Best Homeowners Insurance in South Carolina (2026)

Chubb earned the top spot in our review of South Carolina's best home insurance providers with a MoneyGeek score of 4.8 out of 5.

See if you're overpaying for home insurance below.

Written by Mark Fitzpatrick

Updated: February 1, 2026

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Key Takeaways: South Carolina Home Insurance Providers

Our 2026 research found the top three home insurance companies in South Carolina are Chubb, USAA and State Farm.

Chubb offers the highest-quality homeowners insurance in South Carolina with the lowest average annual premium at $2,047.

Hurricane threats drive up insurance costs statewide, as coastal locations make residents vulnerable to frequent severe storms. Find quality coverage from an affordable insurer

5 Best Home Insurance Companies in South Carolina

Chubb is the best home insurance company for most South Carolina homeowners with affordable rates and strong customer experience. USAA earned the highest MoneyGeek score from our team but ranks No. 2 because coverage is available only to military members, veterans and their families. The top five companies earned high ratings in our affordability, customer experience and coverage categories:

Chubb
USAA
State Farm
Auto-Owners
Allstate


USAA	4.92	3	1	1
State Farm	4.67	2	4	3
Chubb	4.81	1	3	2
Auto-Owners Insurance	4.44	6	2	4
Allstate	4.42	4	6	5

*Our ratings consider different combinations of coverage levels, home features and homeowner details to identify the best overall options. Rankings may differ based on your profile. The tables below follow the same methodology.

Chubb

MoneyGeek Rating

4.8/ 5

5/5Affordability

4.6/5Customer Experience

4.6/5Coverage

Average Annual Premium
$2,047
Average Monthly Premium
$171
J.D. Power Customer Satisfaction Score
677/1,000

pros
- Strong financial stability backed by high industry ratings
- Digital policy management tools offer user-friendly experience
- Comprehensive coverage options designed for diverse homeowner needs
cons
- Claims processing may slow during high-demand situations
- Policy flexibility limitations may not accommodate unique circumstances
- Geographic availability restricted in certain South Carolina areas
Chubb provides extended replacement cost coverage, ensuring full home rebuilding costs even if they exceed policy limits. Its policy includes coverage for water damage from flooding, crucial for homeowners in flood-prone areas of the state.

Chubb charges $2,047 annually for home insurance in South Carolina, 34% less than the state average of $3,100. The company offers bundling discounts for multiple policies and home security system discounts to help reduce costs even further.


Older Homes	$2,063	$172
Newer Homes	$1,870	$156
Young Homeowners	$2,050	$171
Senior Homeowners	$2,040	$170
High-Risk Fire Homes	$2,294	$191
Smaller Homes	$2,127	$177
Larger Homes	$2,372	$198

Chubb earned 677 out of 1,000 points in the J.D. Power customer satisfaction study, above the industry average of 642. The company operates through local independent agents who provide personalized service and comprehensive coverage options tailored to the unique needs of South Carolina homeowners. Chubb also provides a user-friendly online platform for policy management, combining traditional agent support with modern digital convenience.
Chubb provides standard homeowners coverage with optional add-ons:
- Extended replacement cost: Covers repair or rebuilding costs beyond your policy limit to restore your home to its original condition
- Temporary living arrangements: Finds you comfortable accommodations during home reconstruction
- Risk consulting: Free home appraisals from trained consultants who assess security vulnerabilities and fire prevention needs
- Cash settlement: Provides payment up to your policy limit for covered total losses if you choose not to rebuild
- Replacement cost coverage: Replaces upgraded appliances, custom cabinets, flooring and carpentry at current prices without depreciation deductions
- HomeScan: Detects hidden issues like leaks, insulation gaps and electrical problems using infrared technology before damage occurs

USAA

MoneyGeek Rating

4.9/ 5

4.9/5Affordability

5/5Customer Experience

5/5Coverage

Average Annual Premium
$2,448
Average Monthly Premium
$204
J.D. Power Customer Satisfaction Score
737/1,000

pros
- User-friendly digital tools streamline policy management and claims processes
- Comprehensive coverage options specifically designed for military families
- Competitive pricing runs below South Carolina state average
cons
- Agent network smaller compared to major national insurers
- Limited availability restricted to military-affiliated customers only
- Geographic availability constraints in certain South Carolina areas
USAA offers quality coverage for military families. The company provides personal property replacement cost coverage, ensuring full value for damaged belongings when disasters strike. USAA also includes additional living expenses coverage, which proves invaluable for homeowners displaced by hurricanes and other natural disasters common in South Carolina.

