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Beth Swanson

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Beth joined The Zebra in 2022 as an Associate Content Strategist. She is a licensed insurance agent whose goal is to make insurance content easy to r…

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Ross Martin

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Ross joined The Zebra as a writer and researcher in 2019. He specializes in writing insurance content to help shoppers make informed decisions.

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How much does car insurance cost in Atlanta?

Car insurance in Atlanta can be costly for residents, with drivers paying an average of $1,161 every six months or an average sum of $194 per month. These rates are higher than both Georgia's state average and the national average ($984 and $880 respectively). 40% of our customers said they're paying too much for car insurance coverage in Atlanta. 

However, our 2024 data shows that Georgia Farm Bureau currently offers rates almost 40% lower than this standard — just $733 for a six-month policy. Whether you're satisfied with your current company, want to shop around, or simply hoping to learn more about auto insurance in Atlanta, The Zebra is here to help. Let's look at how factors such as age, credit score, and even your neighborhood can affect your rates, and how to ensure that you're getting the best one possible. 

Car Insurance in Atlanta vs. Georgia
Car Insurance in Atlanta vs. Georgia Avg. 6 Mo. Premium
Atlanta Average $1,161
Georgia Average $984

The cheapest car insurance companies in Atlanta

1st place medal
1st place: Georgia Farm Bureau

Georgia Farm Bureau is the cheapest at $122 per month or $733 for a six-month policy.

2nd place medal
2nd place: USAA

In second place is USAA, which costs $880 for a six-month policy. That breaks down to about $147 per month. USAA typically offers affordable coverage, but not everyone qualifies for USAA coverage.

3rd place medal
3rd place: Nationwide

Last, but not least, on our list is Nationwide as the third-cheapest insurance company. On average, a Nationwide policy in Atlanta costs $909 per six-month policy.

The Zebra's key takeaways about car insurance in Atlanta:

  • The average cost of a car insurance policy in Atlanta is $1,161 per six-month policy — $194 per month.
  • The cheapest company in Atlanta is Georgia Farm Bureau ($122 per month).
  • Atlanta ranks as the 27th most expensive city for car insurance in Georgia.
  • 40% of our customers in Atlanta stated they came to The Zebra because they're paying too much for car insurance.

Are you paying too much for auto insurance?

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Atlanta car insurance rates by company

According to our data for 2024, the cheapest car insurance company for full coverage in Atlanta is Georgia Farm Bureau at $122 per month or $733 per six-month policy. The second cheapest insurance company is USAA at $147 per month or $880 for a six-month policy.

Learn more about top-rated car insurance companies based on The Zebra's Customer Satisfaction Survey.

 

Cheapest car insurance companies in Atlanta, Georgia
Company Avg. 6 Mo. Premium
Georgia Farm Bureau $733
USAA $880
Nationwide $909
Allstate $1,016
Progressive $1,107
State Farm $1,141
Mercury $1,231
GEICO $1,939

The Zebra’s Dynamic Insurance Rating Tool data methodology

The Zebra’s Dynamic Insurance Rating Tool for home and auto insurance rates utilizes the latest ZIP code-level rate filings from across the U.S., sourced from Quadrant Information Services and S&P Global. These filings, typically updated annually or biennially by insurers, are verified through Quadrant’s QA process and then integrated into The Zebra’s estimator.

The displayed rates are based on a dynamic home and auto profile designed to reflect the content of the page. This profile is tailored to match specific factors such as age, location, and coverage level, which are adjusted based on the page content to show how these variables can impact premiums.

For a comprehensive understanding, see our detailed methodology.


Shop around to get the best rates


The best way to find cheap auto insurance, that also meets all your needs, is to shop around. Our comparison tool will take care of the hard work, so you can dig into the details and make an educated decision. Enter your ZIP code to see rates from Georgia Farm Bureau, Nationwide and other top insurers to find the best, and cheapest, car insurance in Atlanta. 

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Average car insurance in Atlanta by rating factor

As your life progresses, the rates for car insurance that are best for you may shift as well. This is why it's important to review various auto policies from time to time in order to determine if a different provider could save you money or offer better coverage. Though most companies use similar rating factors, such as credit scores and past claims, when deciding on premiums, they can be weighed differently depending on the insurer — so keep this in mind and don't be afraid to get multiple quotes.

