Best Homeowners Insurance Companies In South Carolina 2025

South Carolina’s home insurance market includes both national carriers and regional companies attuned to local needs. Average premiums in the Palmetto State are slightly above the national norm – about $2,678 per year for $300,000 dwelling coverage, roughly $77 more than the U.S. average. Insurers calculate your rate based on your location (coastal areas like Charleston or Myrtle Beach cost more), your home’s characteristics, and even your credit history.

To get the best value, South Carolinians should compare policies from several providers, looking at coverage options for hurricane/wind damage, deductible provisions, and any state-specific programs or discounts. Below, we highlight the best home insurance companies in South Carolina, with a focus on those popular in the state and well-equipped to handle its risks.

How Much Is Homeowners Insurance In South Carolina?

Home insurance costs in South Carolina vary based on your home’s value, location, and other factors, but on average, South Carolinians pay around $2,600–$2,700 per year for a typical policy (about $223 per month)​. This assumes $300,000 in dwelling coverage, which is a common coverage amount for a standard single-family home.

South Carolina’s average is slightly higher than the national average ($2,601) due to the state’s elevated risk of hurricanes and tropical storms driving up rates. However, your premium will depend heavily on your specific situation. For example, an inland homeowner in Columbia or Greenville will likely pay much less than someone with a similar house on the coast in Charleston or Hilton Head.

One of the biggest factors is your dwelling coverage limit – essentially, the cost to rebuild your home. Below is a breakdown of approximate average annual premiums in South Carolina by dwelling coverage amount:

As expected, higher coverage limits raise the premium significantly – a $500K home costs on average $4,300+ to insure per year in SC​. If you have a more expensive home, you’ll want to look at insurers like Chubb or PURE (not in our top 5 list but known for high-value home coverage) as they specialize in those properties. Conversely, insuring a smaller or less expensive home (say $150K–$200K range) can often be under $2,100 annually in South Carolina.

It’s important to note these are averages. Your rate could be quite different. For instance, having a newer construction home with wind-resistant features might lower your premium below the average. On the other hand, an older home on the coast could easily cost double the state average to insure.

Always compare quotes from multiple insurers – in South Carolina, some companies have much better rates in certain regions or for certain home types. One insurer might charge $1,500 while another quotes $3,000 for the same house, so shopping around is key.

Cheapest Cities For Homeowners Insurance In South Carolina

Home insurance premiums can vary dramatically by city in South Carolina. Generally, inland cities and towns that are away from the coast and at lower risk of hurricanes tend to have cheaper insurance. They also may benefit from lower crime rates or fire risks.

According to recent data, the cheapest average home insurance rates in SC are found in smaller inland communities and certain suburbs. Here are five of the cheapest cities (or areas) for homeowners insurance in South Carolina and their approximate average annual premiums:

Newport, SC leads the pack as the most affordable spot – at about $1,683 per year on average it’s ~25% cheaper than the state average. Newport is a small community in York County just outside Fort Mill, benefitting from being far from the coast and having newer developments. Rock Hill, also in York County, similarly enjoys low rates around $1,762 annually, likely due to its inland location and suburban characteristics.

Upstate urban areas like Greenville see averages under $1,900​, which is quite reasonable for a city of its size – again, no direct hurricane exposure. Smaller inland cities such as Aiken (in western SC) have premiums in the $1,900 range as well, reflecting mild weather risks. Even Columbia, despite being a larger city, has average costs roughly $2,000 or less​, thanks to its central location away from the coast. In Columbia, homeowners pay about $1,968 per year in one analysis​.

It’s worth noting that within these areas, your own rate will depend on your house and neighborhood. But in general, if you live away from the Atlantic coast and outside of tornado-prone pockets, you’re likely to find relatively cheap home insurance in South Carolina.

Most Expensive Cities For Homeowners Insurance In South Carolina

On the flip side, the highest home insurance premiums in South Carolina are found in coastal and low-lying areas prone to hurricanes, tropical storms, and flooding. Homes in these regions face a much greater risk of catastrophic wind damage and even total loss, so insurers charge significantly more (and often impose special wind/hurricane deductibles). Here are five of the most expensive South Carolina cities for home insurance:

Pawleys Island – a small barrier island in Georgetown County – tops the charts with an average premium around $4,728 per year​. Being an exposed barrier island on the Atlantic, it faces direct hurricane strike risk and frequent flooding, leading many insurers to either charge extremely high rates or decline coverage (forcing homeowners into the wind/hail pool or excess markets).

