)
)
9+ years in personal finance writing
Certified Financial Counselor
Kat Tretina is a personal finance writer specializing in debt repayment and insurance.
Previously, she worked in public relations within the pharmaceutical industry before switching to non-profit work. After struggling to repay her own student loan debt and seeing firsthand how complex the financial aid and repayment system is, she began writing to share what she learned so other people could better manage their loans.
For the past seven years, she’s been freelancing for major financial publications such as Yahoo! Finance, FinanceBuzz, Forbes Advisor, and more. Her work focuses on helping people understand their financial options, including their insurance choices. Kat double-majored in English and Communications at Elizabethtown College, and she went on to earn her master’s at West Chester University. She has also earned certifications in student loan counseling and financial education.
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Becky Helzer is an editor at Insurify. She loves helping writers express their ideas clearly and authentically. With a diverse background in editing everything from curriculum and books to magazine articles and blog posts, she’s worked on topics ranging from home finance, insurance, and cloud computing to the best tools for home improvement.
A proud graduate of Colorado State University with a degree in technical journalism, Becky lives in Fort Collins, CO, with her husband and their two spoiled rescue dogs.
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Licensed property and casualty insurance agent
10+ years editing experience
NPN: 20461358
John is Insurify’s Chief Copy Editor, helping ensure the accuracy and readability of Insurify’s content. He’s a licensed agent specializing in home and car insurance topics.
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Data expert on auto trends and driver behavior
University of Chicago graduate with statistics degree
Chase spearheads analytics for Insurify’s data insights team. With his deep expertise in insurance data, Chase is often interviewed on industry trends.
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Updated
At Insurify, our goal is to help customers compare insurance products and find the best policy for them. We strive to provide open, honest, and unbiased information about the insurance products and services we review. Our hard-working team of data analysts, insurance experts, insurance agents, editors and writers, has put in thousands of hours of research to create the content found on our site.
We do receive compensation when a sale or referral occurs from many of the insurance providers and marketing partners on our site. That may impact which products we display and where they appear on our site. But it does not influence our meticulously researched editorial content, what we write about, or any reviews or recommendations we may make. We do not guarantee favorable reviews or any coverage at all in exchange for compensation.
Table of contents
South Carolina homeowners pay an average of $2,472 per year for a homeowners insurance policy with $300,000 in dwelling coverage and a $1,000 deductible, which is slightly lower than the national annual average of $2,580. But South Carolina homeowners may need additional coverage due to the state’s varied weather-related risk factors.
In addition to numerous wildfires each year, the Palmetto State also faces significant hurricane and tropical cyclone risks, including storms such as Helene and Debby.[1] A standard homeowners insurance policy doesn’t cover flooding, so South Carolina property owners may need to buy a separate flood insurance policy.
Here’s what you need to know about buying home insurance in South Carolina.
Top insurers in South Carolina include Kin, Allstate, and Foremost.
Allstate has the cheapest homeowners insurance in South Carolina, at $126 per month for a policy with $300,000 in dwelling coverage and a $1,000 deductible.
In South Carolina, 208,600 properties have flood insurance through the National Flood Insurance Program (NFIP), according to the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA).
Best home insurance companies in South Carolina
Many quality insurers offer coverage in South Carolina, but the best home insurance companies combine competitive rates with customizable coverage options. While the best insurer for you depends on your home and specific insurance needs, one of the following five companies may be a good fit.
