Best homeowners insurance in South Carolina for 2023

We looked at average costs, coverage availability, and customer satisfaction ratings to find the best homeowners insurance companies in South Carolina.

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Gianetta PalmerContributing WriterGianetta Palmer is a contributing writer at Policygenius, where she covers life insurance, home insurance, and auto insurance. Her writing has also appeared in TIME, Readers Digest, Healthline, and elsewhere.

Edited by

Pat HowardPat HowardManaging Editor & Licensed Home Insurance ExpertPat Howard is a managing editor and licensed home insurance expert at Policygenius, where he specializes in homeowners insurance. His work and expertise has been featured in MarketWatch, Real Simple, Fox Business, VentureBeat, This Old House, Investopedia, Fatherly, Lifehacker, Better Homes & Garden, Property Casualty 360, and elsewhere.
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Reviewed by

Britta M. MossBritta M. MossProperty & casualty claim consultant and expert witnessBritta M. Moss, CPCU, SCLA, AIC-M, has over 25 years of insurance industry experience. In her work as a property and casualty claim consultant, she provides consultation and expert witness services in claim handling standards, practices, and norms.  She has been retained by law firms representing plaintiffs and those representing insurer defendants involved in disputes or litigation regarding coverage analysis, investigation, liability determination, damage evaluation, negotiation and settlement.  She is a graduate of The Ohio State University. 

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South Carolina’s coastal location means that it experiences its fair share of tropical storms, and even hurricanes, all of which can cause significant damage to homes. 

Despite the varying weather-related risks, the average cost of homeowners insurance in South Carolina is $1,793 per year or $149 a month. This is around 6% lower than the national average of $1,899. 

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However, the cost isn’t the only factor to consider when choosing a home insurance company. Not sure what to look for? Policygenius can help you figure out your coverage needs and compare quotes from multiple top companies in South Carolina.  

Methodology & why you can trust our rates

Policygenius has analyzed home insurance rates provided by Quadrant Information Services in March 2022 for ZIP codes in all 50 states plus Washington, D.C., for a 40-year-old female homeowner with no claim history, good credit, a $1,000 deductible, and the following coverage limits:

  • Dwelling: $300,000

  • Other structures: $30,000

  • Personal property: $150,000

  • Loss of use: $60,000

  • Liability: $300,000

  • Medical: $1,000

All rates based on the above coverage limits except where otherwise noted.

Some carriers may be represented by affiliates or subsidiaries. Rates provided are a sample of costs. Your actual quotes may differ.

Best homeowners insurance companies in South Carolina

Of the companies we looked at, USAA has the lowest home insurance rates in South Carolina, with an average annual policy cost of $726 per year — less than half of the average rate across the state. Allstate has the next lowest average rates at $928 per year.

Policygenius analyzed thousands of quotes from the 5 largest South Carolina insurers to find the average cost of homeowners insurance with each company in 2022. We then looked at 2021 J.D. Power customer satisfaction scores and compared that with the coverage needs of South Carolina residents to find the best homeowners insurance in South Carolina.

Company

Average yearly cost

J.D. Power Rating

State Farm

$2,074

835

Allstate

$928

829

USAA

$726

882

Travelers

$3,701

800

South Carolina Farm Bureau Insurance

$2,252

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State Farm

State Farm logo

There's a reason State Farm is one of the top-rated insurance companies in the U.S. — its customer satisfaction ratings are through the roof, it offers a slew of coverage add-ons for full protection, and makes filing claims through its mobile app a breeze.

Pros

  • Top-tier coverage add-ons, including equipment breakdown, water backup, and service line coverage

  • Get up to $1 million in personal liability coverage

  • Score discounts for bundling, installing security devices, and choosing a high deductible

  • File and track claims online, over the phone, in person, or through its mobile app

  • High customer satisfaction and financial strength ratings

Cons

  • No discounts for first-time homebuyers or going a year without a claim

Why State Farm tops our best list

Not only does State Farm offer affordable rates, it also excels when it comes to customer satisfaction ratings, scoring an 835 out of 1,000 in J.D. Power's 2021 home insurance study, making it one of the top-rated companies in the industry. Customers can lower rates even more by bundling home and auto policies or choosing a higher deductible. 

