Having a low credit score can make car insurance more expensive in Georgia, but affordable options still exist. Many insurers consider credit when setting rates, and drivers with poor credit often pay more—even with a clean driving record.
“Bad credit can significantly impact your car insurance costs. Most insurance companies use a credit-based insurance score to help predict risks, in which statistically, drivers with lower credit scores are more likely to file claims,” says Ted Kaplun, principal attorney and founding partner of KaplunMarx, a personal injury law firm in Pennsylvania. “This means insurers often charge higher premiums to those with poor credit, despite a clean driving record.”
This guide breaks down the cheapest car insurance options for drivers with bad credit in Georgia, using real-world rate data to help you find savings and make informed choices.
- The average annual car insurance rate for full coverage for drivers with bad credit in Georgia is $3,915.
- The cheapest insurance company in Georgia for drivers with poor credit is Progressive.
- Shopping around can help drivers with any credit score find more affordable rates for their situation.
What are the average car insurance rates for people with bad credit in Georgia?
Bad credit can significantly raise car insurance costs in Georgia. On average, full coverage for a driver with bad credit costs $326 per month. For liability-only coverage at 50/100/50 limits, rates average $131 monthly, and the state’s minimum liability coverage costs about $96 per month.
See the table below for a comparison of how average car insurance rates in Georgia change based on credit score.
| Company | Average rates | Rates after bad credit | $ increase | % increase |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Progressive | $1,656 | $2,563 | $907 | 55% |
| Country Financial | $1,880 | $2,579 | $699 | 37% |
| Geico | $2,072 | $2,788 | $716 | 35% |
| Allstate | $2,014 | $3,099 | $1,085 | 54% |
| Mercury Insurance | $2,219 | $3,302 | $1,083 | 49% |
| Auto-Owners | $1,529 | $3,989 | $2,460 | 161% |
| State Farm | $2,344 | $8,840 | $6,496 | 277% |
| USAA* | $1,562 | $3,088 | $1,525 | 98% |
Find out how bad credit can impact your car insurance rates
Top car insurance companies in Georgia for drivers with bad credit
Car insurance companies in Georgia use different methods to calculate risk, which means rates vary widely, especially for drivers with bad credit. Some insurers offer more competitive pricing than others.
The most affordable car insurance companies in Georgia for drivers with bad credit include Progressive, Country Financial, and Geico.
Use the table below to compare average rates by company for drivers with poor credit in Georgia.
| Company | Annual rates after bad credit | Six-month rates after bad credit | Monthly rates after bad credit |
|---|---|---|---|
| Progressive | $2,563 | $1,281 | $214 |
| Country Financial | $2,579 | $1,290 | $215 |
| Geico | $2,788 | $1,394 | $232 |
| Allstate | $3,099 | $1,549 | $258 |
| Mercury Insurance | $3,302 | $1,651 | $275 |
| Auto-Owners | $3,989 | $1,994 | $332 |
| State Farm | $8,840 | $4,420 | $737 |
| USAA* | $3,088 | $1,544 | $257 |
Check out our detailed guide on the cheapest car insurance companies
How age and gender affect car insurance rates for folks with bad credit in Georgia
Car insurance companies consider age and gender when setting premiums, particularly for drivers with bad credit. Younger drivers usually face higher costs because they’re less experienced behind the wheel. Women, on average, pay less than men for car insurance, as they tend to have lower accident rates.
Below, you’ll find a breakdown of average car insurance rates by age and gender for bad credit drivers in Georgia.
| Age | Six-month cost for male drivers | Six-month cost for female drivers | Monthly cost for male drivers | Monthly cost for female drivers |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 18 | $6,699 | $5,731 | $1,117 | $955 |
| 25 | $2,510 | $2,339 | $418 | $390 |
| 40 | $1,956 | $1,960 | $326 | $327 |
| 65 | $1,841 | $1,836 | $307 | $306 |
How driving record and location influence rates with bad credit in Georgia
In addition to credit history, your driving record and location play a significant role in determining car insurance rates, especially for drivers with bad credit. If you’ve had violations like speeding tickets or at-fault accidents, you’ll likely pay more due to the added risk insurers associate with your profile.
Where you live also matters. Car insurance rates vary by state and ZIP code, with rural areas typically seeing lower premiums than urban areas with higher traffic and crime rates.
For drivers with bad credit, driving history and location can sometimes impact premiums even more than credit score alone.
Check out 10 most important factors that affect car insurance rates
What are the discounts for drivers with bad credit in Georgia?
While drivers with bad credit might experience higher rates, seeking out discounts can help to offset their costs. Some of the discounts drivers with bad credit can pursue include:
Safe driving discounts: Many car insurance companies offer discounts to safe drivers. If you are comfortable signing up for a telematics program that tracks your driving behavior, you could score significant savings if you practice safe driving habits.
Bundling discounts: If you need other types of coverage, like renters insurance or homeowners insurance, buying multiple policies through the same insurer can often lead to a discount.
Affinity discounts: Being part of a group, like an alumni association or a veteran organization, can sometimes result in a discount.
Pay-in-full discount: Some insurers offer a discount when you pay for coverage upfront instead of monthly.
Paperless discount: Many insurers offer a discount if you opt to go paperless.
See what drivers with bad credit pay on average in nearby states
Tips to find cheap car insurance with bad credit in Georgia
As you look for cheap car insurance with bad credit in Georgia, use these strategies to seek out lower rates:
- Shop around: Comparing rates across multiple insurance companies can help you find the most affordable rate for your unique situation.
- Raise your deductible: A higher deductible generally leads to a lower insurance premium. Locking in the premium savings can make sense if you have the money to cover a higher deductible during an emergency.
- Maintain safe driving habits: Safe drivers tend to pay less for coverage. Sticking to safe driving habits can lead to savings.
How to shop for car insurance with bad credit in Georgia
When shopping for car insurance with bad credit in Georgia, use the following steps as a guide:
Gather your information: To get accurate quotes, you’ll need to provide some basic information about your vehicle. For example, you’ll likely need to provide the VIN, make, model, and year.
Consider your policy needs: While a state minimum coverage policy often offers the cheapest rates, it might not fit your unique situation. For example, you might need comprehensive coverage while paying off an auto loan.
Compare quotes: Collect quotes from multiple car insurance companies to find the most affordable option.
Frequently ask questions
Does a bad credit score affect car insurance rates in Georgia?
Yes, drivers with bad credit in Georgia tend to pay more for car insurance than drivers with good credit.
Can you improve your rates with bad credit in Georgia over time?
Yes, improving your credit history can lower your insurance premiums in the future. Some ways to improve your credit include making on-time bill payments, paying off high-interest debt as quickly as possible, and then paying off lower-interest debt.
Car insurance rates for good vs. bad credit in Georgia
The cost of full coverage car insurance in Georgia is higher for drivers with bad credit, averaging $3,915 per year, compared to $1,970 annually for drivers with good credit.
Car insurance requirements in Georgia if you have bad credit
In Georgia, having bad credit doesn’t affect the type of car insurance you need. You must still carry the state’s minimum legal coverage to drive.
Find out whether it’s legal for insurers to raise your premium because of a bad credit score
Resources and Methodology
Methodology
CarInsurance.com commissioned Quadrant Information Services to get car insurance rates for drivers with poor credit scores. The rates are based on sample profiles of 40-year-old male and female drivers carrying full coverage policies with limits of 100/300/100 and $500 collision and comprehensive deductibles. Read the detailed methodology for more information.
Note: USAA is only available to military community members and their families.
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