Policyholder Rights in Georgia
Your insurance policy is one document. Your rights are also defined by state insurance regulations. Know both.
This article addresses Georgia law and regulation. Rules in other states differ. See other claims and coverage guidance if your state is different.
Georgia policyholder rights
Georgia policyholders are protected by the Georgia Unfair Trade Practices Act and the Georgia Insurance Code. These laws set minimum standards for how carriers must handle claims, communicate with policyholders, and process payments.
Your core rights in Georgia
As a policyholder, you are entitled to the following.
- Written acknowledgment of your claim within 15 calendar days
- A written decision (accept or deny) within 15 business days of completing investigation
- A denial must cite the specific policy provision being relied upon
- Payment must be issued promptly once a claim is accepted
- The right to request an appraisal if you dispute the settlement amount
- The right to appeal a denial internally before litigation
- The right to file a complaint with the OCI at no cost
The appraisal clause
Most property policies contain an appraisal clause: if you and the carrier cannot agree on the amount of a loss, each party selects an independent appraiser. The two appraisers then select an umpire. A decision by any two of the three is binding. Appraisal is typically faster and cheaper than litigation for amount disputes.
Where to go for help
If you believe your rights have not been honored, these are your next steps.
Common Questions
Frequently asked questions
What does the Georgia Office of Insurance and Safety Fire Commissioner regulate?
The Georgia Office of Insurance and Safety Fire Commissioner (OCI) licenses insurance companies and agents doing business in Georgia, reviews and approves property, casualty, life, and health insurance rates and policy forms, investigates policyholder complaints, and pursues insurance fraud through its Fraud Investigation Unit.
What are my rights as an insurance policyholder in Georgia?
Georgia policyholders have the right to a written claim acknowledgment within 15 calendar days, a decision within 15 business days of a completed investigation, a denial that cites the specific policy provision relied on, the right to request appraisal over a disputed amount, and the right to file a free complaint with the Georgia Office of Insurance and Safety Fire Commissioner.
Can I appeal a denied insurance claim in Georgia?
Yes. You can ask your carrier to reconsider with new evidence, invoke the appraisal clause if the dispute is only about the dollar amount, or file a free complaint with the Georgia OCI. If the denial had no reasonable basis, Georgia's bad faith statute, O.C.G.A. Section 33-4-6, may also apply.
About this information
The information on this page and throughout this site is general education, not advice. It is not legal, insurance, tax, or financial advice for any person, topic, or jurisdiction, and using this site does not create an attorney-client or agent-client relationship. It describes general concepts and rules, not guidance for your situation, and how any law or coverage applies depends on your specific facts and the state you live in.
We make reasonable efforts to keep this accurate and current and we cite our sources, but laws, regulations, and insurance rules change and vary by state, and we do not warrant that any information here is accurate, complete, or up to date, nor are we obligated to update it. Do not rely on this site as a substitute for advice from a licensed insurance advisor or a licensed attorney in your state.
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