It’s entirely possible to find cheap car insurance in GA with a low down payment, even though the state ranks as the eleventh most expensive state for car insurance.
You’ll just have to be ready to put a little time and effort into your search for the most affordable insurance rates. Below, you’ll find the best tips for finding cheap auto insurance ga, but first, you’ll want to know what type of coverage is required in Georgia.
What Type of Car Insurance is Required?
Georgia, like every state in the US, requires that all drivers carry liability insurance on any vehicle they plan to drive. In the event of an at-fault accident (meaning you were deemed to be the cause), liability coverage pays for injuries to the other people (passenger, another driver, pedestrian, or motorcyclist) involved. In GA, minimum liability limits for personal car insurance are set at:
- Bodily injury: $25,000 per individual or $50,000 for multiple people
- Property damage: $25,000 for one accident
You may want to consider carrying more than just the minimum coverage. This is because once you have reached your policy limit, you could be on the hook for any unpaid bills.
Currently, GA doesn’t require drivers to have uninsured or underinsured motorist (UIM) coverage. However, it is strongly recommended and may be included in your policy without your knowledge unless you have declined this type of coverage in writing. This is because GA law requires that insurance companies make this type of coverage available when you purchase your policy.
Keep in mind that if your automobile is financed through a bank or finance company, they almost always require that you also carry collision and comprehensive coverage. This also applies if you are leasing a car. Comprehensive and collision coverage is discussed below.
Comprehensive and Collision Coverage
Although they are only required if you are financing or leasing a car, comprehensive and collision coverage are definitely two types of coverage you’ll want to consider. With this coverage, you can be sure you will be protected in the event of an accident, even if you are at fault. Collision coverage takes care of the costs of repaired or replaced property, while comprehensive coverage extends to non-accident related events. This includes things such as theft, fire, vandalism, and windshield damage.
Driving Without Car Insurance
While it may be tempting to drive your car without insurance, especially if you are struggling to come up with the money to activate your policy, it’s not worth it. Anyone found driving without insurance in Georgia faces stiff penalties, driver’s license suspension, and even jail time.
Proof of Car Insurance
If you are unable to show valid proof of your car insurance when requested to do so by a police officer, you may be charged with a misdemeanor. This applies if you are pulled over or involved in an accident. In addition to having to pay a fine, you run the risk of having your license and registration suspended until you can show proof that a 6-month car insurance policy is in place.
To make certain drivers have car insurance coverage, the state requires that insurance companies notify the GA Department of Driver Services (DDS) when insurance is purchased or terminated and if a vehicle is added or removed from an existing policy.
In some cases, you may be required to obtain an SR-22, a certificate of future proof of financial responsibility. Your insurance company will issue this form verifying that you currently have liability coverage on your car. Cases, where an SR-22 may be needed, include:
- To reinstate your suspended license if you have failed to pay an accident judgment
- To reinstate your license after a conviction for DUI
- To reinstate your license if you failed to maintain proof of Financial Responsibility
- To reinstate your suspended license after any conviction that carries a mandatory drivers’ license suspension
Is Low Down Payment Car Insurance Available in GA?
In simple terms, no. Car insurance companies do not actually offer no down payment car insurance because it is too big a financial risk. Fortunately, you don’t have to resign yourself to making a large lump sum payment to get your coverage started and your car legally on the road. Instead, you can choose to divide your premium into monthly or quarterly payments. Once you have made your first payment, your insurance coverage begins.
Obviously, the lower the amount of your car insurance premium, the lower your monthly or quarterly payments will be. This leads to a big question. How can you find the best price on car insurance in Georgia?
Finding Affordable Car Insurance Coverage
The easiest (and most important) way to find the best price on car insurance is to shop around. This involves getting quotes from multiple companies, making sure the coverage is the same, and selecting the best deal. Here are a few tips that will help you get started.
- Look into the companies offering the lowest rates in Georgia. According to Nerd Wallet, the top three companies with the lowest rates in the state are Georgia Farm Bureau, State Farm, and Progressive insurance. This is the case regardless of your credit rating. Geico and Progressive, in particular, have low deposit car insurance for Georgia residents. Some down payments can be secured for as little as $20 down. A low down payment policy helps many Georgia residents, who might not otherwise be able to afford coverage, get insured the cheapest way possible.
- Take full advantage of discounts. There are plenty of discounts available for GA drivers. For example, Good driver, Good student, Military veteran, Bundled policy, (combining your car insurance with other types, such as homeowners or renters) and Safety features on your car. This includes items like GPS anti-theft systems.
- Opt for a higher deductible. The deductible refers to the amount you’ll have to pay out of pocket before your policy kicks in. The higher your deductible, the lower your monthly rate will be. Just remember that you will have to come up with this money if you are in an accident and file a claim.
- Choose liability coverage only. If your car is paid off, you may want to consider taking out liability coverage only. This is especially true if you are driving an older model car with a low value. Keep in mind that if you are involved in a crash, you may walk away with nothing. You’ll have to decide if the lower premium is worth the risk.
If you need cheap car insurance in GA with a low down payment, it’s time to start your search by getting multiple quotes and comparing them. Enter your zip code to get started and lower your auto insurance rates.