Q: I didn't have an accident — Why is my insurance going up?

A: End-of-year earnings (revenue of premiums versus the cost of paying insureds’ claims) is another rating factor for how much you will pay for car insurance in Atlanta. You may be a stellar driver with zero claims on your record but could still end up paying more with a particular company. This can be simply because the price of doing business has increased in your area.

Auto insurance premiums by age in Atlanta

Age is a key rating factor when it comes to car insurance. Teen drivers (and their parents) are often surprised to find out that their auto insurance premiums can cost significantly more than those of other age groups. Data gathered by insurers suggest that teens have a higher accident rate, and as such, they must bear the burden of the highest car insurance costs in many areas. The insurance company is able to offset the cost of paying claims through these higher costs.

In Atlanta, the average annual difference between teen driver rates and those of drivers in their 20s is $4,452 for new policies. Although it might not feel quite fair on paper, remember that it isn't personal. An insurer's goal is to help safeguard against the risk posed by inexperienced motorists, so as you get older and become more experienced, your rates will start to become more reasonable. 

Cheapest car insurance companies for teen drivers in Atlanta, GA
Company Avg. 6 Mo. Premium
Georgia Farm Bureau $2,127
USAA $2,605
Nationwide $3,384
Allstate $3,713
GEICO $4,285
State Farm $4,329
Progressive $5,465
Mercury $6,563
Age Bracket Cheapest Companies Avg. 6 Mo. Premium
20s Georgia Farm Bureau $928
30s Georgia Farm Bureau $743
40s Georgia Farm Bureau $716
50s Georgia Farm Bureau $681
60s Georgia Farm Bureau $679
70s Georgia Farm Bureau $823

Zebra Tip: The cheapest companies for Atlanta drivers aged 20 to 40 are Georgia Farm Bureau, USAA and Nationwide


Our research shows that people between the ages of 20 and 40 make up the majority of drivers in Atlanta. On average, drivers in this age range pay $1,347 every six months. However, they could potentially save up to 28% by working with one of these three companies. As we've noted, USAA is available to military members and their families, so not everyone is eligible for their insurance.

Auto insurance premiums for minimum coverage in Atlanta

Car insurance comes in many different shapes and sizes. Some coverage can be much more expensive than others, so understanding what coverage you currently have and how it affects your rates can be a game changer when it comes to saving money. Our data indicates that 30% of Atlanta drivers have the state minimum coverage, and while carrying the bare minimum is meeting legal requirements and can be much cheaper than comprehensive, it can also leave you at risk of being underinsured. 

Although it provides more peace of mind, adding collision coverage or comprehensive coverage (commonly known as "full coverage") will likely increase your rates and require a deductible. Your deductible and rates are inversely related — the lower the deductible, the higher your rates will be. If you want to keep costs down but want more than minimum coverage, consider full coverage with a higher deductible option.  

Another option is to add roadside assistance or uninsured motorist coverage that can protect you against uninsured drivers. Like full coverage, these will increase your rates, but experts at The Zebra still recommend carrying these options to add another layer of protection in the event of an incident. 

Q: Can I lower my car insurance coverage?

A: Possibly — if your vehicle is paid off.

According to our data, 51% of drivers in Atlanta own their vehicles. If you're leasing or financing your vehicle, there will be certain insurance requirements you'll have to carry. However, if you're one of the 51% and looking to save some money, you could consider dropping your comprehensive or collision coverage. It's a good idea to learn the value of your car before doing this, though. Typically, if your vehicle is worth $4,000 or less you probably don't need collision coverage, which can save you money on your premium. But keep in mind that you could be stuck paying out of pocket for repairs without the coverage. It comes down to peace of mind and what's most important to you as a vehicle owner. 

Cheapest car insurance companies for minimum coverage in Atlanta, GA
Company Avg. 6 Mo. Premium
Georgia Farm Bureau $341
USAA $381
Allstate $467
State Farm $483
GEICO $489
Progressive $523
Mercury $542
Nationwide $556
  • Minimum: State liability coverage only
  • Basic: State liability + collision and comprehensive (full) coverage
  • Better: Better liability limits at 50/100/50. Full coverage included with towing and rental car benefits. This may include additional personal medical benefits and uninsured/underinsured motorist coverage.
  • Best: Best liability limits at 100/300/50. Full coverage included with better towing and rental car benefits and better personal medical benefits and increased uninsured/underinsured coverage.

