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South Carolina Home Insurance: Costs, Coverage and How to Save
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South Carolina’s 187-mile Atlantic coastline and long hurricane season make home insurance a top priority for Palmetto State homeowners. From 1980 to 2024, the state was affected by over 100 weather and climate disasters, including 25 tropical cyclone events and 44 severe storm events. Whether you live along the coast in Charleston or inland near Columbia, having the right coverage in place is essential.
Bundling your home and car insurance is easy with Jerry. It’s free to compare quotes and we’ll help you switch insurers once you’re ready, all online. Plus, our licensed agents are just a call away if you’d rather talk to a real person.
Based on cheapest quotes shown for all Jerry customers in the last 12 months. Savings depend on coverage and other factors. Potential savings will vary.
Bundle home + car and save up to 40%.
What South Carolina homeowners pay right now
Home insurance costs in South Carolina vary widely based on your home’s age and rebuild cost, your claims history and your location’s exposure to hurricanes, flooding and severe storms. Coastal homeowners from Myrtle Beach to Hilton Head typically pay significantly more than those living in the Midlands or Upstate regions.
Based on home insurance quotes for Jerry customers in the last 12 months. Savings depend on coverage and other factors. Potential savings will vary.
Jerry can help you find competitive prices and strong coverage, regardless of those factors. Take a look at some recent examples below of real customers who saved by bundling their home insurance with Jerry:
Recent bundling quotes
Based on Jerry customers who found savings in the past 45 days. Savings depend on coverage and other factors. Potential savings will vary.
Key takeaway: Home insurance rates in South Carolina are shaped by hurricane exposure, coastal proximity and your home’s construction, but comparing quotes can help you save.
Mix and match home and car insurance with Jerry
Bundling discounts typically range from 5%-25%, depending on the insurer. But bundling your car insurance with the same home carrier isn’t always the cheapest option overall. Sometimes exploring different carrier combinations can cost less. Over the past year, drivers who switched through Jerry saved an average of 40% compared to their previous policy.
Here’s what makes Jerry different: You don’t have to use the same insurer for both.
Jerry’s mix-and-match approach lets you pair the best home insurance rate with the best auto insurance rate, even from different carriers. This way, you’re not stuck overpaying on one policy just to get a bundle discount on the other.
Mix and match with Jerry to build your perfect bundle.
Best home insurance in South Carolina
There’s no single “best” home insurance company in South Carolina. It depends on your home, your budget and what kind of coverage you need. For example, homeowners in coastal areas like Charleston or Myrtle Beach may need additional windstorm or flood coverage, while those in the Upstate near Greenville may prioritize hail and thunderstorm protection.
That said, our data shows some clear trends among South Carolina homeowners. Here are the most popular home insurance companies Jerry customers pick:
Based on home insurance quotes for Jerry customers in the last 12 months. Savings depend on coverage and other factors. Potential savings will vary.
Why the variety? South Carolina homeowners prioritize different things. Some want the lowest premium, many care most about a smooth claims process after a hurricane, and others look for strong digital tools or local agent support. With coastal premiums rising in recent years, finding the right balance between price and coverage has become more important than ever.
Also check: The best car insurance in South Carolina
Jerry recommends: The easiest way to find the right coverage is to compare home insurance quotes in the Jerry app. We find competitive quotes from top carriers in minutes, so you can find the best coverage at the right price.
Factors that affect home insurance costs in South Carolina
From hurricane season to inland flooding, where you live and what you own in South Carolina plays a big role in what you pay. Here’s what stands out most and how to stay protected.
🌀 Hurricanes
South Carolina’s Atlantic coastline makes it one of the most hurricane-vulnerable states in the country. Hurricane season runs from June through November, and coastal counties from Horry to Beaufort face the highest wind and storm surge risks, according to the South Carolina Department of Insurance. Many insurers apply separate hurricane or named storm deductibles, typically ranging from 1% to 5% of your home’s insured value. That means on a home insured for $300,000, your hurricane deductible could be $3,000 to $15,000, much higher than a standard deductible.
🌊 Flooding
Flooding is one of South Carolina’s most frequent and damaging risks, and it’s not covered by standard home insurance. The historic 2015 floods displaced over 20,000 people and caused hundreds of millions of dollars in damage, and Hurricane Helene in 2024 destroyed or severely damaged more than 2,000 homes across the state, according to The South Carolina Emergency Management Division. Whether you’re on the coast or inland, a separate flood insurance policy through the National Flood Insurance Program or a private insurer is strongly recommended.
