Do insurance rates go up during storm season?
How home insurance rates are set
Insurers file their rates and rating rules with the Georgia Office of Insurance and Safety Fire Commissioner. Your premium is figured at renewal from those filed rates and your home's characteristics: location, rebuilding cost, roof age and type, deductible, claims history and, where allowed, a credit-based insurance score. It stays the same for the policy term.
Why storm years still raise prices
When hail and wind claims run high, insurers seek higher rates or tighter terms for everyone in the affected areas, whether or not you filed. Common changes include:
- Percentage wind and hail deductibles replacing flat ones.
- Roof payment schedules for older roofs.
- Cosmetic damage exclusions.
- More inspections and nonrenewals over roof condition.
Your own claim
A weather claim can affect your price under an insurer's filed rating plan, but Georgia law bars nonrenewal based on two or fewer weather claims in 36 months that were not caused by your negligence. See does a roof claim raise premiums.
Storm season actions
- Review your declarations page before spring hail season and before hurricane season.
- Make coverage changes before a storm is forecast; insurers often freeze changes once one threatens.
- Ask about credits for a newer roof or impact-resistant shingles.