Not far behind is the Myrtle Beach area, where average premiums are about $4,033 per year (roughly 75% higher than the state average). Myrtle Beach’s combination of beachfront properties, high hurricane risk, and a history of events (wind, hail, even occasional tornadoes) make it a costly place to insure a home.

In the Charleston region, Mount Pleasant and the city of Charleston itself also see very high premiums. Mount Pleasant averages over $4,100, reflecting its upscale coastal homes and exposure to hurricane winds across Charleston Harbor. Charleston, with its historic downtown and coastal islands, averages around $4,000.

The risk of storm surge flooding in areas like downtown Charleston, James Island, and West Ashley contributes to these costs (again, flood is not covered by homeowners insurance, but the risk influences insurers’ willingness and pricing for wind coverage). North Charleston, while slightly further inland, still has enough coastal proximity (and some tornado history) to average about $3,800+.

Homeowners in these high-cost areas often have to deal with separate wind/hail policies or hurricane deductibles (more on that below), and fewer insurers actively writing policies. If you live in one of these locations, it’s especially important to compare quotes and consider state-backed options like the SC Wind and Hail Underwriting Association for coverage. You’ll also want to invest in mitigation (like storm shutters, fortified roofing) to both protect your home and potentially qualify for discounts to ease the premium burden.

Average Cost By Deductible In South Carolina

One way South Carolina homeowners can adjust their insurance premium is by choosing a higher or lower deductible. The deductible is the amount you pay out of pocket on a claim before insurance kicks in. In hurricane-prone states like SC, policies often have two deductibles: one for hurricane or wind claims (usually a percentage of your dwelling amount) and a standard deductible for other claims (often a fixed dollar amount). Here we’ll focus on the standard deductible and how its level affects your premium.

Raising your deductible can significantly lower your premium. Conversely, choosing a very low deductible will raise your cost. Below is an estimated comparison of annual premiums for a typical South Carolina home ($300K coverage) at different deductible levels:

Estimates based on industry data; actual discounts vary by insurer.

As the table suggests, going from a $1,000 to a $2,500 deductible might save you on the order of 20% per year. Some studies show about 24% savings by upping the deducible to $2,500 and as much as ~37% savings at a $5,000 deductible​. Of course, these higher deductibles mean you must be able to absorb more cost out-of-pocket if you have a loss.

For example, with a $5,000 deductible, you’d be paying the first $5,000 of any claim – which might be fine for a catastrophic loss, but it also effectively means you’ll be paying entirely for smaller repairs (a $4,000 roof repair after a hail storm wouldn’t even meet your deductible).

Most South Carolina homeowners choose a $1,000 deductible for a balance of affordability and manageable risk. If you want to lower your annual premium, and you have a healthy emergency fund, opting for $2,500 or higher can yield significant savings on your policy​. Just be sure you could actually pay that amount in the event of a claim.

Also remember, separate hurricane deductibles (usually 1–5% of the insured value) may apply for named storm damages – those are in addition to your standard deductible, not instead of. Always check your policy’s deductible structure carefully so you understand your potential costs when filing a claim.

How Hurricane Season Impacts Insurance In South Carolina

Hurricane season (June through November) has a profound impact on South Carolina’s home insurance landscape. During these months, the threat of hurricanes and tropical storms is at its peak, and insurers adjust their operations and requirements accordingly. Here are some key ways hurricane season affects home insurance in SC:

• Coverage Availability: When a hurricane or named storm is approaching the Carolina coast, insurance companies often issue moratoriums on new policies or coverage changes. This means you typically cannot buy a new homeowners policy or add hurricane coverage at the last minute if a storm is imminent. For example, if a tropical storm is forecast to impact Charleston within a few days, most insurers will stop binding new coverage until the storm passes. Bottom line: Don’t wait until a hurricane is on your doorstep – secure coverage well ahead of time.
• Hurricane Deductibles: Almost all South Carolina home insurance policies include a separate hurricane or windstorm deductible. This is usually a percentage (1–5%) of your dwelling coverage. If a named storm (like a hurricane) causes damage, this percentage applies instead of your normal deductible. For instance, with a 2% hurricane deductible on a $300,000 policy, you would pay the first $6,000 of hurricane damage. These deductibles are higher to mitigate insurer losses from big storms​. As a homeowner, you need to plan for this possible expense each hurricane season (many set aside savings in a special fund – more on that in a moment).
• State Wind Pool for High-Risk Areas: Hurricane season also highlights the importance of the South Carolina Wind and Hail Underwriting Association (SCWHUA), often called the “wind pool.” This state-backed program provides wind and hail insurance for coastal residents who cannot find it from private insurers​. If you live in designated coastal areas (e.g., Zone 1 along the beachfront), your insurer might exclude wind coverage altogether, requiring you to get a separate wind policy from SCWHUA. As storms threaten, SCWHUA claims teams prepare for potential surges in claims. Homeowners in these areas should understand their policy setup – you may have one policy for fire and other perils, and another just for windstorm damage via the wind pool.
• Price Volatility: South Carolina’s history with hurricanes (Hugo in 1989, Matthew in 2016, Florence in 2018, etc.) shows that one bad season can lead to rate increases the following year. Insurers reassess their risks and often file for rate hikes after major catastrophes. In recent projections, South Carolina homeowners insurance rates were expected to jump about 11% for 2024 (from $3,082 to $3,410 on average) partly due to anticipation of severe storms and past losses. Over time, repeated hurricane impacts can also cause some insurers to limit new business in coastal areas, reducing competition.
• Claims Surge and Response: When a hurricane does hit South Carolina, insurance companies typically mobilize extra adjusters and catastrophe teams. Still, widespread damage can mean longer wait times for inspections and payouts. It’s important to have your own home inventory and documents ready to facilitate claims. Companies like State Farm and Allstate set up mobile claims centers in hard-hit communities after major storms to assist policyholders. Hurricane season tests insurers’ customer service, so our top picks (like Auto-Owners, USAA) are those known for handling disaster claims efficiently.
• State Programs and Preparedness: The state government also plays a role. South Carolina’s Department of Insurance often issues emergency regulations after disasters (like grace periods for premium payments or claim filing deadlines). The state also encourages mitigation through programs like SC Safe Home, which provides grants for storm-proofing homes (e.g., strengthening your roof, adding shutters) – participating in such programs before hurricane season can both protect your home and potentially earn insurance discounts​.

In summary, hurricane season in South Carolina is a yearly reminder to review your coverage. Make sure you understand your hurricane deductible, have flood insurance if needed, and take advantage of any fortification programs. By planning ahead for the inevitable storms, you can weather the season with greater peace of mind knowing your insurance is ready to respond.

Factors That Impact The Cost Of Your Home Insurance In South Carolina

Location (Coastal vs. Inland): Where you live in South Carolina greatly affects your premium. Coastal and Lowcountry homes face hurricanes, tropical storms and saltwater flooding, leading to much higher rates or even special wind policies. Inland areas (Upstate, Midlands) enjoy lower premiums due to reduced storm risk and generally fewer catastrophes​. Even within the state, factors like proximity to a fire station or hydrant (for fire protection) and neighborhood crime rates can nudge your rate up or down.

Home Construction and Age: The characteristics of your home matter. Masonry or brick homes often cost less to insure than wood-frame houses because they withstand wind and fire better. A newer home (or a recently updated one) will usually get a discount – new roofs, updated electrical, and modern building codes reduce the risk of damage. Conversely, an older Charleston historic home or a rustic farmhouse might cost more to insure, especially if it has outdated plumbing or wiring that could pose hazards.

Coverage Amounts and Limits: The more coverage you buy, the higher the premium. If you insure your dwelling for $500,000 instead of $250,000, expect to pay substantially more (as shown in the cost table above). Similarly, high personal property limits or a lot of optional coverages (like jewelry riders or equipment breakdown coverage) will increase your bill. It’s important to choose coverage that fully protects you, but if you’re looking to save, you might assess if your coverage limits are higher than necessary.

Deductibles: Your choice of deductible has a direct impact on cost. South Carolina homeowners can often select deductibles from $500 up to $5,000 (and separate percentage deductibles for hurricanes). A higher deductible means a lower premium, since you’re retaining more risk. For example, raising a standard deductible from $1,000 to $2,500 could cut your premium by around 10–20%​. Just ensure you have savings to cover that deductible in case of a claim. Remember, hurricane/wind deductibles are separate and typically mandatory in coastal policies – you can’t opt out of those, but you might have a say in the percentage.

Credit Score: In South Carolina, insurers are allowed to use credit-based insurance scores as a rating factor. This means your credit history can significantly affect your premium. Homeowners with excellent credit often pay much less for insurance, while those with poor credit might pay substantially more. In fact, a MoneyGeek analysis found credit rating had one of the largest impacts on SC premiums – the difference between the lowest and highest credit tiers was nearly $12,000 a year in premiums for the same home​. While that figure is extreme, it underlines that maintaining good credit can save you a lot on insurance.