How to get a quote

Online through State Farm

Allstate

Allstate's mix of exceptional customer satisfaction ratings, personalized coverage options, and numerous discount opportunities make it one of the most popular homeowners insurance companies on the market.

Pros

  • Several coverage add-ons, including ones for roof surfaces, water backup, green improvements, and mold protection

  • 8+ discounts, including autopay, bundling, zero claims, and new homebuyer

  • Get up to 25% off your premiums when you bundle home and auto insurance

  • File and track claims online or through its mobile app

Cons

  • Lower-than-average claim satisfaction and digital experience ratings from J.D. Power

Why Allstate tops our best list

Allstate scored an 829 out of 1,000 in J.D. Power’s 2021 home insurance study, making it one of the top homeowners insurance providers in South Carolina. Allstate offers over eight discounts that include autopay, zero claims, and bundling, where homeowners can save up to 25% when they combine their auto and home insurance policies into one plan.

How to get a quote

Online through Policygenius and Allstate

USAA

USAA's robust coverages and high marks for customer service and claims satisfaction make it a solid home insurance option for military members and their families.

Pros

  • Score discounts for zero claims, being a loyal USAA member, opting into e-billing, and more

  • Base policy includes coverages that cost extra with most other companies

  • Offers earthquake coverage — which is hard to come by

  • Get discounted home security systems and a discount on premiums through its partnership with ADT

  • Industry-best customer service and claims satisfaction ratings

Cons

  • Only available to military families

  • Doesn’t offer extended or guaranteed replacement cost dwelling coverage

Why USAA tops our best list

South Carolina is home to a large military presence, so it’s no wonder USAA made our list. While USAA home insurance is only for military members and their families, it offers a complete line of insurance products for every budget. Customers can earn discounts for opting for e-billing, having zero claims, or for being a loyal member.

How to get a quote

Online through USAA

Travelers

Travelers logo

With over 165 years of experience and impeccable financial ratings, Travelers is one of the most trusted home insurance companies in the business. It offers personalized coverage and a slew of policy add-ons to ensure you have exactly the right protection.

Pros

  • 4 customizable policy packages with several available add-ons, like extended replacement cost and water backup coverage

  • Offers eco-friendly green home coverage and discounts

  • Protect expensive family heirlooms and appliances with equipment breakdown, guaranteed replacement cost, and personal articles coverage

  • File claims online — plus, Travelers has special catastrophe centers for claims after a natural disaster

Cons

  • Below-average customer service and claims satisfaction ratings

Why Travelers tops our best list

Travelers have a long track record of satisfied customers and have been in business for more than 165 years. To protect family heirlooms and possessions, policyholders can choose from four customizable home insurance policy packages with policy add-ons like extended replacement cost and water backup coverage

How to get a quote

Online through Policygenius and Travelers

South Carolina Farm Bureau Insurance

South Carolina Farm Bureau Insurance logo

South Carolina Farm Bureau Insurance is ideal for homeowners who are already members of the bureau and looking for flood or earthquake insurance on top of their standard home insurance policy.

Pros

  • Offers earthquake and flood insurance policies — hard to come by with most insurers

  • Save 10% when you bundle your home and auto insurance together

  • Earn a 5% discount for going 5+ years with no claims or lapse in coverage

  • File claims online — with 24/7 customer support

Cons

  • Farm Bureau membership required for coverage

  • Minimal information about coverages and discounts available online

Why South Carolina Farm Bureau tops our best list

South Carolina Farm Bureau is a favorite of many Palmetto State residents looking for affordable home insurance with a local human touch. Customers can take advantage of the bundling their home and auto insurance and save up to 10% on their premium.

How to get a quote

Online through South Carolina Farm Bureau

Cheapest homeowners insurance companies by city in South Carolina

Looking at average home insurance costs for the 15 most popular insurers in South Carolina, we found that the cheapest homeowners insurance companies in the state are State Auto, Allstate, and USAA.

The average Allstate rate in Charleston is $626 per year, while residents in the state capital of Columbia enjoy rates of $601 per year with USAA.

