Georgia Flood Insurance: Complete Guide for Homeowners in 2024

In Georgia, 584 communities are at risk for flooding and participate in the National Flood Insurance Program (NFIP). Another 71 communities are also susceptible to floods, though they don’t participate in the program.^[1]

If you’re a homeowner in Georgia, flood insurance might be worth the investment because standard homeowners insurance doesn’t usually apply to flooding. Your lender may also require you to buy flood insurance if you have a mortgage.

Here’s what you need to know about Georgia flood insurance, including how it works, how to purchase it, and what you may pay for a flood policy.

Cost of flood insurance in Georgia 

The flood risk in your area, your deductible, and the age of your home will play a role in the average cost of flood insurance. You’ll notice that flood insurance premiums in Georgia vary significantly. Annual premiums range from $525 to $3,684, depending on the county you live in.

Homeowners in Lanier, Jeff Davis, and Jefferson counties (low-risk areas) receive the lowest rates for flood insurance, while residents in Habersham and Franklin (high-risk flood zones) can expect the highest premiums.

This table shows how your location affects flood insurance costs in Georgia.

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Do you need flood insurance in Georgia?

Many Georgia residents are prone to floods. In fact, 655 communities are at risk for these natural disasters, according to Georgia.gov. If your property faces flood-related damages but you don’t have a flood policy, you may have to pay hefty out-of-pocket costs for repairs and replacements.

Ideally, you’d have the cash to cover them, but if you don’t, you might have to take out a loan.^[1] If you have a mortgage, your lender may require flood insurance coverage to protect against future flood damage.

How to determine your flood risk

Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) flood zone maps show flooding risk in different parts of the U.S.^[2] Also referred to as Flood Insurance Rate Maps (FIRMs), these maps pinpoint high-, moderate-, and low-risk flood zones throughout Georgia communities. Special Flood Hazard Areas (SFHAs) are high-risk flooding areas, while the areas designated with a B, C, X, and D indicate a low to moderate flooding risk.^[3]

The Georgia Flood Map Program is a valuable resource that can help you figure out whether your home is in a flood risk zone. All you have to do is plug in your address. You’ll likely find all the information you need on the Georgia Flood Map Program website.

If you have further questions or need help with a flood insurance policy, you can reach out to Georgia’s NFIP coordinator through the contact information on the “Contact Us” section of the site.

What flood insurance covers in Georgia

In general, standard home insurance policies don’t provide flood coverage. But if you buy stand-alone flood insurance, it’ll cover these components of your Georgia home:^[4]

• Electrical and plumbing systems

• Foundation walls and staircases

• Portable air conditioners

• Permanent cabinets, bookshelves, and paneling

• Carpeting

• Curtains and blinds

• Some appliances like stoves, fridges, washers, and dryers

• Fuel tanks

• Personal belongings like clothing, furniture, and electronics

• Valuables, such as furs and original artwork

What flood insurance doesn’t cover

Flood insurance comes with several exclusions that are important to understand, such as:

• Temporary living expenses

• Personal property outside of your home, like pools, hot tubs, decks, patios, and septic systems

• Financial losses from business interruptions for business owners

• Personal items kept in the basement

• Cars and other self-propelled vehicles

How to buy flood insurance in Georgia

If you’re interested in a flood insurance policy to protect your home from flood-related losses, the NFIP can help. FEMA’s NFIP online database will help you learn whether your county participates in the program. As long as your county participates, you may look for an NFIP partner insurance company and buy your coverage through them.

Another option is to buy flood insurance through a private insurer with different coverage amounts. Keep in mind that flood insurance typically comes with a 30-day waiting period, meaning you’ll have to wait 30 days before your policy will apply. You can’t buy a flood policy right before or during a flood.^[5]

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Tips for filing a flood insurance claim in Georgia 

Follow these tips to file a flood insurance claim after a flood damages your Georgia home:^[6]

• 

  Contact your flood insurer

  Immediately after your property faces flood damage, reach out to your flood insurance company or an insurance agent to start the process. Make sure you have your policy number on hand.

• 

  Document the damage

  Take photos and videos of your damaged property and personal items. It’s also a good idea to create a list of all the damaged or lost belongings. Include their values and when you bought them.

• 

  Complete a proof of loss statement

  An adjuster will work with you to help you fill out a proof-of-loss form. This usually needs to occur within 60 days of the flood.

• 

  Wait for a payout

  Once you and your flood insurance company agree on the damage amount, you’ll receive a payout. If a major flood strikes your area and other people file flood claims as well, you may have to wait longer for your funds.

Georgia flood insurance FAQs