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After considering an array of factors including claims processing, website navigation, discounts, and overall customer satisfaction, ALFA General topped our list for best car insurance in Georgia. While its premiums tend to be higher, Alfa General earned a top-three spot in J.D. Power’s Overall Customer Satisfaction Index Ranking in the Southeast Region. Alfa General also received high marks for both its customer service and claims process.
Based on our evaluation — in addition to research gathered from J.D. Power and AM Best — we’ve identified the four best car insurance companies in the state. Continue reading to see our analysis and recommendations for buying car insurance in Georgia.
The 4 Best Car Insurance Companies in Georgia
| Alfa General | GEICO | Auto-Owners | State Farm | |
| Our review | Our review | Our review | ||
| A.M. Best Financial Strength Rating | A | A++ | A++ | A++ |
| J.D. Power 2019 Overall Customer Satisfaction Score | 4/5 | 3/5 | 4/5 | 4/5 |
| Average Annual Premium | $1,092 | $790 | $847 | $830 |
Quadrant car insurance rate data as of 07/01/2019.
Alfa General
Pros
- Among the top 3 auto insurance companies for overall satisfaction
- High marks for its claims process and customer service
Cons
- Average annual premiums higher than competitors
Alfa General is one of the most highly rated car insurance companies in the Southeast Region, coming in third for overall customer satisfaction in the 2019 J.D. Power Auto Insurance Satisfaction Survey. Additionally, Alfa General earned high marks in categories across the board, including for its claims process and above-average customer service.
The only caveat is that at $1,092, Alfa General’s average annual premiums tend to be higher than many of its competitors in Georgia and on our list.
GEICO
Pros
- Competitive monthly rates
- Responsive 24/7 customer service and streamlined online experience
- Rideshare coverage
Cons
- Low credit score can affect premiums
- No gap insurance
GEICO is a consistently solid option for Georgia drivers who need comprehensive coverage but don’t want to pay exorbitant prices. In a recent J.D. Power study, GEICO earned the highest scores for digital customer service, with a 24-hour customer service line and a digital app that makes it easy for users to change and adjust their plans.
Plus, GEICO has enough coverage options to satisfy most drivers, including rideshare insurance that covers drivers for Uber, Lyft, Instacart, GrubHub, and similar services. GEICO also offers a variety of discounts for loyalty, driver history, vehicle equipment, and more. Where GEICO falls short is its lack of gap insurance. What’s more, a low credit score could mean higher monthly premiums.
Auto-Owners
Pros
- Above-average score for overall customer satisfaction
- Variety of policy add-ons, coverage options, and discounts
Cons
- No online quote system
With high ratings for overall customer satisfaction, Auto-Owners is a popular selection among Georgia drivers looking for a company with lots of options. Along with all the state-required types of coverage, Auto-Owners offers gap coverage, diminished value coverage, and additional expense insurance. Plus, it has add-ons like collision coverage advantage and rental car insurance, as well as discounts for multiple cars, multiple policies, and paperless billing.
One glaring downside is that you can’t get an instant free quote online — you must find and speak to an independent agent using your zip code.
State Farm
Pros
- Affordable monthly premiums
- Top marks for financial strength and insurance ratings
- Several discounts available
Cons
- Less straightforward quote process than some competitors
State Farm earned stellar marks from both AM Best and S&P Global for its financial strength and insurance ratings — an advantage considering our research shows State Farm’s average monthly premiums for car insurance in Georgia are among the least expensive on our list.
When measured against its competitors in a recent J.D. Power study, State Farm fared relatively well, scoring 4 out of 5 stars in several categories, including overall satisfaction. State Farm offers a variety of discounts for Georgia drivers, such as an accident-free discount, a safe driver discount, and a safe student discount. One downside is State Farm’s less straightforward quote process that may frustrate some customers.
The Cheapest Car Insurance Companies in Georgia
| Car Insurance Companies | Average Annual Premium |
| Owners Ins | $762 |
| GA Farm Bureau Mutual | $778 |
| GEICO | $790 |
| State Farm | $830 |
| USAA | $847 |
| Auto-Owners | $847 |
| Country Preferred/Mutual | $920 |
| Metropolitan P&C | $971 |
| Esurance | $1,031 |
| ALFA General | $1,092 |
| Mercury Indemnity | $1,275 |
| Allstate | $1,320 |
| Safeway Ins Co of GA | $1,359 |
| Encompass Ind | $1,368 |
| Nationwide | $1,392 |
| ACCC Ins Co – Maverick | $1,691 |
| Progressive | $1,717 |
| Southern General | $2,757 |
| Average Across Credit Rating Tiers | $1,240 |
| Credit Rating Tier | Average Annual Premium |
| Poor | $1,623 |
| Below Fair | $1,388 |
| Fair | $1,208 |
| Average | $1,117 |
| Good | $1,047 |
| Excellent | $904 |
| Average Across Credit Rating Tiers | $1,319 |
Quadrant car insurance rate data as of 07/01/2019.
