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. This is why purchasing the right home insurance policy is crucial to ensure your home is protected.
Here are our picks for the best homeowners insurance companies in South Carolina.
Compare the best homeowners insurance companies in South Carolina
Auto-Owners, State Farm, and Farmers top our list of the best homeowners insurance companies in Sorth Carolina.
To come up with our top picks, we looked at the 10 South Carolina companies with the highest market share in the state and chose the five with the highest overall Policygenius rating. Our ratings are based on each company's financial strength and customer satisfaction ratings, the number and quality of available coverages, and average policy premiums in 713 North Carolina ZIP codes.
Company | Average monthly cost | Policygenius rating |
|---|---|---|
$144 | 5.0 out of 5 | |
$169 | 4.8 out of 5 | |
$266 | 4.5 out of 5 | |
$77 | 4.4 out of 5 | |
$268 | 4.4 out of 5 |
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.
2024 Policygenius award winner
Auto-Owners Insurance
5.0
Bundle home & auto
Offers extended replacement cost
Offers flood insurance
Why we chose it
Auto-Owners Insurance is one of the best homeowners insurance company in South Carolina thanks to its extensive policy and coverage options, its high marks for financial strength, and its top-notch customer experience ratings.
Pros and cons
Pros
Offers a slew of extra coverage add-ons
Lots of discounts available
Flood insurance through the NFIP
Cons
Not able to get quotes or file claims online
More details
Why we chose Auto-Owners Insurance
Auto-Owners Insurance earns a perfect 5 out of 5 Policygenius rating thanks to its high customer experience ratings, coverage options, and financial strength, making it one of the best home insurance companies in South Carolina.
With endorsements like guaranteed replacement cost coverage, water backup protection, inland flood coverage, and a comprehensive Homeowners Plus endorsement package, Auto-Owners offers excellent value for the coverage you're getting.
Finally, although Auto-Owners' rates are slightly more expensive than average in South Carolina, the company offers a range of discounts that can help lower your insurance rates.
How do Auto-Owners Insurance rates compare to the South Carolina average?
The average cost of Auto-Owners home insurance in South Carolina is $1,724 per year, according to sample quotes provided to us by Quadrant Information Services. This makes Auto-Owners Insurance about 4% more expensive than the statewide average.
How to get a quote
By calling an Auto-Owners Insurance agent
2024 Policygenius award winner
State Farm
4.8
Bundle home & auto
Offers extended replacement cost
All 50 states
Why we chose it
State Farm home insurance is one of the best home insurance providers in South Carolina thanks to a large selection of policy options for most home types, high customer service marks, and industry-best financial stability ratings.
Pros and cons
Pros
Excellent line-up of policy add-ons, including extended replacement cost coverage
Save up to $1,127 per year when you bundle your home and auto insurance
Cons
20% more complaints filed with the NAIC than other companies of its size
More details
Why we chose State Farm
At a time when lots of competitors are no longer insuring homes in areas prone to wildfires or hurricanes, State Farm continues to offer its relatively affordable and highly-rated home insurance to homeowners in most parts of the country, including Raleigh.
While some of its competitors may not have the financial strength to pay out claims after several natural disasters in the same year, State Farm isn't one of them. It earns the highest rating possible from AM Best for financial strength and stability — only six insurance companies out of nearly 70 we reviewed hold this title.
How do State Farm home insurance rates compare to the South Carolina average?
The average cost of State Farm home insurance in South Carolina is $2,031 per year, which is 23% higher than the average statewide premium of $1,653 per year.
How to get a quote
Online through State Farm
2024 Policygenius award winner
Farmers
4.5
Offers extended replacement cost
Bundle home & auto
Smart home discounts
Why we chose it
Farmers is one of the best home insurance companies in South Carolina thanks to its wide array of coverage options, range of discounts, and high claims satisfaction scores.
Pros and cons
Pros
Optional extended or guaranteed replacement cost dwelling coverage
Receives few complaints from policyholders and has a high claims satisfaction score
Cons
Below-average scores on J.D. Power’s overall customer satisfaction and digital experience surveys
Rates are 93% more expensive than the statewide average
More details
Why we chose Farmers
Farmers is one of the best home insurance companies in South Carolina, especially if you want to add coverage to a basic policy. Optional coverages from Farmers include guaranteed or extended replacement cost coverage, water backup protection, and a personal articles floater.
Farmers also earned a high score in J.D. Power’s 2022 claims satisfaction study (though it scored below average on J.D. Power’s overall customer satisfaction and digital experience surveys). Plus, Farmers receives fewer complaints than average, according to the National Association of Insurance Commissioners.
