Besthome insuranceSouth CarolinaThe Best Homeowners Insurance Companies in South Carolina (2024)
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MoneyGeek analyzed the best house insurance companies in South Carolina for different types of homeowners. We also looked at their discounts and available coverage options to help you find the top insurers.
While State Farm is the best overall as well as for bundling and expensive homes, Allstate offers the most affordable plans, USAA is best for veterans and Auto-Owners Insurance Co is ideal for those who want quality customer service.
If you’re more concerned with savings than service quality, MoneyGeek also analyzed the cheapest home insurance companies in South Carolina.
Besthome insuranceSouth CarolinaThe Best Homeowners Insurance in South Carolina
Best overall - State Farm
Best for service quality - Auto-Owners
Best on a budget - Allstate
Best for expensive homes - State Farm
Best for veterans - USAA
Best for bundling - State Farm
The Best Overall Homeowners Insurance Companies in South Carolina
Some homeowners want a balance between service quality and pricing when it comes to house insurance. MoneyGeek evaluated the best homeowner insurers on the basis of their pricing, financial stability, claims reputation and customer service.
The top home insurance providers in South Carolina, according to our rankings, are:
- State Farm: MoneyGeek score of 87 out of 100
- Allstate: MoneyGeek score of 87 out of 100
Because its plans are exclusively available to military families, USAA, which had the best overall score of 95 out of 100, was not included in the analysis.
MoneyGeek explains why State Farm and Allstate topped the list, as well as some of the unique benefits and savings they provide.
The Top Home Insurance Companies in South Carolina
1
State Farm
Score:87
In South Carolina, State Farm is the best overall home insurer with an annual rate of $1,269 on average. It ranked first in financial stability, second for customer satisfaction and third for affordability. Vacancy insurance coverage is one of the unique policies offered by State Farm.
More About State Farm
Policyholders can add unique coverages to their policies with State Farm. If your home has been uninhabited and devoid of furnishings for more than 30 days, you can purchase additional insurance to cover you against vandalism and glass breakage. You can also get extra insurance to pay for the expense of repairing or replacing faulty or accidentally broken outside subterranean water and sewage plumbing, electrical service lines and data cables.
2
Allstate
Score:87
In terms of affordability, Allstate ranked first in South Carolina. Allstate policies cost $833 per year on average. The insurer ranked fourth in terms of user satisfaction and second in terms of financial stability. There are also unique coverages available such as an energy efficiency upgrade add-on.
More About Allstate
The energy efficiency upgrade coverage, which compensates for the additional cost of replacing damaged insured products with more energy-efficient ones, is one of Allstate's unique optional coverages. Other unique add-on coverages include HostAdvantage® Home-Sharing Insurance that protects homeowners who rent out their homes, as well as increased coverage limits for trees, landscaping, riding lawn mowers and more.
HOW WE DETERMINED THE BEST SOUTH CAROLINA HOME INSURANCE
We compiled quotes from companies throughout the country to discover the best home insurance nationally as well as the top insurers in South Carolina. MoneyGeek's unique scoring system balances J.D. Power's customer satisfaction rating and property claim scores to achieve this ranking.
Keep in mind that, depending on your specific circumstances, your expenses and experience may differ. To learn more, check out MoneyGeek's methodology.
The Best Homeowners Companies in South Carolina for Service Quality
Sometimes, customer service and claims experience are more important to homeowners than affordability. If this describes you, MoneyGeek evaluated the best insurance companies in South Carolina on the basis of customer satisfaction and claims experience without prioritizing rates.
In terms of service quality, the following provides the best home insurance in South Carolina:
- Auto-Owners Insurance Co: MoneyGeek score of 89 out of 100
- Chubb: MoneyGeek score of 82 out of 100
USAA is the top option with a perfect score of 100. However, it is exclusively available to military families so we didn’t include it in our analysis.
For homeowners searching for the finest service experience regardless of the price, MoneyGeek looked into why Auto-Owners Insurance Co and Chubb scored the highest.
The Top Home Insurance Companies in South Carolina for Quality Service
1
Auto-Owners
Score:89
In terms of service, Auto-Owners Insurance Co is the best-rated house insurance company in South Carolina, with a higher rating in claims than customer satisfaction. This implies that when clients submit a claim during an emergency, the insurer will provide them with a great service experience.
More About Auto-Owners
Auto-Owners Insurance Co covers electrical and mechanical failures within your home's electrical and mechanical equipment, such as air conditioners and heating systems, as well as computers and key appliances. Off-premises personal property coverage is another unique optional coverage available that protects personal property that you take on vacation, such as a laptop.
2
Chubb
Score:82
Chubb has an excellent claims score, indicating that the claims procedure is a positive experience for the company's customers. On the other hand, the insurer’s client satisfaction rating was on the lower side.