USAA charges $2,448 annually for home insurance, 21% less than South Carolina's state average of $3,100. The company offers bundling discounts for multiple policies and home security system discounts to further reduce costs.


Older Homes	$2,515	$210
Newer Homes	$1,769	$147
Young Homeowners	$2,452	$204
Senior Homeowners	$2,439	$203
High-Risk Fire Homes	$2,743	$229
Smaller Homes	$2,220	$185
Larger Homes	$2,645	$220

USAA earned 737 out of 1,000 points in J.D. Power customer satisfaction ratings, well above the industry average of 642. The company operates through a direct-to-consumer model with a digital-first approach, offering competitive rates and coverage tailored specifically for military families in South Carolina. USAA provides robust online tools for quotes and claims management, though this digital focus means limited face-to-face agent interaction.
USAA provides standard homeowners coverage with optional add-ons:
- Home Protector: Increases dwelling and other structures coverage limits by 25% when building costs rise unexpectedly
- Water backup: Pays for damage from water or sewage backing up through plumbing systems or sump pump overflows
- Earthquake: Protects your home and belongings from damage caused by earthquakes, shock waves or tremors
- Personal injury: Covers legal costs if you face accusations of libel, slander, defamation or other reputation harm

State Farm

MoneyGeek Rating

4.7/ 5

5/5Affordability

4.3/5Customer Experience

4.2/5Coverage

Average Annual Premium
$2,064
Average Monthly Premium
$172
J.D. Power Customer Satisfaction Score
657/1,000

pros
- Strong financial stability with high ratings from industry analysts
- Most affordable rates available for South Carolina homeowners
- Extensive agent network provides personalized service and local support
cons
- Limited availability of certain specialized add-on coverage options
- Direct purchase options may lack personalized guidance from agents
- Service availability restricted in some areas across the state
State Farm provides personal property replacement cost coverage, ensuring you can fully replace lost items rather than settling for depreciated values. State Farm also includes additional living expenses coverage, which proves crucial during temporary relocations after hurricanes and other disasters common in the state.

State Farm charges $2,064 annually for home insurance, 33% less than the state average of $3,100. The company sweetens the deal with bundling discounts for multiple policies and home security system discounts.


Older Homes	$2,230	$186
Newer Homes	$1,467	$122
Young Homeowners	$2,067	$172
Senior Homeowners	$2,056	$171
High-Risk Fire Homes	$2,312	$193
Smaller Homes	$2,142	$178
Larger Homes	$2,390	$199

State Farm earned 657 out of 1,000 points in J.D. Power customer satisfaction ratings, scoring above the industry average of 642. The company combines local independent agents with direct services, giving South Carolina homeowners personalized support when they need it most. State Farm also provides robust online tools for quotes and claims management, letting you handle routine tasks digitally while maintaining access to local expertise.
State Farm provides standard homeowners coverage with optional add-ons:
- Personal articles policy: Protects high-value jewelry, art and collectibles against risks excluded from standard policies
- Umbrella policy: Extends liability protection beyond homeowners and auto policy limits
- Service line coverage: Pays repair costs for underground utility lines on your property
- Sewer backup coverage: Covers water damage and cleanup when sewage backs up inside your home
- Energy efficiency upgrade: Provides extra funds to replace damaged systems with energy-efficient models
- Identity fraud protection: Covers restoration costs if your identity gets stolen