Chubb: Best for high-value homes
| IQ Score The Insurify Quality (IQ) Score uses more than 15 criteria to objectively rate insurance companies on a one-to-ten scale. The Insurify editorial team researches insurer data to determine the final scores. | 7.8/10 |
|---|---|
| A.M. Best A.M. Best analyzes an insurer’s financials, operating performance, business profile, and other factors to generate an opinion-based rating of a company’s financial and credit strength. Ratings range from A++ (exceptional) to D (poor). | A++ |
| $300,000 Dwelling A standard HO-3 home insurance policy typically includes dwelling, personal property, and liability coverage. The average rate displayed here reflects a policy with the following coverage limits: $300,000 dwelling; $25,000 personal property; $300,000 personal liability; $30,000 loss of use; and a $1,000 deductible for medical payments to others. | $128/mo |
| $500,000 Dwelling A standard HO-3 home insurance policy typically includes dwelling, personal property, and liability coverage. The average rate displayed here reflects a policy with the following coverage limits: $500,000 dwelling; $25,000 personal property; $300,000 personal liability; $30,000 loss of use; and a $1,000 deductible for medical payments to others. | $215/mo |
Home prices in South Carolina are rising, and the demand for luxury properties has increased significantly. Homes with a price tag of $1 million and up saw the biggest increase in pending sales in 2025, according to a report released by South Carolina Realtors.[2]
If you have a high-value home, Chubb stands out with unique coverage options, including extended replacement cost coverage and assistance in finding temporary accommodations after a covered loss. Plus, you may qualify for additional perks, such as a complimentary risk consultation and Chubb’s HomeScan service, which helps identify hidden issues behind walls.
Special discounts for luxury homes with security features
High J.D. Power customer satisfaction ranking
Standard replacement cost coverage
No online quotes
Limited agent network in South Carolina
Above-average rates
Kin: Best for coverage add-ons
| IQ Score The Insurify Quality (IQ) Score uses more than 15 criteria to objectively rate insurance companies on a one-to-ten scale. The Insurify editorial team researches insurer data to determine the final scores. | NR |
|---|---|
| JD Power J.D. Power data measures overall customer satisfaction and claims satisfaction based on a 1,000-point scale. | Not rated |
Owning a home in South Carolina comes with various risks, including hurricanes, wildfires, and wind- and hail-related damage. Kin is a relatively new insurance company offering home insurance policies that cover hurricanes and tropical storms, as well as wildfires and storm damage.
With Kin, you can add optional coverages to customize your policy, including water backup coverage, animal liability insurance, fungi and mold coverage, and identity fraud expense reimbursement.
Multiple available coverage add-ons
Online quotes available
Several available discounts
Doesn’t offer flood insurance in South Carolina
Some properties must undergo an inspection
Doesn’t offer 24/7 claims support
USAA: Best for service members and veterans
| IQ Score The Insurify Quality (IQ) Score uses more than 15 criteria to objectively rate insurance companies on a one-to-ten scale. The Insurify editorial team researches insurer data to determine the final scores. | 8/10 |
|---|---|
| A.M. Best A.M. Best analyzes an insurer’s financials, operating performance, business profile, and other factors to generate an opinion-based rating of a company’s financial and credit strength. Ratings range from A++ (exceptional) to D (poor). | A++ |
| $300,000 Dwelling A standard HO-3 home insurance policy typically includes dwelling, personal property, and liability coverage. The average rate displayed here reflects a policy with the following coverage limits: $300,000 dwelling; $25,000 personal property; $300,000 personal liability; $30,000 loss of use; and a $1,000 deductible for medical payments to others. | $163/mo |
| $500,000 Dwelling A standard HO-3 home insurance policy typically includes dwelling, personal property, and liability coverage. The average rate displayed here reflects a policy with the following coverage limits: $500,000 dwelling; $25,000 personal property; $300,000 personal liability; $30,000 loss of use; and a $1,000 deductible for medical payments to others. | $256/mo |
South Carolina is home to multiple military bases, including Fort Jackson. It also has many military service members and a high veteran population.
Because USAA is available only to military members and their families, eligible homeowners may benefit from its low rates and member perks. The company also offers several optional coverage endorsements, including water backup and homeshare insurance for people who rent out their properties.
