A thorough analysis revealed that Liberty Mutual, Allstate and Farmers offer the best homeowners insurance in Georgia. We at the MarketWatch Guides team selected these providers as the best options after analyzing several insurers based on cost, coverage, features and other important details.
Georgia homeowners incurred $20.5 billion in property and casualty losses in 2022, according to data from the National Association of Insurance Commissioners. Georgia homeowners, especially those in coastal areas, have to worry about damage from natural disasters including hurricanes, floods and storms. On average, it costs $2,039 annually for a policy in the state, according to data from Quadrant Information Services.
6 Best Homeowners Insurance Providers in Georgia
After in-depth research, we at the MarketWatch Guides team found the following to be Georgia’s best homeowners insurance providers:
- State Farm: Our to pick
- Auto-Owners: Best Coverage Variety
- Allstate: Best for discounts
- Travelers: Best claim experience
- Liberty Mutual: Best for finished basem*nts
- Farmers: Best for eco-friendly homeowners
State Farm
Best for Value
4.7
Cost: 4.6/5
Customer Experience: 4.9/5
Industry Standing: 4.2/5
Coverage: 5/5
Our Review
A.M. BestA++J.D. Power829/1000Annual Cost$2,780
Why We Chose State Farm
State Farm’s website provides many helpful resources, making it an ideal choice for new homeowners. From detailed guides on choosing the right amount of coverage to how-tos for creating a home inventory, its website is a boon for homeowners who don’t know where to start. You can also benefit from its vast network of agents for personalized guidance.
The insurance company provides an earthquake damage endorsem*nt but does not offer coverage for flood damage or other disasters that are significant risks in the Peach State.
Pros and Cons of State Farm
Pros Offers several helpful online resources Has a vast network of local agents Charges a lower premium than other insurers we reviewed Cons Does not provide an endorsem*nt for flood damage Does not offer discounts common among other providers we reviewed
Discounts and Endorsem*nts
State Farm provides these saving opportunities for its homeowners insurance policies, but it does not offer many common discounts.
- Bundling
- Home security
- Roofing
You can augment your State Farm coverage with the following endorsem*nts:
- Earthquake
- Home systems
- Identity theft
- Water backup
What Customers Think of State Farm
Our team read through reviews on Trustpilot to get an idea of what customers like and dislike most about State Farm.
What Customers Like
- Prompt customer service: Many policyholders, such as this reviewer, were impressed with the company’s prompt and attentive customer service representatives.
- Easy coverage transition: A customer commended State Farm’s ability to transfer their homeowners insurance policy from a different insurance provider.
What Customers Don’t Like
- Delayed claims processing: A policyholder expressed frustration over State Farm’s prolonged processing time for a water damage claim.
- Rate hikes: Several customers, including this one, complained about a major increase in their policy costs.
Our team reached out to State Farm for comment on the above-listed negative reviews but did not receive a response.
Auto-Owners Best coverage variety
4.6
Cost: 4.6/5
Customer Experience: 4.2/5
Industry Standing: 4.3/5
Coverage: 5/5
Our Review
A.M. BestA+J.D. Power834/1000Annual Premium$1,452
Why We Chose Auto-Owners
Auto-Owners received one of the highest scores in J.D. Power’s customer satisfaction study, which shows that its customers generally believe it provides adequate service. The insurer also sells a flood damage endorsem*nt, which Georgia residents living in a flood-prone area might need.
Digitally minded homeowners might not like Auto-Owners’s analog style: You must contact an agent for a quote or to file a claim.
Pros and Cons of Auto-Owners
Pros Received a high J.D. Power customer satisfaction score Provides several valuable discounts Sells a flood damage endorsem*nt Cons Requires that you contact an agent to get an estimate Does not let you file a claim online
Discounts and Endorsem*nts
Auto-Owners provides several discounts to its policyholders, which includes many common and unique options. You can save on your policy by earning these discounts:
- Advance quote
- Automatic backup generator
- Favorable loss history
- Green discount
- Life multi-policy
- Mortgage-free
- Multi-policy
- Paid-in-full
- Payment history
- Protective devices
- Water shut-off system
You can also add these endorsem*nts to your policy for extra coverage:
- Equipment breakdown
- Guaranteed home replacement cost
- Home cyber protection
- Homeowners plus
- Identity theft expense coverage
- Inland flood coverage
- Ordinance or law coverage
- Special personal property coverage
- Water backup of sewers or drains
What Customers Think of Auto-Owners
Below is a selection of what Auto-Owners customers had to say about their homeowners insurance policies on Trustpilot.
What Customers Like
- Affordable rates: A customer liked their homeowners insurance rate.