These rates are a sample set meant only for general comparison. Your own premium will vary. Learn how we tested rates for the cheapest car insurance companies below.
Top 3 Cheapest Car Insurance Companies in Georgia
- Owners Insurance – $762
- Georgia Farm Bureau Mutual – $778
- GEICO – $790
Top 3 Most Expensive Car Insurance Companies in Georgia
- Southern General – $2,757
- Progressive – $1,717
- ACCC Insurance Company – Maverick – $1,691
Southern General, Progressive, and ACCC Insurance Company – Maverick are among the most expensive car insurance companies in Georgia, while Owner’s Insurance, Georgia Farm Bureau Mutual, and GEICO all provide more affordable options for Georgia drivers.
It’s important to note that these less expensive premiums may not include the same discounts or coverage as other, more expensive plans, and the figures used were created with general profiles. The smartest way to find out the best value for your coverage is by requesting personalized quotes.
Guide to Car Insurance in Georgia
Georgia Minimum Liability
When purchasing insurance, it’s important to take a few things into consideration, especially how much responsibility each party has in the event of an accident — also known as “minimum liability.” The two primary types of liability with auto insurance are bodily injury and property damage. For instance, if you’re the at-fault party in the event of an accident, your liability insurance covers the other driver’s repairs and medical bills.
Minimum liability is the amount of coverage you’re required to purchase in Georgia before you can drive your vehicle legally. Georgia’s minimum liability coverage is as follows:
- $25,000 bodily injury coverage per person
- $50,000 bodily injury coverage per accident
- $25,000 property damage coverage per accident
Advantages of Purchasing More Than the Minimum
Remember that the numbers listed above are the minimum liability that you’re required to purchase, and many plans include liability coverage with a higher cap. This higher cap can be advantageous in the event that you get into an accident with a luxury car owner or when medical bills exceed $50,000. Otherwise, as soon as the bills exceed $25,000 (or $50,000), it’s your responsibility to cover the remainder out of your own pocket. That’s why it’s a good idea to consider purchasing the greatest amount of liability insurance you can afford.
How We Found the Best Georgia Car Insurance Companies
To determine the top car insurance in Georgia, we started with the largest companies in the state and analyzed a number of factors including research gathered from J.D. Power auto insurance-specific studies, AM Best, and the provider’s websites. We assessed the qualities of each provider’s different offerings, including average yearly premiums, discounts, claims processes, customer service, and ease of website navigation.
We worked with Quadrant Information Services to provide data on auto insurance rates by company and credit score. Quadrant makes this information available using rate data that insurers are required to file with the state Department of Insurance. Rates are based on sample profiles created by Reviews.com for comparative purposes.
Georgia Car Insurance Companies FAQ
How high will my Georgia auto insurance premium be?
Our research shows that average annual premiums in Georgia range from $762 to $2,757. When shopping for insurance, factors like age, type of vehicle, and area of residence can impact the cost of premiums. This is where discounts can play a role in which company you choose as your auto insurance provider.
Will car theft affect my auto insurance premium in Georgia?
In Georgia, specifically, 15 of Georgia’s major metropolitan areas were included in the National Insurance Crime Bureau’s Hot Spots Report (in 2017) for cities with the most instances of car theft. In other words: Georgia’s comparatively higher crime rate may mean higher premiums for residents living in areas where car theft is more common. However, the good news is that some providers may give discounts to customers who choose to install anti-theft devices in their vehicles.
Why are Georgia auto insurance premiums so high?
The soaring premiums in Georgia may be due to the fact that regulations in the auto insurance industry have loosened significantly in the past decade. Before SB 276 passed in 2008, car insurance firms typically required prior approval from the state’s Insurance Commissioner before increasing their premiums. Currently, providers of car insurance in Georgia only have to file their new rates at the Commissioner’s office and they are effective immediately.
About the Authors
Suzanna Colberg specializes in print articles and web content. Her stories have been published in Massage Magazine, Grand Rapids Magazine, AAA Magazine, and SwitchedOn Leadership magazine. As a senior copywriter and content strategist in Chicago, Suzanna has worked with clients that run the gamut from healthcare to agriculture to hearing aids, human resources software, finance and more.
