Senate President Pro Tempore Larry Walker III (R–Perry) applauded Governor Brian P. Kemp for signing House Bill 1344, the Georgia Insurance Fairness Act, into law on May 12. The bill, which Walker carried in the Senate, aims to improve access to affordable and quality insurance for Georgians.
The new law addresses concerns about transparency and fairness in the insurance market. Homeowners will now have the right to see and dispute aerial or satellite images used as a basis for terminating their insurance policy. Insurers must provide homeowners with copies of recent, date-stamped images if these are used as grounds for cancellation or non-renewal, and allow at least 60 days to address any issues.
“In the 30 years I’ve been an independent insurance agent, I’ve never seen a market like we have experienced in the last few years,” said Walker. “I’ve received calls from folks across the state whose homeowner’s insurance policies were canceled with little notice or explanation. I’m proud to carry HB 1344 because it allows consumer protections to advance along with new technology.”
The legislation also creates the Georgia Storm Damage Mitigation Program, offering grants for structural improvements such as roof reinforcement that can reduce storm-related damage. The program is intended to lower long-term costs for both families and insurers.
House Bill 1344 further requires local governments to report how they use insurance premium tax dollars, giving taxpayers more visibility into how these funds support services and help reduce costs. “This legislation brings transparency where there was confusion, accountability where there was abuse, and real protections where there were gaps. HB 1344 helps families fortify their homes before disaster strikes and makes sure the system is fair at the start. At the end of the day, our goal is to restore trust and position Georgia’s insurance market to work for its people, not against them,” said Walker.
Other provisions include stronger enforcement against insurance fraud by increasing penalties for staged accidents and fraudulent claims; measures targeting uninsured motorists; rules against illegal solicitation practices after accidents; clear timelines for claims following disasters; and extended statutes of limitations on certain property claims.
HB 1344 takes effect July 1.