- Helpful agents: A policyholder praised the company’s agents for going above and beyond to assist her.
What Customers Don’t Like
- Long claims process: Some policyholders, such as this reviewer, complained about the company taking too long to settle a claim.
- Insufficient coverage: A policyholder was upset with the insurer for providing insufficient coverage even after purchasing replacement cost coverage.
Our team reached out to Auto-Owners for comment on the above-listed negative reviews but did not receive a response.
Allstate
Best for discounts
4.5
Cost: 4.6/5
Customer Experience: 4.3/5
Industry Standing: 4.3/5
Coverage: 4.6/5
Our Review
A.M. BestA+J.D. Power809/1000Annual Cost$2,500
Why We Chose Allstate
Georgia homeowners looking for a variety of add-on coverage options should check out Allstate. Some of its endorsem*nt options include scheduled personal property and identity theft restoration coverage.
Scheduled personal property coverage may be of interest to those living in urban areas with a high crime rate, such as Atlanta, as it protects valuable items against damage. Identity theft restoration coverage helps you cover the legal costs and other expenses in case of identity fraud.
Pros and Cons of Allstate
Pros Charges relatively affordable premiums Provides several valuable additional coverage options Offers many discounts to help lower policy costs Cons Scores poorly in J.D. Power’s customer satisfaction study May not offer online quotes in some areas of Georgia
Discounts and Endorsem*nts
Allstate provides you with these discounts to help you lower your monthly premium:
- Claims-free
- Early signing
- Easy pay
- Homebuyer
- Multi-policy
- Protective device
- Responsible payment
- Welcome and loyalty
You can also add these additional coverages to your policy:
- Business property
- Electronic data recovery
- Green improvement reimbursem*nt
- Identity theft restoration
- Musical instruments
- Scheduled personal property
- Sports equipment
- Water backup
- Yard and garden
What Customers Think of Allstate
We checked out what customers are saying on Trustpilot to get a sense of Allstate’s customer satisfaction.
What Customers Like
- Customer service representatives: Several policyholders, such as this one, appreciated Allstate’s dependable agents, mentioning their reliability.
- Claims support: A reviewer liked the insurance company’s swift handling of claims, highlighting their prompt and thorough resolution of issues.
What Customers Don’t Like
- Coverage refusal: A policyholder complained about the company’s decision not to cover roof damage despite consistent premium payments over a long duration.
- Premium hikes: Several policyholders, such as this reviewer, were frustrated by substantial premium increases following claim submissions.
Our team reached out to Allstate for comment on the above-listed negative reviews but did not receive a response.
Travelers
Best claim experience
4.5
Cost: 4.5/5
Customer Experience: 4.9/5
Industry Standing: 4.3/5
Coverage: 4.4/5
A.M. BestA++J.D. Power790/1000Annual Cost$2,619
Why We Chose Travelers
Some customers can benefit from Traveler’s decreasing deductible program, which lowers your deductible by $100 in each year that you don’t file a claim. You can also save on a Travelers homeowners insurance policy by bundling it with a Travelers auto or umbrella policy.
Several other discounts are available, too. For instance, you can save up to 5% on your policy cost with the green home discount if your home is certified by the Leadership Energy and Environmental Design (LEED) organization.
Pros and Cons of Travelers
Pros Offers a competitive deductible program to some customers Provides a free home history report via OpenHouse Has many bundling options available Cons Has a below-average score in J.D. Power’s customer satisfaction study Does not offer endorsem*nts for natural disasters
Discounts and Endorsem*nts
You can save on your Travelers policy by qualifying for many common discounts. These discounts include:
- Early quote
- Green home
- Homebuyer
- Loss-free
- Multi-policy
- Protective device
There are many endorsem*nt options available for those who want additional coverage:
- Additional replacement cost
- Contents replacement cost
- Green home
- Identity fraud
- Jewelry and valuable items
- Personal articles floater
- Special personal property
- Water backup and sump pump discharge or overflow
What Customers Think of Travelers
Below is a selection of what Travelers homeowners insurance customers have written on Trustpilot about their experiences with the company. We also included a Better Business Bureau (BBB) review since the company has limited positive testimonials on its Trustpilot profile.
What Customers Like
- Fast claims settlement: A policyholder praised the company’s claims process and liked how the adjustor quickly approved their claim after a property theft.
- Professional agents: A reviewer mentioned the professionalism of the insurer’s agents and applauded their attentiveness to their concerns.
What Customers Don’t Like
- Policy cancellation: Some customers, such as this one, complained about the company refusing to renew their policy after a claim.
- Inefficient customer support: A policyholder was upset with the insurer for closing their claim without contacting them.
