The Best and Cheapest Home Insurance in South Carolina (2026)
Allstate has the cheapest home insurance rates in South Carolina for most people, at $1,530/yr, on average. | ||
Home insurance in South Carolina costs an average of $3,102/yr, which is 30% higher than the national average. | ||
People living in coastal South Carolina tend to pay much more for home insurance. Pawley's Island has the most expensive rates in the state, with an average rate of more than $7,000/yr. |
Find Cheap Home Insurance Quotes in South Carolina
Who has the best cheap home insurance in SC?
Who has the cheapest home insurance quotes in South Carolina?
Allstate is the cheapest homeowners insurance company overall in South Carolina.
Find Cheap Home Insurance Quotes in South Carolina
- Allstate typically costs between 42% and 51% less than the South Carolina state average. It's a particularly good choice for people with more affordable homes, as it has the cheapest overall rates for both $200,000 and $350,000 of dwelling coverage.
- Cincinnati has the cheapest rates in three-quarters of the cities and towns across South Carolina. Home insurance from Cincinnati is typically 29% to 44% cheaper than the state average.
- Chubb tends to have the cheapest rates for high-value homes in South Carolina. A policy from Chubb costs around 58% to 60% less than the statewide average. However, you may not be able to get a Chubb policy if you don’t need high coverage limits.
Best SC homeowners insurance quotes by dwelling coverage amount
$200,000
$350,000
$500,000
$1 million
Company | Annual rate | ||
|---|---|---|---|
| Allstate | $1,139 | ||
| State Farm | $1,350 | ||
| Universal | $1,354 | |
| Cincinnati | $1,379 | ||
| Farmers | $1,846 | ||
| Heritage | $2,223 | ||
| Auto-Owners | $2,244 | ||
| Farm Bureau | $2,360 | ||
| Progressive | $2,624 | ||
| Nationwide | $3,401 | ||
| USAA | $1,545 | ||
Key takeaways
Best homeowners insurance in SC for most people: Allstate
-
Annual cost$1,530Average rate for a $350,000 home
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Monthly cost$127Average rate for a $350,000 home
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Customer complaints Average
Best customer service in SC: Auto-Owners
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Annual cost$3,088Average rate for a $350,000 home
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Monthly cost$257Average rate for a $350,000 home
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Customer complaints Low
Best home insurance in SC for expensive homes: Chubb
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$500k home$1,593/yrAverage rate for a $500,000 home
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$1 million home$3,280/yrAverage rate for a $1 million home
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Customer complaints Low
What is the best homeowners insurance in South Carolina?
Allstate is the top-rated insurance company in South Carolina for most people.
Allstate offers the best combination of cheap rates, helpful coverage add-ons and useful discounts in the state.
Both USAA and Chubb earned higher scores from ValuePenguin editors, but not everyone can get a policy from these companies. USAA is only available to military service members and some members of their families. And Chubb typically only covers luxury homes that need high coverage limits.
Company |
Rating
|
Complaints
|
|---|---|---|
| Chubb | Low | |
| USAA | Low | |
| Allstate | Average | |
| Nationwide | Low | |
| State Farm | Average | |
| Universal | Low | |
| Auto-Owners | Low | |
| Cincinnati | Low | |
| Farmers | Average | |
| Heritage | Low | |
| Progressive | Average | |
| Farm Bureau | Average |
How much is homeowners insurance in South Carolina?
Home insurance in South Carolina costs an average of $3,102 per year for $350,000 of dwelling coverage.
As with most coastal states prone to hurricanes, the price of homeowners insurance in South Carolina is higher than the average cost of home insurance across the U.S., which is $2,398 per year.
Dwelling coverage | Average rate |
|---|---|
| $200,000 | $1,951 |
| $350,000 | $3,102 |
| $500,000 | $4,018 |
| $1,000,000 | $7,816 |
Home insurance rates in South Carolina are more expensive than its neighboring states, Georgia ($2,640 per year) and North Carolina ($2,566 per year). This is partially because South Carolina has more people living along the coast, so there are more homes exposed to severe weather.
How much is home insurance in Charleston, SC?
Charleston home insurance costs an average of $5,015 per year , $2,000 per year more than the South Carolina average.
This is likely because of Charleston's location along the Atlantic Coast, which puts it at high risk for damage from hurricanes and tropical storms. That also helps explain why home insurance in Charleston is more expensive than its inland suburbs — Summerville, Goose Creek and North Charleston — but less than its neighboring barrier islands.
