South Carolina homeowners pay an average of $3,100 annually for home insurance, ranking as the 16th most expensive state nationwide. Your actual premium depends on your home's location, age, coverage limits and credit score, with coastal properties facing higher rates due to hurricane exposure.
Average Home Insurance Cost in South Carolina
Updated: January 6, 2026
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Key Takeaways: South Carolina Home Insurance Rates
South Carolina home insurance costs $258 monthly or $3,100 annually, ranking as the sixteenth most expensive state for homeowners coverage.
Determine your coverage needs, research providers and gather multiple quotes to find the best home insurance in South Carolina.
Use MoneyGeek's free home insurance calculator below to estimate your costs in seconds without providing personal information.
How Much Is Home Insurance in South Carolina?
South Carolina's average home insurance premium costs $258 monthly or $3,100 annually. This is $31 less per month than the national average, saving residents $367 yearly. The state ranks 16th most expensive nationwide for home insurance coverage.
| South Carolina | $3,100 | $3,467 | -11% |
*These rates are for a frame construction home built in 2000 with $250,000 dwelling, $125,000 personal property, $200,000 liability coverage and a $1,000 deductible.
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$220
High
$144
Average
$104
Low
Rates updated:
Jan 24, 2026
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What Affects Average South Carolina Home Insurance Costs?
Home insurance costs in South Carolina vary based on where you live, how much coverage you buy, your home's construction materials, which insurer you choose, your credit score and past claims. Let's break down how each of these factors impacts what you'll pay for coverage.
Average South Carolina Home Insurance Cost by City
Most South Carolina cities fall within a $193 to $270 monthly premium range for homeowners insurance. Myrtle Beach stands apart at $445 monthly due to direct Atlantic Ocean exposure and frequent tropical storm activity. Columbia residents benefit from the state's lowest rates at $193 monthly, thanks to reduced hurricane and flood risks in the Midlands region.
| Charleston | $305 | $3,665 |
| Columbia | $193 | $2,312 |
| Florence | $226 | $2,708 |
| Ladson | $270 | $3,240 |
| Laurens | $196 | $2,349 |
| Leesville | $194 | $2,332 |
| Myrtle Beach | $445 | $5,341 |
| North Charleston | $299 | $3,593 |
| Sumter | $215 | $2,586 |
Average South Carolina Homeowners Insurance Pricing by Coverage Level
Coverage limits directly determine your South Carolina home insurance costs. Basic protection with $100,000 dwelling coverage costs $136 monthly, while comprehensive $1 million dwelling policies run $908 monthly. Standard $250,000 coverage averages $258 monthly, balancing protection and affordability for most homeowners.
| $100K Dwelling / $50K Personal Property / $100K Liability | $136 | $1,631 |
| $250K Dwelling / $125K Personal Property / $200K Liability | $258 | $3,100 |
| $500K Dwelling / $250K Personal Property / $300K Liability | $454 | $5,444 |
| $750K Dwelling / $375K Personal Property / $500K Liability | $665 | $7,981 |
| $1MM Dwelling / $500K Personal Property / $1MM Liability | $908 | $10,900 |
Average Cost of South Carolina Home Insurance by Company
Your choice of insurer impacts home insurance costs in South Carolina. Travelers charges an average of $5,507 annually, while Chubb offers coverage for just $2,047 per year. That means the most expensive option costs over two times more than the most affordable provider.
| Chubb | $171 | $2,047 |
| State Farm | $172 | $2,064 |
| USAA | $204 | $2,448 |
| Allstate | $205 | $2,455 |
| Foremost Insurance | $227 | $2,727 |
| Auto-Owners Insurance | $309 | $3,705 |
| Nationwide | $321 | $3,851 |
| Travelers | $459 | $5,507 |
Average South Carolina Home Insurance Cost by Credit Score
Your credit score impacts home insurance costs in South Carolina. Insurers view higher credit scores as lower risk, resulting in cheaper premiums. Annual rates range from $1,473 to $8,313 based on your credit profile.