More About Chubb
Chubb offers several unique coverages that make it a good option for individuals in South Carolina. For instance, if you opt not to rebuild your home or rebuild at a different place after a total loss, the company will pay you a cash settlement up to the policy limit or you can get a cash settlement if you prefer. It also automatically includes a series of coverages such as extended reimbursement, contents replacement cost and backup of sewer or drain.
The Best Homeowners Companies in South Carolina on a Budget
One of the most important factors for some homeowners is the cost of insurance. MoneyGeek researched the best insurers for individuals who want outstanding service but still need to save money.
The following are the best home insurance providers in South Carolina for homeowners on a budget:
- Allstate: MoneyGeek score of 93 out of 100
- State Farm: MoneyGeek score of 92 out of 100
Allstate’s plans cost around $833 per year, while State Farm's premiums cost an average of $1,269 per year.
Allstate is the highest-scoring insurer for homes on a tight budget, and we outlined some of the unique coverages and discounts it offers.
The Top Home Insurance Companies in South Carolina on a Budget
pros
Affordable home insurance coverage at approximately $833 per year
Discounts including deductible reward, bundle and automatic payment
cons
Customer satisfaction rating of 3.86 out of 5
COMPANY HIGHLIGHTS
Allstate is one of the most affordable insurance companies in South Carolina. Better yet, the company's policyholders can take advantage of a variety of discounts.
For example, you can save money by purchasing a newly-built home and bundling your home and car insurance policy. You can even save money on your premium if you switch to Allstate and haven't had any recent claims. Plus, you can get a 5% discount on your renewal each year if you don't have any claims.
The company also offers several rare discounts. One example of this is a responsible payment discount, which helps you save money when you make timely payments and maintain a solid payment history.
The Best Homeowners Companies in South Carolina for Expensive Homes
If you have an expensive home, it can be costly to repair or rebuild it. MoneyGeek evaluated the cost of a $2 million policy against customer satisfaction scores to identify the best-rated house insurance provider in the state for homeowners with luxury homes.
The top house insurers for high-value homes in South Carolina are:
- State Farm: MoneyGeek score of 85 out of 100
- Allstate: MoneyGeek score of 83 out of 100
USAA’s score of 99 out of 100 is more than enough to land on the top spot as the best insurer for expensive homes in South Carolina. However, it’s not included in our rankings because its policies are only available to military personnel.
By evaluating their unique coverage choices, MoneyGeek reveals why State Farm ranked the highest for expensive homes.
The Top Home Insurance Companies in South Carolina for High-Value Homes
pros
Ranks second for affordability for expensive homes
MoneyGeek satisfaction rating of 4.09 out of 5
cons
None
COMPANY HIGHLIGHTS
State Farm has a high customer satisfaction rating and has affordable policies for expensive properties. Certain coverages that are particularly beneficial for high-value houses are also offered by State Farm.
For example, scheduled personal property coverage is helpful for high-value homeowners. This helps protect higher-value items if needed during a qualifying event.
Another useful add-on coverage is identity restoration and fraud loss coverage. This provides extra protection to policyholders whose identities have been used in fraudulent activities. You’ll receive case management and expense reimbursement if you have this coverage.
The Best Homeowners Companies in South Carolina for Veterans
There are a lot of companies in South Carolina that provide military families discounts, but USAA has the best home insurance in South Carolina for both active military personnel and veterans. Only current and former military members or their families are served by this provider, offering them a one-of-a-kind experience that is tailored to their specific needs.
USAA earned a MoneyGeek score of 95 out of 100 and frequently outperforms other insurers in other categories. In South Carolina, their insurance costs an average of $3,322 per year.
The Top Home Insurance Companies in South Carolina for Veterans
pros
The coverage is tailored to the needs of military families
MoneyGeek satisfaction rating of 5 out of 5
MoneyGeek affordability score of 4.22 out of 5
cons
Not available if you don’t have a military background.
COMPANY HIGHLIGHTS
USAA obtained a perfect score for customer satisfaction in South Carolina. It also scored well in affordability.
USAA offers rare coverages and discounts that are useful to homeowners who are in the military. USAA policies automatically include contents replacement cost coverage. This pays for expenses to replace your personal belongings without considering depreciation. Customers can also add home rental coverage to their policies. This offers protection for the homeowner and their guests if they are renting out their house.
Customers who bundle their USAA home insurance with their car insurance can save money. Plus, customers who haven’t filed any claims for five or more years can also get a discount.
The Best Homeowners Companies in South Carolina for Bundling
Bundling your home and car insurance policy might save you money in the long run. MoneyGeek looked into the best house insurance and best car insurance in South Carolina if you're also shopping for auto insurance plans.