City | Annual rate |
|---|---|
| Summerville | $3,919 |
| Goose Creek | $4,003 |
| North Charleston | $4,100 |
| Johns Island | $4,938 |
| Charleston | $5,015 |
| Mount Pleasant | $5,066 |
| Kiawah Island | $5,469 |
| Sullivan's Island | $5,787 |
| Isle of Palms | $6,533 |
SC homeowners insurance quotes by city
Sunset, a small community in the upstate near Lake Keowee, has the cheapest home insurance rates in South Carolina at $1,998 per year.
Pawleys Island, a barrier island along the Atlantic coast, has the most expensive rates with an average of $7,100 per year.
Although Allstate has the cheapest overall rates in South Carolina, Cincinnati is the cheapest company in 76% of cities and towns across the state. Allstate has the lowest rates in 22% of South Carolina cities, many of which are along the Atlantic coast.
Find Cheap Home Insurance Quotes in South Carolina
South Carolina homeowners insurance rates by city
City | Average rate | Cheapest company | Cheapest rate |
|---|---|---|---|
| Abbeville | $2,202 | Cincinnati | $822 |
| Adams Run | $3,882 | Allstate | $1,092 |
| Aiken | $2,282 | Cincinnati | $927 |
| Alcolu | $2,884 | Cincinnati | $1,103 |
| Allendale | $2,770 | Cincinnati | $1,084 |
| Anderson | $2,183 | Cincinnati | $983 |
| Andrews | $4,088 | Allstate | $1,533 |
| Arcadia | $2,070 | Cincinnati | $775 |
| Arcadia Lakes | $2,288 | Cincinnati | $819 |
| Arial | $2,038 | Cincinnati | $1,125 |
| Awendaw | $5,595 | Allstate | $1,092 |
| Aynor | $4,365 | Allstate | $1,280 |
| Ballentine | $2,325 | Cincinnati | $845 |
| Bamberg | $2,894 | Cincinnati | $1,071 |
| Barnwell | $2,591 | Cincinnati | $1,077 |
| Batesburg | $2,334 | Cincinnati | $1,066 |
| Batesburg-leesville | $2,309 | Cincinnati | $1,066 |
| Bath | $2,311 | Cincinnati | $1,089 |
| Beaufort | $4,320 | State Farm | $1,281 |
| Beech Island | $2,311 | Cincinnati | $1,089 |
| Belton | $2,192 | Cincinnati | $1,087 |
| Belvedere | $2,280 | Cincinnati | $1,090 |
| Bennettsville | $2,919 | Cincinnati | $1,040 |
| Berea | $2,106 | Cincinnati | $929 |
| Bethera | $4,458 | Allstate | $1,092 |
| Bethune | $2,555 | Cincinnati | $1,126 |
| Bishopville | $2,914 | Cincinnati | $1,114 |
| Blacksburg | $2,145 | Cincinnati | $1,040 |
| Blackstock | $2,288 | Cincinnati | $1,208 |
| Blackville | $2,597 | Cincinnati | $1,055 |
| Blair | $2,323 | Cincinnati | $1,108 |
| Blenheim | $2,982 | Cincinnati | $1,083 |
| Bluffton | $3,969 | Allstate | $1,304 |
| Blythewood | $2,307 | Cincinnati | $773 |
| Boiling Springs | $2,004 | Cincinnati | $775 |
| Bonneau Beach | $3,984 | Allstate | $1,092 |
| Bowling Green | $2,072 | Cincinnati | $838 |
| Bowman | $2,966 | Cincinnati | $1,106 |
| Bradley | $2,224 | Cincinnati | $818 |
| Branchville | $2,945 | Cincinnati | $1,084 |
| Briarcliffe Acres | $6,631 | Allstate | $1,252 |
| Brookdale | $2,912 | Cincinnati | $1,095 |
| Brunson | $3,011 | Cincinnati | $1,055 |
| Buffalo | $2,145 | Cincinnati | $1,032 |
| Burnettown | $2,296 | Cincinnati | $1,089 |
| Burton | $3,878 | State Farm | $1,271 |
| Cades | $3,564 | Allstate | $1,774 |
| Calhoun Falls | $2,247 | Cincinnati | $1,032 |
| Camden | $2,485 | Cincinnati | $1,073 |
| Cameron | $2,839 | Cincinnati | $1,084 |
| Campobello | $2,036 | Cincinnati | $843 |
| Canadys | $3,271 | Allstate | $1,613 |
Rates are for a policy with $350,000 of dwelling coverage.
