Compare coverage differences, cost analysis, and find the right policy for your Atlanta home. Named perils vs comprehensive coverage explained.
Choosing between HO-3 and HO-5 can be confusing. Both forms protect your dwelling broadly, but they diverge on how they cover your belongings, how exclusions work, and what you pay. In Georgia, most households buy HO-3 for affordability and availability, while HO-5 is preferred in higher-theft Atlanta ZIPs or when you own high‑value items.
Open‑perils for dwelling; named perils for personal property. Lower cost, widely available across Georgia.
Open‑perils for both dwelling and personal property, higher sub‑limits, fewer exclusions. Costs ~25–30% more.
The most common homeowners insurance policy in Georgia, HO-3 provides comprehensive dwelling coverage but limited personal property protection.
The premium option offering comprehensive coverage for both dwelling and personal property, with fewer exclusions and broader protection.
This comprehensive table shows exactly what's covered and excluded under each policy type in Georgia.
| Coverage Type | HO-3 | HO-5 | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Dwelling Coverage | Both provide comprehensive dwelling protection | ||
| Personal Property | HO-3: Named perils only; HO-5: Comprehensive | ||
| Liability Protection | Same coverage limits available | ||
| Additional Living Expenses | Coverage while home is being repaired | ||
| Water Damage (Sudden) | Both cover sudden, accidental water damage | ||
| Wind & Hail | Important for Georgia's severe weather | ||
| Theft | Both cover theft of personal property | ||
| Vandalism | Both provide vandalism protection | ||
| Accidental Damage | HO-5 covers accidental damage to personal property | ||
| Mysterious Disappearance | HO-5 covers items that disappear without explanation |
Understanding the cost difference between HO-3 and HO-5 policies is essential for budget planning. Here's what Georgia homeowners can expect to pay.
| Policy Type | Average Cost | vs HO-3 |
|---|---|---|
| HO-3 | $1,950 | Baseline |
| HO-5 | $2,450 | +25-30% |
| Atlanta Area | HO-3 | HO-5 |
|---|---|---|
| 30301 (Downtown) | $2,150 | $2,690 |
| 30305 (Buckhead) | $1,950 | $2,440 |
| 30308 (Midtown) | $2,120 | $2,650 |
| 30030 (Decatur) | $1,880 | $2,350 |
| 30319 (Brookhaven) | $1,920 | $2,400 |
Georgia's unique weather patterns, legal requirements, and market conditions significantly impact HO-3 vs HO-5 policy decisions.
| Risk Factor | HO-3 | HO-5 |
|---|---|---|
| Severe Thunderstorms | ||
| Hail Damage | ||
| Tornadoes | ||
| Flooding | ||
| Hurricane Wind |
The decision between HO-3 and HO-5 depends on your specific situation, budget, and risk tolerance. Here's a comprehensive guide to help you choose.
Combine home and auto insurance with the same carrier for discounts of 15-25% on both policies.
Increase your deductible from $500 to $2,500 to reduce premiums by 15-20%.
Install monitored security systems and deadbolts for discounts of 5-15%.
Georgia insurers use credit scores in pricing. Better credit can save 10-30%.
HO‑3 is affordable and sufficient for many Georgia households. HO‑5 costs more but delivers broader protection—especially valuable in higher‑theft Atlanta ZIPs or when you own valuables.
Bottom line: If you’re budget‑conscious, HO‑3 gets the job done. If you want maximum peace of mind and higher personal property protection, HO‑5 is worth the investment.
See personalized HO-3 and HO-5 options from top carriers. Quick, secure, and no obligation.