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The Best Home Insurance in South Carolina for 2023
South Carolina homeowners need to confirm they have the right coverage.
Kayda Norman is a NerdWallet authority on auto insurance. She previously worked in communications at The Walt Disney Co. and as a web producer and writer at several health and fitness publications, including Health magazine. Her work has been featured in The New York Times, The Washington Post and USA Today.
Sarah Schlichter Lead Writer | Home insurance, renters insurance, pet insurance
Sarah Schlichter is a NerdWallet authority on homeowners, renters and pet insurance. Prior to joining NerdWallet, she spent more than 15 years in digital media as a writer, editor and spokesperson. Sarah enjoys delving into complicated topics and helping readers understand the ins and outs of their insurance coverage. She lives in the Washington, D.C., metro area.
Caitlin Constantine Assigning Editor | Home insurance, renters insurance, pet insurance
Caitlin Constantine is an assigning editor at NerdWallet, focusing on homeowners, renters and pet insurance. She has more than 15 years of experience in digital media, including as the deputy managing editor at The Penny Hoarder and as a digital producer for a 24/7 news station based in the Tampa Bay area. Caitlin enjoys exploring the ways technology can help people become better informed about the world. She currently lives outside Asheville, North Carolina.
Many or all of the products featured here are from our partners who compensate us. This influences which products we write about and where and how the product appears on a page. However, this does not influence our evaluations. Our opinions are our own. Here is a list of our partners and here's how we make money.
Full of natural beauty and Southern charm, it’s no wonder more than five million people call South Carolina home. But if you own a house here, you’ll also want to make sure you’re prepared for the state’s natural disasters, including hurricanes, tropical storms and tornadoes. Having the best home insurance in South Carolina means getting the right coverage at a price you can afford.
NerdWallet analyzed rates from insurers across the state to find the best South Carolina homeowners insurance options.
Note: Due to underwriting practices and market volatility, some companies in this article may no longer write new policies in your area.
Why you can trust NerdWallet
Our writers and editors follow strict editorial guidelines to ensure fairness and accuracy in our writing and data analyses. You can trust the prices we show you because our data analysts take rigorous measures to eliminate inaccuracies in pricing data and may update rates for accuracy as new information becomes available.
We include rates from every locale in the country where coverage is offered and data is available. When comparing rates for different coverage amounts and backgrounds, we change only one variable at a time, so you can easily see how each factor affects pricing.
Our sample homeowner had good credit, $300,000 of dwelling coverage, $300,000 of liability coverage and a $1,000 deductible.
The best homeowners insurance in South Carolina
If you’re looking to buy homeowners insurance from a well-rated national brand, consider one of these insurers from NerdWallet’s list of the Best Homeowners Insurance Companies.
NerdWallet's ratings are determined by our editorial team. The scoring formula takes into account discounts, coverage options, website transparency, financial strength, complaint data and more.
NerdWallet's ratings are determined by our editorial team. The scoring formula takes into account discounts, coverage options, website transparency, financial strength, complaint data and more.
NerdWallet's ratings are determined by our editorial team. The scoring formula takes into account discounts, coverage options, website transparency, financial strength, complaint data and more.
NerdWallet's ratings are determined by our editorial team. The scoring formula takes into account discounts, coverage options, website transparency, financial strength, complaint data and more.
NerdWallet's ratings are determined by our editorial team. The scoring formula takes into account discounts, coverage options, website transparency, financial strength, complaint data and more.
NerdWallet's ratings are determined by our editorial team. The scoring formula takes into account discounts, coverage options, website transparency, financial strength, complaint data and more.
$1,850
*USAA homeowners policies are available only to active military, veterans and their families.
More about the best home insurance companies in South Carolina
See more details about each company to help you decide which one is best for you.
NerdWallet's ratings are determined by our editorial team. The scoring formula takes into account consumer complaint and customer satisfaction data.
Perks and high coverage limits for affluent homeowners.
Coverage optionsRatings are based on the number of coverage options a company offers in comparison to other insurers.
