Cheapest and Best Car Insurance in Columbus, GA (June 2024)


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Updated: October 3, 2024

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In Columbus, Georgia, Auto-Owners offers the cheapest minimum and full coverage car insurance. Auto-Owners is also the best for customer service and is the best overall, indicating superior value in price and service. Allstate provides the most economical policies for families with teens. However, the best policy for you depends on your individual preferences and coverage needs.

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2024

Cheapest and Best Car Insurance in Columbus

Why Trust MoneyGeek? We analyzed 35,648 quotes in Georgia from eight companies, used six sources and conducted original research to rate the cheapest companies and develop a scoring system for Columbus insurance providers based on ZIP codes in the city only. Our scores are based on affordability, customer satisfaction, claims experience, coverages offered and financial stability.

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These rates reflect the cheapest car insurance quotes in Columbus, GA, as of June 2024.

35,648Quotes Analyzed
 
8Companies Compared

Cheapest Minimum Coverage Car Insurance in Columbus

MoneyGeek found that Auto-Owners is the cheapest option in Columbus, offering the most affordable minimum coverage car insurance. These are the top two insurers with the cheapest car insurance:

  • Auto-Owners: $389 per year
  • Country Financial: $467 per year

State Farm has the most expensive minimum coverage policy in Columbus, with an annual premium of $962. The $573 difference of $573 between the most affordable and the costliest options highlights the significance of comparing car insurance rates to ensure you get the best deal.

Data filtered by:Results filtered by:
Age Group:
Age Group:30-59
Coverage:
Coverage:Minimum Coverage
Auto-Owners Insurance CoAnnual Premium$389Monthly Premium$32
Country FinancialAnnual Premium$467Monthly Premium$39
GEICOAnnual Premium$551Monthly Premium$46
MercuryAnnual Premium$613Monthly Premium$51
ProgressiveAnnual Premium$679Monthly Premium$57
AllstateAnnual Premium$720Monthly Premium$60
State FarmAnnual Premium$962Monthly Premium$80

State Minimum Liability Requirements

Georgia state law mandates that all drivers carry at least the minimum coverage with the following limits:

  • $25,000 bodily injury per person
  • $50,000 bodily injury per accident
  • $25,000 property damage liability per accident

If you're at fault in an accident and the other driver's injuries cost $30,000, your minimum coverage will pay up to $25,000. Should expenses exceed the $25,000 per person limit, you'd be financially responsible for the remaining $5,000. You will also be liable for accidents with costs over your $50,000 per accident limit.

Cheapest Full Coverage Car Insurance in Columbus

MoneyGeek found that Auto-Owners is the best option in Columbus for the cheapest full coverage car insurance. For budget-conscious drivers, MoneyGeek's analysis highlights the most affordable providers:

  • Auto-Owners: $902 per year
  • Country Financial: $986 per year

State Farm has the most expensive full coverage policy in Columbus, with an annual premium at $1,766 — costing $864 more than Auto-Owners. This difference underscores the need to shop around for full coverage car insurance, which is pricier than minimum coverage due to its comprehensive and collision coverage.

Data filtered by:Results filtered by:
Age Group:
Age Group:30-59
Coverage:
Coverage:Full Coverage
Auto-Owners Insurance CoAnnual Premium$902Monthly Premium$75
Country FinancialAnnual Premium$986Monthly Premium$82
AllstateAnnual Premium$1,049Monthly Premium$87
GEICOAnnual Premium$1,282Monthly Premium$107
ProgressiveAnnual Premium$1,426Monthly Premium$119
MercuryAnnual Premium$1,611Monthly Premium$134
State FarmAnnual Premium$1,766Monthly Premium$147

Do You Need Full Coverage in Georgia?

A full coverage policy increases coverage limits beyond the mandatory minimums to include $100,000 for bodily injury per person, $300,000 for bodily injury per accident and $100,000 for property damage per accident. In insurance terms, this protection level is often called a 100/300/100 policy.

