Why does my policy have more than one deductible?

A policy commonly carries a flat deductible for most claims and a separate percentage-based wind and hail deductible in storm-exposed states like Georgia.

Does my own insurance cover me when I stay in an Airbnb or VRBO?

The host's short-term rental policy protects the host, not you. As an Airbnb or VRBO guest, your own homeowners or renters insurance usually covers your belongings and personal liability away from home, within policy limits, while travel insurance covers trip-specific risks neither the host nor your home policy will.

Does homeowners insurance cover flood damage?

No. Standard homeowners policies exclude all flood damage regardless of cause.

What does uninsured motorist coverage do?

If you are hit by a driver with no insurance or not enough insurance, uninsured and underinsured motorist coverage pays your medical bills.

When do we use Selective for flood coverage versus NFIP?

Selective private flood wins for Zone X and moderate AE properties where it beats NFIP on price and offers higher limits with ALE coverage.

Does Georgia require motorcycle riders to wear a helmet?

All FAQs

Quick answer: Yes. Georgia has a universal helmet law (O.C.G.A. Section 40-6-315): every rider and passenger must wear a DOT-approved helmet, regardless of age.

Yes. Georgia's universal helmet law, O.C.G.A. Section 40-6-315, requires every motorcycle rider and every passenger to wear a DOT-approved helmet on every ride, on every road in the state. There is no age exception and no experience exception. A rider who has logged twenty years on a bike is held to the same standard as someone who bought their first motorcycle last week.

"DOT-approved" is the key phrase. It means the helmet meets U.S. Department of Transportation safety standards, which cover impact absorption and retention strap strength. A helmet that looks the part but carries no DOT certification, sometimes sold as a "novelty" or "beanie" helmet, does not satisfy the law even though the rider is technically wearing headgear. For example, a rider stopped at a checkpoint wearing a half-shell novelty helmet with no DOT sticker can still be cited, because the helmet itself fails the standard, not just the act of wearing one.

The law applies the same way to passengers. If a rider carries a passenger without a compliant helmet, both the rider and the passenger are out of compliance, and the rider is typically the one held responsible for the violation.

Helmet compliance sits alongside other legal requirements for riding in Georgia, including holding the correct license class. For details on what license you need before you throw a leg over a bike, see do I need a special license to ride a motorcycle in Georgia.

A DOT-approved helmet is a starting point for riding legally in Georgia, not a substitute for insurance. Motorcycles carry their own coverage requirements separate from a car policy, covering liability, the bike itself, and custom parts. Details on what that coverage includes are on the Georgia motorcycle insurance page, with general coverage information at motorcycle insurance.

Riders who want to confirm their current policy lines up with Georgia's legal requirements, or who are shopping for a first motorcycle policy, can start a coverage review to walk through what applies to their specific bike and riding history.