Best Homeowners Insurance Agencies in Athens

FAQs

• Introduction

  Homeowners' insurance is a type of property insurance used by private property owners to protect their home and property from a range of risks and liabilities. It is also called home insurance.
  

  
  

  All homeowners' insurance policies cover the primary home on a property, meaning that most damage from weather, accidents, vandalism, and other events will be at least partially paid for by the insurance company. Many policies also include coverage for other structures, personal property, and some premises liability.

  
  

  It is not required by law that a homeowner purchases insurance for their property. However, if you have a mortgage, the lender will usually make purchasing a homeowners' policy a mandatory part of the loan process. Since the mortgage lender is essentially selling you the home, they require you to protect the investment.
  

• Is there a specific timeframe in Athens within which homeowners must file insurance claims in the event of a house fire?

  Not really; however, the deadline for notification is determined by your homeowners' insurance policy, not Athens law. Inform your insurance company promptly if you experience any losses, as it's usually the first step in the claim process. Your insurance policy requires you to promptly notify your insurance company in writing about fire claims. The definition of "immediate" or "prompt" in this context varies depending on the circumstances of your claim. However, it is always advisable to file a claim right away, regardless of the requirements.

• In Athens, how long does one have to file a lawsuit for breach of a homeowners' insurance contract?

  The deadline to file a lawsuit for breach of an insurance contract in Athens is often laid out in the terms of your insurance policy, although most establish a limitation period of as little as one or two years from the time you became aware or should have become aware of the loss. Despite Georgia's six-year general limitation period for breach of contract (including insurance policies), courts have held that insurance policies can shorten that time frame. Speak with your homeowners' insurance agency to get a clearer picture of this.

• Are homeowners' insurance firms in Athens permitted to cancel a client's policy for any specific reason?

  Yes. Homeowners' insurance policies in Athens have the potential to be canceled by the insurer for any reason within the initial 60 days of the policy. However, it is important to note that a 10-day termination notice must be provided to the policyholder via mail. After a period of 60 days, there are restrictions on cancellation, also known as the "term period." During this period, your policy may only be terminated if you refuse to pay your premiums, make a false claim, commit a felony, or neglect to maintain the property's safety.

• What is Georgia's FAIR plan, and how does it help Athens citizens acquire a homeowners' insurance policy?

  The Fair Access to Insurance Requirements (FAIR) Plan is a state program that helps individuals who are considered high-risk by insurers to acquire insurance for their homes. This includes people who live in areas prone to natural disasters or high-crime areas, homes in disrepair, or homes with multiple previous claims. If you lose your homeowners' insurance or can't afford it, the Georgia Office of Insurance suggests getting the FAIR Plan from the Georgia Underwriters Insurance Association.

• How much do homeowners' insurance policies cost in Athens?

  In Athen, an annual premium of $1,682 is the norm for homeowners insurance. That's more than the median price in the United States, which is $1,428. There are a number of variables that might affect your actual cost, including the age and value of your property, the types of coverage you choose, and your claims history.

• What determines the price of homeowners insurance premium?

  The premium, or monthly cost, of your homeowners' insurance policy depends on several factors, including the value of your home and amount of coverage you choose. Your credit history and whether the property is in a higher risk area also play a role.
  

• What is the difference between home warranty and homeowners insurance?

  Homeowners' insurance protects your home and property from damage from events that include storms, theft, and fires. A home warranty covers repair costs for parts of your home that eventually breaks down. For example, if a fallen tree damages your roof, it's typically covered by insurance, not the warranty.
  

• Does Geico offer homeowners insurance?

  Because auto insurance is Geico's focus and where they invest the most in advertising, many people know the company only as a car insurance provider. On the contrary, Geico does offer a range homeowners' insurance policies that cover dwellings, personal property, and personal liability, among other provisions.
  

• How long does homeowners warranty insurance last?

  Home warranties vary based on the provider of the coverage, but most home warranties last for one year. Once they run out, homeowners have the option of renewing the warranty or letting it lapse. If a covered item breaks down after the warranty period is over, repair costs won't be reimbursed.
  

• Does homeowners insurance cover water heaters?

  Homeowners' insurance doesn't cover water heaters when they break down from normal wear and tear. An insurance policy may cover water damage to your home and property if it malfunctions, and if the water heater is damaged by a fire or an accident, home insurance may provide the costs to replace it.
  

• Are RVs covered under homeowners insurance?

  Usually, an RV is covered under your homeowners' insurance, but that coverage will probably be subject to several exceptions and contingencies. For example, if you want to drive your RV, you'll either need car insurance or specialized RV insurance since the risks you'll face on the road do not fall under a homeowner's policy.

• Do new buyers need owner\'s title insurance on a new home?

  There are unique risks that a buyer of a new home may face. For example, property claims from previous owners or liens from suppliers whom the homebuilders never paid during construction. Title insurance protects the home from these perils, and your mortgage lender may require it.
  

• Do owner builders need home warranty insurance?

  In the United States, owner builders are not required to have home warranty insurance. If you're the one who built your home, you're expected to incur the costs of repairs yourself if a structure or appliance breaks down.
  

• Are dogs deaths covered in homeowners insurance?

  Usually, the loss of a dog or other pet is not covered by your home insurance. However, many insurance providers offer riders — packages of added coverage — for pets called pet insurance. This ensures that medical costs and property damage caused by your pets are fully covered.
  

• Are earthquakes covered in standard homeowners insurance policies?

  Standard homeowners' insurance policies do not cover damage directly caused by earthquakes. Insurance will sometimes cover indirect damage, however. For example, if an earthquake causes a fire in your home, damage from the fire will be covered under a standard home insurance policy.
  

• Are homeowners insurance and car insurance deductible?

  Homeowners' insurance and car insurance premiums are not deductible as personal expenses on your taxes. However, some percentage of your premiums may be deductible as business expenses if you own a business and use your car and home for business purposes. This may vary between states.
  

• Are homeowners insurance payouts taxable income?

  If you file a claim after a burglary at your home, for example, the insurance company will assess the value of the property lost or damaged and reimburse that amount. This payout is not taxable because it's not income — it's a replacement of lost value.

• How frequent should one change auto or homeowners insurance to another provider?  

  If you find home and auto insurance policies that you're happy with, you may never want to switch. However, various providers offer different combinations of coverage and price, so you may want to assess all your options every few years.
  

• What should a homeowners insurance include/cover?

  A homeowners' insurance policy should cover the dwelling, personal property inside and some outside, other structures on the property, and liability. For example, it should cover medical bills if a guest sustains an injury. Not all of these coverages are included in every policy.
  

• How much homeowners insurance should someone carry?

  How much insurance you need depends on the size of your home, its age, and other unique factors. Standard insurance policies cover around 70% of the total value of your home and additional covered property. Most policies that offer premises liability include $100,000 in liability coverage.