Cheap Car Insurance in Tuscaloosa, AL

Called T-Town by residents and students, Tuscaloosa is best known as the home of the University of Alabama. What most people don’t know is that this vibrant city was once the state capital and is a place steeped in history. Residents and visitors can learn more about the town’s history from popular attractions, including the Tuscaloosa Civil Rights Trail and the Alabama Museum of Natural History.

Beyond its appeal as a college town and historical landmark, Tuscaloosa is filled with parks, trails, museums, and exemplary restaurants. When driving to Tuscaloosa’s many attractions, it pays to remember that local motorists take things slow. Driving below the speed limit is more common than speeding, and city driving can be hectic. Like all other cities in Alabama, you must have an active Alabama car insurance policy to drive in Tuscaloosa.

Driving without insurance can lead to fines, license and registration restrictions, and higher rates in the future. Our guide will tell you everything you need to know about auto insurance requirements in Tuscaloosa and ways you can save on your policy.

Drivers in Tuscaloosa pay an average of $35 monthly for the minimum liability coverage required by the state. The cost is slightly below the state average of $42 and significantly cheaper than the national average of $67 per month.

Full auto insurance coverage in Tuscaloosa averages around $126, which is notably more affordable than the state average of $173/month and the national average of $223/month for full auto insurance coverage.

Alabama is an “at-fault” insurance state, which means motorists found at fault for causing a collision may be held financially accountable for the damages they cause to others. However, Alabama has strict laws concerning contributory negligence. If the injured person is at all responsible (even 1%) for causing the accident, they cannot recover compensation. This strict rule can mean those involved in an accident will work harder to hold the other side responsible for an accident, increasing the need for adequate insurance coverage.

Driving conditions impact the frequency of accidents and other issues that drive up claim frequency and affect insurance rates. Learning about Tuscaloosa driving conditions can help set your expectations regarding insurance costs.

How Many Fatal Accidents Happen in Tuscaloosa?

In 2021, 47 people died in or after vehicle accidents in Tuscaloosa. According to law enforcement, most accidents were caused by speeding or distracted, impaired, or reckless driving.

How Are the Road Infrastructure and Bridges in Tuscaloosa?

The Tuscaloosa County Public Works Department maintains county roads and bridges, and the Alabama Department of Transportation oversees and repairs state highways. Several projects have been completed in the last several years to repair Tuscaloosa state and county roads, including paving, resurfacing, and widening roads.

Additional projects are scheduled to be completed in the coming months and years. Road construction can add to roadway risks and increase time requirements for drivers to get to their destinations.

Tuscaloosa’s 256 bridges handle 3,214,173 vehicles daily. Of these bridges, only 0.7% are in poor condition. Over 5% are in fair condition, 33.6% are in satisfactory condition, 28.9% are in good condition, 6% are in very good condition, and 6% are in excellent condition.

While average insurance rates in Tuscaloosa are below both state and national averages, costs are still high for younger drivers. For example, full coverage for a 16-year-old is about $577/month, and minimum liability coverage is $191. Rates decline steadily each year to reach $268 and $83, respectively, by the time the driver reaches age 20. Meanwhile, rates for drivers between the ages of 30 and 70 have a maximum range of about $20 per month.

Since younger drivers have less experience than older drivers, they are significantly riskier to insure. Of all fatal crashes in Alabama in 2020, 6% were caused by drivers 19 and under, and 19% were caused by drivers under 26 years old. These stats clearly illustrate the higher risks and related higher insurance rates for younger drivers.