Cost of Car Insurance: Atlanta vs. Everywhere Else, Make a Difference.
If your car insurance cost took a sudden upward turn recently, you are definitely not alone. We hit the road hard to earth out the deets and found out that nearly 2,000 people echoed the same sentiment on our Facebook poll. Most of these folks had their steak and potatos still in place—no new car, no accidents, no traffic tickets, no additions to their policy, or a change of location. And yet, they found their insurance rates climbed the ladder anywhere from 10% to about 30%, with some cases tipping way more than that.
Up goes the cost of car insurance—why?
Considering that we had numerous people singing the same tune, we decided to do a snug-fitting investigation on the whereabouts of car insurance so we could secure some answers. So, does the place you hang out affect your insurance costs?
Does it matter where you live?
No argument needed—it sure does when it comes to Atlanta. Generally, car insurance costs in Atlanta are on a heavier side compared to the countryside in Georgia. Why? It all boils down to a bunch of things like how many folks live in that area (population density), rate of crimes, and car crash count. On the flip side, those loving the country life generally enjoy lower rates mainly because of fewer car crashes, lower crime rates, and untangled traffic. But remember, everyone’s rate is gonna be different—it all depends on things like your driving track record, your wheels, and exactly where you’re at.
Cost Comparison
Let’s take a closer look at two drivers based in different parts of Georgia, one with a 3-mile commute in Atlanta and another living outside of Atlanta but commuting 30 miles to work there.
Here are some basic assumptions:
– The beloved Toyota Camry averages about 28 miles per gallon in mixed driving conditions.
– Gas price assumed to be $3.50 per gallon.
– Maintenance costs averaged at $0.09 per mile—this includes routine services like oil changes, the whole works.
– Both drivers generally hit the road 5 days a week.
– Calculations are based on the idea that there are 52 weeks in a year.
Here’s the breakdown:
Short Commute
– Daily commute: 6 miles round trip
– Weekly commute: 6 miles/day x 5 days/week = 30 miles
– Annually: 30 miles/week x 52 weeks/year = 1,560 miles/year
– Annual gas cost: $194.99
– Annual maintenance cost: $140.40
– Total annual costs (gas and vehicle maintenance cost) = $335.40
Long Commute
– Daily commute: 60 miles round trip
– Weekly commute: 60 miles/day x 5 days/week = 300 miles
– Annually: 300 miles/week x 52 weeks/year = 15,600 miles/year
– Annual gas cost: $1,950.00
– Annual maintenance cost: $1,404.00
– Total annual costs (gas and vehicle maintenance cost) = $3,354.00
Difference in Costs
The driver with the longer commute paid $3,018.60 more annually in gas and vehicle maintenance compared to the driver with the shorter commute.
Living in Atlanta vs. Living Outside the Perimeter
With all these facts and figures, should you consider moving from Atlanta to save dough? Let’s compare the cost of life for a single lady about her 40s, living in a rented apartment in Atlanta versus someone located in Acworth. So, which is more affordable for our subject- Atlanta or Acworth?
The aftermath for Atlanta vs Acworth:
Comparing the cost of living (rent, utility bills, groceries, gas for commute, car insurance, and renter’s insurance) in these two locations, we find that living in Acworth and commuting to Atlanta around $327.75/month less costly than being up, close, and personal in Atlanta. Even with more commute costs, Acworth’s lower rent, utility bills, and insurance, make it a winner on the affordability scale.
What about Car Insurance in Atlanta?
As of 2023, you could end up spending around $2,688 annually on full coverage car insurance if you reside in Atlanta. And the 2024 forecast looks even bleaker at $2,893. The nitty-gritty is your car insurance in Atlanta can swing around depending on your ZIP code. Some areas may have super high premiums owing to factors like crime rates, traffic jams, and number of accidents. But others with lower population density, fewer accidents, and peace-loving neighborhoods generally have lower insurance costs.