In South Carolina, the top companies for bundling home and auto insurance coverage are:
- State Farm: MoneyGeek score of 86 out of 100
- Allstate: MoneyGeek score of 76 out of 100
If you need coverage for your home and car, it's more convenient to bundle home and car insurance since the policies will be managed by one company. Furthermore, when you choose to bundle your policies, you might be eligible for additional discounts.
The Top Home Insurance Companies in South Carolina for Bundling
pros
Home insurance MoneyGeek score of 4.37 out of 5
25% bundling discount
cons
Auto insurance MoneyGeek score of 3.88 out of 5
COMPANY HIGHLIGHTS
While State Farm's car insurance rating is only 3.88 out of 5, the company's house insurance rating is excellent at 4.37. Bundling your home and car insurance coverage can save you 25% on your premiums.
State Farm offers various rare home insurance coverages, one of which is the energy efficiency upgrade. This optional protection pays up to 150% of the price to upgrade to energy-efficient equipment if a covered loss results in damage to a heating appliance, air conditioning unit or water heater.
Additional coverages, such as ridesharing insurance, are available to auto insurance customers. If you work for a rideshare company, you can acquire medical, emergency roadside assistance and rental vehicle reimbursement coverage on your regular policy.
How to Find the Best Home Insurance in South Carolina
Homeowners in South Carolina must analyze prices, service reputation and financial stability of various insurers to ensure that all of these factors are well-balanced. This can help them identify the best home insurance providers in the state. While MoneyGeek has done the legwork for you, you can perform your own research on other companies that we haven't included.
1
Research Customer Service Reputations in South Carolina
It can take a while to research a provider's customer service reputation in South Carolina. This is why MoneyGeek did the research for you. To find an insurer that isn't on our list, search the J.D. Power satisfaction scores of that company in your state together with the NAIC complaint percentages. It’s also wise to do research on South Carolina’s Department of Insurance website.
2
Compare Quotes for Yourself
MoneyGeek gathered home insurance quotes in South Carolina using sample homeowner profiles. However, this won’t give you accurate quotes based on your unique situation. Make sure to gather and compare quotes from at least three insurers to get an idea of how much insurance will cost for you.
3
Make Sure the Company Has Coverages You Want in South Carolina
Since not all coverages and savings are accessible in every state, it's critical to be sure the provider you're interested in has the coverage you need in your state. Before you purchase a policy, discuss the offerings with the insurer so you can make sure you don’t miss out on any coverages or discounts you need.
4
Double-Check Financial Stability Ratings
Check your prospective insurer's financial strength rating before purchasing a policy. This rating indicates how well-prepared they are to pay any claims you may file in the future. Regional insurance firms in South Carolina may have lower ratings than bigger ones, meaning that larger organizations are usually financially stronger.
FAQs About the Best Home Insurance in South Carolina
The best homeowners insurance in South Carolina is determined by your needs. However, the questions below can help you in your research process.
State Farm is South Carolina's best overall home insurance company. It’s also best for bundling and expensive homes. However, the best company for you can differ depending on your needs. Auto-Owners Insurance Co is a superior choice if you value service above cost. USAA, on the other hand, offers plans that are specifically targeted to your requirements if you are a veteran or active military member. Furthermore, Auto-Owners Insurance Co is ideal if you value customer service.
With annual rates averaging $833, Allstate is the best and most inexpensive home insurance company in South Carolina. However, due to the fact that they are the cheapest, you may not receive the greatest customer service. If this isn't a problem for you, you might want to look into the cheapest home insurance companies in South Carolina.
Expert Advice on Home Insurance in South Carolina
- How do regulations and laws in your state impact the amount or type of coverage a homeowner should buy?
- Are there any environmental factors homeowners should consider when selecting a home insurance plan in your state?
Sourav Batabyal
Assistant Professor, Finance and Economics at Coastal Carolina University
Methodology
MoneyGeek scores for homeowners insurance in South Carolina were calculated by using a scaled and weighted average of J.D. Power Property Claims and Customer Satisfaction Scores, real homeowners insurance quotes and financial stability ratings from A.M. Best. Our scoring system weighted J.D. Power scores 60%, affordability 30% and financial stability 10%, adjusting weightings in the sections focused on affordability and service experience specifically.
MoneyGeek analyzed homeowners insurance quotes from the top insurance companies in South Carolina that were provided in partnership with Quadrant. Our analysis includes quotes from ZIP codes across South Carolina. Quotes were gathered with an average home profile of 2,500 square feet, built in 2000, with an average dwelling coverage value of $250,000, liability coverage of $100,000 and personal property coverage of $100,000.
About Mark Fitzpatrick
