South Carolina Home Insurance Rates & Requirements

Home Insurance in South Carolina: What You Need to Know

South Carolina homeowners face significant hurricane risk along its 187-mile coast. Hurricane Hugo (1989) caused catastrophic damage, and more recent storms including Matthew (2016) and Dorian (2019) caused extensive flooding. The state has a Wind Pool for coastal properties. Inland flooding — including from tidal flooding — is a growing risk statewide.

Average Homeowners Insurance Costs in South Carolina

Homeowners in South Carolina typically pay approximately $1,980 per year ($165/month) for homeowners insurance in 2026, based on industry average data for a home with approximately $240,000 in dwelling coverage.

Homeowners Insurance Rates by City in South Carolina

Natural Disaster Risk in South Carolina

Primary risks: Hurricane (high), Flooding (very high), Tornado (moderate), Winter storms (low-moderate)

Charleston faces some of the most frequent tidal flooding of any U.S. city — this is increasing annually with sea level rise. The entire coast faces hurricane wind and storm surge risk from June through November. Inland South Carolina faces flooding from tropical storm rainfall that extends far from the coast. The Midlands and Upstate face moderate tornado risk.

What Makes South Carolina Unique

South Carolina has experienced a phenomenon known as sunny day flooding in Charleston, which now regularly floods during high tides even without rain. This is a result of sea level rise and land subsidence — and it is not covered by homeowners insurance. Only flood insurance policies cover such tidal flooding events.

Last Resort Coverage Options in South Carolina

Wind Pool / Beach Plan: South Carolina operates a state wind pool or beach plan that provides windstorm coverage for coastal properties that cannot obtain it in the standard market. This coverage is typically purchased separately from standard homeowners insurance and covers wind damage while the standard policy covers other perils. Coastal homeowners in South Carolina may need both policies for complete protection.

What South Carolina Homeowners Pay per $1,000 of Coverage

Dividing our South Carolina estimate of $1,980 a year by the typical dwelling coverage of $240,000 gives about $8.25 per $1,000 of coverage — one of the ten highest rate among the 50 states in our estimates (median $5.17).

A high rate per $1,000 signals that weather and claims risk, not home values, is driving premiums — so deductible choices, roof condition, and mitigation discounts matter more here than in most states.

If Standard Insurers Decline You in South Carolina

South Carolina’s insurer of last resort is the South Carolina Wind and Hail Underwriting Association (coastal wind).

Hurricane Deductibles in South Carolina

South Carolina is one of 19 states, plus Washington, D.C., where homeowners policies can carry a separate hurricane or named-storm deductible. Instead of a flat dollar amount, it’s usually a percentage of the dwelling coverage — typically 1% to 5%, sometimes higher on the coast. On the typical South Carolina home insured for $240,000, a 2% hurricane deductible is $4,800 and a 5% deductible is $12,000, compared with a standard $1,000 all-perils deductible. Check which applies, and what triggers it, before storm season. Flood damage is excluded either way and needs a separate flood policy.

How to Save on Home Insurance in South Carolina

South Carolina coastal homeowners need both the wind pool windstorm coverage and a separate flood policy. Charleston homeowners should obtain flood insurance regardless of flood zone given the city's chronic tidal flooding. Wind mitigation inspections can reduce coastal premiums. Bundling home and auto is effective statewide.

• Given South Carolina's hurricane exposure, check whether your policy has a separate hurricane deductible (often 1-5% of dwelling coverage) and confirm wind coverage isn't carved out into a separate policy.

Frequently Asked Questions

What does home insurance cost per $1,000 of coverage in South Carolina?

Based on our estimates of $1,980 a year for typical dwelling coverage of $240,000, South Carolina homeowners pay about $8.25 per $1,000 of coverage.

What is South Carolina’s home insurer of last resort?

The South Carolina Wind and Hail Underwriting Association (coastal wind), for homeowners who can’t get coverage from standard insurers. Coverage is usually narrower than a standard policy.

Does South Carolina have hurricane deductibles?

Yes. South Carolina is one of 19 states plus Washington, D.C., where policies can include a separate hurricane or named-storm deductible, usually 1% to 5% of dwelling coverage.

The information on this page is provided for general informational purposes only and reflects estimated industry averages and risk assessments as of 2026. Homeowners insurance rates, coverage requirements, and risk designations change frequently. Always verify current rates and coverage options with licensed insurance professionals and consult your state's department of insurance for regulatory information. Premiums shown are approximations — individual rates will vary based on property-specific factors.