How Much Is Your Car Insurance if You Live in Georgia?

car insurance in atlanta

Did you know that drivers in Georgia pay approximately $1,982 for their car insurance and $755 for minimum coverage?

You may reduce this insurance coverage rate if you’re familiar with insurance quotes and where to find them. Saving a significant amount on vehicle insurance depends on where you buy it and how you utilize the best discounts.

Typically, the average insurance amount many drivers pay may vary from state to state. In Georgia, the average amount begins from $1,982 annually which is higher than the current national average $565.  For minimum car coverage, car drivers need to pay $1,674 per year.

It is worth mentioning that, your car insurance depends on many factors regardless of the state you live in.  If you’re a resident in Georgia and considering purchasing car insurance, here is what you need to know.

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Atlanta Car Insurance Requirements: Is This Required By Law?

atlanta car insurance requirements and quotes

If you are currently shopping for a new vehicle around Metro Atlanta, you have a lot of factors to consider. You have to consider the price of the vehicle, how long it is going to last, and what the gas mileage is. On the other hand, you also have to think about the price of car insurance. You may think that you are a safe driver. You could think that, because of this, you do not need to protect your vehicle because you are not going to be involved in an accident that is your fault. On the other hand, you don’t have a choice. Car insurance is required by law – in Atlanta and everywhere else.

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Owners of High-Value Cars Have Unique Insurance Needs

Owners of High-Value Cars Have Unique Insurance Needs

What Are High-Value Cars?

High-value cars are those produced by luxury brands and may include supercars, megacars, and hypercars. Examples of luxury brands are Rolls-Royce,  Lexus, Lamborghini, and Mercedes. Generally, supercars are defined as those that have between 550 and 750 horsepower, weigh between 1000 and 1700kg, and handle well. Examples include the Porsche 911 Turbo, Aston Martin Vantage, and the Mercedes AMG GT. Megacars are those with more than 1340 hp.  Some examples are the Bugatti Chiron and Nio EP9. Hypercars are generally produced as limited edition vehicles, with more than 800 hp, a 0 to 60 time of fewer than 3 seconds, and a top speed of more than 215 mph.  Examples are the Ferrari LaFerrari and the Porsche 918 Spyder.

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Avoid these 10 distractions behind the wheel

Avoid distractions behind the wheel

Avoid distractions behind the wheel

If you’re hitting the Atlanta roads any time soon, it’s important to keep your full attention on the road. There are a lot of things that can distract as we drive. We tend to think we’re better at multi-tasking than we really are. Even things that seem harmless or that will only take “a second” can be very dangerous. We all have bad driving habits that we can break. Here are a few distractions to avoid while behind the wheel.

What kind of distractions are there?

There are different types of distractions that could grab your attention when you’re behind the wheel. It’s important to be aware of these.

Visual. This means that your eyes aren’t on the road.

Cognitive. This means your mind is elsewhere, not focused on driving.

Manual. This means your hands are not on the wheel, holding the car steady.

10 different distractions to avoid.

1. Makeup/hair.

We’ve all been in this boat – running late for work, no time for makeup or hair-styling … which means you might be tempted to do your makeup in the car. Even though you might really want to do your makeup while you drive, poking at your eyes with a mascara wand or applying lipstick behind the wheel might not be the best idea. Not only could you end up with lipstick on your teeth, but your attention also isn’t on the road. You could miss something really important, like someone flying through an intersection trying to make a yield on green.

2. Talking to passengers.

Yes, we all have casual conversations in the car. But your priority needs to be keeping your eyes on the road. If the conversation gets too intense, you might need to dial it back a bit. Your passenger(s) will understand – you’re driving them, after all. Their safety is in your hands.

3. Eating/Drinking.

Snack time, though delicious, should be reserved for when the car is not being driven. Juggling a burger and fries and trying to steer is a lot. Besides, you can actually enjoy your food when you’re not trying to drive at the same time as you’re eating it. If you absolutely need some fuel, that’s understandable – just pull over first and have a safe pit-stop snack.

4. Having the dog on your lap.

Yes, it might seem adorable to have your fluffy friend as your copilot, but doggies don’t really get why they shouldn’t be squirming or trying to lick your face while you’re driving. So, unfortunately, it might be for the best to relegate the puppy to the backseat. Besides, what if the airbag goes off? That wouldn’t be good.

