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.
Cheapest and Best Car Insurance in Columbus, GA (June 2024)
Auto-Owners offers Columbus' cheapest minimum coverage car insurance at $389 annually. Auto-Owners is also the overall best provider, with a MoneyGeek score of 91 out of 100.
Mark Fitzpatrick
Head of Insurance, MoneyGeek
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](https://www.cnbc.com/2020/04/15/cant-keep-up-with-insurance-premiums-heres-what-to-do.html), [NBC News](https://www.nbcnews.com/business/autos/flooded-cars-are-problem-their-owners-future-car-buyers-n1278493) and [Mashable](https://mashable.com/article/tesla-insurance-rates). 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.
Mark Friedlander
Director, Corporate Communications, Insurance Information Institute
Mark Friedlander has over 30 years of experience in financial services and insurance. He is the Director of Corporate Communications at the [Insurance Information Institute (III)](https://www.iii.org/) — a New York-based nonprofit research and education organization focused on providing consumers with a better understanding of insurance — serving as a national insurance industry media spokesperson for broadcast, digital and print outlets. Before joining the III, Friedlander held senior communications roles at Main Street America Insurance, Arthur Andersen LLP and Prudential Financial. His recent contributions and appearances include The Washington Post, The New York Times, Bloomberg, CNN, Fox Weather, the Associated Press, Reuters, National Public Radio (NPR), NBC News, ABC News, CNBC and many more national and regional news outlets. Friedlander holds a bachelor's degree in journalism and public relations from the Ohio State University.
Sarah Mattie
Content Writer and Editor
Sarah Mattie, a personal finance editor at MoneyGeek, specializes in content production, covering student financial aid, loans, credit cards and more. Previously, she was a theater and English teacher. Mattie has a bachelor's degree in theatre from Kansas State University and a master's degree in theatre education from Emerson College.
Mark Fitzpatrick
Head of Insurance, MoneyGeek
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](https://www.cnbc.com/2020/04/15/cant-keep-up-with-insurance-premiums-heres-what-to-do.html), [NBC News](https://www.nbcnews.com/business/autos/flooded-cars-are-problem-their-owners-future-car-buyers-n1278493) and [Mashable](https://mashable.com/article/tesla-insurance-rates). 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.
Mark Friedlander
Director, Corporate Communications, Insurance Information Institute
Mark Friedlander has over 30 years of experience in financial services and insurance. He is the Director of Corporate Communications at the [Insurance Information Institute (III)](https://www.iii.org/) — a New York-based nonprofit research and education organization focused on providing consumers with a better understanding of insurance — serving as a national insurance industry media spokesperson for broadcast, digital and print outlets. Before joining the III, Friedlander held senior communications roles at Main Street America Insurance, Arthur Andersen LLP and Prudential Financial. His recent contributions and appearances include The Washington Post, The New York Times, Bloomberg, CNN, Fox Weather, the Associated Press, Reuters, National Public Radio (NPR), NBC News, ABC News, CNBC and many more national and regional news outlets. Friedlander holds a bachelor's degree in journalism and public relations from the Ohio State University.
Sarah Mattie
Content Writer and Editor
Sarah Mattie, a personal finance editor at MoneyGeek, specializes in content production, covering student financial aid, loans, credit cards and more. Previously, she was a theater and English teacher. Mattie has a bachelor's degree in theatre from Kansas State University and a master's degree in theatre education from Emerson College.
Updated: October 3, 2024
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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.
These rates reflect the cheapest car insurance quotes in Columbus, GA, as of June 2024.
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.
- 22-29
- 30-59
- 60 +
- Full Coverage
- Minimum Coverage
Auto-Owners Insurance Co | Annual Premium$389 | Monthly Premium$32 |
Country Financial | Annual Premium$467 | Monthly Premium$39 |
GEICO | Annual Premium$551 | Monthly Premium$46 |
Mercury | Annual Premium$613 | Monthly Premium$51 |
Progressive | Annual Premium$679 | Monthly Premium$57 |
Allstate | Annual Premium$720 | Monthly Premium$60 |
State Farm | Annual Premium$962 | Monthly 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.
