Georgia Home Insurance

Whether home is a quiet suburb outside Atlanta or a farm in a remote corner of the state, Georgia home insurance is a must to keep the family safe.  But that doesn’t mean it has to be expensive!  By knowing the basics of Georgia home insurance, then shopping around to find the best premium, it’s easy to find a great policy at the lowest possible price.  So spend a few minutes reading, then ask for free quotes, and soon you’ll enjoy great Georgia home insurance coverage at a great rate.

The Basics of Georgia Home Insurance

Most home insurance policy sold in Georgia incorporate the same six basic coverage areas.  The amount of coverage associated with each part determines the premium.  Each insurance company has a unique formula to determine what each amount of coverage should be based on factors like the home’s age, location, condition, etc.

• Dwelling – Covers the actual home.  Remember, there’s no need to insure the value of the land.
• Appurtenant Structures – Protects additional structures on the property, such as a detached garage or tool shed.
• Personal Property – Repairs or replaces the contents inside the home, such as appliances, furniture, clothing, and décor. 
• Additional Living Expenses – Provides funds to live somewhere else while the home is being repaired.
• Medical Payments – Pays for the medical bills of people outside the family who are injured on the property or by someone who lives in the home. 
• Personal Liability Coverage – Money for damage to property belong to other people.

Additions to Standard Georgia Home Insurance Policies

When companies calculate the amount of coverage for each section of the policy, it’s kind of a “one size fits all” formula. But those amounts may not be right for every person’s needs. This is where it is important for consumers to review each portion of the policy to ensure there’s enough protection.

• Personal Property Endorsement – normally the amount calculated for personal property is 50% of the value of the home, and there are limits to the value of each type of property.  But frequently this isn’t enough coverage for someone with expensive property, such as a big home theatre system, powerful computer, or coin collections.  A personal property endorsement will increase the amount of coverage to protect those items.
• Medical Payments – This is usually just $1000 in coverage, and knowing the cost of medical bills, that amount can be used up in no time.  Buying a little extra protection here is inexpensive but can make a difference if something happens.
• Code Ordinance and Law Coverage – If a home gets damaged, the insurance policy usually only covers repairing the damaged part.  But if changes in the housing code makes it necessary to upgrade other parts of the house at the same time, it’s the homeowners responsibility to foot the bill.  This endorsement means the insurance company will pay for those upgrades too.

Ways to Save on Georgia Home Insurance

There are some easy ways to reduce the cost of a home insurance policy.  Take advantage of as many as possible!

• Multi-policy discount – Purchasing both home and auto insurance from the same insurance company usually produces a 10-15% discount.
• Security devices – Since the home is safer with items like smoke detectors, fire extinguishers and deadbolt locks, adding those will reduce premium rates.
• Good credit discount – statistically people with a good credit score also file fewer claims and pay their bills on time, which means a better rate.
• Non-smoker discount – Since there are fewer chances for a fire in a home without smokers, rates are subsequently lower.
• Remodeling credit – New systems are less likely to fail than older systems, so updating heating, plumbing or electric systems will lower rates.

Ready to Shop for Georgia Home Insurance

The best way to save money on home insurance is to shop around.  Insurance costs are determined by each company, so no two will have the same rates.  That’s why it is important to get quotes from at least four companies in order to compare coverage levels and rates.  Fortunately that part is easy.  Simply click the “Get Quotes Now” button, then click on the four companies which sound like the best fit.  Request a free quote, then compare the results.  In no time you’ll start saving money on a home insurance policy while having exactly the right coverage to meet your needs.  What are you waiting for?  Start saving now!