Cheap Car Insurance in Athens, GA
Everything You Need to Know About Auto Insurance in Georgia
Athens, Georgia, is a popular college town, home to the North Campus of the University of Georgia. Called “The Classic City” because of its culture, architecture, and long history in the United States, Athens is a go-to destination for students, tourists, and professionals looking for a great city to further their careers.
Athens is also home to eight major highways, and having the right car insurance in Georgia can make all the difference in safely navigating the city and having better peace of mind.
Athens is home to both the University of Georgia and Piedmont University. The city also has a rich musical history, with the new wave band B-52s getting their start there in 1976. Additionally, Athens hosts the annual Twilight Series bicycle races, drawing cyclists and spectators alike.
How Much Does Car Insurance Cost in Athens, GA?
Georgia drivers pay an average of $1,042 a year for the minimum car coverage required by the state or $86.83 monthly for their premiums. Compared to the national average of $767 a year ($61.92 a month), Georgia drivers pay around 33% more than the typical driver.
In Athens, GA, drivers with full-coverage car insurance pay $213 a month, a 14% reduction compared to the rest of the state, which pays an average monthly full-coverage premium of $244.92. By comparison, the rest of the country spends an average of $219.38 monthly—essentially the same rate as Athens drivers.
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What Does It Mean If Georgia Is At-Fault?
Georgia is an at-fault state. That means the responsible party in a car collision (or their liability insurance provider) must pay for injuries and damages.
During the claims process, insurance companies and drivers’ lawyers must determine fault before processing claims or approving payouts. When multiple parties are considered at fault for an incident, they must split the payment obligations based on what portion of the fault is theirs.
Compare this to no-fault states, where drivers and their insurance providers are responsible for covering their own injuries and damages.
Affordable Car Insurance Rates Comparison by Cities in Georgia
See how much drivers typically pay in Georgia cities besides Athens. Check our breakdown below to get context regarding full coverage and liability insurance coverage rates:
| City | Full Coverage Insurance | Liability Insurance Coverage |
|---|---|---|
| Athens | $131 | $53 |
| Clarkston | $195 | $93 |
| Decatur | $196 | $92 |
| Redan | $193 | $90 |
| Valdosta | $112 | $46 |
Affordable Athens Car Insurance Rates by Zip Code
Athens sprawls across 122 square miles and multiple zip codes. Your zip code plays a significant role in insurance providers’ calculations, and insurance rates can vary significantly from zip code to zip code, even within the same town, because of different driving conditions, claims rates, population density, and other factors.
Review this chart for a glance at the average monthly premium paid by Athens drivers by zip code:
| Zip Code | Full Coverage Insurance | Liability Insurance Coverage |
|---|---|---|
| 30601 | $131 | $53 |
| 30602 | $130 | $53 |
| 30603 | $135 | $55 |
| 30604 | $135 | $55 |
| 30605 | $132 | $53 |
| 30606 | $129 | $53 |
| 30607 | $133 | $53 |
| 30608 | $135 | $55 |
| 30609 | $134 | $55 |
Low-Cost Car Insurance Rates by Age in Athens
Age is another important criterion that insurance providers consider when determining the premiums for insurance coverage in Athens. Younger drivers typically pay higher monthly rates than older drivers.
| Age | Full Coverage Insurance | Liability Insurance Coverage |
|---|---|---|
| Teenagers (18 years old) | $434 | $190 |
| 20s | $159 | $64 |
| 30s | $125 | $51 |
| 40s | $118 | $49 |
| 50s | $111 | $47 |
| 60s | $115 | $50 |
| 70s | $142 | $65 |
*Disclaimer: Rates shown are monthly averages for 30-year-old male drivers in Athens, GA. Full coverage is $100K/$300K/$100K, and liability-only is $50K/$100K/$50K. Unless noted, age-based rates use the midpoint (e.g., 25 for ‘20s’).
Driving Conditions in Athens
The driving conditions in Athens don’t just affect your initial car insurance premiums. They affect your chances of getting in a car collision or other incident that raises your premiums. Learn more about the likelihood of accidents and the general road conditions as you shop for car insurance in Athens, GA.
How Many Fatal Accidents Happen in Athens?
In 2023, Athens-Clarke County saw 22 fatal accidents involving 35 vehicles, many of which occurred along Atlanta Highway/W Broad Street in central west Athens.
Approximately 45% of fatal accidents occurred during daylight, and another 45% occurred in unlighted areas after dark. Approximately 60% of fatal accidents occurred in clear conditions, with 23% occurring in the rain.
How Are the Road Infrastructure and Bridges in Athens?
The Roads and Drainage Division of Athens-Clarke County (ACC) handles ongoing maintenance and construction services for roads throughout Athens, GA. The city updates notices on road closures, lane closures, and lane restrictions weekly.
Multiple highways pass through the city, but there are challenges due to congestion and heavy traffic. Three notable roadways for poor road safety are Prince Avenue, Atlanta Highway, and Lexington Road. During winter, bridges may face significant ice and snow accumulation.
Minimum Car Insurance Requirements in Athens
Car drivers in Athens, GA, must meet Georgia’s minimum car insurance coverage requirements. These include the following forms of liability insurance:
- Bodily Injury Liability Coverage of $25,000 per person and $50,000 per incident
- Property Damage Liability Coverage of $25,000 per incident
This liability coverage is the minimum the law requires to own and drive a car in Georgia. However, it’s best to also consider these coverages:
- Collision physical damage insurance, which covers physical damage to your vehicle from a collision regardless of fault.
- Comprehensive physical damage insurance, which covers physical damage to your vehicle from events besides a collision, such as theft.
- Uninsured Motorist Insurance, which can help cover expenses if you are in a collision with an uninsured motorist.
What Are the Penalties for Driving Without Insurance in Athens, GA?
All drivers in Georgia must have active registration and active vehicle liability insurance coverage. Failure to do so will result in insurance penalties and fines:
- Initial Penalty: For a lapse in coverage, you can be charged $25 for the lapse and up to $160 for failing to pay the fine. Your vehicle could also receive a suspended registration.
- Additional Penalties: If you drive a suspended vehicle, you could face further fines and vehicle impoundment.
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Factors Allowed in Athens Car Insurance Rates
Car and auto insurance companies calculate insurance premiums based on several different factors. Underwriters can consider:
- Your driving record or the record of other drivers who regularly use the vehicle
- Age and gender
- Location, including zip code
- Type of vehicle
- Types of requested coverage and coverage amounts
- Marital status
Insurance providers may also consider education level, student status, or military record to give discounts or promotional offers. Your insurance premium may also increase or decrease over time based on your claims history and driving behavior. Talk to a local agent near you to learn more about discounts and to request a free quote.
What Happens If I Damage Property?
If you damage property during the event of a car collision, you will be considered at fault for the damage and must pay the related damages.
If you have liability coverage, your insurance provider will cover all the qualifying costs up to the policy limits (and you may be personally liable for any amount exceeding those limits). Liability coverage only covers damage to public property or property belonging to third parties—it will not cover damage to your own vehicle and possessions.
If you damage property, call the local police or Georgia State Patrol as soon as it is safe to do so. Failing to report the incident can result in criminal charges and additional fees.
What Are the Best Discounts for Car Insurance in Athens, GA?
Drivers in Athens can qualify for multiple discounts on their monthly premiums. Reach out to your insurance provider often to learn more about company-specific promotions and discounts you may be eligible for. Typical car insurance discounts you may qualify for include:
It’s a good idea to check in with your insurance company every few months to see if there are any new discounts you might be eligible for. Additionally, if your circumstances change and you think a new discount could be applicable, reach out to your insurance representative as soon as possible.
Get an Online Quote for Car Insurance in Athens Today!
When you need fast and reliable car insurance, reach out to Freeway Insurance for help finding the right coverage in a flash. We help drivers in Athens and surrounding communities navigate the insurance purchase process and find the right coverage for their budget and local requirements.
Reach out today for personalized assistance finding different coverage options. Request a free car insurance quote online from the Freeway Insurance team. You can also call us at 800-777-5620 or visit one of our Georgia offices.