About average
DiscountsRatings are based on the number of discounts a company offers in comparison to other insurers.
Great set of discounts
NAIC complaintsRatings are based on complaints to state regulators relative to a company’s size, according to three years’ worth of data from the National Association of Insurance Commissioners. NerdWallet conducts its data analysis and reaches conclusions independently and without the endorsement of the NAIC.
Far fewer than expected
Pros
Significantly fewer consumer complaints than expected for a company of its size.
Standard coverage includes features that many companies only offer as extras.
Large number of discounts.
Cons
Most consumers aren't able to get a quote online and will instead need to contact a local agent.
NerdWallet's ratings are determined by our editorial team. The scoring formula takes into account consumer complaint and customer satisfaction data.
Perks and high coverage limits for affluent homeowners.
Coverage optionsRatings are based on the number of coverage options a company offers in comparison to other insurers.
About average
DiscountsRatings are based on the number of discounts a company offers in comparison to other insurers.
Great set of discounts
NAIC complaintsRatings are based on complaints to state regulators relative to a company’s size, according to three years’ worth of data from the National Association of Insurance Commissioners. NerdWallet conducts its data analysis and reaches conclusions independently and without the endorsement of the NAIC.
Far fewer than expected
Pros
Significantly fewer consumer complaints than expected for a company of its size.
Standard coverage includes features that many companies only offer as extras.
Large number of discounts.
Cons
Most consumers aren't able to get a quote online and will instead need to contact a local agent.
Chubb generally serves affluent policyholders with high-value homes, offering lofty coverage limits and plenty of perks. For example, the company covers water damage from backed-up sewers and drains, and pays to bring your home up to the latest building codes during reconstruction after a claim. (Many insurers charge more for these types of coverage.)
South Carolina homeowners can also sign up for free Wildfire Defense Services. These services include personalized recommendations for protecting your home and deployment of firefighters to your house if a wildfire is approaching.
NerdWallet's ratings are determined by our editorial team. The scoring formula takes into account consumer complaint and customer satisfaction data.
Well-established insurer with a lengthy list of coverage options.
Coverage optionsRatings are based on the number of coverage options a company offers in comparison to other insurers.
More than average
DiscountsRatings are based on the number of discounts a company offers in comparison to other insurers.
Average set of discounts
NAIC complaintsRatings are based on complaints to state regulators relative to a company’s size, according to three years’ worth of data from the National Association of Insurance Commissioners. NerdWallet conducts its data analysis and reaches conclusions independently and without the endorsement of the NAIC.
Fewer than expected
Pros
User-friendly website.
Agents offer personalized service.
Policies generally include extra coverage for your home’s structure.
Cons
Fewer discounts than some other insurers.
Includes more generous dwelling coverage in standard policies than many other insurers do.
NerdWallet's ratings are determined by our editorial team. The scoring formula takes into account consumer complaint and customer satisfaction data.
Well-established insurer with a lengthy list of coverage options.
Coverage optionsRatings are based on the number of coverage options a company offers in comparison to other insurers.
More than average
DiscountsRatings are based on the number of discounts a company offers in comparison to other insurers.
Average set of discounts
NAIC complaintsRatings are based on complaints to state regulators relative to a company’s size, according to three years’ worth of data from the National Association of Insurance Commissioners. NerdWallet conducts its data analysis and reaches conclusions independently and without the endorsement of the NAIC.
Fewer than expected
Pros
User-friendly website.
Agents offer personalized service.
Policies generally include extra coverage for your home’s structure.
Cons
Fewer discounts than some other insurers.
Includes more generous dwelling coverage in standard policies than many other insurers do.
As America’s largest insurer, State Farm stands out for its long list of coverage options. Its policies generally include extra dwelling coverage in case it costs more than expected to rebuild your home after a covered disaster. You may also be able to add coverage for things like identity theft, damage from backed-up drains and personal injury liability.
State Farm offers a free Ting device as a perk for home insurance policyholders. Ting is a smart plug that monitors your home’s electrical network to help prevent fires.
NerdWallet's ratings are determined by our editorial team. The scoring formula takes into account consumer complaint and customer satisfaction data.
