Fact CheckedNerdy takeaways
Chubb is the top-rated insurer in South Carolina, offering the best coverage for high-value homes.
Amica is our pick for homeowners who want the best consumer experience.
Cincinnati Insurance offers the best value, with rates lower than the state average.
State Farm has the best coverage for most South Carolina homeowners.
USAA is our top pick for the military community.
Our picks for the best homeowners insurance in South Carolina focus on companies that provide a good value to Palmetto State residents. These top-rated insurers offer solid coverage options across South Carolina from the Blue Ridge Mountains to the Hammock Coast.
Note: Some insurance companies included in this article may have made changes in their underwriting practices and no longer issue new policies in your state. Even if an insurer serves your state, it may not write policies for all homes in all areas.
The best homeowners insurance companies in South Carolina
best coverage for high-value homes
Chubb
- Far fewer consumer complaints than expected for a company of its size.
- Standard coverage includes features that many companies offer only as extras.
- Perks to help you protect your home.
- Most consumers can't get a quote online and will instead need to contact a local agent.
Why it’s worth a look: Chubb’s policies are designed for affluent homeowners. They include generous coverage for your home and belongings, with high limits available. For example, you may be able to get up to $100 million of personal liability coverage in case someone sues you.
Standout feature: Chubb policyholders with secondary or seasonal homes in South Carolina can use the company’s Property Manager service at no charge. With this service, a Chubb representative will check your home after a hurricane and report its condition to you. They can also help prevent further damage and submit a claim on your behalf.
Average rates: Not available.
» READ MORE: Chubb homeowners insurance review
best consumer experience
Amica
- High customer satisfaction ratings and low consumer complaints.
- Platinum Choice package offers extra coverage.
- Dividend policies can return a portion of your premiums.
- You can start a quote online but may have to finish the buying process by phone.
Why it’s worth a look: Amica shines when it comes to customer service. It regularly earns high marks in J.D. Power surveys about home insurance and customer satisfaction. Amica also draws a very low rate of complaints to state regulators.
Standout feature: Amica’s Platinum Choice Home is a package of extra coverage for your house and belongings. It offers higher liability limits, plus broader insurance for valuable items like computers.
Average rates: Not available.
» READ MORE: Amica homeowners insurance review
best value
Cincinnati Insurance
- Various coverage options.
- Far fewer complaints than expected for a company of its size.
- Coverage available for higher-value homes.
- No online quotes.
- Very little information on website.
Why it’s worth a look: Cincinnati Insurance had the most affordable rates of all our top companies in South Carolina. The company sells policies through independent insurance agents, who can help you find the right coverage for your home.
Standout feature: Cincinnati policyholders can get a discount on water shutoff devices. This technology can save you the hassle of a claim by turning off your water if it detects a leak.
Average rates: Below are the average annual rates for a range of dwelling coverage limits.
Dwelling coverage amount | Average annual rate |
|---|---|
$200,000 | $1,280 |
$300,000 | $1,645 |
$400,000 | $2,160 |
$500,000 | $2,570 |
$600,000 | $3,065 |
» READ MORE: Cincinnati homeowners insurance review
best for most people
State Farm
- User-friendly website.
- Agents offer personalized service.
- Policies generally include extra coverage for your home’s structure.
- Below average for claim satisfaction in a recent J.D. Power study.
Why it’s worth a look: State Farm is the largest home insurer in the U.S., offering solid coverage for a wide variety of houses. Its policies may include inflation coverage to make sure your policy keeps up with rising costs.
Standout feature: Unlike many other home insurers, State Farm won’t ask what breed of dog you own when deciding whether to offer you a policy. Because homeowners policies cover liability claims related to dog bites, some companies won’t insure homes with breeds they consider dangerous. State Farm will insure any breed.
Average rates: Below are the average annual rates for a range of dwelling coverage limits.
