flooded living room

Flood Insurance in Georgia: Protect Your Home in 2025

September 09, 20253 min read

If you’re a homeowner in Georgia, whether in Atlanta, Decatur, Macon, or anywhere in between, you’ve probably noticed storms getting stronger. Rain lasts longer, storm drains clog faster, and flash floods are hitting neighborhoods we never thought would flood.

With hurricane season 2025 on the horizon, it’s time to ask:

Is your home truly protected from flood damage?

Most people assume “yes.” The reality? Probably not.

What Homeowners Insurance Doesn’t Cover

Here’s a costly myth: “My home insurance covers flooding.”
It doesn’t.

Standard homeowners insurance excludes flood damage. If water rises from the ground, storm surge, heavy rain, poor drainage, your claim will almost certainly be denied. That means the cost of new flooring, drywall, appliances, and furniture, often $25,000 or more, comes out of your pocket.

Flood Risk Goes Beyond the Map

Many think flood insurance only matters if you’re in a FEMA-designated flood zone. Not true. Over 20% of flood claims are filed by homeowners outside high-risk areas.

Take DeKalb County: in 2024, a sudden thunderstorm dropped four inches of rain in just hours, flooding a finished basement. The home wasn’t in a flood zone, the owner had no flood insurance, and her claim was denied. Final bill: $30,000 out of pocket.

Flood insurance isn’t just for coastal Georgia; it’s for every Georgia homeowner.

Flooding in Georgia Is Changing Fast

In 2025, flooding isn’t only about hurricanes. Georgia is seeing repeated, localized flooding from short, intense storms. Recent examples:

  • East Point: Homes flooded after three inches of rain in one hour

  • Gwinnett: Retention pond overflowed into garages

  • Atlanta: Sewer backups destroyed finished basements

These aren’t rare, “once-in-a-decade” events anymore. They’re happening multiple times a year.

What Flood Insurance Covers

A flood policy protects both your home’s structure and your belongings. Coverage often includes:

Building Coverage:

  • Foundation, walls, insulation

  • Electrical & plumbing systems

  • Central AC, HVAC, and water heaters

  • Built-in appliances and flooring

Contents Coverage:

  • Furniture, clothing, electronics

  • Washers, dryers, valuables (within limits)

Policies are available through the NFIP or private insurers. Private markets may offer faster payouts, higher limits, and customizable coverage.

The Cost of Flood Insurance in Georgia

Flood insurance is more affordable than most expect:

  • Low-to-moderate risk areas: $400–$600 per year ($40–$50 per month)

  • High-risk areas: Higher, but still far less than paying out of pocket

Some insurers let you bundle flood with home or auto policies for added savings.

Remember: there’s a 30-day waiting period before new flood policies take effect. If you wait until a storm is forecast, it’s already too late.

Do You Need Flood Insurance If You’re Not Near Water?

Yes. Flooding isn’t just about rivers and lakes. Your home is at risk if it:

  • Has a basement

  • Sits on a slope or below street level

  • Lies in a neighborhood with aging infrastructure

  • Experiences drainage or runoff issues during storms

With Georgia’s clay soil and rapid development, poor drainage is a growing problem—even in new subdivisions.

Flood Insurance = Confidence + Protection

Your home is your largest investment. Flood insurance doesn’t just cover damages, it protects your time, savings, and peace of mind.

  • Homeowners: safeguard renovations, systems, and valuables

  • Renters: get contents-only policies

  • Condo owners: protect your unit even if your HOA has building coverage

Take the Next Step Before the Storm Hits

At OnePoint Insurance, we help Georgia homeowners:

  • Assess their flood risk

  • Compare NFIP and private market options

  • Bundle flood coverage with home or auto insurance

  • Understand elevation certificates and mitigation discounts

Flood insurance takes 30 days to activate. Don’t wait until the water is rising.

[Request a Flood Insurance Quote Today]

Your home deserves protection. Let’s make sure you’re ready before the next storm hits.

Vera Orji is the founder and principal broker at OnePoint Insurance Agency. With over 10 years of experience in life and health insurance, Vera specializes in helping families create financial security through practical coverage strategies. She is also the creator of the Business Insurance Bootcamp and weekly Life Insurance blog series at OnePoint.

Vera Orji (MBA)

Vera Orji is the founder and principal broker at OnePoint Insurance Agency. With over 10 years of experience in life and health insurance, Vera specializes in helping families create financial security through practical coverage strategies. She is also the creator of the Business Insurance Bootcamp and weekly Life Insurance blog series at OnePoint.

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