Goodcover’s Complete Guide to Renters Insurance in Atlanta, GA

Around 55% of the over six million people in the metro Atlanta area rent their homes. That’s over three million people dealing with landlords, changing rent rates, and the need for renters coverage on top of daily challenges like Spaghetti Junction traffic.

So, do you actually need renters insurance in Atlanta, Georgia? The short answer is yes, but it may not be for the reason you think.

In this article, we’ll dive into answering your questions about renters insurance in the ATL. We’ll cover all renters insurance basics you need to know before getting a policy, like what’s required, comparing quotes, typical prices in Atlanta, and what types of coverage to get. 

Here’s what we’ll cover:

• Is Renters Insurance Required in Atlanta, Georgia?
• What Does Renters Insurance Cover in Atlanta?
• What Isn’t Covered by Renters Insurance in Atlanta, GA?
• How Much Is Renters Insurance in Atlanta?
• What To Look for in a Renters Insurance Policy in Atlanta
• Top Renters Resources for Tenants in Atlanta

Is Renters Insurance Required in Atlanta, Georgia?

Atlanta and Georgia don't have any laws requiring renters insurance for tenants. However, landlords are allowed to require it, and many insist that you have a specific type of renters insurance coverage known as liability insurance.

Lease agreements typically set a minimum amount of required liability insurance, usually around $100,000, to cover costs if an accident happens on the property that leads to a lawsuit. For example, if a visitor slips and falls while going up the stairs in your home, your renters coverage could assist with their medical expenses or legal fees instead of you paying out of pocket.

This protects both you and your landlord from unexpected financial burdens. Instead of you or the landlord having to pay legal or medical fees out of pocket, the insurance company takes over.

Plus, renters insurance is a good idea anyway because it protects your stuff in case of fire, theft, or water damage from your upstairs neighbor who accidentallyjust loves to let the tub overflow during one of those brutal August heatwaves.when it’s over 100 degrees for a solid week in August.

What Does Renters Insurance Cover in Atlanta?

Renters insurance policies in Atlanta provide financial assistance when a covered event damages your home or personal belongings. These policies typically include three main types of coverage to protect you and your stuff.

Temporary Housing Coverage

Often called loss of use coverage, this kicks in if you're temporarily displaced from your home due to a covered loss. Atlanta's fluctuating climate brings risks like rainstorms, thunderstorms, and extreme heat that could create the need for large repairs. 

For example, if an overnight hail storm breaks your home's skylight, renters insurance could help cover the cost of replacing the window and any destroyed personal property. It may also fund other additional living expenses, such as a hotel, during the repairs.

Personal Property Coverage

Protecting your stuff is next up. Personal property coverage protects your personal items in case of damage or theft. With one out of every 25 people in Atlanta falling victim to a property crime, safeguarding your possessions is essential. 

Plus, if you suffer personal property damage due to a covered event, such as a fire or burst pipe, your renters insurance can help you replace them.

When you choose Goodcover for your renters insurance in Atlanta, Georgia you'll benefit from replacement cost value coverage (RCV). This means you’ll get the amount needed to replace your stuff instead of a depreciated value on approved claims.

Liability Coverage

This is the part landlords are most interested in as it takes some of the risk off them and their landlord’s insurance. Liability coverage protections kick in if someone is injured in your apartment and you're sued over it.

So, if an inebriated friend trips and puts his hand through your window while celebrating a Braves’ win, you can get help defending yourself in court if he decides to sue you.

Goodcover Makes Renters Insurance Easy

It shouldn’t be a hassle. Goodcover makes it easy for Atlanta residents to compare and switch online. Simply fill out our online form, which takes about 90 seconds, and you'll receive a personalized quote tailored to your specific requirements. 

Plus, if your coverage needs change over time, you can easily update your policy online without the hassle of long phone calls or in-person meetings.

What Isn’t Covered by Renters Insurance in Atlanta, GA?

Renters insurance in Atlanta, Georgia provides comprehensive coverage for many situations, but there are some exclusions to keep in mind. Standard policies generally don’t cover flood damage, earthquakes, or vehicle accidents. Those are covered by specialized policies such as flood insurance and auto insurance.

If you work from home, it's important to note that items used for business purposes are also not covered under a typical renters policy, and you’d need a business insurance policy.

