As more landlords across Georgia tighten lease requirements, it’s becoming increasingly common for tenants to be required to carry renters insurance. If your landlord has made this a condition of your lease, don’t worry, getting covered is easier (and more affordable) than you think.
If this is your first policy or you’re renewing for the new lease year, this guide will walk you through the steps, legal considerations, and important coverage options to protect your belongings and your peace of mind.
Steps to Take When Renters Insurance Is Required
Some landlords in Georgia require their tenants to hold a renters insurance policy as part of the terms of the lease. If your landlord has required you to purchase one for yourself, you may have some questions about how to proceed.
Take these steps:
Step 1 – Review Your Lease Agreement Carefully
Check the exact wording of your lease. Look for:
- Whether renters insurance is mandatory
- The minimum liability coverage required
- If your landlord must be listed as an interested party (also called a party of interest)
Step 2 – Assess How Much Insurance You Actually Need
Take a home inventory by listing the value of your furniture, electronics, clothing, appliances, and anything else of value.
TIP: Make sure your coverage reflects current prices, not what you paid years ago.
Step 3 – Shop for a Plan that Matches Your Needs
Pick a provider offering the type of protection your lease requires, usually a policy with:
- Personal property coverage
- Liability coverage
- Optional additional living expenses (ALE) coverage if you’re displaced
Step 4 – Add Your Landlord as an “Interested Party”
This doesn’t mean they get money from your policy; they’ll just be notified if you cancel or let your policy lapse. This is typically a condition of lease compliance.
Step 5 – Renew Your Policy with Each Lease Term
Your renters insurance should match your lease duration.
TIP: Even if your policy auto-renews, it’s wise to manually review your coverage to account for any new purchases or changes in property value.
Premiums tend to run in the low double-digits monthly, as cheap as a cup of coffee per day in some cases. For this reason, investing in a renters plan is a smart choice even if your landlord does not explicitly require it.
What Does Georgia State Law Require on Renters Insurance?
Georgia state law does not require renters to carry insurance. However, landlords have the freedom to add any legally defensible terms to their leases as needed to protect their investment, and avoiding renters insurance has financial ramifications for you, too.
Can Landlords in Georgia Require Me to Purchase a Policy?
Yes, your landlord can legally require you to have a policy as a requirement in your lease agreement. Most landlords will require you to hold a certain type and amount of insurance to protect your belongings and guard against liability claims from your guests. Carefully read your lease agreement to understand the specific requirements. If you sign a lease with this requirement and fail to comply, it could result in eviction or non-renewal.
What Types of Renters Insurance Coverage Are Available?
Renters insurance typically includes:
- Personal Property Coverage
Covers the cost to repair or replace belongings damaged by fire, theft, vandalism, burst pipes, and more.
- Liability Coverage
Protects you if someone is injured in your rental and sues you for damages or medical bills.
- Additional Living Expenses (ALE)
Covers hotel, food, and temporary housing if your unit becomes uninhabitable due to a covered loss.
- Optional Add-ons:
- Cyber Theft & ID protection
- Pet Liability (especially important for dog owners)
- Flood or Earthquake Riders
- Cyber Theft & ID protection
What Isn’t Covered in Renters Insurance?
Your policy will not cover every scenario that could occur. Here’s what’s typically not covered:
- Natural disasters like floods or earthquakes (unless added separately)
- War, terrorism, or nuclear hazards
- Damage from negligence or intentional acts
- High-value items over policy limits (e.g., fine jewelry, antiques, collectibles) unless covered by floater insurance
Note that floater policies will not cover damage resulting from your own negligent acts. For example, if you purposely light a fire in your apartment, your policy will not provide reimbursement for your personal belongings or resulting liability if it can be demonstrated that you acted negligently.
How Much Renters Coverage Should I Buy?
Insurers will pay up to a maximum amount defined by the policy for a valid claim. The higher your deductible and the lower your limit, the less your premium will cost. However, you should consider your ability to repurchase your damaged goods. For individuals with high-value possessions or low personal financial stability, a lower deductible may make sense.
Most renters policies offer $20,000–$100,000 in personal property coverage and at least $100,000 in liability.
Factors to Consider:
- The total value of your belongings
- Your financial cushion if you had to replace everything
- Deductible amounts: Higher deductibles = lower monthly cost but more out-of-pocket when filing a claim
What Steps Should I Take to Keep My Policy Up to Date?
Keep an eye on reminders from your insurer to renew your policy, particularly in advance of lease renewals. Consider setting reminders on your calendar to renew your policy and adjust your coverage limits if needed, especially if you have purchased new personal belongings.
- Set calendar reminders for lease renewal
- Reassess your inventory if you’ve bought expensive items
- If moving, check if your new location has different insurance needs
What if I have Roommates?
If a new roommate moves in with you, you should recommend that they hold a separate plan in their name. While you can technically share a policy with a roommate, it’s often simpler and safer for each person to carry their own renters insurance. This avoids disputes over claims, changes in coverage, or turnover.
Additional turnover with roommates can create more administrative headaches for you personally, so it usually makes sense for each one to have their own policy.
What Other Types of Coverage Should I Consider?
- Auto Insurance: Bundling your renters and auto coverage can save you money.
- Life or Health Insurance: Some insurers offer multi-policy discounts.
- Pet Liability: Required by many landlords if you own a dog or exotic pet.
How Do I Get the Best Rate on Georgia Renters Insurance?
Finding the best rate for a renters insurance policy can help ensure that you get the coverage you need at the most affordable price. To find the best deal on your renters insurance:
- Compare quotes from multiple providers
- Look for bundle discounts
- Use online quote tools or insurer mobile apps for quick applications