How do Farmers home insurance rates compare to the average in South Carolina?
The average cost of Farmers home insurance in South Carolina is $3,186 per year, which is 93% more expensive than the state's average annual premium of $1,653 per year.
How to get a quote
Online through Farmers
2024 Policygenius award winner
Allstate
4.5
Bundle home & auto
Smart home discounts
Why we chose it
Allstate is one of the top home insurance companies in South Carolina. Its rates are lower than average in the state, and Allstate also offers a few add-ons that can make a basic policy stronger.
Pros and cons
Pros
Offers HostAdvantage for short-term rental coverage
Low rates compared to competitors
Offers water backup protection, other endorsements
Cons
Beginning to pull back coverage in high-risk areas
Below-average digital experience rating with J.D. Power
More details
Why we chose Allstate
Allstate is a top home insurance company in South Carolina. We like that Allstate offers some home insurance coverages that you can add to your policy for more protection, like water backup protection, scheduled personal property coverage, and identity theft restoration coverage.
If you're looking to cover your short-term rental, Allstate's HostAdvantage is another perk. HostAdvantage comes with theft protection, coverage for your damaged property ($10,000 per host period), and a $25 discount on cleaning services from Merry Maids.
How do Allstate home insurance rates compare to the South Carolina average?
The average cost of Allstate home insurance in South Carolina is $928 per year, which is 44% cheaper than the statewide average of $1,653 per year.
How to get a quote
Online through Policygenius or Allstate, or by contacting a local Allstate agent
Travelers
4.4
Bundle home & auto
New homebuyer discount
Mobile app
Offers extended replacement cost
Offers flood insurance
Why we chose it
Travelers offers some of the best homeowners insurance in South Carolina thanks to industry-best financial ratings and flexible policy options for most home types.
Pros and cons
Pros
Green home coverage and discounts
Offers short-term rental coverage for Airbnb hosts
Doesn’t require prior insurance on the home
Cons
Subpar customer service ratings with J.D. Power
Underwhelming number of available discounts
More details
Why we chose Travelers
Travelers is a reputable home insurance provider that offers comprehensive policy options. One of Travelers's benefits is its willingness to cover risks that other insurance companies won't. These risks include no prior insurance coverage, coverage for short-term rentals, and liability protection for trampoline injuries if its fitted with protective netting.
How do Travelers home insurance rates compare to the South Carolina average?
The average cost of Travelers home insurance in South Carolina is $3,210 per year, or $268 per month, which is 94% more expensive than the average statewide premium of $1,653 per year.
How to get a quote
Online through Policygenius or Travelers
How much is homeowners insurance in South Carolina?
The average cost of homeowners insurance in South Carolina is $1,653 per year, or roughly $138 a month, for an insurance policy with $300,000 in dwelling coverage. This is 6% cheaper than the nationwide average of $1,754.
South Carolina homeowners insurance rates by city
Home insurance costs in South Carolina can vary depending on where you live. Cities with a high risk of natural disasters, such as hurricanes or other extreme weather conditions, will likely have higher average home insurance rates.
Here’s a look at the average cost of home insurance in the 20 largest cities in South Carolina.
City | Average monthly cost | Average annual cost | Difference from state average (%) |
|---|---|---|---|
Charleston | $149 | $1,782 | 8% |
Columbia | $134 | $1,604 | -3% |
North Charleston | $158 | $1,901 | 15% |
Mount Pleasant | $153 | $1,834 | 11% |
Rock Hill | $112 | $1,342 | -19% |
Greenville | $116 | $1,387 | -16% |
Summerville | $171 | $2,056 | 24% |
Goose Creek | $185 | $2,223 | 34% |
Sumter | $141 | $1,693 | 2% |
Greer | $116 | $1,388 | -16% |
Florence | $153 | $1,841 | 11% |
Spartanburg | $118 | $1,417 | -14% |
Myrtle Beach | $126 | $1,508 | -9% |
Hilton Head Island | $133 | $1,600 | -3% |
Bluffton | $143 | $1,715 | 4% |
Aiken | $128 | $1,541 | -7% |
Fort Mill | $114 | $1,365 | -17% |
Anderson | $125 | $1,498 | -9% |
Conway | $155 | $1,863 | 13% |
Mauldin | $119 | $1,426 | -14% |
South Carolina homeowners insurance rates by coverage amount
The table below highlights the average annual premium in South Carolina for five different levels of dwelling coverage, which is the part of your policy that covers structural damage to your home.
Generally speaking, more dwelling coverage means higher homeowners insurance rates, as shown in the table below.