| Excellent | $123 | $1,473 |
| Good | $258 | $3,100 |
| Below Fair | $377 | $4,523 |
| Poor | $693 | $8,313 |
South Carolina Homeowners Insurance Costs by House Age
Older South Carolina homes cost more to insure due to outdated building materials and systems, averaging $3,229 annually compared to $2,075 for homes with newer construction. The $1,154 annual difference reflects higher repair costs and increased damage likelihood in aging properties.
| Newer | $173 | $2,075 |
| Middle Age | $258 | $3,100 |
| Older | $269 | $3,229 |
Why Is Home Insurance So Expensive in South Carolina?
South Carolina home insurance costs remain elevated due to severe weather exposure, increasing construction expenses and frequent insurance claims. While the state's $3,100 average annual premium sits 11% below the national average, coastal communities face higher rates due to hurricane and flood risks.
Hurricane and Coastal Storm Exposure
South Carolina's 187-mile Atlantic coastline puts millions of homes in hurricane strike zones. According to the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration, between 2020 and 2024, the state experienced 16 severe storms and 12 tropical cyclones, causing an estimated loss of around $6 billion to $12 billion. Hurricane season runs from June through November, with peak activity in August and September when warm ocean waters fuel storm development. Coastal counties from Horry to Beaufort face the highest wind and storm surge risks, driving premiums higher compared to inland rates.
Rising Construction and Material Costs
Construction expenses in South Carolina increased annually, impacting replacement cost calculations. Lumber, roofing materials and labor shortages drive repair and rebuild costs higher each year. When insurers pay more to repair or replace damaged homes, they raise premiums to maintain profitability. Coastal construction faces additional expenses from wind-resistant building requirements and saltwater-resistant materials.
Aging Housing Stock and Infrastructure
Older South Carolina homes built before 1980 create higher insurance costs due to outdated electrical systems, plumbing and roofing materials. Older homes require more frequent repairs and face increased damage severity during storms. Insurance companies charge 35-55% higher premiums for pre-1980 construction compared to newer homes built to modern wind-resistance and building code standards.
Tips to Save on South Carolina Home Insurance
The state has expensive home insurance, making finding the cheapest home insurance in South Carolina important for your budget.
- 1Calculate Coverage Needs
Determine your home's replacement cost by calculating what it would cost to rebuild at today's construction prices, not the home's market value. Take inventory of your belongings to determine personal property coverage needs.
Consider add-ons like scheduled personal property coverage for jewelry or electronics, water backup coverage or increased replacement cost coverage for South Carolina's hurricane risks.
- 2Research Costs and Discounts
Generate a personalized quote estimate using MoneyGeek's free South Carolina calculator based on your home's specifics. Ask insurers about available discounts for security systems, claim-free history, newer construction and protective devices. Storm shutters and impact-resistant roofing earn savings in coastal areas like Charleston and Myrtle Beach.
- 3Compare Multiple Providers
Gather quotes from at least three companies, but don't only compare prices. Review customer satisfaction ratings, claims service and financial strength ratings as well. A cheaper premium may not be worth it if the insurer has poor service or slow claims processing, particularly important when dealing with storm damage in areas like Myrtle Beach.
- 4Bundle Your Policies
Combining home and auto insurance with one provider reduces both premiums. South Carolina bundling discounts range from 10% to 25%, with business centers like Greenville offering especially competitive savings for professionals maintaining multiple policies.
- 5Reduce Your Risk Profile
Installing smoke detectors, security systems and storm shutters qualifies you for lower premiums. Maintaining a claim-free record saves $494 to $909 annually compared to filing claims. Improving credit from below fair to good reduces premiums by 31%, dropping costs from $4,523 to $3,100 annually.
Calculate South Carolina Homeowners Insurance Costs: FAQ
The FAQs below explain what affects your rates and help you understand potential insurance expenses.