Multiple coverage add-ons available
Extra coverages and benefits for service members
Low rates in South Carolina
Limited to service members, veterans, and qualifying family members
Poor reviews on Trustpilot
No flood insurance
Allstate: Best for manufactured homes
| IQ Score The Insurify Quality (IQ) Score uses more than 15 criteria to objectively rate insurance companies on a one-to-ten scale. The Insurify editorial team researches insurer data to determine the final scores. | 8.2/10 |
|---|---|
| A.M. Best A.M. Best analyzes an insurer’s financials, operating performance, business profile, and other factors to generate an opinion-based rating of a company’s financial and credit strength. Ratings range from A++ (exceptional) to D (poor). | A- |
| $300,000 Dwelling A standard HO-3 home insurance policy typically includes dwelling, personal property, and liability coverage. The average rate displayed here reflects a policy with the following coverage limits: $300,000 dwelling; $25,000 personal property; $300,000 personal liability; $30,000 loss of use; and a $1,000 deductible for medical payments to others. | $126/mo |
| $500,000 Dwelling A standard HO-3 home insurance policy typically includes dwelling, personal property, and liability coverage. The average rate displayed here reflects a policy with the following coverage limits: $500,000 dwelling; $25,000 personal property; $300,000 personal liability; $30,000 loss of use; and a $1,000 deductible for medical payments to others. | $196/mo |
About 15% of South Carolina’s dwellings are mobile or manufactured homes — well above the national average. While not all insurance companies cover manufactured properties, Allstate does, making it a standout choice for those homes.
An Allstate mobile home insurance policy includes dwelling coverage, personal property coverage, personal liability protection, and guest medical protection. You can also add temporary coverage to protect your home from collisions during transportation to a new location.
Manufactured home coverage
Online quotes available
Multiple discounts
Below-average J.D. Power customer satisfaction ranking
Higher-than-expected number of customer complaints reported to the National Association of Insurance Commissioners (NAIC)
Poor Trustpilot reviews
Foremost: Best for flood insurance
flood insurance
Foremost
| IQ Score The Insurify Quality (IQ) Score uses more than 15 criteria to objectively rate insurance companies on a one-to-ten scale. The Insurify editorial team researches insurer data to determine the final scores. | 5.2/10 |
|---|---|
| A.M. Best A.M. Best analyzes an insurer’s financials, operating performance, business profile, and other factors to generate an opinion-based rating of a company’s financial and credit strength. Ratings range from A++ (exceptional) to D (poor). | A |
| $300,000 Dwelling A standard HO-3 home insurance policy typically includes dwelling, personal property, and liability coverage. The average rate displayed here reflects a policy with the following coverage limits: $300,000 dwelling; $25,000 personal property; $300,000 personal liability; $30,000 loss of use; and a $1,000 deductible for medical payments to others. | $285/mo |
| $500,000 Dwelling A standard HO-3 home insurance policy typically includes dwelling, personal property, and liability coverage. The average rate displayed here reflects a policy with the following coverage limits: $500,000 dwelling; $25,000 personal property; $300,000 personal liability; $30,000 loss of use; and a $1,000 deductible for medical payments to others. | $498/mo |
If your home is located along the South Carolina coastline or in a low-lying area, it’s prone to water damage from flooding. Unlike some insurers, Foremost offers flood insurance through the NFIP, so you can protect your home from storm surges or rising water.
Plus, you can take advantage of additional coverage options, such as extended replacement cost or guaranteed rebuild insurance.
Sells flood insurance
Multiple coverage add-ons
Large network of insurance agents in South Carolina
Delayed online quotes
Many complaints reported to the Better Business Bureau (BBB)
Not the cheapest insurer in South Carolina
Our editorial team analyzed dozens of regional and national home insurance companies that sell policies in South Carolina to assess which offer the best rates, coverage options, customer service, and savings to homeowners. We prioritized competitive rates, 24/7 customer service, homeownership discounts or bundling options, and specialty or supplemental coverages.
Cheapest home insurance in South Carolina
Home insurance rates vary by insurer. Your home’s age and construction, your deductible and coverage amount, and where you live also influence your rates.[3]
In South Carolina, Allstate has the cheapest homeowners insurance. The table below highlights other companies with cheap homeowners insurance rates in South Carolina for a policy with $300,000 in dwelling coverage and a $1,000 deductible.
