Best and Cheapest Renters Insurance in South Carolina (September 2024)


While Chubb has the highest MoneyGeek score of 93 and an average annual premium of $120, Allstate ranks the highest in affordability with a score of 68.

Your best options can vary based on needs: Travelers is ideal for quality service, USAA suits veterans perfectly.

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Best Overall: Chubb

Chubb is the best overall renters insurance provider, with a MoneyGeek score of 93 out of 100 and an average annual premium of $120.

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Cheapest: Auto-Owners Insurance

Auto-Owners is the cheapest renters insurance provider in South Carolina with an average annual premium of $97.

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Best Service: Travelers

Travelers is the best renters insurance provider for service quality, earning a MoneyGeek score of 95 out of 100, with an average annual premium of $271.

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Best for Extra Personal Property: State Farm

State Farm is the best renters insurance provider in South Carolina for those who need extra personal property coverage of $100K, with a MoneyGeek score of 95 out of 100 and an average annual premium of $249.

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Best for Veterans: USAA

USAA is the best renters insurance provider for military members, with a MoneyGeek score of 100 out of 100 and an average annual premium of $164.

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Best for Bad Credit: Chubb

Chubb is the best renters insurance provider for those with poor credit in South Carolina with a MoneyGeek score of 98 out of 100 and an average annual premium of $120.

Why Trust MoneyGeek? We used data from the South Carolina Department of Insurance and Quadrant Information Services to find the best renters insurance in South Carolina.

Renters insurance rates in South Carolina reflect the best quotes as of September 2024.

17,280Quotes Collected
 
6Cities Analyzed
 
9ZIP Codes

Overall Best Renters Insurance in South Carolina

Auto-Owners is the best renters insurance provider in South Carolina, with a MoneyGeek score of 93 out of 100 and an annual premium of $97 for $20K in personal property coverage. This provider typically balances cost and customer service effectively. The two best renters insurance providers in South Carolina for the same policy are:

  • Auto-Owners: MoneyGeek score of 93 out of 100 ($97 per year)
  • Chubb: MoneyGeek score of 93 out of 100 ($120 per year)

Auto-Owners perfectly balances customer satisfaction and affordability with the lowest annual premium. However, the best choice for you will still depend on your individual needs.

Company logo for Auto-Owners Insurance
Best OverallAuto-Owners Insurance
MoneyGeek Score:
93/ of 100

Overview

In South Carolina, aside from being the best overall renters insurance provider, Auto-Owners ranks first in affordability with an annual premium of $97.

Auto-Owners offers coverage options like contents replacement cost and back-up of sewer or drain. The contents replacement cost covers the repair or replacement of your personal property at current market value, without depreciation. The back-up of sewer or drain coverage protects against damage caused by water backup, which can prevent costly repairs and replacements for renters.

Best Renters Insurance in South Carolina
Data filtered by:Results filtered by:
Coverage:
Coverage:$20K Personal Property
Auto-Owners Insurance93$ 97
Chubb93$ 120
State Farm90$ 121
Allstate85$ 118
Nationwide80$ 175
Travelers61$ 271
Foremost Insurance50$ 239

Cheapest Renters Insurance in South Carolina

Auto-Owners offers the cheapest renters insurance in South Carolina with an annual premium of $97 for $20K in personal property coverage and a $1,000 deductible. The two cheapest providers are:

  • Auto-Owners: $97 per year
  • Allstate: $118 per year

Cheap renters insurance policies often have low personal property coverage limits. However, higher personal property coverage limits can lead to higher monthly costs but offer better protection if you have many belongings.

Cheapest Renters Insurance in South Carolina
Data filtered by:Results filtered by:
Coverage:
Coverage:$20K Personal Property
Auto-Owners Insurance$ 97
Allstate$ 118
Chubb$ 120
State Farm$ 121
Nationwide$ 175
Foremost Insurance$ 239
Travelers$ 271
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QUALITY OVER COST

Choosing renters insurance in the state should prioritize quality service. Opting for the best renters insurance over the cheapest option ensures efficient claims handling. This investment might save you money long-term.

