Homeowners Insurance Renewal Checklist
Homeowners insurance renews quietly. The bill comes, escrow pays it and you never look at what you're actually covered for. Then something happens and you find out. Once a year, ideally a month before renewal, take twenty minutes and go through this list.
1. Replacement cost or actual cash value?
This is the most important line on your policy and the one most people have never read. Georgia's Office of Insurance puts it simply: replacement cost means the insurer pays the full cost to repair or replace your damaged house. Actual cash value means they can pay less, because they subtract for age and condition. A 15-year-old roof under actual cash value might pay out a fraction of what a new one costs.
2. Is your dwelling coverage high enough?
Construction costs have gone up a lot. If your coverage amount hasn't moved in years, ask your agent what it would cost to rebuild today, not what the house would sell for.
3. Your deductible
A higher deductible lowers your premium, but make sure you could actually pay it tomorrow. Some policies have a separate, higher deductible for wind or hail. Look for it.
4. Your home inventory
The Office of Insurance recommends an inventory of your belongings priced at what it would cost to replace them now. The easiest version: walk through every room recording a video on your phone, open the closets and drawers and save it somewhere that isn't your house.
5. Flood
Standard homeowners policies don't cover flood. Georgia's Office of Insurance says so plainly. If you want flood coverage you buy a separate policy, and it usually takes 30 days to start. Read flood insurance and the 30-day wait before storm season.
6. What changed this year
- Did you renovate, add a room or finish the basement?
- Did you buy anything valuable, like jewelry or equipment, that needs its own coverage?
- Did you start renting out the house or a room? A homeowners policy may not cover a rental. Tell your insurer.
- Did you install a security system or new roof? Ask about discounts.
7. Shop it every couple of years
Loyalty doesn't always pay in insurance. Get a quote or two every couple of years, comparing the same coverage, not just the price.
If you have questions or a dispute, the Georgia Office of Insurance consumer services line is (404) 656-2070.
Common questions
What is the difference between replacement cost and actual cash value?
Replacement cost pays the full cost to repair or replace your damaged home. Actual cash value can pay less because it subtracts for age and condition.
Does homeowners insurance cover flooding in Georgia?
No. Standard homeowners policies do not cover flood damage. You need a separate flood policy.
Never miss the date. HomeDue reads the documents that came with your property and reminds you 30, 7 and 1 day before every deadline. Join the waitlist or grab the free 12 month checklist.
Sources checked October 2026:
General information for Georgia property owners, not legal, tax or insurance advice. Rules change, so check the official source or a professional before you act.