Getting Home Insurance in South Carolina
South Carolina is known for its true southern charm. From beautiful beaches to the breathtaking foothills of the Blue Ridge Mountains, it’s a great place to visit – and an even better place to call home. The AARP
® Homeowners Insurance Program from The Hartford
1 offers homeowners insurance in SC that can keep your house – and everything inside it – protected.
Homeowners face risks all the time. Having the correct
homeowners insurance helps make sure your property is protected. Whether you’re looking for North Charleston or Myrtle Beach home insurance, The Hartford’s coverage can protect your home from financial loss wherever you live in South Carolina. The Hartford has the only home insurance program in South Carolina endorsed by AARP. We offer flexible options, savings and expert service.
Average Home Insurance Cost in South Carolina
According to the Insurance Information Institute (III), the average home insurance cost in South Carolina is $1,327, putting SC in the top 20 most expensive states for home insurance.2 Insurance rates vary from state to state, and many factors can determine your cost, including:
- The total square footage of your home. The larger your home in South Carolina, the higher your insurance premium will be.
- How much it costs to build in South Carolina. Building costs are different all over and the costs in your area will contribute to your premiums. For instance, your home's construction type, materials and features may or may not raise your premium.
- Where your home is located. The amount of insurance claims in the city you reside in, especially near your home, will affect the cost of your South Carolina insurance policy.
- The likelihood of certain types of natural disasters, like tornadoes and hurricanes, occurring.
SC Homeowners Insurance Laws & Coverages
Unlike
South Carolina car insurance, SC homeowners insurance laws don’t require any state minimum coverage. However, if your home is financed with a mortgage, your lender may require some type of homeowners insurance coverage.
At The Hartford, we offer different coverages for your unique property. We strive to provide the kind of coverage you need with our homeowners insurance.
SC Home Insurance Coverage Options
Personal Liability Coverage helps pay for your legal defense when a liability claim is held against you or for damages that you’re found liable for. For example, if your dog injures a guest on your property, this coverage can help pay for the bodily injury damages.
Dwelling Insurance Coverage helps pay for the repair or rebuilding of the physical structure of your home and the structures directly attached to it. This coverage can help protect the inside and outside of your home if it has property damage from a covered loss. Examples include:
- Heating
- Air conditioning
- Roof
- Siding
- Walls
- Flooring
Personal Property Coverage covers furniture, clothing and appliances in your home. You can purchase additional insurance coverage for valuable personal property, like jewelry or other rare collectible items.
Other Structures Coverage helps protect other structures on your property from things like fire, vandalism and falling objects. This includes structures on your property that aren’t attached to your home, like garages, gazebos or swimming pools.
Additional South Carolina Homeowners Insurance Coverages
Loss of Use Insurance helps pay your living expenses while your home is being repaired following a covered loss.
Medical Payments Coverage helps protect you if someone is injured on your property. This can help cover their medical costs, up to your policy limit, whether you are legally responsible for the incident or not.3
Valuable Items Blanket Coverage provides extra coverage for your jewelry, china, crystal, silverware, guns and more. Many homeowners insurance companies cap coverage for theft on jewelry at a $1,500 limit. With The Hartford’s Valuable Items Blanket Coverage, this can increase the limit up to $10,000 per item and extend coverage for lost items or damaged valuables.
- Appliances
- Furnaces
- Air conditioning units
- Lawn mowers
It also provides coverage if you want to make “green” upgrades. It pays up to 125% of your cost to replace any covered equipment with items that are similar, but more energy efficient or environmentally friendly. Keep in mind, this does not cover normal wear and tear.
South Carolina Home Insurance Discounts
There are many ways to save on your homeowners insurance in the Palmetto State. We offer several types of
homeowners insurance discounts to help lower your premiums.
Bundled Insurance Discount4
If you already have a
car insurance policy with The Hartford, bundling it with your homeowners insurance may be a good option. Through this bundle, you'll qualify for our bundled policy discount which can save you up to 5% on your car insurance and up to 20% on your home insurance.
Home Security Discount
At The Hartford, we want to reward you for taking the initiative to protect your home. That’s why installing devices such as monitored burglar alarms and fire sprinkler systems can help lower your insurance rates in South Carolina.
Get a Quote for Home Insurance in South Carolina
From Rock Hill to Irmo and Walterboro to Mount Pleasant, our customer service representatives are here to answer your questions and help save you money. Speak with them at
888-413-8970 or get your
home insurance quote online.
Common Questions About Homeowners Insurance in SC
Is Wind and Hail Insurance Required in SC?
There is no state minimum required by SC homeowners insurance laws, however your mortgage lender may require homeowners insurance that provides wind and hail coverage. The Hartford offers a range a coverages that will fit the unique needs of your property.
How Much is Hurricane Insurance in South Carolina?
Hurricanes are covered under most Homeowners policies. However, in some areas, wind and hurricane is coverage is excluded and must be purchased separately with the South Carolina Wind/Hail Association.
Flood insurance is an optional coverage, but depending where you live, your mortgage provider may require it. This type of insurance can help protect your home if you have damage caused from flooding. Rates are determined by the Federal Government through the National Flood Insurance Program (NFIP). All insurance companies in South Carolina authorized to write Federal Flood insurance will use the same rates to calculate your coverage cost based on the risks associated with your location and the specifics of your home.
How Much Does Home Insurance Cost in North Charleston, SC?
There are many factors that go into determining the cost of your home insurance in North Charleston, SC. Factors include the size of your home and the type of materials used to build it, as well as where your home is located.
Wherever your live in South Carolina, the AARP Homeowners Insurance Program from The Hartford can help protect your home.
Get a quote for home insurance today from The Hartford.
Last Updated: October 5, 2023
‡ Applicants are individually underwritten and some may not qualify.
2 Insurance Information Institute (III), “Facts + Statistics: Homeowners and Renters Insurance”
3 Medical benefits are calculated on the basis of usual, customary, and reasonable charges.
4 Automobile/Homeowners discount is available only to policyholders who have both their auto and home (or condo or renters) insurance through the AARP Auto & Home Insurance Programs from The Hartford. Homeowners product not available in all areas, including the state of Florida.
Additional disclosures below.