Full coverage policies also include comprehensive and collision insurance:

  • Collision Insurance: This protects your vehicle against damages from collisions, whether with another vehicle or an inanimate object like a tree or light post. It also covers rollover accidents and pothole damage.
  • Comprehensive Insurance: This coverage addresses damage to your vehicle caused by non-collision incidents, such as theft, vandalism, fires, natural disasters or being hit by an animal.

If you recently invested in a new vehicle, a full coverage insurance policy is recommended to protect against potential financial losses. However, the value of full coverage may diminish for older vehicles when weighed against the increased cost. The key is to assess your personal situation and determine how much car insurance you need — understand the balance between higher premiums for more protection and the risk of inadequate coverage.

Cheapest Car Insurance in Columbus After a Driving Offense

MoneyGeek found that Auto-Owners offers the cheapest car insurance for drivers with a speeding ticket and an at-fault accident on their record. Here are the most affordable companies for each infraction:

  • Speeding Ticket: Auto-Owners ($1,014 per year)
  • At-Fault Accident: Auto-Owners ($1,261 per year)
  • DUI: Allstate ($1,338 per year)

Some companies charge significantly higher premiums for these offenses. GEICO has a steeper annual rate for drivers with a DUI at $4,153. Mercury has the most expensive rates for drivers with an accident and a speeding ticket, with an annual cost of $3,277 and $2,397, respectively. Note that rates can dramatically increase depending on the severity of the driving infraction.

Data filtered by:Results filtered by:
Age Group:
Age Group:30-59
Coverage:
Coverage:Full Coverage
Incident:
Incident:Speeding
Auto-Owners Insurance CoAnnual Premium$1,014Monthly Premium$85
AllstateAnnual Premium$1,137Monthly Premium$95
Country FinancialAnnual Premium$1,336Monthly Premium$111
GEICOAnnual Premium$1,537Monthly Premium$128
ProgressiveAnnual Premium$2,009Monthly Premium$167
State FarmAnnual Premium$2,083Monthly Premium$174
MercuryAnnual Premium$2,397Monthly Premium$200

Insurance premiums in Columbus and other cities increase with the severity of driving offenses because insurers view violations as indicators of riskier driving behavior. Drivers in Columbus with a DUI face an average annual rate of $2,957, while drivers with a speeding ticket are quoted around $2,166. This $791 difference between DUI offenses and speeding violations underscores the necessity for drivers with infractions to compare insurance rates to mitigate the financial impact of higher premiums.

Cheapest Car Insurance in Columbus for Teens and Their Families

MoneyGeek found that Allstate is the cheapest option in Columbus for parents seeking the cheapest car insurance for teens. Here are the two most affordable providers:

  • Allstate: $1,495 per year for female teens and $1,565 per year for male teens
  • GEICO: $1,940 per year for female teens and $2,399 per year for male teens

These rates are for a policy covering two parents with a teen driver. State Farm has the most expensive policy for families with teen drivers in Columbus, with an annual premium of $2,934 for male teens. The $1,439 difference between Allstate and State Farm for a female teen shows the importance of comparing quotes to find economical options, especially since teens are perceived as higher-risk drivers.

Data filtered by:Results filtered by:
Age:
Age:16
Gender:
Gender:Female
AllstateFamily Plan Annual Premium$1,495Individual Plan Monthly Premium$5,098
GEICOFamily Plan Annual Premium$1,940Individual Plan Monthly Premium$6,910
Auto-Owners Insurance CoFamily Plan Annual Premium$2,342Individual Plan Monthly Premium$2,415
ProgressiveFamily Plan Annual Premium$2,439Individual Plan Monthly Premium$6,720
State FarmFamily Plan Annual Premium$2,934Individual Plan Monthly Premium$4,107

In Columbus and comparable cities, teenage drivers looking at car insurance options will find significant cost differences between individual and family plans. On average, the annual premium for a teen buying an individual policy is $5,821, whereas being added to a family plan can reduce the premium to approximately $2,572. This disparity stems from higher risks associated with insuring inexperienced teenage drivers independently. Teens also face challenges in obtaining individual policies, as underwriters are hesitant to approve high-risk profiles without the cushioning risk of a family policy. It's both economically wise and more feasible for teens to opt into a family plan for car insurance coverage.