Sells homeowners policies through local independent agents across the U.S.
Coverage optionsRatings are based on the number of coverage options a company offers in comparison to other insurers.
More than average
DiscountsRatings are based on the number of discounts a company offers in comparison to other insurers.
Average set of discounts
NAIC complaintsRatings are based on complaints to state regulators relative to a company’s size, according to three years’ worth of data from the National Association of Insurance Commissioners. NerdWallet conducts its data analysis and reaches conclusions independently and without the endorsement of the NAIC.
Far fewer than expected
Pros
Many coverage options.
Far fewer complaints than expected for a company of its size.
Has special coverage packages for higher-value homes.
Cons
No online quotes.
Offers customizable homeowners insurance with special options for higher-value homes.
NerdWallet's ratings are determined by our editorial team. The scoring formula takes into account consumer complaint and customer satisfaction data.
Sells homeowners policies through local independent agents across the U.S.
Coverage optionsRatings are based on the number of coverage options a company offers in comparison to other insurers.
More than average
DiscountsRatings are based on the number of discounts a company offers in comparison to other insurers.
Average set of discounts
NAIC complaintsRatings are based on complaints to state regulators relative to a company’s size, according to three years’ worth of data from the National Association of Insurance Commissioners. NerdWallet conducts its data analysis and reaches conclusions independently and without the endorsement of the NAIC.
Far fewer than expected
Pros
Many coverage options.
Far fewer complaints than expected for a company of its size.
Has special coverage packages for higher-value homes.
Cons
No online quotes.
Offers customizable homeowners insurance with special options for higher-value homes.
Cincinnati Insurance sells homeowners policies through independent agents, with various options for standard and high-value homes. You may be able to add coverage for things like identity theft, personal cyber attacks or certain types of water damage.
Cincinnati may offer you a discount for bundling home and auto insurance, having a newer home, installing a centrally monitored alarm system or going a certain amount of time without filing a claim.
NerdWallet's ratings are determined by our editorial team. The scoring formula takes into account consumer complaint and customer satisfaction data.
Travelers offers strong coverage and decent discounts.
Coverage optionsRatings are based on the number of coverage options a company offers in comparison to other insurers.
About average
DiscountsRatings are based on the number of discounts a company offers in comparison to other insurers.
Average set of discounts
NAIC complaintsRatings are based on complaints to state regulators relative to a company’s size, according to three years’ worth of data from the National Association of Insurance Commissioners. NerdWallet conducts its data analysis and reaches conclusions independently and without the endorsement of the NAIC.
Fewer than expected
Pros
User-friendly features on website and app.
Discounts for eco-friendly homeowners.
Cons
Doesn’t insure mobile or manufactured homes.
One of the largest home insurers in the nation, Travelers may especially appeal to eco-conscious homeowners looking to score discounts for owning a new or “green” home.
NerdWallet's ratings are determined by our editorial team. The scoring formula takes into account consumer complaint and customer satisfaction data.
Travelers offers strong coverage and decent discounts.
Coverage optionsRatings are based on the number of coverage options a company offers in comparison to other insurers.
About average
DiscountsRatings are based on the number of discounts a company offers in comparison to other insurers.
Average set of discounts
NAIC complaintsRatings are based on complaints to state regulators relative to a company’s size, according to three years’ worth of data from the National Association of Insurance Commissioners. NerdWallet conducts its data analysis and reaches conclusions independently and without the endorsement of the NAIC.
Fewer than expected
Pros
User-friendly features on website and app.
Discounts for eco-friendly homeowners.
Cons
Doesn’t insure mobile or manufactured homes.
One of the largest home insurers in the nation, Travelers may especially appeal to eco-conscious homeowners looking to score discounts for owning a new or “green” home.
Travelers offers a robust online experience. You can use the website to get a homeowners insurance quote, file and track claims, make payments and learn about insurance basics.