43% of our customers in Atlanta opt for the basic level of coverage, but this may not be the best option for everyone. Minimum coverage can be appealing when it comes to saving money, but it can also put you in a situation where you won't have enough coverage to cover damages. Georgia's 25/50/25 liability limits provide coverage for damage you cause up to $25,000 per person in bodily injury, $50,000 per accident in bodily injury and $25,000 for property damage. This will generally be enough for a minor car accident, but if there are multiple vehicles involved or injuries sustained then you might not have enough coverage.

Learn more about insurance laws in Georgia.

Atlanta car insurance rates by credit score

Like age, credit score is one of the major factors that help determine your premium and can sometimes make insurance coverage more pricey — regardless of your home state. There are a few reasons why credit score is a rating factor for auto insurance in Georgia. Research shows that drivers with poor credit history tend to make more claims, take more risks on the road and have lapses in auto insurance coverage. This information shows that drivers with poor credit are riskier to insure, which results in higher insurance rates.

When trying to save money on auto insurance, improving your credit score can be a great way to start working toward lower rates. Atlanta drivers with poor credit (300-579) pay 96% more than drivers with excellent credit (800-850). Most individuals behind the wheel in Atlanta (38%) have an "Average" credit score. In 2024, Georgia Farm Bureau is the cheapest option for Atlanta drivers who fall into this category.

car insurance in Atlanta by credit score
Cheapest car insurance companies for bad credit in Atlanta, GA
Company Avg. 6 Mo. Premium
Nationwide $1,218
Georgia Farm Bureau $1,395
Progressive $1,511
Allstate $1,533
USAA $1,606
Mercury $1,707
State Farm $2,251
GEICO $2,687

Zebra Tip: If you recently improved your credit score, shop around for car insurance!


Drivers in Atlanta who have "Fair" credit pay $1,238 less for car insurance in a year than drivers with "Poor" credit. Even small changes can make a big difference when it comes to credit scores. So if you've paid off a loan or done anything else that has increased your score, then check in with your preferred credit app or website to see if your number has gone up. If so, then it's a great time to see what you can save on auto insurance. 

Auto insurance rates with an at-fault accident

The most frequent auto insurance claims are at-fault and collision-type accidents. In 2024, having an at-fault accident increased the average car insurance rates in Atlanta from $194 to $275 per month. Georgia Farm Bureau offered the best rates for drivers after an at-fault accident, compared to other insurers in Atlanta.

Driving safely and avoiding tickets and accidents are the best way to keep your auto insurance rates reasonable, regardless of your city. Violations don't all affect your rates in the same way, either, but most will follow you for three to five years after the incident.  Things like DUI or reckless driving can increase your rates drastically and stay on your record even longer, whereas infractions such as driving without lights or failure to wear a seatbelt may not make as large of an impact. Either way, it's best to avoid violations altogether. 

Cheapest car insurance companies after an at-fault accident in Atlanta, GA
Company Avg. 6 Mo. Premium
Georgia Farm Bureau $899
USAA $1,274
Nationwide $1,533
Allstate $1,591
State Farm $1,601
Progressive $1,920
Mercury $2,191
GEICO $2,579

Atlanta car insurance rates by violation

Below you can see how specific violations and claims will increase your rate in Atlanta.