Claims History: Your personal claims record and even the past claims on the home (CLUE report) can influence cost. If you have filed several home insurance claims in recent years, insurers may label you a higher risk and charge more. Moving into a home with prior claims (like multiple water damage claims by the previous owner) can also make insurance pricier. South Carolina homeowners who stay claim-free for a long time often qualify for claim-free discounts or lose any surcharges from earlier claims after a few years.

Other factors: There are many other minor factors. Having certain dog breeds or a swimming pool or trampoline might add a surcharge due to liability risk. On the flip side, home safety features like security systems, smoke detectors, or a centrally monitored fire alarm can lower your premium. Also, if you use your home for business (even a rental on Airbnb), that can impact your policy or cost. Insurers in SC each have their own underwriting appetite – for example, one company might charge more if you have a roof over 20 years old, whereas another might be more forgiving. It pays to compare.

Home Insurance Discounts In South Carolina

Finding discounts is a smart way to lower your homeowners insurance premium in South Carolina. Most insurers offer a variety of savings, and some are particularly relevant given South Carolina’s climate and housing characteristics. Here are common discounts and how they apply in SC:

Multi-Policy (Bundling) Discount: Almost all insurers give a discount if you bundle your home insurance with auto insurance (or another policy like life). In South Carolina, this can be quite beneficial – one analysis found bundling could save around 10%, which could be a few hundred dollars per year​. For example, State Farm, Allstate, and USAA all offer sizable multi-policy discounts in SC. If you’re happy with your auto insurer, check if they have a competitive home policy too.

Protective Devices Discount: Given the risks of hurricanes and fires, insurers reward homeowners who add safety features. You can get lower rates by having smoke detectors, fire alarms, burglar alarms, or a centrally monitored security system installed. These devices reduce the risk of catastrophic fire or theft losses. Some companies also give credits for storm mitigation devices – e.g., Wind-resistant window shutters or impact-resistant roofing materials. In storm-prone South Carolina, upgrading to an impact-resistant roof can not only better protect your house but also earn a discount from many insurers.

Claim-Free Discount: If you haven’t filed a homeowners claim in a certain number of years (usually 3-5 years), insurers often apply a discount. Staying claims-free is within your control to some extent – handle small repairs out-of-pocket if you can, and only use insurance for larger losses – and it pays off in lower premiums. Some South Carolina insurers, like Auto-Owners, specifically highlight discounts for being claim-free or having a loss-free certificate​. Loyalty also comes into play: being with the same insurer for a long period can either qualify you for a loyalty discount or prevent surcharges, thereby saving money.

New Home or Renovation Discount: South Carolina has seen a lot of new construction, especially in suburban areas around Charleston, Greenville, and Columbia. If your home is new (often less than 10 years old), most insurers will offer a discount because newer homes have modern safety features and presumably less risk. Even if your home isn’t new, having certain updates can help. For instance, a new roof or updated HVAC/electrical system might get you a lower rate with some companies. Be sure to mention any recent renovations or upgrades when getting quotes.

Fortified Home & Roofing Credits: In hurricane-prone regions of SC, some insurers participate in the FORTIFIED Home program (developed by the Insurance Institute for Business & Home Safety). If you upgrade your home to a fortified standard (bronze, silver, or gold level – usually focusing on roof strength and opening protections), you can get discounts. Additionally, the state’s SC Safe Home program provides grants for these upgrades, effectively helping you pay for the improvements, which then lead to insurance savings. Check with your insurer if they recognize fortified certifications or any wind mitigation credits – not all automatically do, but many will upon proof.

Miscellaneous Discounts: Other discounts you might encounter in South Carolina include a married or senior discount (some insurers consider marital status or age in rates, potentially lowering cost for married couples or retirees), a paperless billing or autopay discount (small savings for going green or ensuring timely payment), and even an educator or military discount (a few companies have affinity discounts for teachers, military, or certain professions which are common in communities like Columbia or Charleston). While each individual discount might be modest, together they can stack up. Always ask your agent or insurer, “What discounts do I qualify for?” – you might be surprised at the offerings.

By taking advantage of these discounts, South Carolina homeowners can shave a meaningful amount off their insurance premiums. For example, a homeowner in Greenville could bundle auto and home, install a security system, and show proof of a new roof to potentially knock hundreds of dollars off their annual cost. It pays to proactively seek out these savings.