The Best and Cheapest Renters Insurance in Georgia

With an average rate of $250 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.

Fortunately, you don’t need to choose between the best and the cheapest renters insurance in Georgia. After analyzing options from companies across the state, we found that some of the most affordable insurers are also among the highest rated.

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 strong coverage and good customer service, consider one of these highly rated renters insurance companies. Click 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 scored above average for consumer satisfaction in a recent JD Power study.[1] If you want to buy a home someday, consider the Renters Essentials policy. With it you can earn up to $500 toward a future homeowners policy from Amica.

Average rates: Not available.

» READ MORE: Amica renters insurance review

State Farm is one of the highest-rated companies in Georgia, but it also had the cheapest rates in our analysis. You can lower your price even more by bundling your renters policy with State Farm car insurance.

State Farm is also a good choice for pet owners because it doesn’t have dog breed restrictions. Renters insurance can cover medical expenses if your dog bites someone, so some companies won’t cover breeds they think might attack. State Farm doesn’t ask what breed of dog you have when you apply for renters insurance.

Average rates: Below are State Farm’s average rates for a range of personal property coverage limits in Georgia.

» READ MORE: State Farm renters insurance review

If you’re a member of AAA or interested in its benefits, renters insurance from Auto Club Group is worth considering. Keep in mind that you’ll need to pay for AAA membership to get a renters policy. But the fee could pay for itself if you use the group’s roadside service, travel discounts or other benefits.

Plus, Auto Club Group offers a variety of discounts to help lower your rates. For example, you can save if you buy your policy in advance or sign up to autopay of your premiums.

Average rates: Not available.

» READ MORE: AAA 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. If you haven’t had any recent claims, you can save even more.

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.

Average rates: Below are Auto Owners’ average rates for a range of personal property coverage limits in Georgia.

» READ MORE: Auto-Owners renters insurance review

The Hanover sells policies only through independent agents, so it’s not your best bet if you’re looking for a quick online quote. But chatting with an agent can help you sort through The Hanover’s various coverage packages. If you’re on a budget, you might opt for the bare-bones Basic package. Upgrading to Select or Select Plus adds coverage for things like water backup, identity theft and personal injury.

Average rates: Not available.

» READ MORE: The Hanover renters insurance review

If you’re looking for a stable company that’ll be around if you have a claim, Travelers fits the bill. It has been in business since 1864 and earns high financial strength ratings. The company also has a low rate of consumer complaints. That suggests most policyholders are pleased with their coverage.

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.

Average rates: Below are Travelers’ average rates for a range of personal property coverage limits in Georgia.

» READ MORE: Travelers renters insurance review

Military insurer USAA offers renters insurance with some key benefits. For example, it covers flood and earthquake damage. Most renters policies don’t. That could prove useful for Georgia renters living in coastal areas prone to hurricanes. USAA policies also cover military uniforms and equipment with no deductible.

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.

Average rates: Below are USAA’s average rates for a range of personal property coverage limits in Georgia.

The average cost of renters insurance in Georgia is $250 a year, or about $21 a month. That’s 52% higher than the national average of $165 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 $410 per year for renters insurance, according to NerdWallet’s rate analysis. That’s 64% 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 $296 per year, on average, while renters in Athens pay $232 per year. Check out your city below.

» MORE: Renters insurance quotes: See your price

Below are some natural disasters you might see in Georgia tenants, 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 from 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. Your insurance can also help if the storm leaves your home uninhabitable. It can pay for you to live somewhere else (such as a hotel) until your place is repaired or you find another place to rent.

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. The policy can also cover your living expenses if you have to move out temporarily.

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 its northern and central counties are most at risk.[2] Your renters policy usually won’t cover earthquake 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. Coastal areas that are subject to high winds may also have higher renters insurance rates.

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 16% more than those without one, 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. See how changing your personal property limit can change the cost of your policy below.

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.

In Georgia, raising your deductible from $500 to $1,000 can save you 14%, or about $35 a year, on average.

Your credit history

As noted above, many insurers will charge more if you have poor credit. That’s because people with good credit tend to file fewer claims. See how poor credit can affect your renters insurance price for various coverage amounts below.

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. Some insurers may offer discounts for certain types of smart technology, too. In general, insurance companies reward features that may prevent potential claims.

Your other policies

Another common way to save on renters insurance is by bundling your policy with another type of insurance, such as auto. This can save you 10% to 30% on your insurance, according to our research. See our picks for the best auto and renters insurance bundles.

Your dog

The liability part of your renters policy can cover 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, like a pit bull or Doberman pinscher. Learn more about pet liability insurance.

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 about your insurer. For personalized advice, call the Consumer Services Division at 800-656-2298.