Georgia auto insurance
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Understanding and observing Georgia insurance laws
Georgia (GA),The Peach State, is home to about 11 million people, with over 8 million holding a valid driver’s license. This amounts to a lot of traffic on major roadways and interstates. Although it’s the eighth most populous state in the nation, Georgia ranks high on the list of most dangerous to drive in with an above-average accident rate and number of traffic fatalities. Carrying Georgia auto insurance coverage can protect you from risks associated with driving in Georgia.
Safety concerns
Those living around populous cities like Atlanta face heavy traffic congestion and complex traffic patterns, increasing the potential of a car accident. Some of the most dangerous stretches of road around the state include:
• State Route 85 from Exit 237A to Springdale Drive.
• Moreland Avenue (State Route 42) from S. River Industrial Boulevard SE to Wylie Street SE.
• Interstate 285 between the State Route 6 Interchange and the Riverdale Road Exit.
• Interstate 20 from Exit 71 to Exit 65.
• Interstate 285 from the Bouldercrest Road Exit to the I-20 interchange.
Unfortunately, driver behaviors are primarily responsible for the number of accidents that take place on the roads, with factors that include speeding, distracted driving and driving while impaired. Because of the risks Georgia drivers face on the road, the state instituted mandatory car insurance requirements to protect everyone behind the wheel.
Weather influences
While a southern state, Georgia can experience unpredictable weather situations that negatively impact driver safety. Drivers can expect sweltering temperatures during the summer, but there could also be snow flurries and black ice in the winter. Heavy fog throughout the Blue Ridge Mountains on Interstate 575 can obscure the road and other vehicles. And while driving along Coastal Highway 17, you could see heavy rains and strong wind gusts during hurricane season. Weather conditions play a role in car accidents and the average cost of Georgia auto insurance.
What does auto insurance in Georgia cost?
Georgia ranks among the top 15 states as having the most expensive auto insurance. Drivers can expect policies averaging around $285 a month, more than the national average of $235 a month. Insurers price policies by using a number of factors, but the high accident rate across the state influences the average rate. Find the best price policy you can afford with VIU by HUB.
What affects auto insurance rates?
Insurance companies consider many things when pricing a policy. Some of the factors they use include:
• Driver age.
• Credit score.
• Driving record.
• Geographic location.
• Vehicle information.
Those living near a populated area can expect to pay more for their car insurance policy in Georgia because of congestion and the increased risk it presents. That is why drivers near Atlanta pay an average of $350 a month, while someone near Valdosta pays around $220 a month. By keeping a clear DMV record and excellent credit score, you could qualify for lower rates. Using our comparison tool to look for additional incentives and discounts can also help you pay less for car insurance.
What car insurance is required?
Georgia put minimum insurance requirements in place to protect drivers, and proof of insurance is mandatory for the registration of any car that’s driven or parked on a state roadway. The requirements are for liability insurance, though you can choose to expand your protection with additional coverages.
Bodily Injury
Georgia laws require coverage of $25,000 per person and $50,000 for each accident in Bodily Injury coverage. This would help with the medical bills for others involved in an accident where you are at fault. Georgia is an at-fault state, meaning the financial responsibility of paying for damages and other expenses rests with the person responsible for the accident.
Property Damage
Georgia drivers must carry at least $25,000 per accident toward Property Damage. This could be the car repairs for the other driver or fixing their property if it's involved in the accident. Depending on the policy and insurer, it could also address the legal costs associated with a lawsuit filed after the accident.
Uninsured Motorist
Despite having insurance requirements, some individuals take to the road without insurance or without the coverage limits that meet the required minimums. In these cases, Uninsured Motorist (UIM) coverage goes into effect if you get into an accident in which you or the uninsured motorist are not at fault.
While state law does not require you to purchase UIM coverage when purchasing auto insurance coverage, the law requires that every insurance company offer it to their auto insurance clients. This coverage pays for expenses when you are hit by an at-fault driver who didn’t carry insurance. Insurance companies are required to offer at least $25,000 per person for Bodily Injury and $50,000 per accident, as well as $25,000 for Property Damage.
What insurance policy is recommended?
If you live near one of the metropolitan areas of Georgia, you may get around without using a car. Ridesharing services like Uber and Lyft are popular in major cities, but several cities have excellent public transportation systems involving buses and trains. If you take advantage of these in places like Augusta, Savannah, Athens, Albany and Rome, you may not want to purchase extra auto insurance coverage anyway.
However, for complete financial protection and peace of mind when driving around Georgia, consider adding the following coverages:
• Full Coverage insurance policies include the benefits of both Collision and Comprehensive Coverage. If you have a high-value car or don’t have the finances to repair or replace the vehicle if you get into an accident, this can prevent unexpected medical expenses afterward.
• Medical Payments coverage helps cover the medical bills or funeral expenses for you or passengers who are injured in an accident, regardless of who is at fault for the incident. Typical limits for more coverage are between $5,000 and $10,000 per person.
Your insurance budget impacts how much coverage you can afford, but you can’t afford to go without insurance. By using a comparison tool, you can make an informed decision.
This information is intended for general informational purposes only and is not intended to constitute legal advice.