Cheapest Renters Insurance by High Deductible in South Carolina

The cheapest renters insurance company for $20,000 in personal property coverage with a $2,000 deductible in South Carolina is Auto-Owners, with an annual premium of $91. For the same coverage and deductible, the top two cheapest providers in South Carolina are:

  • Auto-Owners: $91 per year
  • Chubb: $103 per year

A deductible is the amount you must pay before your insurance starts covering expenses. It directly affects your insurance costs; a higher deductible usually means lower premiums. You can examine how rates change with the table provided below.

Cheapest High-Deductible Renters Insurance in South Carolina
Data filtered by:Results filtered by:
Coverage:
Coverage:$20K Personal Property
Deductible:
Deductible:$ 2,000
Auto-Owners Insurance$ 91
Chubb$ 103
State Farm$ 114
Allstate$ 118
Nationwide$ 153
Foremost Insurance$ 217
Travelers$ 235

Best Renters Insurance for Customer Service in South Carolina

Travelers is the best renters insurance company for service quality in South Carolina for $20K in personal property coverage, with an annual premium of $271. The two best providers are:

  • Travelers: MoneyGeek score of 95 out of 100 ($271 per year)
  • Nationwide: MoneyGeek score of 94 out of 100 ($175 per year)

Great customer service is crucial for renters because it ensures quick and hassle-free assistance during unexpected events, such as making a claim. When you file a claim, having a provider that handles your concerns promptly and professionally can make all the difference.

Company logo for Travelers
Best ServiceTravelers
MoneyGeek Score:
95/ of 100

Overview

In South Carolina, Travelers ranks first for coverages and maintains strong customer satisfaction. Its annual premium is $271.

Travelers offers contents replacement cost and valuable items insurance. Contents replacement cost provides compensation to replace personal property without deduction for depreciation, ensuring renters get new items instead of depreciated value. Valuable Items Insurance protects high-value possessions like jewelry and electronics.

Best Renters Insurance For Customer Service in South Carolina
Data filtered by:Results filtered by:
Coverage:
Coverage:$20K Personal Property
Travelers95$ 271
Nationwide94$ 175
Chubb93$ 120
State Farm86$ 121
Auto-Owners Insurance84$ 97
Allstate75$ 118
Foremost Insurance55$ 239

Best Renters Insurance for Extra Personal Property in South Carolina

State Farm is the best renters insurance company for renters who need $100K of personal property coverage in South Carolina, with an annual premium of $249. The two best providers are:

-State Farm: MoneyGeek score of 95 out of 100 ($249 per year)
-Auto-Owners: MoneyGeek score of 93 out of 100 ($243 per year)

Renters with more personal belongings need higher personal property coverage. Personal property coverage protects your items from theft, damage or loss. Higher coverage usually comes at a higher cost. Therefore, finding a provider that balances cost and great service is vital.

Company logo for State Farm
Best for Extra Personal PropertyState Farm
MoneyGeek Score:
95/ of 100

Overview

In South Carolina, State Farm stands out as the top provider for renters needing extra personal property coverage due to its high affordability and customer satisfaction scores. With an annual premium of $249, State Farm offers excellent value. It provides cyber event/ID theft, which helps renters recover financially from identity theft or cyber incidents.

Best Renters Insurance for Extra Personal Property Limits in South Carolina
State Farm95$ 249
Auto-Owners Insurance93$ 243
Allstate83$ 335
Nationwide81$ 466
Chubb78$ 524
Travelers61$ 774
Foremost Insurance57$ 572

Best Renters Insurance for Military Families in South Carolina

USAA is the best renters insurance company for those with military backgrounds in South Carolina, with an annual premium of $164. The following providers are the top two best providers in South Carolina for military members who need $20K in personal property coverage:

  • USAA: MoneyGeek score of 100 out of 100 ($164 per year)
  • Auto-Owners: MoneyGeek score of 93 out of 100 ($97 per year)

USAA offers a range of products tailored for those with a military background, providing discounts and coverages that suit the military lifestyle. USAA is not the cheapest option, its tailored offerings make it worth considering for military families.

