Living in Brunswick means you're part of Georgia's Golden Isles—enjoying coastal beauty, access to St. Simons Island, and that authentic shrimp boat harbor charm. But here's what most newcomers don't realize until it's too late: your insurance needs in Glynn County are different from what you'd need inland. The same ocean breezes that make Brunswick special also create risks that standard insurance policies simply don't cover.
Whether you're buying your first home near the port, relocating for work, or you've been here for years, understanding Brunswick's specific insurance landscape could save you tens of thousands of dollars when a storm hits. Let's break down what you actually need to protect your property, vehicles, and financial security on Georgia's coast.
Why Flood Insurance Isn't Optional in Brunswick
Here's the reality: all properties in Brunswick are subject to flooding. Not just some neighborhoods or the obvious waterfront areas—all of them. The city sits at low elevation, surrounded by the Brunswick River, Turtle River, East River, and countless tidal creeks and marshlands. During a Category 1 hurricane, many evacuation routes flood. A Category 2 storm shuts down every evacuation route in Glynn County.
Your homeowners insurance doesn't cover flood damage. Read that again. Even if you have comprehensive coverage on your home, when water comes in from the ground level—whether from storm surge, heavy rain, or tidal flooding—you're on your own without a separate flood policy. The average flood insurance policy in Georgia runs about $803 to $883 annually, but that cost varies dramatically based on your specific flood zone.
If you have a federally-backed mortgage and live in a high-risk flood area (AE or VE zones), FEMA requires you to carry flood insurance. But even if you're in a low or moderate risk zone (X or Shaded X zones), buying coverage makes financial sense. One major flooding event can cost more than a lifetime of premiums.
Good news: Glynn County recently improved from a Class 7 to a Class 6 rating in the National Flood Insurance Program's Community Rating System. This upgrade means additional discounts on your flood insurance premiums compared to other coastal communities. When FEMA's Risk Rating 2.0 took effect, about 65% of Brunswick policyholders saw increases of only $0-10 per month (under $120 annually), while 27% actually saw their premiums decrease by more than $100 monthly. That's unusual for coastal areas and reflects Brunswick's proactive flood management efforts.
Homeowners Insurance for Coastal Properties
The average homeowners insurance policy in Georgia costs about $2,014 per year for $300,000 in dwelling coverage as of late 2024. But coastal properties in Brunswick often pay significantly more due to hurricane and wind damage risks. Standard homeowners policies typically cover wind damage from hurricanes—but remember, they don't cover the flooding that hurricanes bring.
Here's where it gets tricky: some private insurers simply won't offer policies for coastal homes they consider too risky. If you can't get coverage on the regular market, you're not out of options. The Georgia Underwriting Association (GUA) provides high-risk coverage for homeowners who can't secure policies elsewhere due to flooding, hurricanes, or wind damage concerns. It's more expensive than standard coverage, but it beats having no protection at all.
When shopping for homeowners insurance in Brunswick, look beyond the premium. Ask about wind deductibles (often percentage-based rather than flat amounts), replacement cost versus actual cash value coverage, and whether the policy includes code upgrade coverage—if your older home is damaged, you'll need to rebuild to current building codes, which can cost significantly more than the original structure.
Auto Insurance Requirements for Georgia Drivers
Georgia requires minimum liability coverage of 25/50/25: $25,000 per person for bodily injury, $50,000 per accident for bodily injury, and $25,000 for property damage. These requirements aren't changing in 2025, but here's the problem—these minimums are dangerously low for real-world accidents.
Think about it: a single emergency room visit for serious injuries can exceed $25,000. If you cause an accident that injures multiple people or damages an expensive vehicle, those minimum limits vanish fast. You're personally liable for anything above your policy limits, which could mean wage garnishment, property liens, or bankruptcy.
Smart Brunswick drivers carry higher limits—at least 100/300/100—and add uninsured motorist coverage. Why? Because your liability insurance only covers damage you cause to others, not your own injuries or vehicle damage. If an uninsured driver hits you (and plenty of people drive illegally without coverage), uninsured motorist protection ensures you're not stuck with the bills.
Living near the coast adds one more consideration: comprehensive coverage for hurricane damage. While it's optional, comprehensive insurance covers flood damage to your vehicle, falling trees during storms, and other weather-related incidents. Given Brunswick's hurricane exposure, it's worth the extra premium if your car has significant value.
Practical Steps to Protect Yourself
Next, bundle your policies when possible. Many insurers offer discounts when you combine auto, home, and flood coverage. Even if flood insurance comes through the National Flood Insurance Program, your agent can often package everything together for easier management and potential savings on the other policies.
Document everything you own before disaster strikes. Take photos or video of your home's contents, keep receipts for valuable items, and store this documentation off-site or in the cloud. When you're filing a claim after a hurricane, you won't remember every item you lost, and insurance companies won't just take your word for it.
Review your coverage annually. Your insurance needs change as your life changes—you buy new furniture, finish a renovation, or purchase another vehicle. What protected you adequately last year might leave you underinsured today. Schedule a yearly check-in with your insurance agent, ideally before hurricane season starts in June.
Getting the Right Coverage for Brunswick
Insurance in a coastal community isn't about checking boxes—it's about genuinely protecting what you've built. The shrimp boats in the harbor, the historic downtown, the quick access to the Golden Isles—these are what make Brunswick home. But that coastal location demands respect and preparation.
Start by getting quotes from local Brunswick insurance agents who understand Glynn County's specific risks. They'll know which carriers offer the best coastal coverage, how to maximize Glynn County's flood rating benefits, and what coverage combinations make sense for your situation. Don't just shop on price—the cheapest policy is worthless if it doesn't cover the claims you'll actually need to file.
Living on Georgia's coast is a privilege, but it comes with responsibilities. Proper insurance coverage is one of them. Take the time to get it right now, before the next hurricane season, and you'll sleep better knowing your home, vehicles, and financial future are truly protected.