Home insurance rates vary greatly between South Carolina cities. Many of the most expensive cities are on the Atlantic coast. That's because they're more likely to sustain damage from tropical storms and hurricanes.
For example, Myrtle Beach home insurance costs an average of $6,230 per year. That's twice as expensive as the state average.
What home insurance is important in SC?
South Carolina homeowners need to make sure their insurance protects against wind, which causes the most damage to homes across the state.
Many homeowners across the state should also consider buying flood insurance, even if they don't live near the coast. That's because South Carolina is often hit by tropical storms and hurricanes. Its low elevation also makes it prone to flooding.
South Carolina can also experience hail storms that can damage homes. If you have an older roof, it's important to understand how your roof is protected by insurance.
Does SC homeowners insurance cover hurricane damage?
Homeowners insurance covers some types of hurricane damage, but not all of them. Hurricanes and tropical storms can damage your home with heavy winds, rains and flooding.
South Carolina homeowners typically have a hurricane deductible. This is usually higher than your regular home insurance deductible, at between 2% and 5% of your dwelling coverage limit.
Is wind damage covered by home insurance in SC?
Most homeowners insurance policies cover wind damage. However, South Carolina homeowners may have a separate deductible for wind damage. Most of the time, this deductible is a percentage of your dwelling coverage.
If your home is near the coast or in an area with severe windstorms, your insurance company may exclude wind damage from your policy. Wind coverage is essential for homes in these areas, so check your policy or speak with an agent to make sure you have wind protection. If your insurance policy doesn't cover wind damage, you may be able to buy windstorm insurance.
Does my homeowners policy include flood insurance in South Carolina?
Standard home insurance doesn't cover weather-related flood damage, such as rising rain waters or storm surge.
You'll usually need to buy a flood insurance policy to protect your home against flood damage.
In addition, if your home is in an area with a high risk of flooding, your mortgage company may require you to buy flood insurance.
How much is flood insurance in SC?
South Carolina homeowners can get flood insurance through the National Flood Insurance Program (NFIP) or a private insurance company. The average cost of an NFIP policy in South Carolina is $747 per year.
Coastal South Carolina isn't the only part of the state prone to flooding. Since SC has a lower elevation than most other states, it's at risk of inland flooding near lakes and waterways.
For example, Greenville County in upstate South Carolina had the highest flood insurance claims in the state in 2024. The National Flood Insurance Program (NFIP) paid out more than $4.6 million to repair Greenville County homes damaged by flood waters. Many of these homes were likely damaged by Hurricane Helene.
That's why South Carolina homeowners should consider getting flood insurance, even if they don't live along the coast.
Flood insurance usually has a waiting period before coverage starts. NFIP policies typically have a 30-day waiting period, while the waiting period for private insurance is usually shorter.
If you're concerned about flooding, you should buy a policy immediately. If a storm is already headed your way, you typically can't get coverage until it passes.
Does South Carolina property insurance cover hail damage?
Homeowners insurance usually protects your home from hail damage.
If you live in a part of the state with frequent hail storms, your homeowners insurance policy may have special requirements. Some companies restrict when you can make claims for hail damage. For instance, you may not be able to make claims for cosmetic damage. You also may see higher rates after making hail claims.
On April 20, 2024, a severe thunderstorm caused $25 million in hail damage across York County, which includes Rock Hill. The area was hit with softball-sized hail, which can easily destroy roofs or break windows.
Does home insurance in South Carolina cover my roof?
If you have a newer roof, your homeowners insurance should pay to fix or replace it after damage.
However, many South Carolina insurance companies consider your roof's current condition when calculating your payout if your roof is between 10 and 20 years old.
This is called its actual cash value, and it means you probably won't get enough money from your insurance company to completely pay for a new roof after a hurricane or hail storm.
If your roof is more than 20 years old, your insurance company may not cover it at all.
Understanding how much your insurance company will pay to fix your roof is important so you can prepare financially to replace it if it suffers major damage.
If you can afford to replace your older roof, consider doing so before problems occur. That's because roof leaks can affect many other parts of your home. And you'll likely pay less for home insurance once you have a brand-new roof.
How to get the best homeowners insurance in SC
The best home insurance for you has the coverage you need and reliable customer service at an affordable price. To find the best insurance company, shop around, look for discounts and ensure you have the proper protection.
