Georgia Car Insurance

Drivers living in Georgia need to carry the optimal amount of car insurance to protect their vehicles, families, and financial future from unnecessary burden. It is also wise for these drivers to consistently review and compare quotes to ensure they have the best possible insurance rate.

Georgia is a state rich with history and culture including being one of the original thirteen colonies. It is state, which features both the southern charm of cities like Savannah as well as internationally visited metropolitan cities like the capital Atlanta. Known for its delicious peaches as well as its famous southern hospitality, Georgia is a great state to live and work in. However, drivers in Georgia must contend with congested highways and potentially risky driving situations, which is why choosing the right amount of car insurance is so important.

Minimum requirements

To register and operate a vehicle in Georgia, drivers must first obtain an insurance policy. The minimum amount of insurance required for Georgia drivers is 25/50/25. The first 25 represents $25,000 worth of coverage for a single person injured in an accident. The second number, 50, represents $50,000 worth of coverage for all parties involved in an accident. Finally, the last 25 represents $25,000 worth of property damage protection. Although these minimums are slightly higher than the national average, it is still wise to raise these minimum limits to ensure optimal protection, as well to amend the insurance policy with additional coverage.

Statistics

In 2006, Georgia reported 342,156 traffic crashes. While this number is very high, it is actually less than the previous year's total of 347,652. In 2006, there were 133,339 injuries, 1,703 deaths, and 604 highway related deaths involving alcohol. On average, Georgia drivers experienced 937 crashes, 365 injuries, and five deaths each day on the road. Of course, these numbers do not truly represent the amount of motor vehicle accident as the statistics only represent the number of police reported accidents.

Not surprisingly, the largest amount of accidents were caused by drivers aged 16-17. In fact, these drivers contributed to a crash rate of 2562 compared with a rate of 902.3 for drivers older than 24. These statistics reinforce the fact that drivers, especially young drivers, need to be more careful behind the wheel.

Move over law

According to the FBI, traffic accidents are the leading cause of death for police personnel. This includes shooting related deaths. This startlingly statistic is one of the many reasons the state of Georgia passed the move over law. This law requires drivers to move over a lane when they see a parked emergency vehicle (police car, fire truck, ambulance, tow truck, etc.) with flashing lights on the side of the road. This law was in response to not only the alarmingly high amount of police officers that lost their lives, but also the growing number of DOT (department of transportation) and emergency technicians who have died because of traffic accidents. More than thirty states in American have some form of this law on the books with fines ranging as high as a thousand dollars. In Georgia, violators of this law pay an eye-opening $500.

Simple ways to reduce insurance costs

Increase the deductible: Each insurance policy requires drivers to choose a deductible. A deductible is the financial amount a driver must pay before the insurance company pays their portion. A simple rule of thumb is that the higher the deductible, the lower the annual premium. This is why many drivers choose a high deductible. However, if you drive or park in risky areas or have been involved in multiple accidents, it might be best to choose a smaller deductible.

Combine insurance policies: Most major insurance companies offer their clients the options of combining insurance policies. For example, choosing to insure your car, home, and boat with the same company enables consumers the benefit of reduced insurance costs as well as the convenience of one company and sometime one agent handling all their insurance needs.

Ask about discounts: Each insurance company has their own set of available discounts. Be sure to inquire about common discounts such as those for low mileage drivers, good students, as well as savings related to the addition of theft prevention devices like car alarms.

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