Car Insurance Georgia
Like most states, Georgia mandates that every driver has auto insurance to protect themselves and others on the road. But it’s more than just a legal box to check. With the state’s busy highways and unpredictable weather, car insurance gives you peace of mind knowing you’re covered, whether you’re dealing with a fender bender in Downtown Atlanta or a surprise hailstorm in Macon.
Mercury is here to help you find affordable coverage that fits your lifestyle, vehicle, and budget. Let’s take a look at the essentials and show you how we can help you save on auto insurance in Georgia.
Georgia Car Insurance Requirements
Every driver must carry a minimum amount of liability insurance to cover any injuries or property damage in an accident. Here’s what’s required by state law:
- Bodily injury liability: $25,000 per person / $50,000 per accident
- Property damage liability: $25,000 per accident
While these limits meet the state’s legal requirements, they may not be enough to fully protect you if you're involved in a major accident. That’s why many drivers choose additional auto insurance coverages, including:
- Collision protection: This covers the cost of repairs to your vehicle after an accident, regardless of who was at fault.
- Comprehensive coverage: This protects your vehicle from non-accident-related damage, like theft, vandalism, or severe weather.
- Uninsured/underinsured motorists coverage: This coverage protects you if you’re in an accident with someone who doesn’t have enough — or any — insurance.
- Personal injury protection (PIP): PIP helps cover medical expenses and lost wages if you or your passengers are injured in an accident, regardless of fault.
- Medical payments coverage: Similar to PIP, this covers medical costs for you and your passengers, but it’s more focused on immediate healthcare expenses after an accident.
What Is Full Coverage Auto Insurance in Georgia?
Full coverage car insurance usually combines liability, collision, and comprehensive insurance, which gives you better protection for your vehicle and finances. Mercury can help customize a full coverage policy so you can get peace of mind every time you get behind the wheel.
How Much Is Car Insurance in Georgia?
According to Bankrate, the average cost of full coverage car insurance in Georgia is $2,727 per year, while the average for minimum coverage is $953 per year. However, this rate can vary depending on factors like your driving history, the type of car you drive, where you live, and how often you’re on the road.
Get Car Insurance Savings and Discounts in Georgia
Mercury offers many opportunities to lower your premium while still getting top-tier coverage. Here are some of the discounts available for Georgia drivers:
- Multi-Car Discount: Insuring more than one vehicle with Mercury? You’re eligible for a discount of up to 17%.
- 3-Year Accident/Victim Free Discount: If you’ve maintained a clean driving record — no accidents or violations within the last 35 months — you can receive a 6% discount.
- Paid in Full Discount: Pay for your policy in full, and you could save up to 12% on your premium.
- Automatic Payment Discount: Opt for automatic payments via electronic funds transfer from your checking or savings account and save up to 2%.
- Good Driver Discount: For those with no late payments or non-sufficient fund (NSF) charges in the past 35 months, you may qualify for a 10% discount.
- Multi-Policy Discount: If you bundle your car insurance with a homeowners policy (HO-3, HO-4, or HO-6), you can save between 3% and 14%, depending on the type of policy.
- E-Signature Discount: Signing your documents electronically could earn you an additional 3% discount.
- Electric Vehicle Discount: Got an electric vehicle? You can qualify for a 1% discount on your auto policy.
- Good Student Discount: If you’re a full-time student under 23 with good grades, you may be eligible for a 2% discount.
How to Get Car Insurance in Georgia
Ready to get started with affordable, reliable car insurance? Contact a local Mercury agent to discuss your options and get a personalized quote. You can also start a quote online or call us at (877) 580-0548.
Factors Affecting Car Insurance Rates in Georgia
Here are a few key factors that impact how much you’ll pay for car insurance in Georgia:
- Driver’s age: Younger drivers, especially teens, tend to pay more for car insurance due to their limited driving experience.
- Driving history: If you’ve had accidents or traffic tickets in the past, insurers may see you as a higher risk, which could result in higher premiums.
- Vehicle make, model, and year: More expensive or newer cars generally have higher insurance costs since they can be pricier to repair or replace.
- Location: If you live in a busy city like Atlanta, you may face higher rates due to increased traffic and accident risks. Rural areas often have lower rates.
- Credit score: In Georgia, insurers can consider your credit score when calculating rates. Higher credit scores may lead to lower rates and vice versa.
- Annual mileage: The more you drive, the more likely you are to be in an accident. This could mean higher insurance costs for you.
Top Rated Car Insurance in Georgia
Mercury Insurance has been trusted by drivers across the nation for over 60 years, and Georgia is no exception. Our commitment to providing affordable, reliable coverage has earned us numerous accolades, including being named one of America’s Best Insurance Companies by Forbes multiple times. In 2021, we were also recognized for Best Overall Satisfaction in the Shopping Segment of the J.D. Power U.S. Digital Experience Study. Read about their experiences.
Here’s what real drivers have to say about Mercury:
Mercury Insurance Coverage in Georgia
Here are some of the products Mercury offers to Georgia residents:
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Georgia Car Insurance FAQs
What is the average monthly payment for car insurance in Georgia?
According to Bankrate, the average cost of full coverage car insurance in Georgia is around $227 per month, while the average for minimum coverage is about $79 per month.
Do you need insurance to register a car in Georgia?
Yes, Georgia requires you to provide proof of insurance when registering a car.
How much car insurance do I need in Georgia?
In Georgia, you’re required to have at least:
- $25,000 bodily injury liability per person
- $50,000 per accident
- $25,000 property damage liability per accident
However, these are just the minimums. You can add more coverage to better protect yourself and your vehicle.
Can I have out-of-state car insurance in Georgia?
No, you need to have continuous coverage in Georgia if you’re living there.
How to lower my car insurance in Georgia?
Here are some tips to help reduce your premiums:
- Bundle your policies: Combine your auto insurance with other policies like homeowners or renters insurance to unlock discounts.
- Maintain a clean driving record: Avoid accidents and traffic violations to keep your rates low over time.
- Take advantage of discounts: Mercury Insurance offers discounts for safe driving, paying in full, using automatic payments, and more.
Improve your credit score: In Georgia, insurers can use your credit score to determine your premium. Improving your score could lead to lower rates.
Can you get car insurance without a license in Georgia?
Yes, it’s possible to get car insurance without a license. It’s best to speak with a Mercury Insurance agent to understand your options and get the right coverage for your needs.
What happens if you don't have car insurance in Georgia?
In Georgia, driving without car insurance can lead to serious consequences. If your insurance lapses for 10 days or more, or if no new policy is in place within 30 days of your previous one expiring, you'll face fines and penalties. The Georgia Department of Revenue will:
- Fine you $25 for a lapse in coverage.
- Impose an additional fine of up to $160 if the initial lapse fine isn’t paid within 30 days.
- Suspend your vehicle’s registration, meaning you won’t legally be able to drive your car until you resolve the issue.
Can you buy a car without insurance in Georgia?
You might be able to purchase a car, but you can’t drive it because the law requires you to maintain continuous coverage.
Is Georgia a no-fault auto insurance state?
No, Georgia is not a no-fault auto insurance state. Instead, it operates under a fault-based system, which means that the driver who’s found responsible for causing an accident is liable for the damages.
Can someone drive my car if they are not on my insurance in Georgia?
Yes, in most cases, someone can drive your car in Georgia even if they’re not listed on your insurance policy, as long as they have your permission.
What are helpful resources for Georgia drivers?
Here are some helpful resources for Georgia drivers: