Cheap Car Insurance in Athens, GA
Whether you are enjoying the slow-paced, warm days of summer in this southern city or bundled up for a few short months of winter cold, Athens has something for everyone. Since it is a college town, there’s plenty of nightlife and outdoor activities for young people and families alike.
Keep in mind you must have car insurance to drive legally in the Peach State. At Southern Harvest, we can find budget-friendly coverage options to meet your needs.
Everything You Need to Know About Auto Insurance in Georgia
Since Athens is a college town, as well as home to famous music venues like the 40 Watt Club, expect there to be a lot going on. With architecture on all corners reminiscent of the antebellum age, you won’t get tired of sightseeing, even if you are a resident.
Young families often find a home in this charming town that offers well-paying jobs at the University of Georgia, Caterpillar, Apple and more. Manufacturing jobs are also plentiful at Sherwin-Williams, Coca-Cola, Rockwell and Athens Research & Technology. Clark County public schools typically come in with very high ratings.
The population of Athens is just over 128,000 and the streets can be filled with professionals, shift workers, parents and students driving from one place to another. If you live in Athens, you’ll want to invest in some cheap car insurance that will protect you financially. Keep reading to find out more about Athens and car insurance options.
How Much Does Car Insurance Cost in Athens, GA?
In Athens, the cost for state minimum liability insurance averages $44 per month, $24 cheaper than the Georgia average of $68 and $18 less than the national average of $62.
Full coverage auto insurance costs around $131 per month in Athens, significantly lower than Georgia’s $218 average and the national average of $215.
What Types of Coverage are Recommended for Georgia Drivers Beyond the Minimum?
Although the minimum state-required liability will keep you legal and help pay for any injuries and damages you cause up to your limits, it will never help pay for your own car repairs and medical bills.
There are several other coverage options that can help you in different situations. For example, collision coverage will pay to repair or replace your vehicle, regardless of accident fault. Comprehensive coverage will repair or replace your vehicle in the event it is stolen or damaged when you are not behind the wheel, like if a tree lands on your car during a bad storm.
Another good and cheap coverage to have is uninsured motorist coverage. Although uninsured motorist coverage is not required in Georgia, it will protect you if you are in a wreck caused by a hit-and-run driver or someone who does not have insurance. There are many such drivers in Georgia. This coverage typically cost pennies per day.
If all else is out of bounds, consider increasing your minimum liability up to limits that are more in line with today’s repair and medical costs.
Affordable Car Insurance Rates Comparison by Cities in Georgia
One of the factors insurers use to come up with your car insurance quote is location. Places where traffic is congested and there is an increase of accidents may cause higher rates, while rural settings with fewer claims may cause lower rates. Here’s a look at the average rates in some cities in Georgia, compared to Athens.
| City | Full Coverage Insurance | Liability Insurance Coverage |
|---|---|---|
| Athens | $131 | $44 |
| Roswell | $141 | $55 |
| Atlanta | $192 | $71 |
| Columbus | $142 | $48 |
| Savannah | $152 | $53 |
Low-Cost Car Insurance by Zip Code in Athens
One of the factors insurers use to come up with your car insurance quote is zip code. They look at how many claims are filed in your zip code and plug it into an algorithm to see how likely you are to file a claim based on where you live. It’s not entirely fair and many states are moving to ban this practice, but in the meantime, here are some comparisons for you to see what drivers in zip codes around Athens are paying.
| Zip Code | Full Coverage Insurance | Liability Insurance Coverage |
|---|---|---|
| 30601 | $131 | $44 |
| 30602 | $135 | $46 |
| 30622 | $134 | $43 |
| 30683 | $135 | $44 |
Low-Cost Car Insurance Rates by Age in Athens
In Georgia, teen drivers must go through a graduated licensing program before they are on their own on the road. Parents need to learn about auto insurance for teen drivers in Georgia to get the best rates, since young, inexperienced drivers always pay more than more mature drivers.
| Age | Full Coverage Insurance | Liability Insurance Coverage |
|---|---|---|
| Teenagers | $434 | $168 |
| 20s | $190 | $66 |
| 30s | $131 | $44 |
| 40s | $118 | $40 |
| 50s | $115 | $41 |
| 60s | $110 | $38 |
| 70s | $142 | $54 |
*We use the following methodology to arrive at our average cost: male, age 30, state minimum liability, and full coverage of 100/300/100.
