Homeowners FAQs

What makes Georgia insurance different from other states?

Quick answer: Georgia uses a file-and-use rate system, meaning carriers can begin using new rates immediately after filing them.

Georgia insurance differs from other states in a few important ways, shaped by state law, weather, and local risk. These differences affect which coverages and limits actually apply to a Georgia property and auto policy, and they often differ from the rules in another state.

First, Georgia sets its own minimum auto insurance requirements and uses an at-fault system, meaning the driver who causes a crash is responsible for the damage. Georgia also requires uninsured motorist coverage to be offered, which protects you if the other driver has no insurance, a real concern given how many uninsured drivers are on the road.

Second, Georgia weather drives property coverage. Much of the state faces severe thunderstorms, hail, and tornado risk, while the coast adds hurricane and wind exposure. Because of this, many Georgia homeowners policies carry a separate percentage-based deductible/" class="oc-glossary-link">wind and hail deductible that works differently from your flat deductible, as explained in our wind and hail deductible guide.

Third, flood is never covered by a standard home policy anywhere, but Georgia’s heavy rain, rivers, and coastal surge make flood a wider concern than many residents expect.

For example, a homeowner moving from a low-hail state to Georgia might keep the same dwelling limit but be surprised by a These differences are easy to miss. A free coverage review walks through how Georgia’s rules and risks apply to a specific policy. percent wind and hail deductible. On a $400,000 home, that is an $8,000 deductible for storm damage, far higher than their old $These differences affect which coverages and limits actually apply to a Georgia property and auto policy, and they often differ from the rules in another state.,000 flat deductible.

These differences are easy to miss. A free coverage review walks through how Georgia’s rules and risks apply to a specific policy.