Dwelling coverage amount | Average annual rate |
|---|---|
$200,000 | $2,060 |
$300,000 | $2,680 |
$400,000 | $3,225 |
$500,000 | $3,715 |
$600,000 | $4,185 |
» READ MORE: State Farm homeowners insurance review
best for military families
USAA
- Policies include standard coverage that often costs extra elsewhere.
- Fewer customer complaints to state regulators than expected for a company of its size.
- Perks for military homeowners.
- Available only to active military members, veterans, some federal employees and their families.
Why it’s worth a look: USAA sells homeowners insurance to active military, veterans, some federal workers and their families. The company serves this community with deductible-free coverage for military uniforms and equipment. If you rent out your home while you’re deployed, consider USAA’s home-sharing or landlord coverage.
Standout feature: USAA’s Home Protector option adds a package of extra coverage. For example, it covers debris removal and bringing your home up to current building codes.
Average rates: Below are the average annual rates for a range of dwelling coverage limits.
Dwelling coverage amount | Average annual rate |
|---|---|
$200,000 | $1,420 |
$300,000 | $1,820 |
$400,000 | $2,250 |
$500,000 | $2,760 |
$600,000 | $3,265 |
*USAA homeowners policies are available only to active military, veterans, some federal workers and their families. | |
» READ MORE: USAA homeowners insurance review
Other top home insurance companies in South Carolina
These home insurance providers are also worth a look.
Company | NerdWallet star rating | Average annual rate |
|---|---|---|
$2,940 | ||
Not available | ||
$2,745 |
How much does homeowners insurance cost in South Carolina?
The average cost of homeowners insurance in South Carolina is $3,205 per year, or about $267 per month. That's 29% more expensive than the national average of $2,490 per year for the same amount of coverage.
These rates are based on a sample home insurance policy with $400,000 in dwelling coverage, $300,000 in liability coverage, a $1,000 deductible and no recent claims.
Did you know...
The dwelling coverage limit on your policy should be the amount it would take to rebuild your home, based on the cost of labor and construction in your area. It won't necessarily be the price you paid for the house or how much you could sell it for now. Use our calculator to estimate your home's rebuilding cost.
The median rebuilding cost for South Carolina homes is $443,724, according to data from First Street, a climate risk modeling firm.
Below are the average rates for policies with various dwelling coverage limits.
Dwelling coverage amount | Average annual rate |
|---|---|
$200,000 | $1,870 |
$300,000 | $2,605 |
$400,000 | $3,205 |
$500,000 | $3,795 |
$600,000 | $4,475 |
The rates above are for homeowners with good credit on their record. In South Carolina, policyholders with poor credit pay an average of $5,775 per year — an increase of 80%.
Average cost of homeowners insurance in South Carolina by city
The amount you pay will vary depending on where you live in the state. For example, the average cost of homeowners insurance in Charleston is $5,720 per year, while Columbia homeowners pay $2,610 per year, on average.
City | Average annual rate | Average monthly rate |
|---|---|---|
Aiken | $3,065 | $255 |
Anderson | $2,810 | $234 |
Bluffton | $4,045 | $337 |
Charleston | $5,720 | $477 |
Columbia | $2,610 | $218 |
Conway | $4,275 | $356 |
Easley | $2,585 | $215 |
Florence | $3,295 | $275 |
Fort Mill | $2,430 | $203 |
Goose Creek | $4,505 | $375 |
Greenville | $2,560 | $213 |
Greenwood | $2,670 | $223 |
Greer | $2,440 | $203 |
Hilton Head Island | $5,550 | $463 |
Lexington | $2,915 | $243 |
Mauldin | $2,520 | $210 |
Mount Pleasant | $5,390 | $449 |
Myrtle Beach | $5,790 | $483 |
North Augusta | $3,040 | $253 |
North Charleston | $4,690 | $391 |
Rock Hill | $2,310 | $193 |
Simpsonville | $2,470 | $206 |
Spartanburg | $2,565 | $214 |
Summerville | $4,405 | $367 |
Sumter | $3,205 | $267 |
The cheapest home insurance in South Carolina
Here are the insurers we found with the cheapest rates for a variety of dwelling coverage limits.