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Data expert on auto trends and driver behavior
University of Chicago graduate with statistics degree
Chase spearheads analytics for Insurify’s data insights team. With his deep expertise in insurance data, Chase is often interviewed on industry trends.
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Insurance Company | Average Annual Premium |
|---|---|
| Allstate | $1,534 |
| Chubb | $1,558 |
| Travelers | $1,899 |
| USAA | $1,984 |
| Nationwide | $2,081 |
| State Farm | $2,118 |
| Allied | $2,763 |
| Auto-Owners | $3,238 |
| Foremost | $3,469 |
| Encompass | $3,871 |
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How much does homeowners insurance cost in South Carolina?
South Carolina homeowners pay an average cost of $2,472 per year for a policy with $300,000 in dwelling coverage and a $1,000 deductible. But your home insurance cost may vary based on the following factors:
ZIP code: If your home is located in an area with a high crime rate or with a high cost of living, your insurance costs may be above average.
Risks: Along with flood damage from hurricane remnants and cyclones, South Carolina also faces a wildfire risk greater than 60% of the U.S.[4] These risk factors can increase insurance costs, depending on your home’s location.
Home age: Older homes are typically more expensive to insure due to aging systems and the higher cost of repairs that must meet current building code requirements.
Deductible: The higher your deductible, the lower your premiums will be.
Credit and claim history: If you have a history of poor credit or home insurance claims, you’ll typically pay higher premiums.
Cheapest home insurance companies in South Carolina by dwelling coverage
Dwelling coverage is the part of your home insurance policy that pays to repair or rebuild your home after a covered peril, such as a windstorm or fire. The more dwelling coverage you have, the higher your insurance premiums will be.
The table below shows average annual premiums by insurer based on various dwelling coverage limits.
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Data expert on auto trends and driver behavior
University of Chicago graduate with statistics degree
Chase spearheads analytics for Insurify’s data insights team. With his deep expertise in insurance data, Chase is often interviewed on industry trends.
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Insurance Company | Average Annual Premium |
|---|---|
| Chubb | $974 |
| Allstate | $1,144 |
| Travelers | $1,363 |
| Nationwide | $1,412 |
| USAA | $1,497 |
| State Farm | $1,619 |
| Allied | $1,887 |
| Foremost | $2,167 |
| Auto-Owners | $2,544 |
| Encompass | $2,897 |
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Data expert on auto trends and driver behavior
University of Chicago graduate with statistics degree
Chase spearheads analytics for Insurify’s data insights team. With his deep expertise in insurance data, Chase is often interviewed on industry trends.
Featured in
Insurance Company | Average Annual Premium |
|---|---|
| Allstate | $1,534 |
| Chubb | $1,558 |
| Travelers | $1,899 |
| USAA | $1,984 |
| Nationwide | $2,081 |
| State Farm | $2,118 |
| Allied | $2,763 |
| Auto-Owners | $3,238 |
| Foremost | $3,469 |
| Encompass | $3,871 |
)
Data expert on auto trends and driver behavior
University of Chicago graduate with statistics degree
Chase spearheads analytics for Insurify’s data insights team. With his deep expertise in insurance data, Chase is often interviewed on industry trends.
Featured in
Insurance Company | Average Annual Premium |
|---|---|
| Allstate | $2,386 |
| Chubb | $2,617 |
| Travelers | $3,055 |
| USAA | $3,116 |
| State Farm | $3,140 |
| Nationwide | $3,286 |
| Allied | $4,394 |
| Auto-Owners | $4,650 |
| Encompass | $5,550 |
| Foremost | $6,062 |
)
Data expert on auto trends and driver behavior
University of Chicago graduate with statistics degree
Chase spearheads analytics for Insurify’s data insights team. With his deep expertise in insurance data, Chase is often interviewed on industry trends.