Auto-Owners

MoneyGeek Rating

4.4/ 5

4.5/5Affordability

4.6/5Customer Experience

4/5Coverage

Average Annual Premium
$3,705
Average Monthly Premium
$309
J.D. Power Customer Satisfaction Score
621/1,000

pros
- Flexible policy options with various add-on coverage availability
- Strong financial stability with high ratings from agencies
- Robust agent network providing personalized service and support
cons
- Customer satisfaction score falls below industry average
- Claims process may be slower than expected sometimes
- Rates run significantly above state average pricing
Auto-Owners provides essential wind and hail damage protection, crucial for coastal areas prone to severe storms. Its policies include personal property replacement cost coverage, ensuring homeowners can fully replace lost items without depreciation. We recommend Auto-Owners for SC residents who value local service and comprehensive storm protection.

Auto-Owners charges $3,705 annually for home insurance in South Carolina, 20% more than the state average of $3,100. The company offers meaningful savings through bundling discounts for multiple policies and home security system discounts.


Older Homes	$3,904	$325
Newer Homes	$3,065	$255
Young Homeowners	$3,614	$301
Senior Homeowners	$3,262	$272
High-Risk Fire Homes	$4,152	$346
Smaller Homes	$3,844	$320
Larger Homes	$4,292	$358

Auto-Owners earned 621 out of 1,000 points in the J.D. Power customer satisfaction study, falling below the industry average of 642. The company operates through local independent agents who provide strong personalized service for South Carolina homeowners. It offers online quotes for convenience but has limited mobile app functionality compared to digital-first competitors. This traditional approach appeals to customers who prefer face-to-face relationships over self-service technology.
Auto-Owners provides standard homeowners coverage with optional add-ons:
- Guaranteed home replacement cost: Rebuilds your home completely even when costs exceed your coverage limit
- Water backup of sewers or drains: Pays for sewer or drain backup damage with multiple coverage limit options
- Special personal property: Protects personal items against loss, misplacement, staining and defacing beyond standard coverage
- Ordinance or law: Brings your home up to current building codes after covered damage
- Homeowners Plus: Bundles coverage for appliance leaks, increased food spoilage limits, limited fungi damage and automatic inflation protection
- Equipment breakdown: Covers mechanical failures in air conditioners, heating units, computers and major appliances
- Identity theft expense: Reimburses up to $15,000 for financial identity restoration costs
- Home cyber protection: Pays professionals to recover stolen or corrupted data, restore devices and provide legal counsel
- Inland flood: Adds flood coverage to homeowners policies for low-to-moderate risk zones, including home damage, contents, debris removal and temporary housing

Allstate

MoneyGeek Rating

4.4/ 5

4.9/5Affordability

3.9/5Customer Experience

3.9/5Coverage

Average Annual Premium
$2,455
Average Monthly Premium
$205
J.D. Power Customer Satisfaction Score
633/1,000

pros
- Extensive agent network delivers personalized service and local support
- High AM Best ratings demonstrate strong financial stability and reliability
- Comprehensive coverage options include unique identity theft protection features
cons
- Customer satisfaction scores fall below industry average performance levels
- Limited availability restricts access in certain South Carolina areas
- Policy customization options limited for specialized coverage requirements
Allstate provides Claim RateGuard, a unique feature that prevents premium increases after filing a claim. Allstate also delivers extensive personal property coverage with strong protection against natural disasters common in South Carolina.

Allstate charges $2,455 annually for home insurance in South Carolina, 21% less than the state average of $3,100. The company offers additional savings through bundling discounts for multiple policies and discounts for installing home security systems.