Dwelling coverage limit | Average annual cost |
|---|---|
$100,000 | $766 |
$200,000 | $1,176 |
$300,000 | $1,653 |
$400,000 | $2,102 |
$500,000 | $2,603 |
Cheapest homeowners insurance companies in South Carolina
Based on our analysis, USAA, Narragansett Bay, and American National are the three cheapest home insurance companies in South Carolina, with statewide average premiums ranging from $726 to $906 per year.
Allstate, State Auto, and Lighthouse Property Insurance are also among the most affordable home insurance carrier options for South Carolina residents in 2023, as detailed in the table below.
Company | Average annual cost |
|---|---|
$726 | |
$795 | |
$906 | |
$928 | |
$1,010 | |
Lighthouse Property Insurance | $1,033 |
Universal Property | $1,266 |
$1,436 | |
$1,724 | |
$2,031 | |
$2,252 | |
$2,809 | |
$3,186 | |
$3,210 |
Cheapest South Carolina homeowners insurance if you have poor credit
Generally, individuals with better credit scores enjoy lower home insurance premiums. Insurance companies have found that customers with lower credit scores file more claims for small losses, like a pipe leak, since they may not be in a financial position to pay for these damages out of pocket.
With an average rate of $1,033 per year, Lighthouse Property has the cheapest home insurance rates in South Carolina for a homeowner with poor credit, while Auto-Owners' average yearly premium of $17,137 is the highest.
Cheapest South Carolina homeowners insurance if you have an older home
The median age of homes in South Carolina is 32 years old, according to an analysis of U.S. census data by House Method. And like many other factors, the age of your home plays a role in how much you pay for home insurance in South Carolina.
Older and historic homes are usually more expensive to insure than newer homes. This is because insurers consider them a higher risk than newer homes since they can be fragile, their construction materials may be obsolete, and certain structural components like the roof or plumbing may not be in good shape or up to current-day code. Because of this, they'll charge higher premiums to offset the risk.
Company | Average annual cost |
|---|---|
USAA | $728 |
Allstate | $889 |
Lighthouse Property Insurance | $968 |
American National | $1,093 |
State Auto | $1,200 |
Narragansett Bay | $1,263 |
Universal | $1,445 |
Cincinnati Insurance | $1,466 |
Auto-Owners Insurance | $1,691 |
State Farm | $2,088 |
Farm Bureau Insurance | $2,252 |
Progressive | $3,027 |
Farmers | $3,474 |
Travelers | $3,910 |
Cheapest South Carolina homeowners insurance if you have a history of claims
One of the biggest factors that plays a role in your home insurance premium is your claims history. You'll typically pay more for home insurance if you have multiple claims on your record, since insurers perceive you as posing a greater risk of filing more.
Here's the cheapest home insurance companies in South Carolina for a homeowner with three claims within a five-year period:
Company | Average annual cost |
|---|---|
USAA | $1,139 |
Lighthouse Property Insurance | $1,588 |
Auto-Owners Insurance | $1,724 |
Allstate | $1,746 |
State Auto | $1,901 |
Universal | $1,917 |
American National | $2,096 |
State Farm | $2,335 |
Farm Bureau Insurance | $2,477 |
Narragansett Bay | $2,688 |
Cincinnati Insurance | $2,955 |
Progressive | $3,728 |
Travelers | $4,333 |
Farmers | $5,970 |
South Carolina coverage options for hurricanes and flooding
In addition to looking at how much each insurance company charges for different coverage levels and risks, you should also be aware of what your policy does and doesn’t cover.
When buying homeowners insurance in South Carolina, there are two additional insurance options you may need to consider to protect against the state’s hurricanes and flooding.
Windstorm insurance
Homeowners insurance generally covers the cost of repairs if your home is damaged by wind or hail. However, since South Carolina sees hurricanes and tropical storms, policies often exclude coverage for wind and hail in high-risk areas.
If that’s the case, you’ll need windstorm insurance — a special type of property insurance that specifically covers your home and belongings from wind or hail damage. Windstorm insurance is sometimes available as an add-on to your homeowners insurance, though it can also be purchased as a separate wind-only policy.
Flood insurance
Homeowners insurance policies don’t cover flood damage, so South Carolina residents in at-risk areas will want to consider flood insurance on top of their coastal home insurance policy.
In addition to comparing home insurance quotes, South Carolina homeowners can also compare private flood insurance rates with Policygenius, or choose a policy through the government-backed National Flood Insurance Program.
Learn more >> How much does flood insurance cost in 2023?
Frequently asked questions
What is the average home insurance cost in South Carolina?
The average home insurance rate in South Carolina is about $138 a month or $1,653 per year. That’s about $100 cheaper per year than the national average of $1,754 per year.
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.
