Short answer: Most Georgia homeowners policies cover the house, belongings, extra living costs and liability, but not flood or earthquake. Near the coast, check whether wind is excluded: if it is, the Georgia Underwriting Association (the Georgia FAIR Plan) can write a wind-only policy, and it settles wind losses at actual cash value. Since January 1, 2026, insurers must give 60 days' notice before non-renewing, and they must accept or deny a claim within 15 days of a completed proof of loss.
This guide is general information for Georgia homeowners. It isn't legal advice. Your policy wording controls.
The risks Georgia's insurance office highlights
The Georgia Office of Commissioner of Insurance and Safety Fire (OCI) brochure Insurance Before and After a Disaster walks homeowners through severe weather seasons, flooding and hurricanes, and tells coastal owners to check whether wind is excluded. OCI's home insurance page adds that most policies don't cover floods or earthquakes, which need separate policies.
Step 1: Upgrade belongings to replacement cost
OCI's Consumer Guide for Homeowners Insurance explains that many policies settle contents at actual cash value, meaning cost minus depreciation, and that you can usually upgrade to replacement cost for an additional charge. Keep a current inventory of your belongings in a safe place.
Step 2: On the coast, confirm wind coverage
If your homeowners policy excludes wind, OCI says to contact the Georgia Underwriting Association for coverage. A wind-only policy can supplement another insurer's policy that excludes wind, and OCI notes wind losses under GUA policies are settled on an actual cash value basis. Add flood insurance through the NFIP or a private insurer.
Step 3: The Georgia FAIR Plan as a last resort
According to OCI's business insurance guide, the Georgia Underwriting Association covers fire, lightning, windstorm, hail, explosion, riot, smoke, aircraft and vehicles, with vandalism and sometimes burglary available. OCI calls it a last resort because premiums are generally higher and coverage more limited. If you're non-renewed, OCI's consumer guide suggests first asking Consumer Services whether the non-renewal met legal requirements, then shopping widely and considering a higher deductible before going to the FAIR Plan.
Step 4: The 60-day non-renewal notice
Under O.C.G.A. §33-24-46, as amended by SB 35, insurers must give 60 days' notice of non-renewal for policies issued or renewed on or after January 1, 2026, up from 30 days. Details: Georgia homeowners non-renewal rules.
Step 5: Claim deadlines
Under Ga. Comp. R. & Regs. 120-2-52-.03, the insurer must acknowledge a claim within 15 days and accept or deny within 15 days of a completed proof of loss (30 days after the report if no proof of loss is required). See Georgia homeowners claim deadlines.
See our tables: non-renewal notice rules by state, insurance claim deadlines by state and home insurance claim and lawsuit deadlines by state.
Questions? Contact Alishahi Insurance or call (877) 711-4545. See insurance in Georgia.
Frequently asked questions
Does the Georgia FAIR Plan cover wind on the coast?
Yes. The Georgia Underwriting Association can write a windstorm-only policy to supplement a policy that excludes wind. OCI says GUA wind losses are settled at actual cash value.
How much notice before a Georgia homeowners non-renewal?
60 days for policies issued or renewed on or after January 1, 2026, under O.C.G.A. §33-24-46.
What should I do first if my Georgia home policy is non-renewed?
OCI suggests contacting its Consumer Services Division to check whether the non-renewal met statutory requirements, then shopping other insurers before the FAIR Plan.
Does Georgia homeowners insurance cover floods?
No. OCI says most policies don't cover floods or earthquakes; buy separate coverage.
Alishahi Insurance · 439 N Canon Dr, Penthouse, Beverly Hills, CA 90210 · (877) 711-4545 · CA License #4348151. General information only. This isn't legal, tax or financial advice or a coverage determination. Coverage depends on policy language and underwriting, and rules vary by state.