Living in Savannah means enjoying Spanish moss, historic architecture, and proximity to the Atlantic coast. But that coastal Georgia charm comes with insurance considerations you won't find in Atlanta or Athens. Between hurricane season, flood risks, and the unique challenges of insuring historic properties, Savannah residents need to think carefully about their coverage.
Here's what you need to know about auto, home, and flood insurance in Savannah—including what's required by law, what's smart to have, and how to protect yourself without overpaying.
Auto Insurance in Savannah: More Than the Minimum
Georgia law requires you to carry minimum auto insurance: $25,000 for bodily injury per person, $50,000 per accident, and $25,000 for property damage. That's the 25/50/25 coverage you'll see referenced everywhere. You must keep proof of insurance in your vehicle at all times, and if you're caught driving without it, you're looking at fines, license suspension, and vehicle registration suspension.
Here's the problem: those minimums aren't enough. If you cause an accident that seriously injures someone, their medical bills alone could exceed $25,000. The average car insurance cost in Savannah is $1,847 per year—about $222 more than the Georgia average—partly because of higher traffic density from tourism and the port. For slightly more per month, you can increase your liability limits to something more realistic, like 100/300/100, which gives you real protection if something goes wrong.
Consider adding uninsured motorist coverage, too. Georgia doesn't require it, but it protects you if you're hit by someone who's driving illegally without insurance. If you're financing or leasing your vehicle, your lender will require comprehensive and collision coverage to protect their investment—but even if you own your car outright, these coverages can save you thousands if your vehicle is damaged in a storm or accident.
Homeowners Insurance: Coastal Premiums and Coverage Gaps
If you're buying a home in Savannah, prepare for sticker shock on your insurance quote. Homeowners here typically pay between $3,053 and $4,811 annually for a standard policy—that's 75% more than the Georgia state average and significantly above the national average of $2,504. Why? You're in a hurricane-prone coastal region. Insurers price in the risk of wind damage, storm surge, and the heavy rainfall that comes with tropical systems.
Your standard homeowners policy covers hurricane-force winds and wind-driven rain. That's good news. The bad news? It doesn't cover flooding. And Savannah's low elevation, proximity to the Savannah River, and coastal location make flooding a serious concern. In 2024, the city faced multiple flash floods and severe impacts from Tropical Storm Debby, with some areas receiving over 10 inches of rain in a short period. Standard home insurance won't pay a dime for flood damage.
If you live in Savannah's historic district, you face additional insurance challenges. Historic homes often have irreplaceable materials—original wood floors, antique windows, architectural details you can't find at Home Depot. An HO-8 policy is designed for older homes and pays claims based on current market value rather than full replacement cost, which can help lower your premiums. You should also look into ordinance or law coverage, which helps cover the extra costs to bring your home up to current building codes if you need to make repairs after a covered loss.
Flood Insurance: Not Optional in Coastal Georgia
Let's be direct: if you own property in Savannah, you probably need flood insurance. The average cost is $500-$700 annually, which is far less painful than paying out of pocket to replace flooded belongings and repair water damage to your home. If you're in a high-risk area like Tybee Island or other coastal neighborhoods, expect to pay $1,000-$2,000 per year. Properties in lower-risk areas, such as parts of Wilmington Island, might pay $300-$700 annually.
If you have a federally-backed mortgage and your property is in a high-risk flood zone (like Zone AE or Zone V), your lender will require you to carry flood insurance. Zone AE areas have a 1% annual chance of flooding—that's a 26% chance over the life of a 30-year mortgage. Zone V properties face the highest risk, with exposure to wave action and storm surge on top of flooding, and they're subject to strict building requirements.
Good news: FEMA's Risk Rating 2.0 system, implemented in recent years, means your flood insurance rate is now based on your specific property's risk factors—not just the flood zone designation. This can result in fairer pricing. And here's something most people don't realize: there's typically a 30-day waiting period before flood insurance takes effect, so don't wait until a hurricane is in the forecast to buy a policy.
Getting Help and Filing Complaints
If you run into problems with your insurance company or agent, Georgia's Office of Insurance and Safety Fire Commissioner is your resource. The Consumer Services Division answers insurance questions and helps resolve disputes between insurers, agents, and policyholders. You can file a formal complaint through their online portal, and they'll investigate to ensure fair and equitable treatment.
How to Get Started
Start by getting quotes from multiple insurers—rates can vary significantly between companies, especially in coastal areas. Make sure you understand what's covered and what's not. Ask specifically about wind and hail deductibles, which are often higher than your standard deductible and may be calculated as a percentage of your home's value rather than a flat dollar amount.
If you're buying a home, don't wait until the last minute to shop for insurance. Some properties in Savannah may be difficult to insure with standard companies due to wind damage risk, and you might need to explore the surplus lines market. And if your home is in a flood zone, factor that insurance cost into your budget from the beginning—it's not optional, and it's not cheap.
Living in Savannah means accepting certain risks in exchange for the lifestyle this beautiful coastal city offers. The right insurance coverage won't eliminate those risks, but it will protect you financially when storms roll in or accidents happen. Take the time to understand your coverage, ask questions, and make sure you're not just meeting minimum requirements—you're actually protected.