Our team reached out to Travelers for comment on the above-listed negative reviews but did not receive a response.
Liberty Mutual Our pick for discounts
4.4
Cost: 4.4/5
Customer Experience: 4.7/5
Industry Standing: 4/5
Coverage: 4.6/5
Our Review
A.M. BestAJ.D. Power789/1000
Why We Chose Liberty Mutual
Liberty Mutual provides several discounts with its homeowners insurance policies, which can help Georgia homeowners lower their premiums. Some of its discounts are easy to qualify for, such as the online purchase discount, which you can earn if you purchase your policy online. The insurer also offers a discount on setting up automatic payments.
Aside from helping you save money, the insurer offers additional coverage against natural disasters that are a major risk in the state. You can also choose from many other valuable endorsem*nt options.
Pros and Cons of Liberty Mutual
Pros Provides many valuable discounts Offers personal property replacement cost endorsem*nt Lets you purchase additional coverage against natural disasters Cons Does not provide 24/7 customer support Does not offer all coverage options in every location
Discounts and Endorsem*nts
Liberty Mutual lets you save a significant amount of money with its discounts, which include the following:
- Early shopper
- Online purchase
- Claims-free
- Safe homeowner program
- Newly purchased home
- New roof
- Paperless policy
- Preferred payment
- Multi-policy
- Wind mitigation credit
- Insured to Value
You can also add these additional coverages to your policy for maximum protection:
- Hurricane damage
- Additional living expenses
- Water backup
- Personal property replacement cost
- Inflation protection
What Customers Think of Liberty Mutual
We read reviews on Liberty Mutual’s Trustpilot page to see what customers think of their homeowners insurance policies.
What Customers Like
- Attention to detail: Many customers, such as this one, praised an agent’s attention to detail.
- Easy claims settlement: A policyholder was satisfied with the company’s efficient claims procedure.
What Customers Don’t Like
- Unexpected policy cancellation: Many policyholders, such as this one, expressed dissatisfaction with the insurer for terminating their policy and highlighted a lack of timely communication.
- Premium increases: A customer complained about the company due to a significant rise in their insurance premiums despite not having made a claim for an extended period.
Our team reached out to Liberty Mutual for comment on the above-listed negative reviews but did not receive a response.
Farmers Best for eco-friendly homeowners
4.3
Cost: 4.4/5
Customer Experience: 4.9/5
Industry Standing: 3.6/5
Coverage: 4.6/5
Our Review
A.M. BestAJ.D. Power800/1000Annual Premium$1,689
Why We Chose Farmers
Farmers offers highly customizable coverage, allowing you to choose a deductible and coverage limit that balance affordability with adequate protection. If your quote comes in higher than you expected, check out its extensive list of discounts.
However, the insurer’s quote form might seem lengthy to some potential policyholders, as it asks for detailed information about your personal details and property.
Pros and Cons of Farmers
Pros Lets you customize your policy based on your needs Provides many valuable discounts Offers additional coverage against severe weather events Cons Does not score well for customer satisfaction Charges a relatively higher premium
Discounts and Endorsem*nts
Farmers offers many saving opportunities with policies. Because not every discount is offered in all locations, contact a customer service representative to know which discounts are available to you. Here’s a list of Farmers’s common discounts:
- Affinity
- Claims-free
- Connected home
- ePolicy
- Good payer
- Green certifications
- Home safety
- Multiline
- New home
- Preferred payment
- Protective devices
- Rent to own
- UL-approved roofing materials
You can purchase these endorsem*nts if you want to extend your policy’s limits:
- Mobile and manufactured homes
- Earthquake
- Eco-rebuilds
- Flood damage
- Replacement cost coverage
- Identity theft protection
What Customers Think of Farmers
We read through Farmer’s homeowners insurance reviews on Trustpilot to see what customers like and don’t like.
What Customers Like
- Responsive customer service: Many insured individuals, such as this one, were pleased with Farmers’s responsive and informed service representatives.
- Easy claims filing: A policyholder was satisfied with the convenient nature of the entire claims filing process.
What Customers Don’t Like
- Coverage cancellations: A customer expressed dissatisfaction with the termination of their policy due to obsolete information.
- High rates: Many customers, such as this one, complained about the high quotes provided by the insurer.
Our team reached out to Farmers for comment on the above-listed negative reviews but did not receive a response.
Average Cost of Homeowners Insurance in Georgia
The average cost of homeowners insurance in Georgia is $2,039 which is lower than the national average of $2,728 according to our analysis of homeowners insurance premiums using data provided by Quadrant Information Services.