Compare rates from multiple companies to find the cheapest price. The most expensive home insurance in South Carolina costs three and a half times more than the cheapest option. So you can save a lot of money by gathering quotes from a handful of different companies.
Look for a company that offers lots of discounts you qualify for. Many companies offer discounts that are easy to get, such as signing up for automatic payments or getting your bill via email. Some companies also provide home insurance discounts to retirees or military veterans.
Many companies in South Carolina also offer discounts when you upgrade your home to protect against damage. For example, you could save money if you have hurricane shutters or impact-resistant film on your windows.
Make sure your policy has the right protection for your home. When comparing quotes, check the fine print to ensure each company offers the same coverage.
For example, a policy could be much cheaper if it doesn't include wind coverage or offers less protection for your roof.
Trends in South Carolina home insurance rates
Home insurance prices are up nearly 30% in South Carolina over the last five years.
South Carolina homeowners have seen relatively mild increases in their home insurance rates in the early 2020s. But rates are steadily going up, with increases of around 9% in 2024 and 2025.
How much has home insurance gone up in SC over the past five years?
Year | Rate increase |
|---|---|
| 2021 | 0.35% |
| 2022 | 1.53% |
| 2023 | 4.62% |
| 2024 | 8.82% |
| 2025 | 9.36% |
Home insurance rate change data was compiled using RateWatch from S&P Global, which uses information from the National Association of Insurance Commissioners (NAIC).
Allstate and Farmers raised home insurance rates the least over the last five years. Both companies increased prices by just under 10% in South Carolina.
South Carolina Farm Bureau had the biggest rate increase in the state, at 65%.
Frequently asked questions
How much is the average homeowners insurance in South Carolina?
The average cost of home insurance in South Carolina is $3,102 per year, or $259 per month. That's $707 per year higher than the national average.
Why is homeowners insurance so high in SC?
Home insurance in South Carolina can be very expensive because wind and hail from hurricanes, tropical storms and severe thunderstorms can cause major damage, even if you don't live along the coast. For example, in 2024, Hurricane Helene damaged over 13,000 homes across 28 South Carolina counties. That's more than half of the counties in the state.
How much is homeowners insurance in Myrtle Beach, SC?
The average cost of home insurance in Myrtle Beach is $6,230 per year, twice as expensive as the South Carolina average. Homeowners in Myrtle Beach can find significantly cheaper rates at Allstate, where a policy costs around $1,252 per year.
Methodology
To find the best cheap home insurance in SC, ValuePenguin collected homeowners insurance quotes from each of South Carolina's ZIP codes. Rates are for a 45-year-old man with no prior insurance claims. Quotes are for a 2,123 square foot home built 38 years ago, based on the average home age and size in South Carolina.
Quotes include:
- Dwelling coverage: $200,000, $350,000, $500,000 or $1 million
- Personal liability: $100,000
- Medical payments: $1,000
- Deductible: $1,000
ValuePenguin's analysis used insurance rate data from Quadrant Information Services. These rates were publicly sourced from insurance company filings and should be used for comparative purposes only. Your quotes may be different.
Home insurance ratings combine NAIC complaint index ratings for home insurance, results from the most recent J.D. Power home insurance study and ValuePenguin's editor's ratings.
Sources:
About the Author
Senior Writer
Lindsay Bishop is a Senior Writer at ValuePenguin, where she educates readers about home, auto, renters, flood and motorcycle insurance.
Lindsay began her career in the insurance and financial industry in 2010. She was a licensed auto, home, life and health insurance agent and held Series 6 and 63 financial licenses.
After a hiatus from the financial sector, Lindsay returned to the industry as a content writer for ValuePenguin in 2021. She enjoys having the opportunity to help readers make smart decisions about their insurance so they can be prepared for anything life throws their way.
When Lindsay isn't writing about insurance, you can find her spending time with family, enjoying the outdoors on Sunday long runs or riding her Peloton.
How insurance helped Lindsay
As a homeowner for 15 years located in South Carolina, Lindsay has plenty of experience navigating the coastal insurance market and managing the claims process. That includes successfully negotiating a full roof replacement claim.
Expertise
- Home insurance
- Car insurance
- Flood insurance
- Renters insurance
- Motorcycle insurance
Referenced by
- CNBC
- Yahoo Finance
- Miami Herald
Education
- BS/BA Economics, University of Nevada Las Vegas
Editorial Note: The content of this article is based on the author's opinions and recommendations alone. It has not been previewed, commissioned or otherwise endorsed by any of our network partners.