Its coverage offerings are similarly strong. For example, you may be able to add extra coverage in case the dwelling limit on your home isn’t enough to rebuild your house after a disaster. One unique option is Travelers’ green home coverage, which pays extra if you want to use eco-friendly materials when repairing or rebuilding your home after a covered claim.
NerdWallet's ratings are determined by our editorial team. The scoring formula takes into account consumer complaint and customer satisfaction data.
Homeowners insurance policies with lots of extras available.
Coverage optionsRatings are based on the number of coverage options a company offers in comparison to other insurers.
About average
DiscountsRatings are based on the number of discounts a company offers in comparison to other insurers.
Average set of discounts
NAIC complaintsRatings are based on complaints to state regulators relative to a company’s size, according to three years’ worth of data from the National Association of Insurance Commissioners. NerdWallet conducts its data analysis and reaches conclusions independently and without the endorsement of the NAIC.
Far fewer than expected
Pros
Offers deductible discount if you use one of its recommended contractors after a claim.
Easy online quotes.
Lots of useful insurance information on its website.
Cons
Pet liability coverage costs extra.
No bundling discount.
Uses technology to offer reasonably priced insurance in states at risk of climate change.
NerdWallet's ratings are determined by our editorial team. The scoring formula takes into account consumer complaint and customer satisfaction data.
Homeowners insurance policies with lots of extras available.
Coverage optionsRatings are based on the number of coverage options a company offers in comparison to other insurers.
About average
DiscountsRatings are based on the number of discounts a company offers in comparison to other insurers.
Average set of discounts
NAIC complaintsRatings are based on complaints to state regulators relative to a company’s size, according to three years’ worth of data from the National Association of Insurance Commissioners. NerdWallet conducts its data analysis and reaches conclusions independently and without the endorsement of the NAIC.
Far fewer than expected
Pros
Offers deductible discount if you use one of its recommended contractors after a claim.
Easy online quotes.
Lots of useful insurance information on its website.
Cons
Pet liability coverage costs extra.
No bundling discount.
Uses technology to offer reasonably priced insurance in states at risk of climate change.
Founded in 2016, Kin is an insurance startup that sells policies directly to consumers. Its South Carolina policies generally have three separate deductibles — one for hurricanes, one for wind and hail and one for all other claims. A deductible is the amount of a claim you’re responsible for.
Kin offers discounts for things like windproofing your home, having a home security system and going for a certain period of time without filing a claim.
NerdWallet's ratings are determined by our editorial team. The scoring formula takes into account consumer complaint and customer satisfaction data.
Offers perks and affordable rates for the military community.
Coverage optionsRatings are based on the number of coverage options a company offers in comparison to other insurers.
Below average
DiscountsRatings are based on the number of discounts a company offers in comparison to other insurers.
Average set of discounts
NAIC complaintsRatings are based on complaints to state regulators relative to a company’s size, according to three years’ worth of data from the National Association of Insurance Commissioners. NerdWallet conducts its data analysis and reaches conclusions independently and without the endorsement of the NAIC.
Far fewer than expected
Pros
Policies include standard coverage that often costs extra elsewhere.
Far fewer customer complaints to state regulators than expected for a company of its size.
Average rates are below the national average, according to NerdWallet’s analysis.
Cons
Available only to active military members, veterans and their families.
With generous coverage at rates below the national average, USAA offers good value for homeowners.
NerdWallet's ratings are determined by our editorial team. The scoring formula takes into account consumer complaint and customer satisfaction data.
Offers perks and affordable rates for the military community.
Coverage optionsRatings are based on the number of coverage options a company offers in comparison to other insurers.
Below average
DiscountsRatings are based on the number of discounts a company offers in comparison to other insurers.
Average set of discounts
NAIC complaintsRatings are based on complaints to state regulators relative to a company’s size, according to three years’ worth of data from the National Association of Insurance Commissioners. NerdWallet conducts its data analysis and reaches conclusions independently and without the endorsement of the NAIC.
Far fewer than expected
Pros
Policies include standard coverage that often costs extra elsewhere.
Far fewer customer complaints to state regulators than expected for a company of its size.
Average rates are below the national average, according to NerdWallet’s analysis.
