(BUSINESS WIRE) – GEICO has good news for motorists in the Peach State: a new auto insurance rate plan that will save Georgia drivers money. The rating plan is already in effect for new policies and will be effective Feb. 8 for renewal policies.

“On average, current GEICO policyholders will receive a 2.3 percent decrease for the same coverages,” said Dina Pon, assistant vice president with underwriting responsibilities for GEICO’s Southeast operations. “The changes for new business customers will make GEICO’s auto policy rates in Georgia even more competitive for consumers. This is especially true because some other companies are raising their auto insurance rates in Georgia at the same time we are lowering ours.”

The new low rates are expected to increase GEICO’s policyholder growth in Georgia, where it is currently the fourth-largest insurer in the state. The rate decreases are possible due to a combination of factors that include rate changes by coverage, implementation of additional discounts and the hard work of GEICO’s 4,079 associates in the company’s Macon office.

“Our associates’ improved quality and efficiency helped make these lower rates possible for Georgia consumers,” said Shawn Burklin, regional vice president of GEICO’s Southeast operations. “I’m proud of the Macon team and thrilled with what they have made possible. We’re glad we can provide our policyholders with more savings, and we hope to attract new customers with our lower rates.”

Overall premium changes for individual motorists will vary based upon factors such as coverages purchased, geographic area, type of vehicle, risk characteristics, and discounts for which they qualify.

Georgia residents may also notice GEICO’s increased marketing efforts with a slate of television, radio and print ads as part of the “New Low Rates in Georgia” campaign.

GEICO (Government Employees Insurance Company) is the third-largest private passenger auto insurer in the United States based on the latest 12 months of written premium. It provides auto insurance coverage for nearly 8.5 million policyholders and insures more than 14.4 million vehicles.

In addition to auto insurance, GEICO offers customers insurance products for their motorcycles, all-terrain vehicles (ATV’s), boats, homes, apartments and mobile homes.