City

Company

Average yearly cost

Aiken

State Auto

$587

Anderson

State Auto

$561

Bluffton

Narragansett Bay

$649

Charleston

Allstate

$626

Columbia

USAA

$601

Florence

State Auto

$530

Fort Mill

USAA

$588

Goose Creek

Allstate

$626

Greenville

State Auto

$555

Greer

USAA

$571

Hilton Head Island

Narragansett Bay

$685

Mauldin

USAA

$571

Mount Pleasant

Allstate

$626

Myrtle Beach

Allstate

$716

North Charleston

Allstate

$626

Rock Hill

State Auto

$581

Simpsonville

USAA

$571

Spartanburg

State Auto

$554

Summerville

Allstate

$626

Sumter

State Auto

$552

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Shopping for homeowners insurance in South Carolina

Shopping for home insurance in South Carolina might not be at the top of your to-do list, but with help from Policygenius, you’re one step closer to checking it off your list. We can help you find a policy with coverage options that suit your insurance needs that work within your budget.

In this section, we break down the average annual home insurance rates in South Carolina for different coverage and deductible levels, as well as the cheapest and most expensive home insurance companies for dog and pool owners, and those with a poor credit score.

South Carolina home insurance costs by coverage amounts

Dwelling coverage is the part of your home insurance policy that pays to repair or replace your home after a covered loss. Your dwelling coverage amount should be equal to your home’s replacement cost, not the current market value.

With average South Carolina home prices in the upper $270,000 range, homes with dwelling coverage limits of $200,000 to $300,000 cost around $107 to $142 each month to insure.

Dwelling coverage amount

Average yearly cost

$100,000

$835

$200,000

$1,281

$300,000

$1,793

$400,000

$2,319

$500,000

$2,893

Personal liability coverage is the portion of your home insurance policy that pays for the medical, legal, or repair bills in the event you’re legally responsible for someone’s injury or property damage. 

Liability coverage amount

Average yearly cost

$100,000

$1,854

$200,000

$1,395

$300,000

$1,793

$400,000

$1,727

$500,000

$1,810

South Carolina home insurance costs by deductible amount

Your deductible is the amount you’re responsible for paying on a covered claim before your insurance company reimburses you for the damage or loss. A higher deductible means lower monthly payments, but larger out-of-pocket expenses in the event of a claim. 

As you can see in the table below, South Carolina residents can save around $425 on home insurance by choosing a $2,000 deductible over the $500 option.

Deductible amount

Average yearly cost

$500

$2,097

$1,000

$1,823

$2,000

$1,669

Home insurance discounts in South Carolina

Insurance companies offer discounts to homeowners who have safety features installed in their homes. Here is the average yearly rate and average discount percentage for homes in South Carolina with deadbolt locks, smoke detectors, and home security systems

Discount

Average yearly cost

Dead bolt

$1,788

Smoke alarm

$1,787

Burglar alarm

$1,747

Wind mitigation discounts & incentives in South Carolina

Many home insurance companies offer wind mitigation discounts if your home is outfitted with features to withstand high winds and flooding caused by a hurricane or strong windstorm. In South Carolina, you can save between 10% and 35% on the wind portion of your home insurance policy by installing Fortified Roof and Fortified Home elements to your home. You can also score other mitigation discounts of up to 25% for making other storm-resistant home improvements.

Other incentives include:

  • South Carolina Safe Home Grant: Offers up to $5,000 to help fortify your home against wind and storm damage

  • Fortification tax credit: Deduct up to $1,000 or 25% of the cost of making your home more hurricane-resistant off your state taxes, or up to $1,500 if your bought your home with the intent of fortifying it

  • Insurance premium tax credit: Get a tax credit of up to $1,250 on your state income taxes if you pay more than 5% of your income toward insurance coverage on your primary residence

  • Catastrophe savings account: Any money deposited into an account labeled as catastrophe savings can be deducted from your gross income each year

→ Learn more about wind mitigation discounts & how to qualify

Home insurance companies in South Carolina for dog owners

A walk on the beach with your best friend is a great way to meet people and make new friends, but you might want to be sure your pet is on a leash. If you have a dog considered a “dangerous breed,” you may pay more for your home insurance. Some providers charge higher rates for certain breeds and could even deny coverage if you own one.

