South Carolina Renters Insurance

Average Renters Insurance Cost in South Carolina

Renters in South Carolina pay an estimated $199 per year ($17/month) for a standard policy, based on 2026 industry average data.

Renters Insurance Rates by City in South Carolina

What Makes South Carolina Renters Insurance Unique

Charleston's direct coastal exposure makes it one of the more expensive rental markets in the state, while inland Greenville sees meaningfully lower premiums for comparable coverage.

Risk Factors Specific to South Carolina

Underwriters in South Carolina weigh hurricane, tropical storm, and wind damage more heavily than in lower-risk states when pricing renters policies.

Renters Insurance Compared With Rent in South Carolina

The median gross rent in South Carolina was $1,272 a month in 2024 (U.S. Census Bureau, American Community Survey), 14% below the national median of $1,487. Against that, our estimated renters premium of $199 a year — about $17 a month — equals roughly 16% of one month’s rent for a full year of coverage, one of the ten highest share among the 50 states in our estimates.

The Coverage Detail That Matters Most in South Carolina

Renters in hurricane-exposed parts of South Carolina should know two things. First, renters policies exclude flood, including storm surge — contents flood coverage is a separate purchase, available through the National Flood Insurance Program for up to $100,000 of belongings. Second, some policies in coastal areas carry a separate named-storm deductible. Additional living expenses coverage pays for a hotel if a covered storm makes your unit unlivable, but not if you simply evacuate under orders with no damage, unless the policy includes civil authority coverage.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is renters insurance required in South Carolina?

No. No U.S. state, including South Carolina, legally requires tenants to carry renters insurance. That said, individual landlords and property management companies in South Carolina can — and often do — require proof of a policy as a lease condition, especially for larger apartment complexes.

How much does renters insurance cost in South Carolina?

Renters in South Carolina pay an estimated $199 per year ($17/month) for a standard policy, based on 2026 industry average data. Actual premiums vary based on coverage limits, deductible, credit history (where allowed), claims history, and the specific building or neighborhood.

Can insurers use your credit score to set renters insurance rates in South Carolina?

Yes. South Carolina allows insurers to factor in your credit-based insurance score when calculating renters insurance premiums, alongside coverage limits, claims history, and location. Renters with stronger credit typically qualify for lower rates from most carriers.

What's the biggest renters insurance risk factor in South Carolina?

In South Carolina, hurricane and windstorm damage is the top coverage concern. Standard renters policies do cover wind damage to personal property, but they typically exclude flood damage from storm surge — that requires a separate flood insurance policy, which is worth considering even as a renter in flood-prone areas.

How much is renters insurance compared with rent in South Carolina?

With a median rent of $1,272 a month (2024) and an estimated premium of $199 a year, a full year of renters insurance in South Carolina costs roughly 16% of one month's rent.

Does renters insurance cover flood or storm surge in South Carolina?

No. Renters policies exclude flood, including storm surge. Contents flood coverage is available separately through the National Flood Insurance Program, for up to $100,000 of belongings.

*No U.S. state legally mandates renters insurance, though individual landlords may require it as a lease condition. The information on this page is provided for general informational purposes only and reflects estimated industry averages as of 2026. Insurance rates change periodically; always verify current pricing with a licensed insurance professional. City-level and statewide premiums shown are approximations — individual rates will vary based on personal factors.