Atlanta’s Traffic Patterns and Their Influence on Auto Insurance

What affects auto insurance rates in Georgia is not just your age and driving history. Some Atlanta drivers might be surprised to learn that traffic congestion is a big contributor to how much you pay for a policy each year. So, as you brave the morning crawl in Atlanta traffic, take a moment to learn the ins and outs of auto insurance in Georgia to steer them in your favor. 

Navigating Atlanta’s Traffic Woes 

If you are asking yourself, “Why is there so much traffic in Atlanta?”, you are not alone. The answer often points to a growing population and a public transit system that hasn’t kept up with the demand. Whether you consider all your route alternatives, sitting on the I-85 highway in Atlanta for an hour is no fun. 

As a matter of fact, the Clever Real Estate data service company disclosed in its best and worst cities for commuters report that Atlanta drivers spend an average of 74 hours sitting in traffic each year. Heavy traffic zones are hotbeds for fender benders, which can indirectly raise premiums over time. The more you know about these patterns, the better you can plan to save time, money, and stress. 

Understanding Why Insurance Rates Spike in High-Traffic Cities 

Living in metropolitan areas can be exciting but will affect your car insurance rates. High-traffic cities like Atlanta are prime locations for museums, Piedmont Park adventures, and, unfortunately, accidents that can spike policy rates. It is a well-known fact that traffic congestion causes frequent wrecks. 

The Role of Accident-Prone Zones in Rate Calculations 

Insurance rates aren’t just about the quality of your driving skills; they also depend on what is determined to be a high-risk area to drive. City locations that are considered accident-prone zones, statistically see more traffic incidents than others. 

Depending on who you ask, some Atlanta locals may consider the Spaghetti Junction (1-285 and I-85) and Peachtree Street as some of the most accident-prone zones. Busy intersections, poorly maintained roads, and areas with complex traffic patterns do play a major role in your insurance cost. 

Laws and Regulations Impacting Atlanta Drivers 

Traffic laws exist to keep you and other drivers safe by regulating actions like speeding, DUIs, turning at red lights, and the growing issue of street racing. 

The Hands-Free Georgia Act, passed in May 2018, is the state’s way of saying, “Stop trying to juggle driving and texting.” According to the Georgia Governor’s Office of Highway Safety, drivers are strictly prohibited from holding or touching their phones while driving. 

Hands-free tech is allowed. However, texting while behind the wheel is against Georgia law as well as the following: 

• Watching videos 

• Recording videos 

• Emailing 

• Posting on social media 

Bluetooth and voice-to-text are acceptable while behind the wheel. However, being very careful is always necessary to avoid distracted driving. But these laws regulating motor vehicles aim to keep everyone safe, including addressing illegal drag racing. As of July 1, 2024, Bill 10 enforces stricter penalties, with spectators now facing misdemeanor charges. 

The minimum fine for onlookers in a street race is $250. Drivers risk fines from $1,000 for initial offenses up to $7,500 for a fourth violation. To keep your insurance rates low, avoid being a part of reckless driving; Atlanta Motorsports Park is the safest place for racing thrills. 

Strategies to Earn Safe Driving Benefits and Discounts 

There are benefits to following the rules of the road and regulations like the hands-free law. If you have no traffic violations, collisions, DUI, or other motor vehicle violations, you may qualify for discounts. If you are a college scholar or have one in the family, a good student discount is possible. Plus, there are discounts to consider, such as: 

• Safe driving discount 

• Multiple vehicle discount 

• Home and vehicle bundle discounts 

There are plenty of rewards and discounts for good driving records. It’s recommended you call your insurance agent to inquire about any reward programs or discounts you may qualify for. But a unique benefit of being a Georgian driver is the option to take the six-hour defensive driver class, which provides you with an additional discount or special perk. 

Tactical Navigation for Lower Premiums 

Planning ahead while managing your finances responsibly isn’t just good for your wallet; it also positions you to secure better insurance deals. Did you know that consistently paying bills on time helps maintain a decent credit score and favorable policy rates? Yes, the impact of credit scores on car insurance rates in Georgia is significant. Additionally, paying annually rather than monthly often comes with a lower premium. 

Avoiding High-Risk Areas: Routes With Lower Odds of Collisions 

Having safe driving habits is a great start. However, planning your routes with fewer traffic jams, better road conditions, and safer intersections is ideal for minimizing collision risks. 

Carpooling and Public Transit: Reducing Mileage to Save Money 

The auto insurance rate increase in Georgia is inevitable due to gridlock and population growth. But apart from discounts and reward programs, carpooling is an option for saving money. 

Save on Atlanta Car Insurance with Velox 

Now that the question, “Does bad traffic affect car insurance rates?” is a definite yes, take a moment to map out your next route. Be sure to avoid the gridlock and keep your insurance affordable. 

We are here to help you at Velox Insurance. Get your customized quote online today, visit your local Velox office, or give us a call at (855) 468-3569 to get started!