Best & Cheapest Renters Insurance In South Carolina For 2025

29% of households in the state of South Carolina rent, which means 29% of households need to find the best and cheapest renters insurance.

Several factors influence the costs in the area like where you live and your subsequent risk of exposure to natural disasters, particularly coastal areas that are at a higher risk of hurricanes and tropical storms, as well as inland areas which are at a higher risk of earthquakes and fires.

The average cost of renters insurance in South Carolina is approximately $312 per year, or about $26 per month. This makes it an affordable way to protect your personal belongings and liability.

Having had over 15 years of experience as a licensed property and casualty agent, I’ve helped many clients find the right renters insurance to suit their needs and budget. This deep industry knowledge allows me to provide insights that save you time and money while making sure you have the right coverage.

Cheapest Renters Insurance Companies In South Carolina

Auto-Owners and AAA are the cheapest renters insurance companies in South Carolina. Auto-Owners costs an average of $10 per month, while AAA costs around $12.

Best Renters Insurance Companies In South Carolina 2025

State Farm is the best renters insurance company in South Carolina, with average monthly premiums of $18.

Use the table below to view the best renters insurance companies in South Carolina, and their average rates.

How Much Is Renters Insurance In South Carolina?

The average cost of renters insurance in South Carolina is typically around $26 per month, or about $312 annually. However, the exact cost can vary significantly depending on several factors. These include the location of the rental property, the value of your personal belongings, the coverage limits, and any additional coverage options you may choose.

Average South Carolina Renters Insurance Costs – By City

Where you live in South Carolina can have a significant impact on the cost of renters insurance.

Here’s a table showing the average cost of renters insurance in 10 major cities in South Carolina:

What Factors Affect The Price Of Renters Insurance In South Carolina?

Several factors influence the cost of renters insurance in South Carolina. Understanding these can help you manage your premium:

• Natural Disasters: South Carolina experiences hurricanes and tropical storms along the coast with additional risks of wildfires and floods on a regular basis. Those who live along the coast are at a higher risk of floods and tropical storms including hurricanes while those in the center of the state or at a higher risk of earthquake damage and wildfires.
• Location: Crime rates are much higher in major cities throughout South Carolina so living in a heavy urban area with a lot of crime is likely to increase your renters insurance but so too will living in coastal areas like Hilton Head Island, North Charleston, and Mount Pleasant which generally have some of the highest premiums across the state.
• Value of Personal Belongings: The more valuable your possessions, the higher your coverage limits and premiums.
• Deductible: A higher deductible can lower your monthly premium but increase out-of-pocket costs.
• Rental Property Type: Apartments may cost less to insure than houses.
• Claim History: A history of claims may increase your rates.
• Safety Features: Smoke detectors, security systems, and deadbolts may lower premiums.

Is Renters Insurance Required In South Carolina?

In South Carolina, renters insurance is not legally required by the state, but many landlords or property management companies may require tenants to have a policy in place. While the law does not mandate renters insurance, landlords often include this requirement in the lease agreement as a way to protect both the tenant and the property owner.

For tenants, having renters insurance is a wise decision, even if it’s not required by law. It helps safeguard personal property, which may be costly to replace out-of-pocket. Furthermore, renters insurance may provide coverage for temporary living expenses if the rental unit becomes uninhabitable due to a covered event.

While not mandatory, renters insurance can provide peace of mind and financial protection. It’s important to review the lease agreement and check with the landlord to see if it’s a requirement, as failure to comply could result in penalties or lease termination.

Common Renters Insurance Discounts In South Carolina

Renters insurance providers in South Carolina offer various discounts that can reduce your premiums:

• Bundling Policies: Combining auto and renters insurance with the same company can lead to savings.
• Security Features: Installing security systems or smoke alarms can result in discounts.
• Claim-Free Discounts: If you haven’t filed claims in several years, you may qualify for lower rates.
• Property Age: Newer, well-maintained homes may qualify for discounts.
• Loyalty Discounts: Long-term customers may receive reduced rates over time.

Common Renters Insurance Claims In South Carolina

The most common renters insurance claims in South Carolina include damage from natural disasters, such as windstorms, and hurricanes, as well as incidents like theft and water damage. Theft claims are frequent in urban areas or neighborhoods with higher crime rates, where personal belongings may be at risk.

