to be the best. Certain companies will be better for certain types of drivers, whether it be because you got into an accident or are in the military. Below we list some companies that are best for different types of drivers.

Georgians are fortunate as the company that is the cheapest in the state is also its best rated for auto insurance—at least according to J.D. Power's 2016 auto insurance study of the south eastern United States. According to the study, Auto-Owners was second behind USAA for Georgia auto insurance companies in terms of how happy customers were with interacting with the company. Auto Owners scored particularly high for how well its agents interacted with customers.

If you have an at-fault accident on your record, your rates are going to go up. Country is the best company to turn to however to keep rates affordable after your accident. We found Country had an average yearly rate of $1,276 after an at-fault accident, which was slightly better than Progressive.

USAA is the best rated car insurance company in the 2016 J.D. Power study. To qualify for USAA however, you need to be part of the military or have been part of the military (your relatives qualify as well). USAA also generally gives some of the cheapest rates in any given area. If you qualify, definitely consider getting a membership.

Best Rated Auto Insurers

We also looked at the financial strength ratings and the justified complaint index for ten companies. These two factors were chosen as measures of the company's ability to pay out claims (as measured by AM Best), and how few justified complaints they received relative to other competitors (as collected by the NAIC). We then indexed and calculated a rating for each company (the lower numbers, the better). Here are the companies ranked.

Based on these metrics, Southern Farm Bureau, State Farm, and GEICO are the best companies. GEICO consistently turned up in our analysis as the cheapest company in Georgia. If price is a factor in your consideration, add this company in your quote comparison shopping.

* The lower the numerical value, the better the company performs relative to others insurers

Average Cost of Car Insurance in Georgia: by City

At a statewide level, the average cost we found was $1,335 a year on average based on a single 30 year old male. Depending on where drivers live and park their car, however, there will be variation. Here's how much it costs on average to insure a car in Georgia by city:

Minimum Car Insurance Requirements in Georgia

As in every state, drivers are required to have a minimum amount of liability car insurance to stay on the road. Georgia's limits provide a modest amount of coverage, but we would recommend most drivers opt for higher limits. If your car is valued at over $2,000 to $3,000 as well, we would also recommend you get full coverage car insurance and add collision and comprehensive to your policy. The following are the minimum limits in Georgia:

Uninsured / Underinsured Motorist Coverage: Traditional vs. New Added-On

While uninsured and underinsured ("UM/UIM") coverage is optional in Georgia, drivers here have an option to expand their coverage. It's known as New / Added-on to At-Fault Liability. 

If you want greater peace of mind and don't mind paying about 2% extra on top of your annual premium, then consider picking the new added-on version of UM/UIM.

What's the difference between traditional and the new add-on UM/UIM?

When you have Traditional or Reduced by At-Fault Liability UM/UIM, your insurance steps in to pay remaining damages up to your policy's limits. With the new Added-On to At-Fault Liability option, your protection is greater, since your coverage gets increased dollar for dollar by your limits.

Let's say for example that you carry $100k of UM/UIM, and you're rear-ended by a driver who is insured for $50k. Total damages equal $125,000. Under Traditional, or Reduced By At-Fault Liability, the other driver's insurance company would pay for the first $50k of damages, and your insurance pays the difference up to your $100k coverage, which is $50k. That leaves you with $25k that doesn't get reimbursed.

On the other hand, if you have the new added-on option, your total protection equals your liability limits plus the other driver's limit. In the example above, you get $50k from the other insurance company, and your own insurer pays the remaining $75k.

These annual premiums are for informational purposes only. The quotes you'll get from insurers will be different based on your individual driving record, preferred liability limits, vehicle type, and other factors.

Sources:
Georgia Office of Insurance and Safety Fire Commissioner: http://www.oci.ga.gov/ConsumerService/AutoInsurance.aspx
Census Population Data for Georgia: http://quickfacts.census.gov/qfd/states/13000.html