- 22-29
- 30-59
- 60 +
- Full Coverage
- Minimum Coverage
Auto-Owners Insurance Co | Annual Premium$902 | Monthly Premium$75 |
Country Financial | Annual Premium$986 | Monthly Premium$82 |
Allstate | Annual Premium$1,049 | Monthly Premium$87 |
GEICO | Annual Premium$1,282 | Monthly Premium$107 |
Progressive | Annual Premium$1,426 | Monthly Premium$119 |
Mercury | Annual Premium$1,611 | Monthly Premium$134 |
State Farm | Annual Premium$1,766 | Monthly 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.
- 22-29
- 30-59
- 60 +
- Full Coverage
- Minimum Coverage
- Accident
- DUI
- Speeding
Auto-Owners Insurance Co | Annual Premium$1,014 | Monthly Premium$85 |
Allstate | Annual Premium$1,137 | Monthly Premium$95 |
Country Financial | Annual Premium$1,336 | Monthly Premium$111 |
GEICO | Annual Premium$1,537 | Monthly Premium$128 |
Progressive | Annual Premium$2,009 | Monthly Premium$167 |
State Farm | Annual Premium$2,083 | Monthly Premium$174 |
Mercury | Annual Premium$2,397 | Monthly 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.
- 16
- 17
- 18
- 19
- 20
- 21
- 22
- 23
- 24
- 25
- Female
- Male
Allstate | Family Plan Annual Premium$1,495 | Individual Plan Monthly Premium$5,098 |
GEICO | Family Plan Annual Premium$1,940 | Individual Plan Monthly Premium$6,910 |
Auto-Owners Insurance Co | Family Plan Annual Premium$2,342 | Individual Plan Monthly Premium$2,415 |
Progressive | Family Plan Annual Premium$2,439 | Individual Plan Monthly Premium$6,720 |
State Farm | Family Plan Annual Premium$2,934 | Individual 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.
- 22-29
- 30-59
- 60 +
- Full Coverage
- Minimum Coverage
Auto-Owners Insurance Co | Annual Premium$902 | Monthly Premium$75 |
Country Financial | Annual Premium$986 | Monthly Premium$82 |
Allstate | Annual Premium$1,049 | Monthly Premium$87 |
USAA | Annual Premium$1,107 | Monthly Premium$92 |
GEICO | Annual Premium$1,282 | Monthly Premium$107 |
Progressive | Annual Premium$1,426 | Monthly Premium$119 |
Mercury | Annual Premium$1,611 | Monthly Premium$134 |
State Farm | Annual Premium$1,766 | Monthly 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.
Rates updated:
Oct 11, 2024
Although MoneyGeek partners with some of the companies we recommend, our content is written and reviewed by an independent team of writers, editors and licensed agents. Learn more about our editorial policies and expert editorial team.
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.
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.
Ranks first in the city for claims handling
Ranks first for cost, with an annual premium of $902 for full coverage
Offers rare coverages like diminshed value coverage and deductible modification
Ranks third in the city for customer satisfaction
Does not offer original equipment manufacturer (OEM) coverage
MoneyGeek ranks Columbus car insurance by focusing on customer satisfaction, affordability, claims efficiency, coverage options and insurer stability.
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.
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.
Ranks first in the city for claims handling
Offers rare coverages such as diminished value coverage
Provides gap insurance
Ranks third for customer satisfaction
Does not offer OEM coverage
MoneyGeek's ratings prioritize customer satisfaction and claim processing, with coverage options and financial health also being key.
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.
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.
Offers competitive prices, with an annual premium of $389 for minimum coverage
Ranks first in claims handling
Leads in coverages offered
Top-ranked for financial stability
MoneyGeek ranks Columbus car insurers, prioritizing affordable minimum coverage, customer satisfaction, claims service, varied coverages and financial health.
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.
About Mark Fitzpatrick
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.