Slightly less common though no less important are claims from earthquake damage. Earthquakes regularly happen in the midlands, near Kershaw County in South Carolina because a significant portion of the state is located in the Middleton Place-Summerville seismic zone. This requires additional riders or separate policies.

Does Renters Insurance In South Carolina Cover Hurricanes?

Renters insurance in South Carolina typically does not cover damage from hurricanes. Standard policies may provide coverage for wind damage, hail, or other covered events, but hurricane-related destruction such as flooding or storm surges is usually excluded. To protect against hurricane damage, renters can add a windstorm endorsement or purchase separate hurricane insurance. Additional insurance policies might need to be purchased to protect against flood damage, which tends to happen immediately after a hurricane in South Carolina.

This additional coverage can help with repairs to personal property and provide protection in case of significant damage due to the storm, offering peace of mind during hurricane season.

Does Renters Insurance In South Carolina Cover Earthquakes?

No, a typical renters insurance policy does not extend to earthquakes. Earthquakes are considered ground movements which are usually excluded events.

However, the South Carolina Department of Insurance encourages renters to invest in earthquake insurance as a separate policy or add it as an endorsement to a renters policy for those who want additional coverage.

Does Renters Insurance In South Carolina Cover Fire?

According to the South Carolina Department of Insurance, yes, a typical renters insurance policy will protect you against losses from fire and smoke. If a fire destroys belongings or causes damage to the apartment or house you’re renting, your renters insurance policy will typically cover the cost of repairs or replacement. This includes damage from smoke, heat, and soot.

Renters insurance also provides liability coverage if the fire spreads and causes damage to neighboring units. It’s important to keep an updated inventory of belongings to ensure adequate coverage.

Does Renters Insurance In South Carolina Cover Flooding?

Renters insurance in South Carolina does not cover flooding caused by heavy rains, storm surges, or rising water. Flooding is considered a separate peril, and standard renters policies exclude this type of damage. To protect against flooding, renters in South Carolina must purchase separate flood insurance through the National Flood Insurance Program (NFIP) or private insurers.

Flood insurance will cover damage to personal property and the structure of the rental unit caused by rising water, ensuring comprehensive coverage in flood-prone areas.

Does Renters Insurance In South Carolina Cover Wind Damage?

Yes, renters insurance in South Carolina generally covers wind damage caused by events such as windstorms, severe winter storms, and hail. Wind-related damage to personal belongings, such as furniture, electronics, and clothing, is usually covered under a standard renters policy.

However, damage caused by hurricanes may require additional windstorm coverage or a rider, as hurricanes are considered a separate risk. It’s important to review your policy to confirm that wind damage is included and to consider additional coverage if necessary for extreme weather events.

What Does Renters Insurance Cover In South Carolina?

Renters insurance provides essential protection for your belongings and liability, offering financial security in the event of unexpected incidents. Understanding what is covered under a renters insurance policy helps you make informed decisions about your coverage needs. Below, we break down the key components of renters insurance coverage.

Personal Property Coverage

Renters insurance typically covers personal belongings, such as furniture, clothing, electronics, and appliances, in the event of theft, fire, vandalism, or other covered disasters. It helps you replace or repair your possessions up to the policy’s coverage limit.

Additional Living Expenses

If your rental becomes uninhabitable due to a covered incident, such as a fire or storm, renters insurance can cover additional living expenses. This includes the cost of temporary housing, meals, and other expenses while your home is being repaired or replaced.

Liability Coverage

Liability protection is an essential part of renters insurance. It covers legal expenses and medical costs if someone is injured while on your property. For example, if a guest slips and falls in your home, liability coverage can help pay for their medical bills and any legal fees if you are sued.

Medical Payments To Others

This coverage provides small, no-fault medical payments if someone is injured on your property, regardless of who is at fault. It helps cover minor medical expenses without the need for a lawsuit or liability claim.

Earthquake Coverage

An earthquake endorsement or earthquake insurance policy separate from your renters insurance policy can give you peace of mind and protection against damage from earthquakes. South Carolina experiences an average of 15 earthquakes every year and recent data has detected 129 earthquakes since 2022 particularly in areas near Kershaw County.

Hurricane Coverage

Renters in South Carolina can also invest in additional protection against hurricane damage, beyond damage from hail or wind events.

Loss Of Use Coverage

If you cannot use your rental due to a covered event, loss of use coverage can help with extra costs such as hotel stays and transportation.

Find Renters Insurance In Other U.S. States