Cheapest Car Insurance in Columbus for Military Drivers

MoneyGeek found that Auto-Owners is the cheapest option for full coverage car insurance for those with military backgrounds in Columbus. For the most affordable rates, consider the following insurers:

  • Auto-Owners: $902 per year
  • Country Financial: $986 per year

Although USAA ranks fourth with an annual premium of $1,107, it is noteworthy for its service tailored to active-duty military members. Despite having slightly higher rates than the top two competitors, its comprehensive services designed for military families make it a strong option if you qualify.

Data filtered by:Results filtered by:
Age Group:
Age Group:30-59
Coverage:
Coverage:Full Coverage
Auto-Owners Insurance CoAnnual Premium$902Monthly Premium$75
Country FinancialAnnual Premium$986Monthly Premium$82
AllstateAnnual Premium$1,049Monthly Premium$87
USAAAnnual Premium$1,107Monthly Premium$92
GEICOAnnual Premium$1,282Monthly Premium$107
ProgressiveAnnual Premium$1,426Monthly Premium$119
MercuryAnnual Premium$1,611Monthly Premium$134
State FarmAnnual Premium$1,766Monthly Premium$147

How to Compare Cheap Columbus Car Insurance Quotes Online

Comparing rates is the key to securing savings on car insurance in Columbus. However, researching three or more companies can take over an hour.

MoneyGeek's car insurance calculator streamlines this process. By inputting age, driving history, credit score and coverage preferences, you can quickly receive a tailored rate estimate.

Car Insurance Calculator

MoneyGeek's car insurance calculator will give you a customized estimate of your auto insurance cost. It's free to use, requires no personal information and we won't send you any spam.

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Rates updated:

Oct 11, 2024

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Best Car Insurance in Columbus: Overview

Choosing the best auto insurance for you depends on the importance you place on service, cost, coverage and other variables. MoneyGeek's research used distinct scoring systems to determine Columbus's top car insurance providers.

  • Best overall: Auto-Owners (MoneyGeek score 91 out of 100)
  • Best for service: Auto-Owners (MoneyGeek score 89 out of 100)
  • Best cheap: Auto-Owners (MoneyGeek score 94 out of 100)

Auto-Owners is the best provider for all categories, offering a balance of overall value, exceptional service and affordability. Customers can trust that they are receiving top-quality service without compromising on price.

Overall Best Car Insurance in Columbus

MoneyGeek found that Auto-Owners is the top option in Columbus, offering the best car insurance for local drivers.

  • Auto-Owners: MoneyGeek score of 91 out of 100 ($902 per year)
  • Country Financial: MoneyGeek score of 69 out of 100 ($986 per year)

Auto-Owners stands out in Columbus for its exceptional score for a full coverage policy. The company's high satisfaction and affordability scores are pivotal in its leading position, ensuring customers receive excellent service and value.

Company logo for Auto-Owners Insurance
Best OverallAuto-Owners Insurance
MoneyGeek Score:
91/ of 100

Overview

Auto-Owners has a MoneyGeek score of 91, attributed largely to its perfect affordability and claims scores. It provides customers with the two most common car insurance coverages: rental car and/or travel reimbursement and roadside assistance, ensuring essential convenience in times of need. It offers gap insurance and accident forgiveness, adding extra layers of financial protection for drivers.

Auto-Owners also excels with rare coverages such as diminished value coverage, a highly valuable offering for drivers whose vehicles' worth may decrease after an accident. Its coverage package, specifically the Personal Automobile Plus Package, bundles several benefits together and simplifies insurance management.