Cons
Available only to active military members, veterans and their families.
With generous coverage at rates below the national average, USAA offers good value for homeowners.
USAA sells homeowners insurance to veterans, active military members and their families. If that description fits you, you may want to consider a USAA policy. That’s because the company’s homeowners insurance has certain features that other insurers may charge extra for.
For example, USAA automatically covers your personal belongings on a “replacement cost” basis. Many companies pay out only what your items are worth at the time of the claim, which means you may not get much for older items. USAA pays enough for you to buy brand-new replacements for your stuff.
How much does homeowners insurance cost in South Carolina?
The average annual cost of home insurance in South Carolina is $2,055. That’s 13% more than the national average of $1,820.
In most U.S. states, including South Carolina, many insurers use your credit-based insurance score to help set rates. Your insurance score is similar but not identical to your traditional credit score.
In South Carolina, those with poor credit pay an average of $3,840 per year for homeowners insurance, according to NerdWallet’s rate analysis. That’s 87% more than those with good credit.
Average cost of homeowners insurance in South Carolina by city
How much you pay for home insurance in South Carolina depends on where you live. For example, the average cost of homeowners insurance in Charleston is $3,270 per year. Meanwhile, in Columbia, homeowners insurance costs about $1,690 per year, on average.
NerdWallet's ratings are determined by our editorial team. The scoring formula takes into account discounts, coverage options, website transparency, financial strength, complaint data and more.
NerdWallet's ratings are determined by our editorial team. The scoring formula takes into account discounts, coverage options, website transparency, financial strength, complaint data and more.
NerdWallet's ratings are determined by our editorial team. The scoring formula takes into account discounts, coverage options, website transparency, financial strength, complaint data and more.
NerdWallet's ratings are determined by our editorial team. The scoring formula takes into account discounts, coverage options, website transparency, financial strength, complaint data and more.
NerdWallet's ratings are determined by our editorial team. The scoring formula takes into account discounts, coverage options, website transparency, financial strength, complaint data and more.
NerdWallet's ratings are determined by our editorial team. The scoring formula takes into account discounts, coverage options, website transparency, financial strength, complaint data and more.
$1,850
*USAA homeowners policies are available only to active military, veterans and their families.
What to know about South Carolina homeowners insurance
Every state has factors that will influence homeowners’ decisions about the type of insurance they buy. South Carolina has seen many natural disasters, including often-devastating hurricanes. Here’s how to check whether your homeowners insurance has the right coverage.
Hurricanes and tropical storms
Hurricanes and other tropical storms can cause massive damage with their potent combination of wind and water. South Carolina is particularly susceptible with its 200 miles of coastline. Unfortunately, standard homeowners insurance policies may not cover all damage from hurricanes.
Most homeowners insurance policies pay for damage from wind but not flooding. However, a separate deductible may apply to wind or hurricane claims. A homeowners insurance deductible is the amount of a claim you’re responsible for.
For example, your policy may have a $1,000 deductible for most claims and a 1% deductible for wind or hail claims. So if your house has $250,000 worth of dwelling coverage, you’d have to pay for the first $2,500 of wind or hail damage yourself.
If your house is in a high-risk coastal location, your insurance carrier may not include wind coverage in your homeowners policy. You can buy separate wind coverage through private insurance companies or the South Carolina Wind Pool.
It doesn’t always take a hurricane to cause flooding in South Carolina. Heavy rain can also lead to problems in your home if it causes a creek to overflow or it comes down too quickly to drain properly. Standard homeowners insurance generally won’t cover this type of damage.
If you’re at risk, consider buying separate flood insurance. (Your lender may even require you to do so if you live in a flood plain.)
To find out your home’s risk of flooding, put your address into the Federal Emergency Management Agency's flood maps or visit RiskFactor.com, a website from the nonprofit First Street Foundation. With extreme weather growing more common due to climate change, even homeowners in less risky areas may want to consider buying flood insurance to protect their properties.