Featured in
Insurance Company | Average Annual Premium |
|---|---|
| Allstate | $3,396 |
| Chubb | $4,005 |
| State Farm | $4,321 |
| Travelers | $4,528 |
| USAA | $4,625 |
| Nationwide | $5,514 |
| Allied | $6,305 |
| Encompass | $6,962 |
| Auto-Owners | $7,048 |
| Foremost | $9,311 |
South Carolina homeowners insurance cost by city
Your home’s location significantly influences how much you pay for homeowners insurance. For example, homes in coastal cities such as Charleston and Myrtle Beach are at a higher risk of storm surges and flood damage, which increases premiums. In these areas, flood insurance may also be required.
Other areas, such as Spartanburg, face a higher wildfire risk, which can also drive up insurance costs.
Larger cities with higher populations, such as Columbia and Greenville, typically have higher construction costs, more frequent claims, and may have more crime — all of which are reflected in higher premiums.
The table below shows the average annual premiums by city for a policy with $300,000 in dwelling coverage and a $1,000 deductible.
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Data expert on auto trends and driver behavior
University of Chicago graduate with statistics degree
Chase spearheads analytics for Insurify’s data insights team. With his deep expertise in insurance data, Chase is often interviewed on industry trends.
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City | Average Annual Premium |
|---|---|
| Greenville | $153 |
| Charlotte | $155 |
| Spartanburg | $156 |
| Columbia | $169 |
| Charleston | $356 |
| Myrtle Beach | $418 |
What homeowners should know about insurance in South Carolina
Homeowners insurance doesn’t cover every type of weather event. Whether you’ve lived in the Palmetto State all your life or are new to the area, keep these details in mind when shopping for coverage.
Flooding
Because of the state’s low-lying topography, South Carolina is vulnerable to flooding. In fact, three major flooding events have occurred since 2024.[5] Because standard home insurance policies typically exclude flooding, you may need to buy a separate policy through your insurer or the NFIP.
Hurricanes/tropical storms
Hurricane activity tracking in the Atlantic Ocean began in 1851.[6] Since that time, South Carolina has experienced 33 hurricane impacts, ranking fifth among all states.
Even if a hurricane never makes landfall, heavy rain, high winds, and coastal surge can cause significant damage. While homeowners insurance protects your home against wind damage, it doesn’t cover rising water, so without flood insurance, water damage wouldn’t be covered.
Winter weather
Even though South Carolina has long, hot summers and moderate winters, heavy snowfall and ice storms can still happen. While these events are rare, they can cause significant damage, including collapsed roofs, ice dams, and burst pipes. Homeowners insurance typically covers structural damage from the weight of ice and snow, as well as burst pipes, as long as you’ve taken preventative measures.
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How much homeowners insurance do you need in South Carolina?
While there’s no law in South Carolina requiring you to buy home insurance, your mortgage lender will require it if you have a mortgage. But even if you own your home outright, homeowners insurance coverage protects your home from expensive losses.
A homeowners insurance policy combines the following four types of coverage:
Dwelling coverage: Dwelling insurance pays to repair or replace your home’s structure.
Personal property coverage: Personal property insurance protects your home’s contents, including your furniture, clothing, and electronics.
Liability insurance: Personal liability coverage helps pay for medical bills and legal fees up to your policy limits if someone is injured on your property or if you cause property damage away from home.
Additional living expenses: Also known as loss of use coverage, this helps pay for additional expenses if you need to live elsewhere while your home is repaired after a covered loss.
The amount of home insurance coverage you need depends on your property value, the value of your personal belongings, your risk of being sued, and whether you need optional protection, such as flood insurance or coverage for high-value items. It’s important to understand what your policy covers to ensure you have the coverage you expect.
How to contact the South Carolina Department of Insurance
You can contact the state department of insurance to file a complaint against a South Carolina home insurance company, find out which insurers are licensed to sell insurance within the state, or verify an agent’s license.
Here’s how you can contact the South Carolina Department of Insurance:
Email: [email protected]
File a complaint: doi.sc.gov/complaint
Phone: 1 (803) 737-6160
South Carolina homeowners insurance FAQs
For more information about South Carolina homeowners insurance, see the answers to frequently asked questions below.
How much is home insurance in South Carolina?