With an average rate of $726 per year, USAA has the cheapest home insurance rates in South Carolina for a home with a dangerous dog breed, while Travelers' average yearly rate is almost $3,701.

Company

Average yearly cost

USAA

$726

Allstate

$928

State Farm

$2,074

South Carolina Farm Bureau Insurance

$2,252

Travelers

$3,701

Home insurance companies in South Carolina for poor credit

A few late payments can really cause your credit score to go down, and could raise your insurance rates to boot. Insurance companies consider a poor credit score an indicator of risky behavior and an increased risk of filing an insurance claim, so many charge higher rates.

With an average rate of $1,501 per year, Allstate has the cheapest home insurance rates in South Carolina for a homeowner with poor credit. Meanwhile, Travelers' rates are the highest of the providers we analyzed, with a $9,242 yearly rate.

Company

Average yearly cost

Allstate

$1,501

USAA

$1,801

South Carolina Farm Bureau Insurance

$2,988

State Farm

$3,562

Travelers

$9,242

Home insurance companies in South Carolina for pool owners

Home insurance rates are higher for those with a swimming pool. Some insurance companies consider swimming pools to be high risk, meaning there’s a higher likelihood of liability claims. 

With an average rate of $726 per year, USAA has the cheapest home insurance rates for South Carolina homes with a swimming pool, while Travelers has the most expensive rates at $4,071 per year.

Company

Average yearly cost

USAA

$726

Allstate

$928

State Farm

$2,074

South Carolina Farm Bureau Insurance

$2,252

Travelers

$4,071

How to buy homeowners insurance in South Carolina

South Carolina homeowners have many options when it comes time to shop for home insurance. But where do you start? Here are a few steps to follow as you shop for homeowners insurance in South Carolina.

  1. Reach out to a licensed Policygenius agent. Our team of insurance experts is ready to help you find quotes from top companies — at no cost or obligation to you.

  2. Ask about a South Carolina FAIR plan. If you’re struggling to get coverage with a traditional home insurance provider because of your claims history or you live in an area of South Carolina at high risk of hurricanes, consider last-resort coverage via the South Carolina FAIR Plan.

  3. Figure out how high of a deductible you can afford. A higher deductible means you’ll pay less upfront for your insurance, but a larger chunk when it's time to file a claim. A Policygenius agent can help you pick out a deductible that works within your budget.

  4. Compare quotes from a Policygenius agent. Once you’ve identified your coverage needs, limits, and deductibles, a Policygenius agent will send over a few quotes for you to review in the comfort of your home.

  5. Sign the policy, and pay your first premium. After you’ve settled on the company that works best for you, Policygenius will do all of the paperwork for you. All you need to do is sign on the dotted line and pay your first premium.

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Frequently asked questions

What is the average home insurance cost in South Carolina?

The average home insurance rate in South Carolina is about $149 a month or $1,793 per year. That’s only about $100 less per year than the national average.

Do I need hurricane and flood coverage in South Carolina?

It’s a good idea to have additional coverage for high winds and storm surge if you live along the coast. While not legally required to have hurricane and flood insurance in South Carolina, many mortgage lenders require you to purchase home insurance before extending a home loan.

Why does the type of dog I have determine my homeowners insurance rates?

Insurance companies consider certain dog breeds as aggressive and more likely to cause injury to someone, resulting in more insurance claims. An increased risk means higher home insurance rates for those with certain breeds.

Author

Gianetta Palmer is a contributing writer at Policygenius, where she covers life insurance, home insurance, and auto insurance. Her writing has also appeared in TIME, Readers Digest, Healthline, and elsewhere.

Editor

Pat Howard is a managing editor and licensed home insurance expert at Policygenius, where he specializes in homeowners insurance. His work and expertise has been featured in MarketWatch, Real Simple, Fox Business, VentureBeat, This Old House, Investopedia, Fatherly, Lifehacker, Better Homes & Garden, Property Casualty 360, and elsewhere.

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