Roswell sits in the heart of north Fulton County, where historic Canton Street meets modern suburban living. With nearly 95,000 residents, a median household income exceeding $124,000, and property values that reflect the area's desirability, getting your insurance right matters. Whether you're shopping for a historic home near the Roswell Mill or a newer build near the Chattahoochee Nature Center, understanding your insurance options can save you thousands and protect what you've worked hard to build.
This guide walks you through the insurance landscape in Roswell—from state-mandated auto coverage to flood insurance considerations along the Chattahoochee. We'll cover what you're legally required to have, what coverage gaps you should close, and how to find the right local agent who understands north Fulton's unique risks.
Auto Insurance Requirements in Roswell
Georgia law requires every driver to carry liability insurance with minimum limits of 25/50/25. That means $25,000 per person for bodily injury, $50,000 total per accident for bodily injuries, and $25,000 for property damage. These limits haven't changed for 2025, but here's the thing: they're dangerously low for a city like Roswell where the average car on the road is worth well over $25,000.
The average Georgia driver pays between $1,780 and $3,338 annually for full coverage auto insurance, depending on the source and coverage selected. That's 5-10% above the national average, driven by Georgia's high rate of uninsured drivers—over 18% according to the Insurance Research Council. In Roswell, where traffic along Georgia 400 and Holcomb Bridge Road can get congested during rush hour, your risk of encountering an uninsured driver is real.
Consider carrying uninsured motorist coverage and bumping your liability limits to at least 100/300/100. If you're rear-ended by someone without insurance while stopped at the Canton Street light, your uninsured motorist coverage is what pays your medical bills. And if you cause a serious accident? Your liability coverage protects your home, savings, and future earnings from a lawsuit.
Homeowners Insurance: What Roswell Residents Need to Know
Roswell homeowners pay an average of $1,652 per year for homeowners insurance, well below Georgia's state average of $2,302. That's good news. The city's low crime rate and well-maintained neighborhoods help keep premiums affordable, even as property values climb. Still, Georgia homeowners saw rates jump nearly 12% in the past year due to inflation, severe weather events like Hurricane Helene, and rising construction costs.
Your exact premium depends on several factors: the age and size of your home, your credit score, and how much coverage you need. Homes in Roswell's historic district near Canton Street may cost more to insure due to higher replacement costs for older construction. Meanwhile, newer homes near the Chattahoochee Nature Center might benefit from modern building codes and materials that reduce risk.
One crucial gap in your homeowners policy: flood damage. Standard homeowners insurance doesn't cover flooding, and about 10% of Roswell sits in or near a 100-year floodplain. If you're near the Chattahoochee River or Big Creek, you need to understand your flood risk.
Flood Insurance and Roswell's Community Rating System Advantage
Here's where Roswell shines. The city participates in the National Flood Insurance Program and has earned a Community Rating System (CRS) score of 6. That's not just bureaucratic jargon—it translates to real savings. If your home is in a Special Flood Hazard Area, you get a 20% discount on flood insurance premiums. Even if you're outside the high-risk zone, you still save 10%.
Flood insurance in Georgia typically costs between $525 and $3,684 annually, depending on your flood zone, elevation, and home age. With Roswell's CRS discount, you're getting a better deal than residents in most Georgia cities. And here's something many people don't realize: you don't need to live in a high-risk flood zone to buy flood insurance. In fact, about 25% of flood claims come from moderate-to-low risk areas.
To check your specific flood risk, use the Georgia Department of Natural Resources flood mapping tool. If you have questions about your property's flood zone, the City of Roswell Community Development Department can help—call them at 770-641-3780. Understanding your flood zone now prevents nasty surprises when you file a mortgage application or, worse, when water starts seeping into your basement.
Other Insurance Considerations for Roswell Homeowners
With Roswell's median household income of $124,422 and above-average property values, you have more to protect than the typical Georgia homeowner. That's where umbrella insurance comes in. An umbrella policy provides an extra layer of liability coverage—typically $1 million to $5 million—that kicks in after your auto or homeowners liability limits are exhausted.
Think of it this way: you're hosting a gathering at your home near the Roswell Mill. A guest trips on your stairs and suffers serious injuries requiring surgery. Your homeowners liability coverage maxes out at $300,000, but medical bills and legal fees hit $750,000. Without umbrella coverage, you're personally liable for the $450,000 difference. Umbrella policies are surprisingly affordable—often $200 to $400 annually for $1 million in coverage—and they protect everything you own.
If you own rental property in Roswell, don't assume your standard homeowners policy covers you. You need landlord insurance, which includes liability protection for tenant injuries, coverage for lost rental income if the property becomes uninhabitable, and protection for your building and any appliances or fixtures you provide. Many landlords make the costly mistake of using homeowners policies for rental properties—insurance companies can deny claims when they discover the property wasn't owner-occupied.
Finding the Right Insurance Agent in Roswell
Roswell has four local insurance agencies that understand north Fulton County's unique landscape—from flood risks along the Chattahoochee to property values in the historic district. Working with a local agent gives you someone who knows that homes near Canton Street face different risks than properties near Holcomb Bridge Road. They can review your coverage annually, help you bundle policies for discounts, and advocate for you when claims get complicated.
When shopping for insurance, get quotes from at least three different companies. Rates vary significantly based on how each insurer weighs factors like your credit score, claims history, and home characteristics. Don't just compare premiums—look at coverage limits, deductibles, and what's excluded. The cheapest policy is rarely the best value when you're underinsured.
Next Steps: Getting Your Roswell Insurance Right
Start by reviewing your current coverage. Check your auto liability limits—are they still 25/50/25, or have you increased them? Look at your homeowners policy declarations page and verify your dwelling coverage matches your home's current replacement cost, not its market value. These are different numbers, and underinsuring your home can leave you paying out of pocket after a total loss.
If you haven't checked your flood zone, do it now. The Georgia flood mapping tool takes five minutes and could save you from a six-figure mistake. Even if you're not required to carry flood insurance, it might be worth buying—especially with Roswell's CRS discount making coverage more affordable.
Finally, reach out to a local Roswell agent who can review your entire insurance portfolio. They'll spot gaps you didn't know existed and bundle policies to lower your premiums. With the right coverage in place, you can enjoy everything Roswell offers—from evening strolls on Canton Street to weekends at the Chattahoochee Nature Center—knowing you're protected against whatever comes your way.