Best Car Insurance in Columbus for Customer Service

MoneyGeek found that Auto-Owners is the best option in Columbus for car insurance based on customer service, regardless of cost. Here are the top two providers based on their MoneyGeek scores:

  • Auto-Owners: MoneyGeek score of 89 out of 100 ($902 per year)
  • Mercury: MoneyGeek score of 73 out of 100 ($1,611 per year)

Auto-Owners distinguishes itself primarily through its superb customer satisfaction and robust claims handling procedures. These factors significantly contribute to its high MoneyGeek score, establishing the company as a leader in the industry for drivers prioritizing service quality over price.

Company logo for Auto-Owners Insurance
Best for Customer ServiceAuto-Owners Insurance
MoneyGeek Score:
89/ of 100

Overview

With an excellent MoneyGeek Score, Auto-Owners stands out in claims handling and coverage contributions. It provides common coverages like rental car and/or travel reimbursement and roadside assistance.

Auto-Owners offers a useful range of coverages that cater to various needs. Accident forgiveness can be a financial lifesaver, preventing a premium increase after your first at-fault accident. Its coverage package, the Personal Automobile Plus Package, consolidates multiple protections into one for easier policy management. In the event of total loss, gap insurance ensures you're not left paying off a loan that exceeds your vehicle's worth. Although Auto-Owners lacks some popular coverages, it is still a solid choice based on its high scores.

Best Cheap Car Insurance in Columbus

MoneyGeek found that Auto-Owners is the best option in Columbus for drivers seeking affordable and reliable car insurance coverage.

  • Auto-Owners: MoneyGeek score of 94 out of 100 ($389 per year)
  • Mercury: MoneyGeek score of 72 out of 100 ($613 per year)

Auto-Owners leads with the highest MoneyGeek score, significantly impacted by its top marks in affordability and claims handling. The score pertains to their minimum coverage policy, offering budget-conscious consumers excellent value without compromising service quality.

Company logo for Auto-Owners Insurance
Best Cheap CompanyAuto-Owners Insurance
MoneyGeek Score:
94/ of 100

Overview

Auto-Owners leads with top-tier scores in affordability, claims and coverage, all contributing significantly to its stellar MoneyGeek score. With an average annual premium of $389, the typical driver pays an affordable rate for minimum coverage. It offers discounts such as bundling, multiple car and good student. The company also provides savings for safe driving, installing anti-theft systems and paying in full.

Average Cost of Car Insurance in Columbus

In Columbus, Georgia, the average car insurance cost is $1,289, which is notably less than the state average. The average car insurance cost in Georgia is $1,375, making Columbus' rates slightly more affordable by $87. Georgia's average insurance cost is lower than the national average of $1,720. Here, Georgia sees even larger savings of $344 compared to the national figure.

Various factors determine car insurance premiums, with location playing an important role. Insurers consider the frequency and severity of claims in an area, crime rates and environmental factors when setting premiums. Urban areas with high traffic density typically face higher insurance costs due to the increased risk of accidents. Atlanta is the most expensive city for car insurance in Georgia at $1,762 per year, which is $387 more than the state average. The cheapest city is Athens, with a lower premium of $1,161 — a difference of $214 compared to the state average. Rates can vary considerably within the same state, showcasing the influence of location on car insurance costs. Insurance rates may be even cheaper in rural or non-city areas with lower traffic density.

AthensAnnual Premium$1,161
AtlantaAnnual Premium$1,762
AugustaAnnual Premium$1,257
ColumbusAnnual Premium$1,289
MaconAnnual Premium$1,340
Sandy SpringsAnnual Premium$1,449
SavannahAnnual Premium$1,332

About Mark Fitzpatrick


Mark Fitzpatrick headshot

Mark Fitzpatrick is a Licensed Property and Casualty Insurance Producer and MoneyGeek's Head of Insurance. He has analyzed the insurance market for over five years, conducting original research and creating personalized content for every kind of buyer. He has been quoted in several insurance-related publications, including CNBC, NBC News and Mashable.

Fitzpatrick earned a master’s degree in economics and international relations from Johns Hopkins University and a bachelor’s degree from Boston College. He is passionate about using his knowledge of economics and insurance to bring transparency around financial topics and help others feel confident in their money moves.