Driving Conditions in Athens
Driving conditions in Athens, vary with weather and traffic. The University of Georgia causes downtown congestion, especially with and game-day traffic. Watch for cyclists and pedestrians during these times.
How Many Car Accidents Happen in Athens?
In 2024, Athens-Clark County PD reported 3,997 accidents. In 2022, there were 11 fatal wrecks in Athens. With downtown construction, game-day traffic and plenty of pedestrians on the roads, it is important to always drive safely and follow the road rules.
How Are the Road Infrastructure and Bridges in Athens?
The Athens-Clark County streets and drainage division is the first line of defense in maintaining the roads, streets, drainage, mowing and more of Athens. Bridges are maintained by the Athens-Clark County transportation and public works department.
In 2004, county voters approved a referendum to fund a diverse list of 33 community improvement projects including roads and bridges called SPLOST 2005. Residents can find updates on these projects at the SPLOST 2005 website.
Minimum Car Insurance Requirements in Athens
Georgia only requires a minimum liability coverage in order to drive legally. The liability limits are:
- Bodily Injury Liability: $25,000 per person and $50,000 per accident
- Property Damage Liability: $25,000
These minimums ensure that drivers have basic financial protection in the event they cause an accident.
What Are the Penalties for Driving Without Insurance in Athens?
As in most states, getting caught driving without insurance in Georgia can be expensive. That’s because the state doesn’t want to pick up the tab for an accident you cause. Your liability insurance is designed to help pay for the injuries and damages you cause when you are at fault in a wreck.
If you are caught without insurance, you face fines of up to $1,000, a suspended driver’s license and reinstatement fees. Multiple offenses can result in your vehicle being impounded and sold by the state. Plus, insurance companies frown on drivers who have gaps in their car insurance – this could cause your rates to skyrocket.
Factors Allowed in Athens Car Insurance Rates
Insurance company underwriters plus an enormous amount of information about you into a complicated algorithm to come up with your car insurance quote. That information is known as your personal factors. For example, your car’s make and model has an impact on your insurance rates. Here are some other factors:
- Your age: Younger drivers pay more due to inexperience and a higher claim rate.
- Your location: We’ve already covered how living in a congested, accident-prone area may cause higher rates.
- Your marital status: Married people are perceived as less likely to file a claim than their single counterparts.
- Your educational level: A college degree may earn you lower rates.
These are just a few of the factors insurers use to set your rates. Because these items are personalized to you, your quote will be also.
Find an office near you
Auto Insurance Rates for Young Drivers vs Older People in Athens
There is no shortage of young drivers in Athens, with the University of Georgia located right there. Many young drivers don’t understand what they need to know about car insurance as a Georgia college student and are still paying the highest rates. This is because they have not yet established a long-enough driving history to make the insurers comfortable with giving them their best rates.
Insurance companies enter into a contract with drivers. They agree to help pay for damages and injuries sustained in a covered claim and you agree to pay a monthly fee. Part of the risk for the insurer is figuring out how likely you are to file a claim. If there is no driving history to base that on, the insurer is going to charge more. Once a driver enters into their mid-20s and has a clean driving record with no claims, they’ll see a dramatic drop in rates.
Meanwhile, young drivers can find help in several ways:
- Stay on your parents’ policy as long as possible. Getting your own policy is always going to be more expensive.
- Maintain a good GPA as a fulltime student and ask for a good student discount.
- Take a defensive driving course. Some insurers offer a discount, especially for young drivers, who take such as course.
What are the Best Discounts for Car Insurance in Athens, GA?
One way insurers compete for your business is by offering incentives. A smart shopper can compare car insurance quotes across brands, but also find ones that offer the best discounts. Here are some of the best discounts to consider:
Get a Quote for Car Insurance Coverage in Athens Today!
Athens is a beautiful college town with plenty of attractions for young families and singles. There’s plenty of foot traffic in the downtown area, so it pays to stay sharp and off the phone. Whether you are driving through or you live in Athens, you’ll need legal car insurance to stay within the law.
At Southern Harvest Insurance, you can find affordable coverage that also keeps you safe. Get started with a quote online, visit us at an office nearest you or call us at 877-831-4677.