Car insurance rate increases after violations and citations in Atlanta, GA
Accident/Violation Avg. 6 Mo. Premium % Rate Increase $ Rate Increase
One Med/PIP claim $1,161 0% $0
None $1,161 0% $0
Two Med/PIP claims $1,165 0% $5
One comp claim $1,168 1% $8
Not-at-fault accident $1,170 1% $9
Two comp claims $1,190 3% $29
Driving without lights $1,313 13% $152
Failure to wear a seat belt $1,322 14% $161
Child safety restraint $1,326 14% $165
Failure to show documents $1,360 17% $199
Driving with expired registration $1,416 22% $256
Speeding in school zone $1,457 25% $296
Driving too slowly $1,457 25% $296
Speeding 6 - 10 MPH over limit $1,457 25% $296
Texting while driving $1,460 26% $299
Cell phone violation $1,460 26% $299
Speeding 11 - 15 MPH over limit $1,461 26% $300
Failure to yield $1,465 26% $304
Illegal turn $1,465 26% $304
Following too closely $1,465 26% $304
Speeding 16 - 20 MPH over limit $1,469 27% $308
Failure to stop at a red light $1,470 27% $309
Improper passing $1,470 27% $309
Wrong way/wrong lane $1,473 27% $312
Speeding 21 - 25 MPH over limit $1,533 32% $372
Passing school bus $1,537 32% $376
Operating a vehicle without permission $1,560 34% $399
At-fault accident - less than $1000 $1,568 35% $407
Open container $1,647 42% $486
At-fault accident - $1000-$2000 $1,696 46% $535
In 65 MPH zone $1,698 46% $537
At-fault accident - greater than $2000 $1,709 47% $549
Reckless driving $2,044 76% $884
Racing $2,088 80% $927
Refusal to submit to a chemical test $2,203 90% $1,042
Driving with a suspended license $2,204 90% $1,043
DUI $2,235 93% $1,074
Leaving scene of an accident/hit and run $2,292 97% $1,131

Why is car insurance in Atlanta so expensive?

Although Atlanta's insurance rates aren't the highest in the state, it can still feel pricey at times. Insurance can be expensive in Atlanta, and any other city, for multiple reasons. One is the cost of living in a popular city — just like the residents of Atlanta pay more to live in this thriving metropolis, insurance companies also have to cover their operating costs. This means increasing rates. Auto insurance can also be expensive due to other factors, aside from the usual credit score and driving history.  

Let's explore some of the reasons why insurance can be expensive, even for good drivers. 

location
Location

Where you live will impact your insurance rates, and it's more than just the city and state. There are many ZIP codes within Atlanta, and some are more prone to crime and theft than others. Some areas have a higher concentration of uninsured motorists, as well. Drivers who live in higher-crime neighborhoods will usually pay more than drivers who live in one that is significantly safer. The following Atlanta ZIP codes are those that rank as the most expensive, and cheapest, for car insurance rates. 

Expensive Atlanta ZIP codes: 30315, 30310, 30311, 30314, 30354

Cheap Atlanta ZIP codes: 30327, 30339, 30338, 30305, 30319

Weather
Weather

The damage caused by hurricanes and other weather-related damage can be devastating to insurance companies. Atlanta, being further from the coast than other large cities in the state like Savannah, doesn't have the same direct risk of hurricanes. However, hurricanes can still impact the area with wind and heavy rains that extends well beyond the eye of the storm. Tornadoes also present a risk to automobiles from flying debris, hail and wind damage. While you may think that tornadoes are concentrated in the midwest, Georgia actually experienced 57 of them in 2021. [1] Wildfires also scorched over 11,000 acres in Georgia in the same year. 

Because of the risk that weather presents, it can get expensive for insurers to do business in Atlanta. This means that rates are increased to offset some of the risks, and your insurance may become higher priced. 

Drivers
Drivers

With a population nearing half a million in 2021, Atlanta's roads are as busy as ever.[2] Naturally, the more vehicles are on the streets, the more car accidents are likely to happen. When insurance companies take on the risk of drivers then the cost of claims is passed on to other drivers. This is a reason that premiums increase. Cost increases sometimes have nothing to do with your individual habits behind the wheel.

Our data also shows that 36% of drivers in Atlanta are not currently insured, which could result in you having to foot the bill for damage if you're hit by an uninsured driver.

Zebra Tip: Consider uninsured property damage coverage and comprehensive coverage in Atlanta


Uninsured motorist coverage (also called UMPD) might be worth adding to your insurance policy if you live in an area with a high number of uninsured drivers. If you're involved in an accident with a driver who has no insurance, or not enough of it to cover damages, your UMPD coverage will be there to help. 

Also, consider carrying comprehensive coverage even if your vehicle is paid off. With the weather risk in the Atlanta area, if you only carry the state minimum, you'll pay out-of-pocket for these incidents that have the potential for severe damage to your car. If you're worried about tornadoes, flooding or other weather-related events damaging your vehicle, comprehensive coverage might be right for you. 