5. Setting up music.

Fiddling with music or switching the radio station can be very distracting. Yes, we all like to jam out while we drive. But arrange for that before you depart by queueing up your music when the car is still safely parked so no distractions happen.

6. GPS.

If you’re not quite sure where you’re going, you might want your GPS. But don’t program it while you’re driving. If something happens and you need to plug in an address or you spontaneously get lost, pull over, sort yourself out, and then carry on.

7. Smoking.

If you’re smoking while driving, you might be more preoccupied with not singing your fingers rather than steering. So, don’t light up when you’re driving. You don’t want to either injure yourself with the cigarette or steer into something.

8. Using the phone.

Another major distraction is, of course, phones. Texting is a huge problem because you’re not looking at the road, your hands aren’t on the wheel, and your mind isn’t focused on driving. Even holding the phone to your ear can be very distracting, which is why Georgia passed a Hands-free driving law not too long ago. Using a hands-free feature at least means your hands are both on the wheel where they’re supposed to be. Texting and driving is a big deal. Resist the urge to check your phone, send a message, or even tap the screen.

9. Sleeping.

Well…yes, driving would not be the ideal time to take a nap. Make sure you’re well-rested and alert when you’re driving. If you simply can’t keep your eyes open, pull over and have a little nap, walk around a bit, and try to wake up a little before getting back on the road. We’ve all had those sleepy mornings, or even afternoons.

10. Don’t drink and drive.

It’s also really important not to drink and drive. That one is also a big deal. Be responsible and drive safe. Get a ride, call a cab, or use a ride-share service. But for your safety and that of others, don’t take to the road.

Now, if you’re wondering why this is all so important, it’s because you can get better insurance rates if you have a better driving record. Your record does have an impact on your insurance rates, so think of safe driving as protecting your driving record. And in turn, hopefully getting rewarded with lower insurance rates.

If you want to see if you can save money on your Atlanta car insurance, we can help. Our team strives to make insurance easy and help people save money on their rates. Get started by filling out our online form, giving us a call, or messaging us on LiveChat. That way you can see what savings can be found car-insurance-wise.

Can I bundle my Atlanta car insurance and renters insurance?

Bundle auto and renters

If you live in Atlanta, you might live in an apartment. You’ve been thinking that it might be a good idea to protect your belongings with renters insurance. You never know when something like a fire or burglary could happen. All that being said, you’re wondering a few things. First of all, what exactly does renters insurance do? Second, you’ve seen a bunch of commercials where you can bundle home and auto insurance, but what about renters insurance and auto insurance? Living in Atlanta, having a car is extremely helpful. (Atlanta isn’t exactly a walking city – it’s a driving city.) And the point is that you need car insurance in order to protect yourself and, you know, comply with the law. So, can you bundle Atlanta renters insurance and auto insurance? There’s a few things you should know about all of this. We’ll explain.

What does renters insurance do?

It’s important to protect your belongings – chances are you have a lot of stuff packed into your apartment. We all tend to accumulate clothes, furniture, and so on. And if you were struck by a fire or if someone burgled your place, that would be devastating. Renters insurance can help you to replace your things so you don’t have to take the financial blow all on your shoulders. Now, perhaps you’re wondering why this is strictly necessary. Doesn’t your landlord have insurance? And wouldn’t that take care of it?

Well … no.

Chances are you need your own renters insurance because your landlord’s insurance won’t cover your belongings. The other nice thing about renters insurance is that it can provide liability insurance for you, just in case someone is injured during an ill-fated trip to your apartment. That’s another reason to consider renters insurance.

Can you bundle renters and auto insurance?

Bundling is when you get multiple lines of insurance from the same insurance company. Now, it’s common to hear about home insurance and auto insurance being bundled, but what about bundling renters insurance and auto insurance? Is that a thing?

Chances are yes, you can indeed bundle your renters and auto insurance together. There are a couple of reasons why that might be a good option for you. First, a lot of insurance companies offer a multi-line discount if you get multiple types of coverage from them. So, you could se some lower insurance rates if you bundle. And who doesn’t like to save some money, especially on something necessary like insurance?

