Between inflation, supply chain problems and the rising cost of living, more and more Americans are struggling to make ends meet. This is particularly true of the insurance industry, where it seems rates have gone nowhere but up.

Fortunately for Atlanta residents, cheap Georgia home insurance is still a reality. The average yearly premium for homeowners insurance in Georgia is a mere $901 per year, which is about $75 per month. This is a lot less than the national average of $1,406 per month. But not all insurance policies are created equal, and there are some risk factors that could drive your premiums higher than you’d like. We’ll take a look at some of the most common reasons for high homeowners insurance premiums, and what you can do about it.

The five biggest risk factors for Atlanta homeowners

The insurance company is built on the concept of risk. When insurers underwrite policies, they take a gamble on the policyholders’ health or property. The higher the risk of a costly claim, the higher the premiums. Here are the most significant risk factors for homeowners in Atlanta:

Older homes

If you’re house-hunting or have been in the past, you might have noticed that older houses are often cheaper to buy but cost more to insure. Why is that? It could be any number of reasons. Older homes sometimes suffer neglect or lack of maintenance over the years, which could lead to hidden or unforeseen problems. Older homes also frequently use older materials in the plumbing and wiring, which may entail costly replacement or an increased likelihood of accident.

Natural disasters

The United States is currently in a developing crisis as climate change creates more and more extreme weather events, with insurance claims reaching astronomical new heights. As a state that suffers frequent hurricanes and flooding, Georgia is subject to this rise in extreme weather, which could lead to you paying higher premiums merely because of where your house is located.

Crime

Living in a high-crime area is another factor that can lead to a big bump in your insurance payments. A high-crime neighborhood means a higher likelihood of events like property damage or burglary, which can lead to expensive claims. If the area you live in is particularly bad when it comes to crime, you could end up being deemed “high-risk,” which could make it prohibitively expensive or even impossible to get standard homeowners insurance.

Pets

If you’ve dreamed of owning your own home, it’s likely that having a beloved pet was on your wish list — but this can also lead to higher homeowners insurance premiums. Pets can increase the likelihood of property damage or liability claims, especially if you have dogs or other large animals that could prove a threat. Fair or not, certain breeds of dog may make it expensive or difficult to get home insurance at all: pit bulls are considered a high-risk animal by many insurers, and even Great Danes may end up costing you money because of their size and strength.

Renovations

While renovations can add a lot of value and equity to your home, they can also lead to a bump in your premiums because of the costs involved in replacing or repairing them. Other additions, particularly swimming pools, are likely to raise your premiums because they increase the risk of injury and/or an expensive liability claim. If you have a trampoline on your property and someone gets injured using it, you should be prepared for your claim to be denied.

How to keep your Atlanta home insurance cheap

As previously mentioned, Georgia’s homeowners insurance is more than competitive — but what can you do to help keep it that way? Here are a few common strategies:

● Shop and compare. One of the easiest ways to find the best cheap home insurance in Georgia is to compare quotes. Kristine Lee at insurance comparison website The Zebra has a wealth of information that can get you started on the process.

● If you can afford it, consider boosting your deductible. You’ll pay more out of pocket in case of a claim, but your monthly premiums will be lower in the meantime.

● You can also save on insurance by reinforcing your home with storm windows and doors, fire-resistant materials, burglar alarms and other improvements. This is essentially a double-dip strategy; not only do you get increased protection from things like extreme weather or burglary, but your insurance company is likely to give you significant discounts.

● Speaking of discounts, don’t be afraid to talk to your insurer and see what they have available. You might qualify for more than you think!

● Eliminate unnecessary coverage so that you don’t end up paying for more than you need.

● Get rid of old structures like that decaying shed to both reduce liability and bring your premiums down.