Company
NerdWallet star rating
Average annual rate
$1,280
$1,450
Assurant
Not rated
$1,555
$1,565
$1,420
*USAA homeowners policies are available only to active military, veterans, some federal workers and their families.
Company
NerdWallet star rating
Average annual rate
$1,645
$2,145
$2,175
$2,225
$1,820
*USAA homeowners policies are available only to active military, veterans, some federal workers and their families.
Company
NerdWallet star rating
Average annual rate
$2,160
$2,575
$2,745
$2,940
$2,250
*USAA homeowners policies are available only to active military, veterans, some federal workers and their families.
Company
NerdWallet star rating
Average annual rate
$2,570
$3,345
$3,465
$3,630
$2,760
*USAA homeowners policies are available only to active military, veterans, some federal workers and their families.
Company
NerdWallet star rating
Average annual rate
$3,065
$4,050
$4,125
$4,185
$3,265
*USAA homeowners policies are available only to active military, veterans, some federal workers and their families.
Common discounts
Make sure to ask your home insurance company about any discounts you may be eligible for. Here are some of the most common:
Many insurers offer savings if you buy more than one policy, such as home and car insurance. See our picks for the best home and auto insurance bundles.
Got a burglar alarm, smoke detectors or a smart device that alerts you if you have a leak? Safety and security features like these could earn you a discount.
Sign up for paperless billing or set your premiums to autopay, and you could get a discount.
Many insurance companies give discounts to customers who’ve gone a certain number of years without filing a home insurance claim.
Some insurers offer discounts to new policyholders or reward those who’ve stuck around for a while.
Teachers, doctors, members of the military and others may be eligible for discounts from certain insurers.
Learn more about common home insurance discounts.
Common South Carolina home insurance problems
Flooding. Rising water isn’t just a problem in coastal areas of South Carolina. Riverine flooding, where heavy rainfall causes a river to overflow, is also a common hazard. Homeowners insurance doesn’t usually cover damage from flooding, so for that, you’ll need to buy flood insurance.
To check your flood risk, start with the federal government’s flood maps. However, these maps don’t always capture all types of flood risk. You may want to check another source such as First Street, a company that models climate hazards. Enter your address at the top of the page to see your home’s flood risk rating.
Hurricanes and tropical storms. The state ranks fifth in the nation for the most impacts from Atlantic hurricanes since 1851, according to the South Carolina State Climatology Office. While home insurance typically compensates for storm damage caused by high winds and heavy hail, homeowners may have to pay a separate deductible. Learn more about hurricane insurance and deductibles.
Tornadoes. South Carolina sees a lot of tornadoes every year, ranking 8th in the country for the most twisters to touch down per square mile. Home insurance generally covers damage caused by wind, but depending on where you live, you may have a separate deductible for wind damage. Read more about home insurance and tornado damage.
Common optional coverage
A standard homeowners policy can sometimes fall short, so it's worth looking for ways to make it more comprehensive. For example, we recommend asking if your insurer offers extended or guaranteed replacement cost coverage for your home. These add-ons give you extra dwelling coverage in case it costs more than you expect to rebuild your home after a disaster. Having this coverage can be a useful hedge against inflation.
Here are a few additional types of coverage you may want to buy.
Floods are the most common weather disaster in the U.S. and can happen anywhere, not just coastal areas. You can buy flood insurance through the federal government or from private companies. Learn whether you need flood insurance.
Homeowners policies generally won’t cover damage if a drain backs up into your home or your sump pump fails. Adding water backup coverage can help with these issues.
Homeowners policies may cover your stuff on an actual cash value or replacement cost basis. With actual cash value, the policy will pay less for older items that have lost value over time. To get enough of a claim payout to buy brand-new items, opt for replacement cost coverage.
If you have expensive jewelry, fine art or other valuables, you may need extra insurance for them. Learn more about scheduled personal property coverage.
Service line coverage pays to fix damaged water, gas, sewer or other underground lines on your property.