Another reason bundling your renters and car insurance could be beneficial to you is that it’s convenient, pure and simple. You’ll only have to worry about one insurance company, which means less headache in the long run. There’s a lot of benefit to keeping everything with the same company.

Of course, you have to evaluate whether this is the right option for you particular situation. But it’s definitely worth considering.

How to get insurance quotes.

You might be wondering how to get renters insurance quotes or auto insurance quotes. Maybe that sounds like a lot of work, or maybe that sounds like it’ll be a real pain. However, our team can help make insurance easy – that’s what we really enjoy doing. Here’s how that whole process works.

1. Reach out to our team. You can send us a LiveChat to get in touch with us, or you can pick up the phone and give us a quick call. We’ve also got an online form you can fill out, which gives us some of the information we need to get started on your quotes.

2. We’ll talk with you about your insurance situation. The next thing that happens is that one of our agents will have a chat with you to introduce ourselves and familiarize ourselves with your particular situation.

3. We’ll get you your quotes. Then we’ll go shopping to get your quotes. We work with a lot of different carriers, so we’d be happy to help you get multiple quotes.

4. We’ll go over the quotes with you. The insurance-speak in the quotes might be overwhelming, so we’ll go over the quotes with you. You can ask our team whatever questions you may have about the coverage.

5. Our team will be here for you. If you ever encounter an insurance question, comment, or concern, just reach out to our team. We’re here to help with your insurance needs.

So, that’s the scoop with bundling your renters and auto insurance. If you want to get some quotes, just fill out our online form or give us a call. We can discuss your insurance options with you, and we really like helping people save money on the insurance you need. That’s what we do! That and making insurance easy. That’s how we roll.

 

Additional Resources

7 things teens should know about car insurance

Teens and car insurance

Teens and car insurance

As a teenager, car insurance might not be your favorite thing to think about. It’s not fun, admittedly, and it’s not “cool”. But it is a necessary thing, and it’s important to know the basics. So, we’ve got a quick list of things teens should know about car insurance. Don’t worry – we’ll keep it light and not-boring.

7 things teens should know about car insurance.

1. Driving safe is essential.

Okay, so the thing is that being young means that car insurance rates are kind of against you. Young drivers don’t have a lot of experience behind the wheel. It’s important to drive safe so as to avoid tickets, which have a lot of consequences –  the anger of the parental units and being in trouble among them. But they can also mean higher insurance rates. (But of course the primary reason to drive safe is to avoid accidents that could hurt you and others.)

2. Getting good grades can help your rates.

There are a lot of reasons to hit the books and keep your grades up. One of those reasons is that it could help you get lower car insurance rates. That’s because it can help you score a Good Student Discount. And discounts on car insurance (particularly for teens) are a good thing. Now, keep in mind that you’ll probably need to show some sort of proof of your good grades – like a report card – and meet the qualifications set by the insurance carrier. But still – if you make good grades in school, don’t be shy about it. Ask if it can earn you a discount.

3. Drivers’ ed can also help your insurance rates.

Taking a drivers’ ed class that’s approved by your insurance company can also help you when it comes to your car insurance rates. Okay, yes, driver’s ed might not sound like the most thrilling thing out there. But you can learn valuable stuff from a class, and if you think about it, it’s just a temporary thing. It’s not like it’s forever. It’s definitely something to think about and find out about.

Teens and car insurance 2

4. There’s a reason you need to drive a sensible vehicle.

Okay, okay, we get it. Everyone wants to drive the shiny, fancy, expensive car. But if you drive a safe, sensible car, you could (once again) have lower car insurance rates. So, yes, you might desperately want your parents to get you a fancy ride, but in reality your parents might be onto something by having you drive the family SUV or minivan. It’s a sensible plan, really.

5. It’s probably best to be on your parents’ policy.

Rather than being on your own policy for your car insurance, your parents should likely ad you to their car insurance policy. If they have good driving records this will probably help your family’s overall insurance situation. So, it’s yet another consideration when it comes to getting you properly insured. Insurance can be complicated, but it’s something your parents will likely be discussing.

