The Best and Cheapest Renters Insurance in Georgia

With an average rate of $213 per year, Georgia is one of the most expensive states in the U.S. for renters insurance, according to NerdWallet’s analysis. But that doesn’t mean you can’t find affordable coverage. We looked at options from companies across the state to find the cheapest renters insurance in Georgia.

Note: Some insurance companies included in this article may have made changes in their underwriting practices and no longer issue new policies in your state.

Below are the companies with rates lower than Georgia’s state average.

» MORE: The cheapest renters insurance

For a highly rated national insurer, consider one of these carriers from NerdWallet’s list of the best renters insurance companies. Select the company’s name to read our review.

More about the best renters insurance companies in Georgia

See more details about each company to help you decide which one is best for you.

Amica is known for strong customer service. It draws a very low rate of complaints and was the top-rated company for consumer satisfaction in a recent J.D. Power study. If you want to buy a home someday, consider the Amica Essentials policy. With it you can earn up to $500 toward a future homeowners policy from Amica.

See our Amica renters insurance review to learn more.

State Farm renters insurance comes with replacement cost coverage for your personal belongings. That means if your stuff is stolen or destroyed, the company will pay enough for you to buy brand-new items. (Other companies may pay less for older items due to depreciation.) You may also be able to add coverage for water backup and identity theft.

Check out our State Farm renters insurance review for more details.

Does your home have smart-home technology, a burglar alarm or an interior sprinkler system? If so, you might be able to save on Travelers renters insurance. You may also be eligible for a bundle or claims-free discount. Extra coverage may be available for expensive items such as jewelry or computers.

Get more details in our Travelers renters insurance review.

Auto-Owners offers many ways to save on renters insurance. For example, you can get discounts for bundling policies or paying your bill on a yearly basis. The Renters Plus package may be available as an upgrade. It includes coverage for things like backed-up drains and food that spoils in a power outage. Auto-Owners sells policies through independent agents.

Check out our Auto-Owners renters insurance review for more details.

Unlike most renters policies, USAA insurance covers flood and earthquake damage. It also includes replacement cost coverage for your belongings. USAA insurance is available only to active military, veterans, some federal employees and their families. If you live on base, you may be eligible for a discount.

The average cost of renters insurance in Georgia is $213 a year, or about $18 a month. That’s 41% higher than the national average of $151 a year.

In most U.S. states, including Georgia, many insurers use your credit-based insurance score to help set rates. Your insurance score is similar but not identical to your traditional credit score.

In Georgia, those with poor credit pay an average of $358 per year for renters insurance, according to NerdWallet’s rate analysis. That’s about 68% more than those with good credit.

» MORE: How much is renters insurance?

How much you pay for renters insurance in Georgia depends on where you live. For example, the average cost of renters insurance in Atlanta is $216 per year, on average, while renters in Athens pay $191 per year. Check out your city below.

» MORE: Renters insurance quotes: What you need to know

Below are some of the natural disasters Georgia tenants might face, and how renters insurance can help.

Hurricanes and tropical storms

These types of storms bring two potential sources of damage — wind and water — but your renters policy may cover only one of them.

Most renters policies won’t pay for flood damage. If you live in a ground-floor apartment in an at-risk area, you may want to buy separate flood insurance. Learn more about flood insurance for renters.

Most renters policies do cover wind damage. But if your home is near the coast, you might have a separate deductible for damage due to windstorms, named storms or hurricanes. That means you might have to pay more out of pocket for a wind claim than you would for other types of claims.

In some cases, your policy might not cover wind damage at all if you live in a high-risk coastal area. At that point, you could turn to the Georgia Underwriting Association, the state’s insurer of last resort.

» MORE: Complete guide to hurricane insurance

Tornadoes

The wind coverage included in most renters policies will pay for tornado damage.

Lightning and fires

The vast majority of renters policies cover fire and smoke damage. This could include wildfires, a kitchen fire in your apartment or smoke from a blaze next door.

Winter storms

A standard renters policy will cover water damage from a pipe that freezes and bursts. Some policies will also pay if you lose refrigerated food in a power outage.

Earthquakes

Earthquakes are rare in Georgia, but if you’re unlucky enough to experience one, your renters policy likely won’t cover any damage. You can buy earthquake insurance as an add-on or separate policy.

» MORE: What is renters insurance, and what does it cover?

The rates above can give you a rough idea of what you’ll pay, but your own premium will depend on a variety of factors.

Where you live

Insurers consider some locations riskier than others. For example, they might charge more for renters insurance in a high-crime area because you might be more likely to file a theft claim.

Previous claims

If you’ve filed a claim in the past, insurance companies may raise your premium because they think you’re more likely to file again in the future. In Georgia, renters with a recent claim pay an average of 20% more than those with a clean claims history, according to our rate analysis.

Your coverage

The more stuff you have, the more coverage you’ll need, and the higher your premium is likely to be.

Your deductible

A deductible is the amount of a claim you cover yourself before your insurer starts paying. Choosing a higher amount can save you a few bucks on your renters policy. Just make sure you’d feel comfortable paying that amount in a pinch.

Your credit history

As noted above, many insurers will charge more if you have poor credit. Learn more about how to rebuild your credit.

Your home’s features

Got deadbolt locks, smoke detectors, a burglar alarm or a sprinkler system? You might be eligible for a protective device discount from your insurer.

Your other policies

Another common way to save on renters insurance is by bundling your policy with another type of insurance, such as auto.

Your dog

The liability part of your renters policy generally covers expenses if your dog bites someone else. That means your insurer might charge you more if you own a breed it considers a higher attack risk, such as a pit bull or Doberman pinscher.

» MORE: Why your dog needs liability coverage even if she’s perfect

Georgia's Office of Commissioner of Insurance and Safety Fire website provides help for consumers. For example, you can check whether agents are licensed or file a complaint against your insurer. For personalized advice, call the Consumer Services Division at 800-656-2298.