South Carolina gets almost a dozen tornadoes per year. While these fierce storms are relatively rare, they can cause major destruction to your home. As long as your policy covers wind damage — and most homeowners policies do, unless you live on the coast — you have coverage for tornado damage.
In South Carolina, the Department of Insurance oversees the insurance industry. Its website is a valuable resource for shopping for home insurance or filing complaints against your insurance company. You can reach the agency by emailing [email protected] or calling 800-768-3467.
Home insurance is not required by state law, but your mortgage lender will likely require you to purchase homeowners insurance in South Carolina.
How can I save money on South Carolina home insurance?
Here are three ways to save money on homeowners insurance in South Carolina:
Shop around to make sure you’re getting the best rate.
Choose a higher deductible. In case of any claims, you’ll pay more out of pocket, but your annual rates will be lower.
Bundle your home and auto insurance for an overall lower rate.
Some insurers will provide discounts if you invest in safety enhancements, such as storm shutters to prevent wind damage. Reach out to your insurer to ask if such discounts are available.
Does South Carolina home insurance cover hurricanes?
Most South Carolina homeowners insurance policies cover damage from wind but not flooding, so you’ll likely need a separate flood policy or add-on to cover the full risk of hurricane damage. If you live on the coast, your homeowners policy may not cover wind either. Check with your agent or insurance company to see whether you need additional coverage.
Is home insurance required in South Carolina?
Home insurance is not required by state law, but your mortgage lender will likely require you to purchase homeowners insurance in South Carolina.
How can I save money on South Carolina home insurance?
Here are three ways to save money on homeowners insurance in South Carolina:
Shop around to make sure you’re getting the best rate.
Choose a higher deductible. In case of any claims, you’ll pay more out of pocket, but your annual rates will be lower.
Bundle your home and auto insurance for an overall lower rate.
Some insurers will provide discounts if you invest in safety enhancements, such as storm shutters to prevent wind damage. Reach out to your insurer to ask if such discounts are available.
Does South Carolina home insurance cover hurricanes?
Most South Carolina homeowners insurance policies cover damage from wind but not flooding, so you’ll likely need a separate flood policy or add-on to cover the full risk of hurricane damage. If you live on the coast, your homeowners policy may not cover wind either. Check with your agent or insurance company to see whether you need additional coverage.
Amanda Shapland contributed to this story.
Methodology
NerdWallet averaged rates for 40-year-old homeowners from various insurance companies in every ZIP code across the state. All rates are rounded to the nearest $5.
Sample homeowners were nonsmokers with good credit living in a single-family, two-story home built in 1984. They had a $1,000 deductible and the following coverage limits:
$300,000 in dwelling coverage.
$30,000 in other structures coverage.
$150,000 in personal property coverage.
$60,000 in loss of use coverage.
$300,000 in liability coverage.
$1,000 in medical payments coverage.
We made minor changes to the sample policy in cases where rates for the above coverage limits or deductibles weren’t available.
We changed the credit tier from “good” to “poor,” as reported to the insurer, to see rates for homeowners with poor credit.
These are sample rates generated through Quadrant Information Services. Your own rates will be different.
Star rating methodology
NerdWallet’s homeowners insurance ratings reward companies for customer-first features and practices. Ratings are based on weighted averages of scores in several categories, including financial strength, consumer complaints, coverages, discounts and online experience. These ratings are a guide, but we encourage you to shop around and compare several insurance quotes to find the best rate for you. NerdWallet does not receive compensation for any reviews. Read our full homeowners insurance rating methodology.
Complaint methodology
NerdWallet examined complaints received by state insurance regulators and reported to the National Association of Insurance Commissioners in 2019-2021. To assess how insurers compare to one another, the NAIC calculates a complaint index each year for each subsidiary, measuring its share of total complaints relative to its size, or share of total premiums in the industry. To evaluate a company’s complaint history, NerdWallet calculated a similar index for each insurer, weighted by market shares of each subsidiary, over the three-year period. NerdWallet conducts its data analysis and reaches conclusions independently and without the endorsement of the NAIC. Ratios are determined separately for auto, home (including renters and condo) and life insurance.
