Cheap Car Insurance in Bessemer, AL

A short drive from Birmingham, Bessemer is a growing city in Alabama with historic industrial roots. Formerly known for steel production, today Bessemer is home to about 25,000 people. Residents of Bessemer often commute via the busy I-459 and US Route 11. Having the right insurance policy is part of being prepared behind the wheel for Bessemer drivers.

Locals in Bessemer love to visit the Bright Star, a Greek restaurant founded in 1907, as well as one of the many barbecue joints located here. For those who love nature, the Watercress Darter National Wildlife Refuge is a protected habitat for this small freshwater fish.

Alabama law requires drivers to carry a minimum level of liability insurance. Without this coverage, you could lose your license and even risk jail time. However, meeting the legal requirement for auto insurance doesn’t mean breaking the bank. Learn more about finding affordable car insurance in Bessemer, including coverage options and average rates.

Car insurance premiums in Bessemer will vary due to a range of factors, but on average, Alabama drivers will pay around $175 per month for full coverage and $42 per month for minimum coverage.

While your rate will depend on your personal profile, Bessemer’s average tends to be slightly below the state average, which is a plus for local drivers. Bessemer drivers will pay, on average, $142 for full coverage and $39 for minimum coverage each month.

Bessemer drivers benefit from more affordable rates, especially compared to the national market. Nationally, drivers pay around $224 per month for full coverage and $67 for minimum liability insurance.

What Does Full vs. Minimum Mean?

Not all insurance policies offer the same amount of protection. In Alabama, minimum coverage refers to liability insurance. This coverage pays for injuries or damages you cause to others in a crash. It doesn’t, however, pay for repairs to your own vehicle or any of your own medical bills.

Full coverage insurance typically includes liability insurance along with comprehensive and collision coverage. Full coverage also protects you if your car is damaged by something other than an auto accident, including theft, vandalism, or a weather event. If you are driving a vehicle that’s financed or leased, full coverage is often required.

Driving in Bessemer involves navigating a mix of major highways and smaller residential side streets. Because of its location near Birmingham, Bessemer can experience heavy traffic congestion during peak commute times.

The city experiences relatively mild weather conditions, but rain and the occasional icy morning in the winter can make roads hazardous. Drivers will also need to negotiate construction zones, which are more common the nearer you get to Birmingham.

How Many Fatal Accidents Happen in Bessemer?

There are an average of nine or ten fatal accidents in Bessemer each year, with a total of 12 fatalities in 2023 (the most recent year data is available). The three most dangerous months are March, October, and November. The causes of these accidents vary, but distracted and impaired driving are common factors.

How Are the Road Infrastructure and Bridges in Bessemer?

Bessemer has a well-funded road infrastructure, including the Bessemer Super Highway. This was Alabama’s first divided four-lane highway connecting Bessemer with Birmingham.

The city is also near highways I-20 and I-59, and there are ongoing projects to resurface these roads and improve interchanges. Secondary roads are generally in good condition, though rural roads may have some potholes, especially after heavy rains.

Alabama requires all drivers to carry a minimum amount of liability insurance. These legal limits are in place to make sure a driver can cover damages if they are found to be at fault in an accident.

Here’s what Alabama requires, at minimum:

Driving without insurance in Bessemer can result in serious financial and legal consequences. Alabama authorities strictly enforce these laws, and if you are caught driving without the right insurance coverage, you could face:

Insurers in Alabama will consider a variety of personal and policy-related factors when calculating your premium. Each insurer uses a slightly different formula to calculate your premium, so it’s always worth shopping around for the best rate.

The factors used to calculate your premium may include:

Younger drivers in Bessemer often face higher premiums due to a lack of driving experience and an increased risk of accidents. Teenagers and drivers in their early 20s will pay much more than drivers in their 40s and 50s, even with the exact vehicle.

As drivers age, their premiums usually decrease, especially if they keep a clean record and consistent insurance history. Premiums typically continue to decrease until drivers reach their 70s.

At that point, age-related factors can increase their risk of being in an accident, so monthly premiums may increase slightly. Bundling policies and maintaining a good driving record can help offset rate changes.

Bessemer drivers may qualify for a wide variety of discounts, especially when they maintain safe habits or meet specific qualifying criteria. It’s often possible to apply multiple discounts to a policy, making discounts a very effective way of lowering your monthly insurance expenses.

Some of the most popular car insurance discounts include:

Talk to your agent to determine which discounts you may be eligible to receive on your auto insurance.