Best Homeowners Insurance Agencies in Sandy Springs

Frequently Asked Questions

• 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.
  

• Would you be required to purchase flood insurance in Sandy Springs?

  No, but if you have a federal bank mortgage, you may be required to get one if you live in a high-risk flood zone. Even if you live in a low- to moderate-risk flood zone, you should consider getting flood insurance because homeowners in these areas account for 20% of all claims. If you need more information about Sandy Springs' flood zones, call the Land Development Office at 770-730-5600 or visit its office at City Hall, 1 Galambos Way, Sandy Springs, Georgia 30328.

• What do perils mean in a homeowner's insurance policy in Sandy Springs?

  A peril, as defined in a homeowner's insurance policy, is the cause of losses sustained by the insured property in Sandy Springs. Common hazards include fire and smoke, explosions, vandalism, theft, and lightning strikes. The insurance can cover either named perils or open perils. When a policy specifies open-peril coverage, it applies to all perils except those specifically listed. Named-peril coverage, on the other hand, is more specific and only lists what is covered in the policy.

• Does homeowner's insurance in Sandy Springs cost more compared to other areas in the state?

  According to Policygenius, the annual cost of homeowners insurance in Sandy Springs is $1,822, which is 7% less than the state average of $1,950 for a $300,000 home. It is also less expensive than other cities in the state such as Columbus, Atlanta, and Albany. However, the actual cost of the premiums would be determined by several factors, including exact location, home size and condition, coverage level, deductibles, and credit score.

• How can homeowners in Sandy Springs know if their complaint to the Office of the Insurance and Safety Fire Commissioner is eligible?

  Certain types of insurance are not regulated by the Consumer Services Division of the Office of the Insurance and Safety Fire Commissioner. Military insurance, out-of-state policies, and University System of Georgia policies are among them. Sandy Springs policyholders must also resolve any issues with their insurer before contacting the division. If no resolution is reached, they can file a complaint, preferably through the online Complaint Portal, for a faster and more efficient process. For more information, call the division toll-free at +1-800-656-2298.

• Is it possible to reduce the premiums on your home insurance in Sandy Springs?

  You can get lower premiums if you request a higher deductible, but keep in mind that this will result in a larger upfront payment when you file a claim. When you combine your home and auto insurance policies, you may be able to save up to 15%. There are also discounts for Sandy Springs homeowners who have safety features like burglar alarms and fire detectors.

• 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.