⛈️ Hail and severe thunderstorms
South Carolina sees frequent severe thunderstorms year-round, and hail is one of the most common home insurance claims in the state. Large hailstones can crack siding, shatter windows and damage roofing. Insurers factor in your area’s storm frequency when setting rates, and homes in the Upstate and Midlands regions can be just as vulnerable to hail as coastal homes are to hurricanes.
🏖️ Coastal proximity and wind exposure
If your home is near the coast, you’ll likely pay more for insurance due to elevated wind risk. South Carolina operates the SC Wind and Hail Underwriting Association as an insurer of last resort for coastal properties that can’t find coverage in the private market. Homes built to modern wind-resistant building codes may qualify for lower rates, while older coastal properties often face higher premiums or limited options.
🏠 Older homes and historic properties
South Carolina has a rich history of architecture, from antebellum homes in Charleston to older bungalows across the Midlands. Older homes can be more expensive to insure due to outdated electrical, plumbing and roofing systems that increase claim risk. Specialized repair needs and higher replacement costs for historic materials can also drive premiums up.
Key takeaway: South Carolina’s hurricane exposure, flood risks and coastal proximity all shape your rate. Understanding your area’s specific risks helps you find the right coverage and avoid paying for gaps you didn’t know you had.
Get bundling quotes in minutes, no calls needed.
Get the right coverage without overpaying
For South Carolina homeowners, choosing the right coverage levels can save you money while making sure you’re protected when it counts.
Dwelling coverage is the core of your home insurance policy. It pays to repair or rebuild your home’s structure if it’s damaged by things like fire, wind, hail, lightning or vandalism.
Your dwelling coverage amount is based on your home’s rebuild cost as calculated by your insurer, not its market value. Jerry can estimate your replacement cost right in the app, so you’ll know you’re covered for the right amount.
Here’s what South Carolina homeowners typically pay based on their home’s rebuild value:
$150-299k
dwelling coverage
Typical for smaller homes, condos or older properties.
$300-499k
dwelling coverage
Covers most mid-range homes.
$500-749k
dwelling coverage
Typical for larger or newer homes.
$750k-1M
dwelling coverage
Common for high-value properties.
Key takeaway: Your dwelling coverage should match your home’s rebuild cost, not its market value. Jerry shows you real-time pricing at every level so you can find the right balance.
Learn more: What does home insurance cover?
4 ways to save on home insurance
Bundling your home policy with the cheapest car insurance in South Carolina is one of the most effective ways to lower your premium, but it’s not the only one. South Carolina homeowners have several options to reduce costs without cutting coverage. Here are four worth looking into.
Jerry Agent Tip 1: Compare quotes from multiple insurers
Every insurer evaluates South Carolina’s hurricane and storm risks differently, which means the same home insurance policy can cost hundreds less depending on who you’re with. Comparing quotes side-by-side with Jerry is the fastest, most effective way to find a better rate.
Recent quotes
Why it matters: Location matters, and two homeowners in South Carolina with similar homes can still pay very different rates. Jerry shows you quotes side-by-side to help you find coverage that fits your home and budget.
Jerry Agent Tip 2: Stack discounts for a cheaper rate
From paying in full to getting security system credits, most homeowners qualify for at least a few discounts, and stacking them could add up to some serious savings. But insurers don’t always apply all of them, which is why Jerry automatically finds the discounts you qualify for.
Besides bundling, here are some common South Carolina home insurance discounts:
💨 Wind mitigation discount
In a hurricane-prone state like South Carolina, roof upgrades, storm shutters and reinforced connections can earn significant credits. The state’s SC Safe Home Program even offers grants of up to $7,500 to help coastal homeowners retrofit their homes against wind damage. Homes with FORTIFIED roof certifications may qualify for 10% to 35% off the wind portion of your premium.
🏆 Claims-free discount
The longer you go without filing a claim, the more you save. In a state with frequent storm activity, maintaining a claims-free record is especially valuable. Most insurers offer this discount after three or more claims-free years, with some offering savings of up to 20%.
🔒 Security system discount
Installing safety devices like alarms, smart home systems and deadbolts can qualify you for a lower rate. Many carriers offer protective device discounts of up to 15% when you combine security systems like advanced burglar protection and automatic water leak valves.
