To most Georgians, it comes as no surprise that accidents are on the rise. Every day our news channels, radio broadcasts, and social media feeds report accident after accident. In many ways, it has become the norm: the price we pay while traveling in one of the most congested cities in America and the world.

But just how bad is the situation? Recent trends paint a grim picture. Car insurance rates have spiked in recent years, affecting 2 million Georgians with price increases ranging from 1% to 24%.

Worse, an average of 4 people are killed on Georgia roadways each day, according to the Georgia Department of Transportation.

Georgians are calling on lawmakers to create more transparency in the auto insurance industry and to invest in infrastructure and road safety measures.

What You Need to Know

• Marital status, age, zip code and credit score affect your car insurance rate.
• 47 states -- including Georgia -- allow insurance companies to consider credit scores when setting rates.
• A 2016 study by the Consumer Federation of America found that Atlanta residents who made less money where charged 92% more.
• A 2015 Consumers Report found that a Georgian with poor credit would pay more -- about 13% -- than a Georgian with excellent credit but with a DUI.
• State law prevents Georgia's insurance commissioner from rejecting most auto insurance hikes.

How We Can Help

Serious car accidents can happen anytime, anywhere on Georgia roadways and car insurance companies often do not have your best interests at heart. If you find yourself injured in or have lost someone to an accident, call Gary Martin Hays & Associates at 770-394-8000.

We will fight the insurance companies for you and answer all of your questions along the way. To us, you are more than a client -- you are family.

Further Reading

• Speeding Is the Leading Cause of Atlanta Traffic Fatalities
• Preventing Atlanta Bicycle Accidents