How much will my premium increase after filing a claim in South Carolina?
In South Carolina, your homeowners insurance premium jumps by $494 after one claim and $909 after two claims compared to claim-free customers. Homeowners without claims pay $3,100 annually on average.
One claim pushes your rate to $3,594 per year, while two claims cost $4,009 annually. Claims remain on your record for five years, meaning you'll face these elevated premiums throughout that entire period.
How much can I save by choosing a different insurer in South Carolina?
Shopping around for home insurance in South Carolina can save you thousands of dollars annually. The cheapest insurer, Chubb, charges $2,047 per year, while the most expensive, Travelers, costs $5,507 annually for comparable coverage.
Mid-range providers show differences too: Allstate costs $2,455 while Foremost Insurance charges $2,727, a $272 annual difference.
What's the difference between actual cash value and replacement cost coverage in South Carolina?
Actual cash value coverage pays the depreciated value of damaged items, while replacement cost coverage pays to replace items with new equivalents. For example, if your 10-year-old roof suffers wind damage, actual cash value reimburses you for a depreciated roof worth less than half its original value.
Replacement cost coverage pays to install a brand-new roof. Most South Carolina lenders require replacement cost coverage, which costs 10-15% more but provides better protection after hurricane or hail damage.
Why does home insurance cost more for older homes in South Carolina?
Older homes in South Carolina cost 56% more to insure than newer properties. A home built in 1980 averages $3,229 annually, while a 2020-built home costs $2,075 per year. This creates a $1,154 annual difference between old and new homes. Middle-aged homes from 2000 fall between these extremes at $3,100 per year.
Insurance companies charge higher premiums for older homes because aging systems create a greater risk. Outdated wiring, plumbing and roofing are more likely to fail and trigger expensive claims.
Do I need separate flood insurance in South Carolina?
Standard homeowners policies exclude flood damage, making separate flood insurance essential for South Carolina's coastal and low-lying areas. Properties in FEMA-designated flood zones with federally backed mortgages must carry flood coverage.
Flood risk may extend beyond mapped zones. Purchase flood insurance through the National Flood Insurance Program or private insurers to ensure you're protected financially.
How We Analyzed South Carolina Home Insurance Rates
MoneyGeek calculated home insurance estimates for South Carolina by analyzing real premium data across multiple variables. This approach shows how specific factors influence what homeowners actually pay for coverage.
We built our analysis around a standard homeowner profile: $250,000 in dwelling coverage, $125,000 in personal property coverage, $200,000 in liability coverage, and a $1,000 deductible. The model assumes a home built in 2000 with frame construction, a composition roof, and no insurance claims filed in the past five years.
This profile matches typical South Carolina homeowners and reflects median home values across many state markets. The 2000 construction year represents middle-aged properties, which make up the largest segment of homes statewide.
Our methodology isolated each risk factor by changing one variable while keeping all others identical. For example, when testing how construction year affects premiums, we compared identical policies for homes built in 1980, 2000, and 2020. This process reveals the true cost impact of individual factors.
Your actual premiums will differ based on your home's construction type, age, roof condition, location, coverage amounts, claims history, credit score, and insurance company. The rate variations shown demonstrate how much these elements can change your final premium.
About Mark Fitzpatrick
Mark Fitzpatrick, a Licensed Property and Casualty Insurance Producer, is MoneyGeek's resident Personal Finance Expert. He has analyzed the insurance market for over five years, conducting original research for insurance shoppers. His insights have been featured in CNBC, NBC News and Mashable.
Fitzpatrick holds a master’s degree in economics and international relations from Johns Hopkins University and a bachelor’s degree from Boston College. He's also a five-time Jeopardy champion!
He writes about economics and insurance, breaking down complex topics so people know what they're buying.
sources
- NOAA. "Billion-Dollar Weather and Climate Disasters." Accessed January 6, 2026.