Whether you live in a wood frame in Dalhonega, a Gothic Revival in Savannah or a mid-rise in Buckhead, Georgians need protection from the eventualities that come with owning a home. And just as every home is different, so is every house insurance policy. Georgia home insurance rates vary dramatically which is why comparing rates is so important. Also, make sure you know the answers to some key questions when shopping for Georgia house insurance rates. Let's get started.

Georgia House Insurance Q & A

What does home insurance cover?
Primarily, it covers damage to your home, its contents, personal liability (e.g. someone is injured on your property) and reimbursement for additional living expenses should your home become unlivable.

How much should I insure my home for?
The first section of any policy lists the coverage for the dwelling not including the land. This is the replacement cost to rebuild your home at today's construction market prices. It's not the market value or tax appraised value. A good start is to know the square footage and your local market's construction cost per square foot.

What is replacement value?
Your dwelling is typically insured for replacement cost which means the cost to repair, rebuild, or replace with similar materials.

What is "actual cash value" (ACV)?
This is typically the coverage issued for your personal property. It takes depreciation into consideration. For example, say your Sony laptop was hit by lightning. You paid $1,200 for it three years ago. With depreciation, it may only be worth $500 today.

Is flood insurance included in a policy?
No. Flood insurance is always a separate policy purchased for as little as $119 depending on the coverage and flooding risk.

Do policies cover injury to others from my dog?
Yes and no. Dogs considered a higher risk like pit bulls and Rottweilers are usually not covered. If you're concerned ask an agent.

I live on the Atlantic Coast. Is damage by hurricanes covered?
Like flood insurance, this is usually a separate policy.

Sample Georgia House Insurance Rates

Now that you have answers to some common questions, let's look at a few policy rates sampled from over 70 insurance companies by the Georgia Office of Insurance and Fire Safety Commissioner.

Macon Scenario- $150,000 coverage for a brick home with a $500 deductible.
Rates range from $283 to $1,141!

Columbus Scenario- $100,000 coverage for a wood frame home with a $250 deductible.
Rates range from $303 to $1,025!

Atlanta Scenario- $80,000 coverage for a condo's contents with a $500 deductible.
Rates range from $191 to $989!

Shopping for Georgia House Insurance Rates
As you can see, rates vary widely in Georgia even within the same cities. That's why comparisons are so important when shopping for Georgia home insurance. So let LocalInsurance comparison shop for you. Fill out one form and LocalInsurance will search the web providing you with multiple quotes from agents in your area. It's quick and easy.

If you are interested in learning more about Georgia home insurance, there are a number of resources that are offered by the state. Georgia has a Department of Insurance which can help ensure that you have the appropriate coverage for your home and provide you with useful information when selecting a homeowners insurance policy.