The annual cost of homeowners insurance can vary greatly based on your specific location which can cause your home to be more or less susceptible to risk. Use the charts below to determine the average cost in your specific area before getting quotes from multiple providers.
Cheapest Homeowners Insurance in Georgia
The cheapest homeowners insurance company in Georgia is Farm Bureau offering policies at an average cost of $172 annually. Although cost is an important factor in choosing the right home insurance company, make sure you have enough coverage to protect your finances in the event of a loss.
How To Save on Homeowners Insurance
You might qualify for lower homeowners insurance rates in the Peach State by mitigating the risk of damage due to natural disasters, theft and vandalism. You might also find a better deal by comparing rates from several providers. Here are some ways to save on homeowners insurance:
- Protect your home from natural disasters: Homes in Georgia can be risky to insure when they’re situated near the coast and, therefore, prone to hurricanes. However, you might qualify for a lower rate if you install features on your property that protect against covered losses. Installing storm shutters, impact-resistant windows and flood barriers may all help to reduce your homeowners insurance rate.
- Improve your property’s security: Insurers might also charge you lower rates if your property has burglar alarms and surveillance cameras, as it will lower the risk of damage to your personal items due to theft. It’s important to add these features if you live in an urban city such as Atlanta or Augusta.
- Shop around: Before buying a policy, you should always shop around and compare rates from several providers. Because each insurer will evaluate your application differently, your homeowners insurance quotes may vary widely by provider.
Compare Home Insurance Discounts
Discounts lower your monthly premiums. Here’s a list of common discounts and which providers offer them.
| Provider | Multi-Policy | New Homeowner / Home | Claims-Free | Protective Devices | Military or Veteran |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Liberty Mutual | ✔ | ✔ | ✔ | ✔ | |
| Allstate | ✔ | ✔ | ✔ | ✔ | |
| Farmers | ✔ | ✔ | ✔ | ✔ | |
| Auto-Owners | ✔ | ✔ | ✔ | ||
| State Farm | ✔ | ✔ | |||
| Travelers | ✔ | ✔ | ✔ | ✔ |
Page 1 of
We at the Guides Home Team gathered 2024 home insurance quotes for the providers in this article using data from Quadrant Information Services. Quadrant is a leading source of property and casualty insurance solutions and data.
Our sample homeowner is a 40-year-old single male with good credit and no prior claims history. Our sample policies featured a $1,000 deductible and the following coverage and limits:
- Dwelling: $350,000
- Other Structures: $25,000
- Personal Property: $150,000
- Loss of Use: $50,000
- Liability: $300,000
- Medical Payments: $1,000
For each provider, we gathered a quote for 50% of the ZIP codes in every state it is licensed in. We used the most populous ZIP codes for our study. We took the average of these individual quotes to calculate national and state average premiums for each provider. Our sample rates are for informational purposes only. Actual premiums will vary.
What Factors Affect Home Insurance Rates in Georgia?
Home insurance rates are ultimately based on risk. To determine how likely you are to file a claim and how much it would cost, homeowners insurance companies use the factors below to set your premiums:
- Location: Construction costs vary based on location, so your rates will depend on your city and state. In addition to building costs, insurance providers will also factor in local crime rates and consider how close you live to a fire hydrant, police department or fire station.
- Claims history: Your past claims can be a good indicator to insurers of your likelihood of filing future claims. If you’ve filed multiple claims in the past, you may face higher premiums than if you have a claims-free history, which could even earn you discounts or a deductible credit.
- Credit history: Your credit history can also affect your premiums. If you have a low credit score, which most industry experts define as a 580 or lower, you could pay higher rates for coverage. Maintaining a fair or good credit score could help you get lower home insurance rates.
- Replacement cost: Replacement cost is the estimated amount of money needed to rebuild your home with the same type of building materials as those used initially. The insurance company will evaluate your home’s age, square footage, number of bedrooms and bathrooms, architectural style and roof condition to determine this dollar amount.
- Age: Architectural styles, building materials and plumbing and electrical systems change with time, making older homes harder to replace in some cases. If your home was built with rare, outdated materials that would be hard to replicate, you’ll probably pay higher rates than someone with a new home of a similar size.
- Roof condition: The home insurance company will also pay close attention to the condition of your home, whether it’s old or new. They will focus on your roof in particular because damaged roofs can lead to extensive and costly repairs to the rest of your home. Your quote application will likely ask about your roof’s construction or replacement date, as well as what building materials were used to construct it. You may be able to secure a discount for having a fire- or impact-resistant roof.
- Renovations: When you make significant updates to your home, it can change its replacement cost value. If you’re making a change that could alter your home’s value or square footage, it’s wise to inform your homeowners insurance company, as it could change the level of coverage you need and impact your rates.