6. Different coverages do different things.

It’s important for teens to understand that different insurance coverages do different things. Here are some of the common ones:

Bodily injury liability: Can help cover the other driver’s medical expenses if you injure them in an accident. Plus it can help cover your legal expenses if you get sued over the accident.

Property damage liability: Can help cover the costs of repairing someone’s property if you damage it in an accident (i.e. the other driver’s car).

Collision coverage: Can help repair your car if you’re in an accident (though you’ll still have to pay your deductible) or if you hit something.

Comprehensive coverage: Can cover damage to your car not caused by an accident, such as vandalism, animal strike, falling objects (i.e. tree branches), and hail. It can also cover theft.

Uninsured/Underinsured motorist: Can help you if you’re hit by a driver who doesn’t have insurance or who doesn’t have enough insurance enough insurance to cover the incident.

7. Georgia has minimum limits of car insurance.

It’s also important to note that the state of Georgia has minimum limits of insurance that drivers have to have. Drivers have to carry at least $25,000 of bodily injury liability per person, $50,000 of bodily injury liability per occurrence, and $25,000 of property damage liability. Anyway – the point is that it’s essential to carry the appropriate insurance. Always make sure that you’ve got plenty of car insurance. It can bail you out of some really sticky situations.

If your family needs some car insurance quotes, our team can help. We like to make insurance easy and help people save money on their insurance. To get int ouch with us, all you have to do is fill out our online form, give us a call, or message us on LiveChat.

How to get Atlanta motorcycle insurance

Atlanta motorcycle insurance

Atlanta motorcycle insurance

There’s something intriguing about motorcycles. If you are interested in getting a motorcycle, you might be wondering how to get Atlanta motorcycle insurance to protect yourself. Having the right insurance is important, after all. But how does one get that insurance? Our team can help you get quotes for Atlanta motorcycle insurance. Here’s now that process works.

How to get Atlanta motorcycle insurance.

1. Reach out to our team.

Naturally, the first thing you need to do is let us know that you need motorcycle insurance. Getting in touch with our team of top-notch insurance agents is easy. (We strive to make the insurance process as easy as possible. We’ve got a few different ways you can reach out to our team. That way you get to pick what’s best for you.)

Phone: There’s the phone, of course, if you want to talk on the phone with one of our agents about your motorcycle insurance. You can give us a buzz and we’d be happy to help.

Online form: You can also fill out our online form if you want to get in touch that way. The form just asks a few quick questions so we have some of the information we need to assist with your quotes.

LiveChat: You can also message us on LiveChat. If you’d rather message back and forth with us to get your quotes started, we can do that, too.

So, those are a few ways you can reach out to our team. If you’d prefer to email or text, we can communicate with our team that way. We’re more than happy to email or text if needed.

2. We’ll talk to you about your insurance needs.

The next thing that happens is one of our agents will have a conversation with you about your insurance needs. We need to know the particulars of your situation so we can best assist you with your Atlanta motorcycle insurance. We know you’re busy, though, so we won’t steal too much of your time. We’ll keep the conversation brief. Then we’ll be on our way to getting you the insurance you need.

3. We’ll get your quotes.

We’ll then embark on a quest to get you your Atlanta motorcycle insurance quotes. That way you can look at different options for your insurance. We love talking about insurance and we enjoy questing for the best insurance option for our customers. That’s what we do! We’ll search high and low to get you some great insurance.

4. We’ll answer any questions you have.

Atlanta motorcycle insurance might be confusing and overwhelming. So, if you have any questions about the quotes, we’d be happy to discuss those with you. Our team actually enjoys talking about insurance – we’re kind of nerdy that way. So, feel free to ask any questions you have, big or small. Anything that needs clarification can be clarified – just let us know.

5. We’ll be here to help with your insurance needs.

Then our team will be here to help with any insurance issues that might arise. If any questions or concerns come up, all you have to do is reach out to our team and we’ll be here to help. We know insurance can be overwhelming and scary, but you don’t have to handle it alone. Insurance is our thing.

Get quotes for Atlanta motorcycle insurance.

So, you can get motorcycle insurance by filling out our online form, giving us a call, or messaging us on LiveChat. (And if you need renters insurance or home insurance, we can help with that too!) We would be happy to help you get the coverage you need. Insurance doesn’t have to be complicated.

