Cheap Car Insurance in Rome, GA

The scenery of Rome, located at the foot of the Appalachian Mountains, is gorgeous, but its mountains and valleys can pose a danger to drivers who aren’t paying close attention. In addition, this area is the largest in population in Northwest Georgia, so there are plenty of other drivers to think about as you move around. Drivers on Cartersville Hwy SE and other state highways like US 27/SR 1, also known as the Martha Berry Highway, must be careful since these have been identified as particularly dangerous spots.

Before getting behind the wheel, protect yourself by purchasing cheap car insurance in Rome you can count on. At Southern Harvest Insurance, we have years of experience insuring people just like you.

Everything You Need to Know About Auto Insurance in Georgia

Rome has enough beauty and grace to more than illustrate the southern vibe people think of when they envision this part of the country. With the ancient Appalachians dominating the landscape and three serene rivers, the Etowah, Oostanaula and Coosa, running through town, visitors and residents alike enjoy plenty of outdoor adventures.

Named after Rome, Italy, due to both locales being situated on seven hills, this Georgia city is home to the largest college campus in the world, Berry College, which sits on 27,000 acres and is open to the public. People “flock” to see the Berry College eagles through special cameras and a viewing area on the grounds. Overlooking downtown is the famous Rome clock tower, situated on Clock Tower Hill, one of the Seven Hills of Rome. Starting life as a 250,000-gallon water tower, this landmark is now home to a bell and a four clock faces.

Surrounded by lush and fertile parks, gentle streams and a rugged mountain chain for a backdrop, Rome has that small-town feel many families love. Whether you choose to live here or are just passing through, you’ll need to have the state-required car insurance to be legal. Our Southern Harvest agents are locals, too, so they can help you quickly find cheap car insurance in Georgia.

How Much Does Car Insurance Cost in Rome, GA?

The average cost of state-required minimum liability in Rome is $45 per month, while full coverage with increased liability limits plus collision and comprehensive costs around $134 per month. That is quite a bit less than the state of Georgia’s average cost for full coverage at $248 per month and $87. 50 for the lowest level of required liability.

Compared to nation-wide averages, Rome is still lower, while the state is higher at $66 for minimum and $223 for full.

Why is Insurance So Expensive in Georgia?

Although less so in Rome, many urban areas in Georgia are extremely congested and the roads have a reputation for being dangerous. Even Rome drivers must contend with dangerous conditions, specifically on state highways. In 2023, a survey by the Columbus Ledger-Enquirer identified Martha Berry Highway, U.S. Route 27, as one of “the scariest roads in the country.”

Georgia is ranked #13 for fatal car accidents in the U.S., with more than 1,790 people dying on the roads in 2022. This and the fact that Georgia also has a high number of uninsured drivers on the roads, ranking #7 among states with the most uninsured drivers, makes insurance companies very nervous. When insurers are nervous about potential claims, rates go up.

Affordable Car Insurance Rates Comparison by Cities in Georgia

Depending on where you live in Georgia, you may see higher or lower auto coverage quotes. This has a lot to do with the number of claims filed in certain areas, as well as the number of accidents. Those who live in a quieter area can sometimes benefit with lower rates. Here is a comparison of some cities in Georgia.

Affordable Rome Car Insurance Rates by Zip Code

Although it is becoming less widely used, many insurers still drill down to the smallest details, like your zip code, to come up with quotes. It’s not something you can change, unless you move, and it doesn’t really describe your likelihood of getting in a wreck and filing a claim, but some carriers still look at the numbers of accidents and claims in a zip code to determine costs. Here is some average monthly pricing in various zip codes in Rome.

Low-Cost Car Insurance Rates by Age in Rome

Insurance costs the most when you are just starting out. That’s because you don’t have a driving history an insurer can look at to see how likely you are to file a claim. Plus, new drivers tend to have one of the highest rates of accidents. Luckily, as your new drivers gets older, the rates will drop some. If you have an older teen about to leave for school, learn what you need to know about car insurance as a Georgia college student. Rome is a big college town, so there are plenty of drivers there in the teens and early 20s. Here are the average monthly rates based on age in Rome.

Minimum Car Insurance Requirements in Rome

The minimum coverage requirements in Georgia are:

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

This coverage is the bare minimum you can purchase to remain legal in the state. Many drivers choose to increase the limits to be more in line with today’s repair costs and medical bills. This coverage is intended to help you pay for damages and injuries you cause others when you are at fault in an accident.

Don’t think it will ever happen to you? Consider hydroplaning: If you are driving on wet streets, your car’s wheels may lose traction, causing you to careen into another vehicle. If you are lucky, it will amount to a fender bender. If it is more serious, you could be on the hook for thousands of dollars in repair costs and medical bills, even the cost of a funeral if someone is killed.

This type of insurance does not pay for your own bills. This is one of the reasons to include collision coverage in your policy. This type of coverage will pay for your own car’s repairs (or even replacement if it is totaled).

What Are the Penalties for Driving Without Insurance in Rome

It is estimated 12% of drivers are uninsured in the Peach State. In some cases, the state may have to pick up the tab for an injured person’s medical bills if an uninsured driver causes a wreck. These are some of the reasons state lawmakers have come down hard on those caught driving without insurance.

Here are some of the consequences of being caught driving without insurance in Rome:

• Fines: The fine for a first offence is usually $200. However, that jumps up to $1,000 for subsequent convictions.
• License Suspension: First-timers may lose their license for 60 days minimum. After that, it could be 90 days or more. You’ll need to pay a reinstatement fee of $200-$410 to get it back.
• Jail: You can go to jail for multiple occurrences of driving without insurance. In some cases, you may be sitting in a cell for up to 1 year.

Somewhat unique to Georgia, you cannot get your license back until the entire suspension period is over, even if you immediately purchase insurance. And when you do go to buy a policy, you will find your rates have gone up significantly – because you are now identified as a high-risk driver to insurance companies. Your insurer will need to file an SR-22 certificate on your behalf with the state, certifying you have a policy. It is possible to find affordable insurance with an SR-22 in Georgia, especially if you use an independent agent, like the ones at Southern Harvest.

Factors Allowed in Rome Car Insurance Rates

Insurance agencies use a wide variety of factors to come up with each individual quote for coverage. The main items are your driving record and your age, but there are many others, right down to what your job title. Here are a few examples of those factors:

• Job Title: It may not seem fair, but people in managerial or supervisory roles tend to get better rates than those in blue-collar jobs.
• Type of Vehicle: The type of vehicle you insure will play a part. If your vehicle is considered reliable and safe, it will be cheaper to insure than an expensive or foreign model.
• Location: As we have talked about, areas with more congestion and accidents are typically where drivers will see higher pricing.

Everybody has different situations and circumstances, which is why you would be hard-pressed to find someone with the exact same quote as you.

Here’s What You Need to Know When Driving in Georgia

With an estimated 12% of drivers uninsured, you should be concerned enough to look into purchasing uninsured motorist coverage (UM) even though it is not required in Georgia. Although the Peach State is working hard with construction projects and awareness campaigns to help stem the accident numbers, it still pays to be prepared.

In addition to other drivers and dangerous roads, Rome is subject to weather challenges, including icy roads in the winter and torrential thunderstorms the rest of the year. Pay attention to your surroundings, never drive distracted or impaired and stay home during inclement weather.

To find out which discounts you qualify for, check in with your independent Southern Harvest agent. Also, anytime your circumstances change, be sure and let your agent know – there might be a new discount in it for you.