- Pet: Home insurance is also important for its liability coverage, compensating for legal charges and medical payments if you (or your dog) are at fault for an injury. Dog breeds that are considered aggressive or likely to do severe damage if they were to bite someone can come with higher premiums on homeowners insurance. Check with your insurer to see whether your pet’s breed is on the list.
- Home security features: When you arm your home with security devices, it lowers your overall likelihood of filing a claim, which leads to reduced rates. In many cases, you can get a discount for securing your home with fire alarms, sprinklers, burglar alarms and deadbolts since they help prevent risks, such as fires and break-ins.
- Policy structure: The amount of coverage you choose, whether or not you add endorsem*nts and what deductible you select can significantly alter your homeowners rates. For example, you can lower your premium by agreeing to pay a higher deductible in the event of a claim. However, doing so will leave you with more out-of-pocket costs if something happens to your home or personal property.
- Discounts: Each of the Georgia homeowners insurance companies in this review offers discounts to help customers save on coverage. Most providers offer a multi-policy discount that rewards you for bundling home and auto insurance, and some providers offer other unique savings incentives.
Common Causes of Home Insurance Claims in Georgia
Recommended Home Insurance Coverage in Georgia
A standard HO-3 home insurance policy protects the physical structure of your home, pays for liability expenses and damage to personal property and covers temporary living costs if your property is uninhabitable due to a covered peril.
Due to the unique risks present in Georgia, we recommend you purchase these endorsem*nts with your policy for sufficient protection:
- Flood insurance
- Windstorm and hail coverage
- Sewer backup coverage
- Personal property replacement cost coverage
Tips for Getting Insured in Georgia
Finding a suitable homeowners insurance policy in Georgia can be complicated due to the state’s susceptibility to natural disasters. Keep these factors in mind when looking for a policy to find your ideal provider:
- Be prepared to call companies for quotes: Although many insurers mentioned in this guide offer online quotes, some might require you to call them to purchase a policy because of the frequency of natural disasters and the complexity of coverage required. Make sure you’re ready to pick up the phone when you’re requesting quotes.
- Gather necessary information before calling: To expedite the process, make sure you know the facts about your home, including its age, square footage, foundation and roofing material and any recent improvements.
- Consider the impact of your deductible: You should weigh your deductible options and understand how they affect your monthly premiums. For instance, your monthly premium will be lower if you choose a higher deductible, but it will increase your out-of-pocket expenses.
Frequently Asked Questions About Georgia Homeowners Insurance
The average cost of a homeowners insurance policy in Georgia is $2,039 per year, lower than the national average of $2,728. However, expect your rate to differ based on the risk factors related to both your home’s location and your claims history.
The high cost of homeowners insurance in Georgia may be due to the heightened risk of natural disasters in the state, such as hurricanes, floods and thunderstorms. High property crime rates and costs of rebuilding might also contribute to relatively expensive premiums.
Yes, Progressive provides homeowners insurance policies in the Peach State. You can purchase a policy online, by phone or through an agent.
An HO-3 policy is the most common homeowners insurance policy. It covers the structure of your property for a wide range of perils, offers protection for your personal belongings and coverage against liability costs. It also pays temporary living expenses if your property is uninhabitable due to a covered loss.
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Methodology: Our System for Ranking the Best Home Insurance Companies in Georgia
We ranked the best home insurance companies in Pennsylvania after assessing several insurance providers and gathering quotes for a property in the state. We considered these factors to rate the providers:
- Cost (27%): We compared cost data for homes nationwide to assess how competitively priced each provider is. We also considered each company’s available discounts when determining its overall cost of coverage.
- Coverage (28%): We evaluated the comprehensiveness of each provider’s standard home insurance policy and compared optional policy endorsem*nts to ascertain the quality of coverage.
- Availability and ease of use (25%): We evaluated each company’s customer service options, such as live chat, a customer support phone line and multiple channels for filing claims and generating quotes. Similarly, we score providers based on their digital resources, such as a mobile app or online customer portal.
- Brand trust (20%): We gauge reputation by evaluating consumer reviews and third-party financial strength and customer experience ratings, including from J.D. Power, AM Best and customer review aggregators.
The highly ranked insurers provided 24/7 customer support, several digital tools, a convenient quote process, discount and endorsem*nt options, a straightforward claims procedure, customizable coverage and other features.
This data is updated regularly to help you get the most recent information. Review our complete methodology for more information.
AM Best Disclaimer
If you have feedback or questions about this article, please email the MarketWatch Guides team at [email protected].