Company logo for USAA
Best for Military MembersUSAA
MoneyGeek Score:
100/ of 100

Overview

USAA is a renters insurance provider that offers policies exclusively to those with military backgrounds, ranking first in customer satisfaction, coverages, and affordability in South Carolina. Its annual premium is $164. Military families can expect superior service.

USAA's coverage options stand out. Contents replacement cost ensures that lost or damaged items are replaced at their current value rather than depreciated value. Worldwide personal property covers your possessions anywhere in the world, ideal for military members stationed abroad.

Best Renters Insurance for Military Families in South Carolina
Data filtered by:Results filtered by:
Coverage:
Coverage:$20K Personal Property
USAA100$ 164
Auto-Owners Insurance93$ 97
Chubb93$ 120
State Farm90$ 121
Allstate85$ 118
Nationwide80$ 175
Travelers61$ 271
Foremost Insurance50$ 239

Best Renters Insurance for Bad Credit in South Carolina

Chubb is the best renters insurance company in South Carolina for people with poor credit, with an annual premium of $120. The two best providers are:

  • Chubb: MoneyGeek score of 98 out of 100 ($120 per year)
  • Nationwide: MoneyGeek score of 94 out of 100 ($258 per year)

Rates for people with poor credit are often higher. Insurers view poor credit as a sign of financial instability, indicating a higher likelihood of filing claims. However, you can improve your credit score to lower rates and take advantage of available discounts.

Company logo for Chubb
Best for Bad CreditChubb
MoneyGeek Score:
98/ of 100

Overview

In South Carolina, Chubb ranks first in affordability and customer satisfaction, making it the cheapest provider for people with poor credit. Renters can expect an annual premium of $120.

Chubb offers discounts for having protective devices and bundling policies. Protective device discounts apply if your building has security features like alarms, helping reduce annual costs. Bundling discounts can further lower your premium when you combine your renters and auto insurance with Chubb.

Best Renters Insurance for Bad Credit in South Carolina
Data filtered by:Results filtered by:
Coverage:
Coverage:$20K Personal Property
Credit Score:
Credit Score:Below Fair
Chubb98$ 120
Nationwide91$ 218
State Farm91$ 199
Allstate89$ 118
Travelers68$ 656
Foremost Insurance65$ 392
Auto-Owners Insurance57$ 788

Average Cost of Renters Insurance in South Carolina

The average cost of renters insurance in South Carolina is $163 annually, which breaks down to $14 per month. This is higher than the national average of $146 per year. South Carolina renters pay $17 more annually compared to the national average. These rates are based on a renters insurance policy with $20K personal property limits, $100K liability limits, and a $1,000 deductible.

The average cost of renters insurance in South Carolina may vary greatly depending on the amount of personal property coverage you purchase. Personal property coverage protects your belongings in case of damage or theft. Use the tool below to get an estimate for your renters insurance based on your needs.

Renters Insurance Calculator

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It's free to use, requires no personal information and we won't send you any spam.

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Rates updated:

Dec 05, 2024

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Average Cost of Renters Insurance by City in South Carolina

The average cost for renters insurance not only varies by state but also by city. For instance, the average cost in Charleston is $186, whereas in Columbia, it is $151. These rates are based on a renters insurance policy with $20K personal property limits, $100K liability limits, a $1,000 deductible, and a good credit score. See the average cost in your city using the table below.

Charleston$ 186
Columbia$ 151
North Charleston$ 184
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COMPARE QUOTES TO SAVE

Renters in South Carolina can save money on renters insurance by comparing quotes among providers. For $20K in personal property and a $1,000 deductible, Auto-Owners offers the lowest annual premium at $97, while Foremost Insurance is the most expensive at $239. By shopping around, renters can save $142 annually or $12 monthly.

What Factors Impact Renters Insurance Costs in South Carolina?

The cost of renters insurance in South Carolina is influenced by multiple factors, including the location of the rental property and the amount of coverage desired. Understanding these variables is key to finding a policy that fits your budget and needs.

