Find Car Insurance in Athens, GA
What You Should Know About Car Insurance in Athens, GA
In many ways, Athens is a college town. The University of Georgia was incorporated here in 1785. It is the oldest school of higher learning in the state, with an enrollment of over 43,000. The music scene and numerous shops in the nearby downtown area are supported by — and cater to — the students, and many locals work at the university. Athens has many buildings dating back to the early to mid-1800s, several of which are located on campus.
Rounding out the economy in Athens are industries such as manufacturing, retail, tech startups, and tourism. Being a college town, Athens is a vibrant city with numerous exciting events to attend, but it also boasts many interesting sites to explore and venues that cater to people of all ages. Expert agents are waiting to help you find the best auto insurance at the best price in Georgia, so you can drive around town while being protected financially in case you cause an accident.
How Much Does Car Insurance Cost in Athens, Georgia?
One of the good things about living in this state is that car insurance in Georgia is inexpensive compared to some parts of the country. A minimum liability policy will cost you $639 yearly, and full coverage runs about $2,085. Those numbers are pretty much in line with the national averages of $622 and $2,014. However, depending on various factors, your agent may be able to reduce your rate to even more affordable levels.
What Does Full Coverage vs. Minimum Liability Mean?
Minimum liability is a basic form of coverage that helps you pay for damages you cause when you are at fault for an accident. Full coverage adds protection for your own vehicle even when you are responsible for the incident. It also covers many other instances of damage to your car, including theft, vandalism, and natural disasters. Because of the lower level of liability to insurers, minimum liability policies are less costly than full coverage, but they also leave you exposed to paying significant money out of pocket if you cause an accident.
Affordable Car Insurance Rates Comparison by Cities in Athens
Rates can vary widely depending on where you live. Accident rates and many other local factors play a heavy role in how much insurers will charge for your policy. Below is a comparison of monthly premiums between Athens and cities in its proximity.
| City | Full Coverage Insurance | Liability Insurance Coverage |
|---|---|---|
| Athens | $131 | $44 |
| Buford | $151 | $58 |
| Covington | $152 | $55 |
| Gainesville | $135 | $48 |
| Lawrenceville | $155 | $61 |
How Bundling Your Car and Homeowners Insurance Can Save You Money in Athens
As the above chart indicates, Athens residents enjoy very reasonable rates. But did you know you can lower your premiums even more by bundling your home and auto insurance?
In the industry, the term for when you get two or more policies from the same provider is called bundling. Doing so is very convenient since you only have to work with the same company to obtain your coverage and pay your bills. Even better, when you bundle homeowners insurance and car insurance, you can lower your premium by up to 25%.
InsureOne agents work hard to price out your policies with top-tier carriers that offer the best pricing and bundling discounts. You get to relax and enjoy a white-glove experience as your agent sorts out the details and delivers a package of policies with the best coverage at the best prices tailored to your needs.
What Types of Car Insurance Discounts Are Available in Athens?
People who are not in the industry would be surprised to learn how many discounts insurers offer to lower your insurance premiums. In addition to bundling, here are a few more of the many discounts your provider may make available to you:
- Retention discount
- Usage-based (telematics) discount
- Good driver discount
- Student discount
- Low-mileage discount
Notable Car Insurance Laws in Athens
Georgia has many laws that dictate how insurers in the state must conduct their business. The following are some of the guidelines by which carriers operating in Athens and around the state must abide.
What Are the Mandatory Car Insurance Requirements in Athens?
Just about every state in the U.S. requires its drivers to obtain at least the basic amount of coverage. To operate a vehicle in Georgia, you must have a minimum of:
- $25,000 liability coverage for bodily injury per person
- $50,000 liability coverage for bodily injury per accident
- $25,000 liability coverage for property damage
These numbers should cover you in case you cause a minor or moderate crash. Ask your agent about options for higher limits as well, since accidents can exceed these numbers, and you do not want to be liable for paying out of pocket for damages you cause.
What Is the Penalty for Driving Without Insurance in Athens?
If you are caught driving in Georgia and you are uninsured, you will face the following penalties for a first offense:
- A misdemeanor charge
- Fines of up to $1,000
- Registration suspension
- License suspension
If an officer catches you a second time, the penalties will be stiffer, and you will be required to file an SR-22 form with the state. If you obtain a policy but have a lapse in coverage, you will pay:
- An $85 fee
- A $160 reinstatement fee if you are caught more than twice in five years.
Do Athens-Specific Laws Play a Role in Determining Your Insurance Premiums?
Your premiums might be very different from those of other policyholders because insurers determine their liability based on many details regarding you, your vehicle, and where you live. These are a few of the many factors insurers may consider as they calculate your rate:
- Your driving record
- Your claims history
- The type of car you are insuring
- How many years you have been driving
- Theft rates in your zip code
Auto Insurance Rates for Young Drivers vs. Older People in Georgia
Another major concern for insurers is your age. Young drivers, especially teenagers, are considered less responsible on the road and pay much higher rates when they first get behind the wheel. Rates drop as a driver ages because they are statistically less likely to cause an accident and more capable of avoiding a crash due to another driver’s misstep. Once old age sets in and cognitive decline becomes a concern, rates begin to increase once again.
Regardless of your age, at InsureOne, our expert agents help you find the best auto insurance with customizable options that best meet your needs.
Typical Driving Conditions in Athens
There are numerous cars on the road in Athens, and the numbers are expected to continue increasing alongside population growth and rising student enrollment at the University of Georgia. While the streets are somewhat less traveled when the campus is closed, during the school season, the roads are flooded with young drivers, many of whom lack extensive driving experience. The city also has many simultaneous road projects as the municipal government works to improve the infrastructure to accommodate the growth.
How Many Car Accidents Happen in Athens Per Year?
Accident rates in your city affect your premiums because they indicate the level of liability your insurer will face if it issues you a policy. The Georgia Department of Transportation reported 2024 crash rates for Athens and other local municipalities as follows:
| City | Total Crashes |
|---|---|
| Athens | 4,556 |
| Buford | 1,204 |
| Covington | 904 |
| Gainesville | 2,764 |
| Lawrenceville | 2,385 |
How Many Uninsured/Underinsured Motorists Are in Athens?
According to the Insurance Information Institute, a staggering 18.1% of Georgia’s drivers are uninsured. If you get into an accident in this state, there is a 1 in 5.5 chance that the other driver does not have a policy in place. In such a case, if the responsible party does not have their own funds to cover your loss, you would have to pay for your damages yourself. To prevent this from happening, consider obtaining uninsured/underinsured motorist coverage so that your own policy will help cover these types of losses.
Get Covered by the Best Car Insurance in Athens, Georgia, Today
The University of Georgia boosts the local economy, adds vibrancy to the city, and brings fans lots of pride with its athletics program and the Georgia Bulldogs teams, affectionately known as “the Dawgs.” But the school also brings many inexperienced drivers to town, which means you need a policy that protects your vehicle if you ever get into an accident.
Get the best service in the state from our experts at InsureOne. Our agents provide customized policies at the most affordable prices based on your unique needs. You can get the process started by stopping by one of our physical locations, calling us at (800) 836-2240, or visiting our website.