How to create a teen driving contract

Teen driving contract

Teen driving contract

Teenagers can be a lot. And if you’ve got a teen driver on your hands, you’re probably very nervous. And that is totally understandable. Teens aren’t exactly known for their ability to make responsible decisions. So, what’s a parent to do when their teenager is about to get their license? You can take the time to create a driving contract with your teenager. Here are a few tips to give you a place to start with your parent-teen driving contract.

What is a teen driving contract?

The parent-teen driver contract is a set of guidelines and rules that the driver has to follow. It also gives consequences if those rules are broken. Basically, it outlines your expectations for the teen driver and it also makes sure that everyone is on the same page with both the rules and what would happen if those rules are not followed. It’s an agreement between the teen driver and the parent.

Tips for your parent-teen driving contract.

1. Convey the seriousness of driving.

The driving agreement is meant to convey that driving is a very serious responsibility. The contract makes sure that your teen knows that driving is a privilege. They need to understand that they need to be very careful behind the wheel. Driving isn’t just a convenience or a new, fun thing. It’s a big deal, one that needs to be taken seriously.

2. Clarify the rules and the consequences.

You also need to be sure your rules and consequences are written clearly. There should be little “wiggle room” or room for interpretation. Everything needs to be laid out properly, including the consequences or punishments that you establish for breaking the rules. Then the trick becomes actually sticking to these agreed-upon punishments. The rules and consequences need to be upheld.

3. Have both parent and teen sign the contract.

It’s important to open a discussion about safe driving and the guidelines. Talk about what rules are safe and fair, and ensure that everyone is on the same page. Go over it together and make sure it’s something that everyone is comfortable signing. (But remember – you are the parent in the situation!) One of the goals of the contract is to get rid of any confusion concerning the driving rules and to get everyone in agreement – with signatures to prove it.

4. Make sure to include the important stuff.

When outlining your contract, make sure to look at Georgia’s laws. These can be the basis of your contract, but of course, as a parent, you may want to add your own rules that make sense for your teen and your situation. Here are some areas to look at and establish rules for:

  • Curfew (Remember Georgia law)
  • Where the teen is allowed to drive
  • Establish rules about cellphone use, music use, etc. (Again, remember to look at GA’s laws, including the Hands-free law)
  • Seatbelt use
  • What happens if the teen gets a ticket (i.e. speeding) or fine
  • What happens if the teen drinks and drives
  • The number of passengers they can drive (again, be aware of Georgia’s laws and the graduated licensing system)
  • What happens if any part of the contract is broken

It’s important to cover all the bases when you create your teen-parent driver contract. There are a lot of areas about driving that your teen needs to be aware of. The goal isn’t to scare your teen or make them feel overwhelmed with rules, but to encourage them to make good decisions and drive safely.

5. Remember that the rules can change.

Remember that you can adjust and relax some of the rules that you set as time passes. (Not the laws, of course, but the other rules.) As your teenager gets more practice in and grows up a bit, you can loosen your rules. You can evaluate as you go – maybe you can give your teen some more freedom, contingent on their good behavior. Remember to readjust the contract and consequences accordingly. You can let your teen know that they will be trusted with more when that trust is earned.

You also need to make sure that your teen is properly insured. You might be a bit afraid of the insurance rates. (You’ve heard the rumors of teen car insurance being extremely expensive.) We would be happy to help you get teen car insurance to protect your young driver. Get started with your car insurance quote by filling out our online form, giving us a call, or messaging us on LiveChat. Our team likes to make insurance easy.

10 tips for safely driving around trucks in Atlanta

Driving around trucks

Driving around trucks

Trying to navigate the narrow, somewhat confusing streets of Atlanta can be stressful. It can be even more stressful if you have to share your space with trucks, buses, and other large vehicles. Passenger cars, even SUVs, are a lot smaller and lighter than trucks. As an Atlanta driver, you might not have a choice but to be in close quarters with a truck. Here are a few tips for safety when driving around trucks.

10 tips for driving around trucks.

