State Farm says fewer claims means lower rates

State Farm Mutual Automobile Insurance Co. said it had fewer claims than expected last year, so it’s lowering its premiums for Georgia drivers by 2.2 percent. The move will save Georgia customers $23.2 million annually. The new rates will take effect Nov. 21. It’s not a trend, however, according to the state’s insurance regulators. “For the most part, the rates have been going up between 5 [percent] and 10 percent," said Lori Tinsley, principal actuarial analyst for the Georgia office of insurance and fire safety.