If your HVAC system or another major appliance fails, equipment breakdown coverage can help pay for repairs.
South Carolina Wind and Hail Underwriting Association
The South Carolina Wind and Hail Underwriting Association is better known by the state’s residents as the Wind Pool. It provides wind and hail insurance to eligible South Carolinians who reside in specific coastal areas. To apply, your property may have to pass an inspection.
Residential dwellings, including condominiums, townhouses and mobile homes, are eligible to be insured through the South Carolina Wind Pool. Coverage is capped at $1.3 million.
The Wind Pool’s standard policies provide coverage on an actual cash value basis. That means if you make a claim, you’ll be offered what your home and belongings were worth at the time, not what it would cost to rebuild or replace them. However, if you own a single-family home, you may be able to upgrade your dwelling coverage to replacement cost coverage.
Get home insurance quotes in minutes
Answer a few questions to see custom quotes and find the right policy for you.South Carolina Department of Insurance
South Carolina’s Department of Insurance oversees the insurance industry. Its website is the place to file a complaint against your insurance company, plus it offers helpful resources like a guide to filing claims after a disaster. You can reach the agency at consumers@doi.sc.gov or 800-768-3467.
How we review home insurance
Our editorial team considers these factors when rating homeowners insurance companies:
This part of our star rating is based largely on consumer complaints to state regulators, as reported by the National Association of Insurance Commissioners. When available, we also include each company’s performance in the most recent J.D. Power Home Insurance Study. Other factors in our consumer experience score include customer-friendly features such as online claims filing and quotes.
We use AM Best and Demotech ratings to confirm each insurer’s long-term financial stability and ability to pay claims.
Companies score higher if they offer many common endorsements and include more comprehensive coverage in their standard plans. In particular, we look at features such as extended coverage for the structure of your home and replacement cost coverage for personal belongings.
We evaluate how many of the most common home insurance discounts each company offers.
See our complete homeowners insurance rating methodology.
Frequently asked questions
Home insurance isn't required by law in South Carolina, but your mortgage lender usually requires you to buy it. For more information, read Is Homeowners Insurance Required?
Here are a few 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 home insurance discounts if you invest in safety upgrades, such as storm shutters to prevent wind damage. Reach out to your insurer to ask if such discounts are available.
Most South Carolina homeowners insurance policies cover damage from wind but not flooding. That means you’ll likely need a separate flood insurance policy or add-on to cover 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.
NerdWallet writers are subject matter authorities who use primary, trustworthy sources to inform their work, including peer-reviewed studies, government websites, academic research and interviews with industry experts. All content is fact-checked for accuracy, timeliness and relevance. You can learn more about NerdWallet's high standards for journalism by reading our editorial guidelines.
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, coverage, discounts, claims process and website functionality. 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 or star ratings.
Here’s how we weighted each category to come up with our list of the best home insurance companies:
Consumer experience (40%).
Financial strength (30%).
Coverage (25%).
Discounts (5%).
Read our full home insurance ratings methodology for more details.
Homeowners insurance rates methodology
NerdWallet calculated median rates for 40-year-old homeowners from various insurance companies in ZIP codes across all 50 states and Washington, D.C. 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:
$400,000 in dwelling coverage.
$40,000 in other structures coverage.
$200,000 in personal property coverage.
$80,000 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.
In states where credit is a rating factor, we changed the credit tier from “good” to “poor,” as reported to the insurer, to see rates for homeowners with poor credit.
In select states, we added a single wind damage claim to see rates for homeowners with a claim on their record.
These are sample rates generated through Quadrant Information Services. Your own rates will be different.
Complaint methodology
NerdWallet examined complaints received by state insurance regulators and reported to the National Association of Insurance Commissioners in 2022-2024. To assess how insurers compare with 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.
Rebuilding cost methodology
The median home rebuilding cost referenced above is based on 2025 replacement cost data from First Street, a climate risk modeling firm. Actual replacement costs may vary based on factors like location, square footage, construction materials, the age of your home and local labor costs.