  • Location: The area where you live can affect your premium due to crime rates and weather-related risks.
  • Coverage Amount: Opting for higher coverage limits will typically increase your insurance costs.
  • Deductible: Choosing a higher deductible can lower your monthly premium, but you'll pay more out-of-pocket in case of a claim.
  • Claims History: Renters with a history of claims may face higher premiums due to perceived risk.
  • Credit Score: Insurance companies may use your credit score to determine your premium, with higher scores often leading to lower costs.

How Much Personal Property Coverage Do You Need?

Determining your personal property coverage involves creating a personal inventory of all your belongings at home. A personal inventory is a detailed list of items you own, including their descriptions and values. Follow these steps to create one:

  1. Start With Big-Ticket Items: List all high-value items first, such as electronics, jewelry and furniture, noting their make, model and serial numbers when available.
  2. Document With Photos or Videos: Take clear photographs or video recordings of your belongings, capturing any identifying marks or conditions.
  3. Include Receipts and Appraisals: Attach purchase receipts, warranty cards and appraisal documents for items of significant value.
  4. Store Information Securely: Keep your inventory list and supporting documents in a safe, accessible location, such as a cloud storage service.
  5. Update Regularly: Review and update your personal inventory annually or whenever you acquire or dispose of items.

Personal Property Coverage Calculator

When figuring out how much renters insurance you need, experts recommend the standard $100,000 in liability insurance and enough personal property protection to cover your possessions. Use MoneyGeek's calculator to estimate the value of your possessions so you know how much personal property coverage to buy.

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What Renters Insurance Typically Covers in South Carolina

Renters insurance primarily protects your personal belongings from damage, but it also extends to other areas such as liability and additional living expenses. Here's what a typical policy may cover:

  • Personal Property Coverage: Safeguards your possessions against covered perils like theft to help you replace them.
  • Personal Liability Coverage: Protects you from legal responsibility for injuries or damage to others, such as if a guest is injured in your rental unit.
  • Loss of Use Coverage: For additional living expenses if your rental is uninhabitable due to a fire, for example, loss of use coverage can cover temporary housing costs.

Renters insurance typically applies to specific events, like theft, vandalism or specific natural disasters. Here's what most policies cover:

  • Fire or lightning
  • Windstorm or hail
  • Explosions
  • Riots
  • Damage caused by aircraft
  • Damage caused by vehicles
  • Smoke damage
  • Vandalism
  • Theft
  • Volcanic eruption
  • Falling objects
  • Weight of ice, snow or sleet
  • Water-related damage from home utilities
  • Electrical surge damage

What Renters Insurance Typically Doesn't Cover

Although renters insurance provides a safety net for your personal property and liability, it does not universally cover all losses. For instance, damage from floods typically falls outside standard policies. Here's what else is usually not included:

  • Natural Disasters: Standard policies often exclude events like floods and earthquakes.
  • High-Value Items: Expensive jewelry or electronics may exceed policy limits.
  • Business Equipment: Items used for business purposes may require additional coverage.
  • Roommate Property: Your policy does not cover your roommate's belongings.
  • Pest Damage: Infestations and damage from pests are generally not covered.
  • Car Theft: Personal vehicles are covered under auto insurance, not renters insurance.

Understanding these exclusions can help you seek additional coverage if necessary, ensuring you're protected against a wider range of potential risks.

FAQ: Renters Insurance in South Carolina

Choosing the best renters insurance provider depends on your specific needs and circumstances. In this FAQ section, we've answered common questions to help you navigate your options and make an informed decision.

What is the cheapest renters insurance company in South Carolina?

What is the best renters insurance company in South Carolina?

How much does renters insurance cost in South Carolina?

Is renters insurance required in South Carolina?

About Mark Fitzpatrick


Mark Fitzpatrick headshot

Mark Fitzpatrick is a Licensed Property and Casualty Insurance Producer and MoneyGeek's Head of Insurance. He has analyzed the insurance market for over five years, conducting original research and creating personalized content for every kind of buyer. He has been quoted in several insurance-related publications, including CNBC, NBC News and Mashable.

Fitzpatrick earned a master’s degree in economics and international relations from Johns Hopkins University and a bachelor’s degree from Boston College. He is passionate about using his knowledge of economics and insurance to bring transparency around financial topics and help others feel confident in their money moves.