On average, South Carolina homeowners pay $2,472 per year for a policy with $300,000 in dwelling coverage and a $1,000 deductible, Insurify data shows.
Which company has the cheapest homeowners insurance in South Carolina?
Allstate has the cheapest homeowners insurance premiums in South Carolina. Its average rate for a policy with $300,000 in dwelling coverage and a $1,000 deductible is $126 per month.
Does South Carolina require homeowners insurance?
No. South Carolina doesn’t require homeowners insurance. But your lender will require coverage if you purchase your house with a mortgage.
How can you lower your home insurance premiums in South Carolina?
You can lower your insurance premiums in South Carolina by raising your deductible, asking about discounts, and shopping around for coverage. You may also save money by bundling your coverage with other forms of insurance, such as an auto policy.
What is the 80/20 rule in homeowners insurance?
The 80/20 rule, also known as the 80% rule, states that you should purchase a policy that provides coverage for at least 80% of your home’s total replacement cost. If your property’s value increases over time, you’ll need to adjust your policy to maintain that level of coverage.
How much is home insurance for a $400,000 house in South Carolina?
In South Carolina, homeowners pay an average of $3,168 per year for a home with $400,000 in dwelling coverage and a $1,000 deductible.
Methodology
Insurify data scientists analyzed rates from more than 180 home insurance companies sourced directly from Insurify’s partner companies and Quadrant Information Services. Rates span all 50 states and Washington, D.C., and quote averages represent the mean price for a given coverage level and geographic area. To ensure data reliability, only insurers meeting minimum quote thresholds were included in the analysis.
Unless otherwise specified, quoted rates reflect the average cost for homeowners with no prior claims and good credit with a home construction year of 1980. The default coverage assumptions include:
Default Coverage Assumptions
- Dwelling coverage: $300,000
- Deductible: $1,000
- Personal property limit: $25,000
- Liability limit: $300,000
Additional data points beyond these default values are sourced from Insurify’s proprietary database. Rates are updated monthly.
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Sources
- South Carolina State Climatology Office. "SC HURRICANES COMPREHENSIVE SUMMARY."
- South Carolina Realtors. "Housing Supply Overview."
- South Carolina Department of Insurance. "Cost of Homeowner's Insurance."
- United States Department of Agriculture Wildfire Risk to Communities. "South Carolina Risk to Homes."
- South Carolina Emergency Management Division. "Floods."
- National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration. "NOAA Historical Hurricane Tracks."
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)
9+ years in personal finance writing
Certified Financial Counselor
Kat Tretina is a personal finance writer specializing in debt repayment and insurance.
Previously, she worked in public relations within the pharmaceutical industry before switching to non-profit work. After struggling to repay her own student loan debt and seeing firsthand how complex the financial aid and repayment system is, she began writing to share what she learned so other people could better manage their loans.
For the past seven years, she’s been freelancing for major financial publications such as Yahoo! Finance, FinanceBuzz, Forbes Advisor, and more. Her work focuses on helping people understand their financial options, including their insurance choices. Kat double-majored in English and Communications at Elizabethtown College, and she went on to earn her master’s at West Chester University. She has also earned certifications in student loan counseling and financial education.
)
)
Becky Helzer is an editor at Insurify. She loves helping writers express their ideas clearly and authentically. With a diverse background in editing everything from curriculum and books to magazine articles and blog posts, she’s worked on topics ranging from home finance, insurance, and cloud computing to the best tools for home improvement.
A proud graduate of Colorado State University with a degree in technical journalism, Becky lives in Fort Collins, CO, with her husband and their two spoiled rescue dogs.
)
)
Licensed property and casualty insurance agent
10+ years editing experience
NPN: 20461358
John is Insurify’s Chief Copy Editor, helping ensure the accuracy and readability of Insurify’s content. He’s a licensed agent specializing in home and car insurance topics.
Featured in
)
)
Data expert on auto trends and driver behavior
University of Chicago graduate with statistics degree
Chase spearheads analytics for Insurify’s data insights team. With his deep expertise in insurance data, Chase is often interviewed on industry trends.
Featured in