🆕 New home discount
Newer homes built to South Carolina’s updated wind-resistant building codes are less likely to have costly claims, and insurers reward that. Depending on the carrier, homes built within the last 10 to 15 years may qualify for savings of up to 15% for the first year you’re with an insurance company.
🔧 Home renovation discount
Updated your electrical, plumbing or heating systems? Some carriers offer discounts when these systems have been replaced within the last 10 to 15 years, since modern systems reduce the risk of fire and water damage. This is especially relevant for South Carolina’s many older coastal and historic homes.
💳 Pay-in-full discount
Paying your full annual premium upfront instead of in monthly installments can earn you a discount with many carriers, typically between 5-10%.
🚭 Non-smoker discount
Since smoking increases the risk of house fires, some carriers offer lower rates to non-smoking households.
⏳ Loyalty discount
Staying with the same insurer year after year can lead to increasing savings. Some carriers start rewarding loyalty after just one year, with discounts growing the longer you stay. But still, it never hurts to shop around when your policy is up for renewal.
📋 Quote-in-advance discount
Shopping early can pay off. Some insurers offer a discount of up to 15% when you get a quote before your previous policy expires.
Key takeaway: Most homeowners qualify for multiple discounts, from wind mitigation and bundling to claims-free credits. But insurers don’t always apply them automatically. However, Jerry can help you find all discounts you’re eligible for to maximize your savings.
Jerry Agent Tip 3: Pick the right deductible
Your deductible, the amount you pay out of pocket before insurance kicks in, has a direct impact on your premium. According to the Insurance Information Institute, raising your deductible from $500 to $1,000 can reduce your premium by 10 to 25%, depending on your location, insurer and home’s replacement cost.
In South Carolina, it’s especially important to understand how your hurricane deductible works. Hurricane deductibles are typically calculated as a percentage of your home’s insured value, usually 1% to 5%, rather than a flat dollar amount. Here’s how to find the right balance:
- Check what you can afford out of pocket. If a $5,000 expense after a storm would be manageable, a higher deductible could save you hundreds a year. If it would strain your budget, stick with a lower one.
- Consider how often you’d actually file a claim. Most homeowners only file a claim once every 8 to 10 years, so the premium savings can add up long before you ever pay that deductible.
The Jerry difference: Jerry lets you compare quotes for different deductible amounts to see how it affects your home insurance costs.
Jerry Agent Tip 4: Improve your credit score
In South Carolina, insurers are allowed to use credit-based insurance scores to help set your premium. Homeowners with good or excellent credit often save hundreds compared to those with fair or poor credit. Improving your credit isn’t an overnight fix, but even gradual improvements could lead to a lower rate at your next renewal.
To boost your credit score, focus on paying bills on time, keeping credit card balances below 30% of your limit and avoiding new credit applications before shopping for insurance. Building your credit score could take some time, but most people see meaningful improvement within 3 to 6 months of consistent on-time payments and lower balances.
If your credit isn’t where you want it to be, don’t worry. Some insurers weigh credit less heavily than others, and Jerry can show you which carriers offer the best rates for your situation.
Key takeaway: The better your credit score, the lower your premium typically will be. But regardless of your credit history, shopping around with Jerry can help you find a competitive rate.
Compare home + car bundles in one place, all online.
FAQ
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💰 How much does home insurance cost in South Carolina?
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🌀 Does South Carolina home insurance cover hurricane damage?
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🌊 Do I need flood insurance in South Carolina?
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🛡️ What is the SC Safe Home Program?
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🏠 Is homeowners insurance required in South Carolina?
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💰 What is a Catastrophe Savings Account in South Carolina?
Ben Moore is a writer and editor at Jerry and an auto insurance expert. He previously worked as a writer, editor and content strategist on NerdWallet’s auto insurance team for five years. His work has been published in The Associated Press, Washington Post, Chicago Sun-Times, MarketWatch, Nasdaq and Yahoo News. He also served as a NerdWallet spokesperson, with appearances on local broadcast television and quotes in Martha Stewart and Real Simple magazine.
Ben has an extensive background in digital marketing, working on affiliate and programmatic advertising campaigns for brands like Cabela’s, H&R Block and Sears. He holds a bachelors degree in marketing from Olivet Nazarene University.