1. Be aware of the “danger zones”.

Because trucks are so large and so bulky, visibility for truck drivers is very limited. There are prominent blind spots on every side of the vehicle. If you’re in a blind spot, the truck driver can’t see you. So follow this guideline – if you can’t see the driver in the vehicle side mirror, it’s a pretty good guess to say they can’t see you. To avoid being in a blind spot, slow down or get ahead of the truck so you’re not in a dangerous spot. And be really careful if you’re merging.

2. Be cautious when passing.

You’ve also got to be very careful when you’re passing a truck or bus. Admittedly, trucks and buses don’t go too fast, so you may need to pass. Here’s how to do that safely:

  • Check that you can see the driver in the side mirror.
  • Signal clearly, then move into the left lane. (Don’t pass on the right.)
  • Speed up, then pass the vehicle safely and quickly. (You don’t want to hang out in the blind spot.)
  • Make sure the truck/bus is in your rearview mirror before moving back – be sure to give the truck lots of space.

Some other considerations for passing trucks: don’t pass a truck if you’re going downhill. They can pick up a lot of speed. And if you are being passed by a truck, you need to stay to the right. Should the truck be changing lanes or merging around you, give them some space. Remember, they need some extra breathing room.

3. Don’t get too close when driving around trucks.

You don’t want to cut off a commercial vehicle. If you change lanes in front of a truck or bus too quickly, the vehicle might not have enough room to slow down or stop. Even if they can see you, they might not be able to slow the vehicle fast enough. And if you make a sudden move and change lanes quickly, you might be in a blind spot where the truck driver can’t see you. Remember – big trucks take a lot of time to stop.

4. Give the truck lots of space.

It’s important to give the truck lots of space. In other words, don’t tailgate. If you were to get hit, your car could get shoved under the truck. Commercial motor vehicles are extremely tall. And especially if you’re on an uphill, stay back just in case the bus or truck rolls back.

5. Remember that trucks need space to turn.

Large vehicles need lots of room to turn. They might swing really wide. Or they might even turn from a middle lane because they need extra room. So, don’t try to get by the truck or squish yourself between the truck and the curb. Also, be careful with where you stop. Don’t block an intersection or stop in front of the line. That way trucks can turn without issues.

6. Don’t get impatient.

Trucks and buses need some time to get going. They can’t go as fast as passenger cars. If you’re honking or being aggressive or weaving, that’s not helpful. It’s actually very distracting and thus can be very dangerous. Anyways, just try to keep calm.

7. Use your seatbelt.

Every car ride should include the split second it takes to buckle your seatbelt. Make sure you’re buckled up and that your passengers are buckled up. And if there are kids in the car, make sure they’re riding in the back and that they’re in the proper car seats. Everybody needs to be fastened properly into the vehicle. That’s extremely important.

8. Don’t drive distracted.

Also, you don’t want to drive distracted. If there’s something that needs your immediate attention, look for a safe place to pull over. Then you can take care of the issue. When you’re done, then you can get back on the road. Distracted driving is extremely dangerous.

9. Don’t drive drowsy.

If you find yourself getting too tired, you might want to take a break. Find a safe place to have a bit of a rest. Walk around a bit. Or you can switch drivers if you’ve got someone else in the car who can take over for you. You need to give yourself time to rest and recharge so you don’t get too exhausted.

10. Don’t drive intoxicated.

It’s not a great plan to drive intoxicated. Your decision-making and reaction time can be significantly impaired. If you’re taking any prescription or over-the-counter medications, be aware of the side effects – sometimes these things can have side effects like dizziness or drowsiness. If need be, have somebody else drive. Don’t be shy about speaking up if you don’t feel like you should drive.

Being around large trucks and sharing the road with them can be overwhelming. They’re intimidating. But if you’re aware of the challenges trucks face and the dangers, you can take steps to stay safe when driving around trucks.

And of course, you need to have the right car insurance. Our team can help you with that. We would be happy to go over your car insurance needs with you and help you find the policy that’s right for you. (And we can help with your home insurance, too.) Get started with your quotes by filling out our online form, giving us a call, or messaging us on LiveChat. We like to make insurance easy.

Source:

https://www.fmcsa.dot.gov/ourroads/tips-driving-safely-around-large-trucks-or-buses