Additionally, renters insurance does not protect against gradual wear and tear or deliberate damage to your home or belongings. Accidental damage, like your cat knocking over the fishbowl onto your TV, generally isn’t covered by renters insurance unless you opt for additional protection like Goodcover's SUPERGOOD extended coverage.

You’ll need to pay extra attention to coverage for certain high-value items, such as jewelry, cameras, and musical instruments as well. Those kinds of valuable items often have limited coverage under a standard policy.

How Much Is Renters Insurance in Atlanta? 

The average cost of Renters insurance in Atlanta, GA is about $162 more yearly than the national average, coming in at around $222 per year, or $18.50 per month. The exact cost varies depending on location, the size of your apartment, and the amount of coverage you need.

At Goodcover, we strive to help you find affordable renters insurance without sacrificing quality. With Goodcover, you can get renters insurance in Atlanta, Georgia, for around $133 per year or $11.08 per month. This price includes essential coverage such as personal liability protection, temporary housing assistance, and personal property coverage.

Goodcover offers flexible coverage options to fit your unique needs and budget. Our standard policies include $50,000 in liability coverage, $5,000 in personal property coverage, and a $1,000 deductible, which you can easily customize to find the right balance between protection and affordability.

What To Look for in a Renters Insurance Policy in Atlanta

When shopping for renters insurance in Atlanta, GA you need to make sure the policy fits your needs and budget.

Start by determining how much coverage you need and what deductible you can afford. Remember to include the amount of liability coverage your landlord requires. Goodcover plans start with property coverage options as low as $5,000, so you can tailor your policy to your specific situation. 

Remember that while a lower coverage amount may result in a cheaper monthly premium, it's essential to have enough coverage to adequately protect your belongings. Choosing a higher deductible can sometimes help lower premiums while getting the coverage limits you need.

Next, be sure the plan includes replacement cost coverage (RCV) rather than actual cash value (ACV). With RCV, your insurance provider pays out what it would cost to purchase your item at today’s costs rather than a depreciated amount based on your older item's used value. 

Additionally, look at how friendly your policy is to roommates and partners, otherwise known as named insureds. At Goodcover, we encourage policy sharing among named insureds, making it easier and more affordable for everyone to stay protected.

Here are some more metrics to consider for renters insurance providers in Atlanta:

Coverage: Make sure you compare like coverage. Cheap renters insurance companies often cut corners and don’t include all the coverage you need. 

Every policy you compare should have the liability protection your landlord requires, the personal property coverage you need with RCV, and any additional coverage you want. For example, if you have expensive items like an engagement ring, consider opting for Goodcover's SUPERGOOD extended coverage.

Price: Renters insurance premiums are always a consideration, especially if you're renting solo. Thankfully, some of the best renters insurance companies, like Goodcover, have low costs and the coverage you need.

You can optimize pricing by looking for providers that offer flexibility in coverage amounts and allow you to share policies with roommates.

Customer experience: Whether you choose a company with on-site agents or a fully online insurer like Goodcover, a positive customer experience can make all the difference. 

Being able to solve problems promptly without jumping through hoops is one of the most important factors for renters insurance. With Goodcover's easy-to-use Member Dashboard, managing your policy and filing claims is a breeze.

Deductibles: Your deductible directly impacts your monthly premiums. A policy with a $500 deductible usually costs more per month than a policy with a $2,500 deductible. 

However, remember that higher deductibles mean you'll pay more out-of-pocket for repairs, replacements, or temporary housing before receiving funds from approved claims.

Top Renters Resources for Tenants in Atlanta

Knowing your rights and responsibilities as a tenant and what resources are available to you helps ensure you have the best tenant experience. Goodcover believes that educated renters are empowered renters, which is why we've compiled a list of helpful resources for tenants in the Atlanta area.

• Georgia Tenant Rights Brochure
• Local Tenants Rights in Georgia
• Georgia Landlord-Tenant Handbook
• Atlanta Rental Assistance Resources

At Goodcover, we strive to provide affordable and comprehensive Georgia renters insurance policies and the information and resources you need to make informed decisions about your housing situation.

If you're ready to protect your belongings and enjoy peace of mind as a renter in Atlanta, consider getting a renters insurance quote from Goodcover today.

Note: This post is meant for informational purposes, insurance regulation and coverage specifics vary by location and person. Check your policy for exact coverage information.

For additional questions, reach out to us – we’re happy to help.