Bundling insurance policies in Atlanta

Although we've covered several reasons why car insurance rates can increase in Atlanta, there are still ways to save money. One of the simplest ways to save is by bundling your home and auto insurance. You might qualify for 10% or more when you combine homeowners or renters covered with your auto insurance. Learn more about bundling home and car insurance. When you're shopping around for rates, be sure to ask about bundling discounts to start saving on your insurance rates.

bundling home and auto insurance in Atlanta
Cheapest car insurance companies for bundling home and auto insurance in Atlanta, GA
Company Avg. 6 Mo. Premium
Georgia Farm Bureau $651
Nationwide $769
Allstate $797
USAA $831
State Farm $932
Progressive $938
Mercury $979
GEICO $1,836

Factors like the weather or other drivers' habits are out of your control, yet they do affect rates in the area you live. However, there are plenty of things you can do to help cut back your insurance costs.  The best option is to shop around and compare auto insurance quotes from many companies. This way you can look at your options and ensure you're getting the most affordable rate possible.

You can also focus on the factors you do have more control over. For instance, improving your credit score, driving safely and updating your insurance company with changes such as a milestone birthday or new address. You might find a new insurer that can offer you a great rate and coverage you feel good about.  It can be a little uncomfortable to switch insurance companies, but at the end of the day it's really about your budget and insurance needs,  so remember that you have options.  

Find the best rates for both auto and home insurance in minutes!

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Frequently asked questions

The average for a six-month auto insurance policy in Atlanta is $1,161 or $194 per month. This is more expensive than both the national and Georgia state averages.

Georgia Farm Bureau is the carrier with the cheapest rates in Atlanta, coming in at an average of $733 per six-month policy.

Teenagers in Atlanta pay $3,765 for a six-month policy or $628 per month. Because car insurance is so expensive for teen drivers who have their own policy, we recommend that young drivers be added to their parents' policies to significantly bring down the cost.


Find affordable rates in minutes!

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How much is car insurance near me? — explore more cities near Atlanta, GA


Recently answered questions about car insurance in Atlanta from real Zebra customers

Car insurance near me in Atlanta

Other people are also asking...

How do I get a false claim off my insurance report?

I would call my prior insurance company (your renters provider) showing the false claim and see how they have it marked. I would also have them send confirmation that the claim was dropped and not paid out. Most companies will allow you to dispute the claim if you have proof on hand that shows it i…
Jan 30, 2020 Atlanta, GA

Do parking tickets affect insurance?

Parking tickets do not get reported to your state's DMV, so this type of ticket won't affect your car insurance rates. One major caveat is whether or not you pay off the ticket. Failure to pay for the ticket could result in your license being suspended which would affect your insurance ra…
Feb 19, 2016 Atlanta, GA

What do I do if I scratched a person's car, agreed to pay out of pocket, but can't agree on the cost of the repair?

Unfortunately agreeing to pay for damage out of pocket without involving your insurance company can lead to issues like this. He does not have to agree with your offer and can attempt to get you to pay more than the actual cost of the repair. In all actuality, filing a claim for something this mino…
Oct 10, 2017 Atlanta, GA

Do I need to unfreeze my credit to get a quote?

You should be able to get preliminary rates with your credit still frozen. However, in order to run all of the reports (credit, claims history, violation history, etc.) and finalize your auto insurance rates, many carriers will require a credit check which would require you to unfreeze your credit.…
Jul 22, 2022 Atlanta, GA

About The Zebra

The Zebra is not an insurance company. We publish data-backed, expert-reviewed resources to help consumers make more informed insurance decisions.

  • The Zebra’s insurance content is written and reviewed for accuracy by licensed insurance agents.
  • The Zebra’s insurance editorial content is not subject to review or alteration by insurance companies or partners.
  • The Zebra’s editorial team operates independently of the company’s partnerships and commercialization interests, publishing unbiased information for consumer benefit.
  • The auto insurance rates published on The Zebra’s pages are based on a comprehensive analysis of car insurance pricing data, evaluating more than 83 million insurance rates from across the United States.