Older Homes	$2,685	$224
Newer Homes	$1,839	$153
Young Homeowners	$2,415	$201
Senior Homeowners	$2,452	$204
High-Risk Fire Homes	$2,751	$229
Smaller Homes	$2,153	$179
Larger Homes	$2,550	$213

Allstate earned 633 out of 1,000 points in J.D. Power customer satisfaction ratings, slightly below the industry average of 642. The company operates through both local independent agents and direct sales, providing personalized service through agents familiar with South Carolina homeowners' specific needs. Allstate also maintains a robust online platform for policy management and claims, offering customers flexibility in how they interact with their insurance provider.
Allstate provides standard homeowners coverage with optional add-ons:
- Identity theft restoration: Reimburses legal fees, lost wages and related expenses after identity theft
- Water backup: Pays for damage from backed-up drains or broken sump pumps
- Scheduled personal property: Protects appraised valuables like engagement rings and antiques
- Business property: Raises coverage limits for business inventory and equipment stored at home
- Sports equipment: Extends protection for golf clubs, ski gear and other expensive equipment
- Green improvement reimbursement: Pays extra costs to replace damaged items with energy-efficient alternatives
- Yard and garden: Increases limits for trees, landscaping and riding lawn mowers
- Electronic data recovery: Restores lost computer data, including photos and videos
- Musical instruments: Expands coverage for guitars, violins and other instruments

Compare the Best South Carolina Home Insurance Companies by City

From Charleston's coastal hurricane exposure to Columbia's inland storm risks, home insurance rates and provider performance vary across South Carolina cities. Our research identified the top-rated insurer for major South Carolina cities based on affordable pricing, customer satisfaction and coverage options.


Columbia	USAA	$1,474
Charleston	USAA	$3,243
Ladson	USAA	$2,642
Florence	USAA	$1,998
Laurens	USAA	$1,393
Myrtle Beach	USAA	$4,695
Leesville	USAA	$1,538
Sumter	USAA	$2,162
North Charleston	USAA	$3,066

How Much Is South Carolina Home Insurance?

Coverage amounts create major differences in South Carolina home insurance costs, with $500,000 in dwelling protection costing $5,444 versus just $1,631 for $100,000 coverage. The state averages $3,100 annually, though rates vary based on your home and personal profile. Your credit score makes the biggest difference, with poor credit pushing premiums to $8,313, while excellent credit brings costs down to around $1,473 per year.


Overall average	$3,100	$258
$100,000 dwelling coverage	$1,631	$136
$500,000 dwelling coverage	$5,444	$454
Older homes (1980)	$3,789	$316
Newer homes (2020)	$2,829	$236
Homeowner age 20–40	$4,022	$335
Seniors 61+	$4,053	$338
Recent Claim	$4,723	$394
Excellent Credit	$1,473	$123
Poor Credit	$8,313	$693

How to Find the Best Home Insurance in South Carolina

Compare home insurance rates in South Carolina to find affordable coverage that protects against the state's hurricane risks and severe weather threats. Shop for policies that address local hazards while fitting your budget.

1
Decide on Coverage Needs Before You Buy
Assess your home's replacement cost and South Carolina's natural disaster risks. Wildfire exposure threatens foothills communities, hail damage strikes along the Front Range, and flash floods occur near mountain drainage areas. Your coverage should reflect your home's value, personal property and liability needs while accounting for South Carolina's high rebuilding costs.
2
Research Costs and Discounts
South Carolina home insurance averages $3,100 annually. Bundling home and auto policies saves 15% to 25% on premiums. Get discounts for monitored security systems, fire-resistant roofing and hail-resistant shingles. Impact-resistant windows and roof updates qualify you for more savings while reducing hail damage.
3
Evaluate Provider Reputation and Coverage Options
Review customer satisfaction scores and claims handling reputation before choosing an insurer. Look for South Carolina-specific coverage like wildfire coverage, water back-up from snowmelt and service line coverage for freeze-thaw damage. Extended replacement cost coverage pays full rebuilding costs even when they exceed policy limits due to material shortages or labor increases.
4
Explore Alternative Coverage Types
Inland flood coverage covers flash flood damage without a separate National Flood Insurance Program policy. Equipment breakdown coverage covers HVAC system failures in South Carolina's temperature extremes. Mountain vacation homes and short-term rental properties need specialized policies for their unique risks.
5
Get Multiple Quotes
Compare quotes from at least three insurers; rates vary between providers. Shop through direct insurers, independent agents and online platforms. Request quotes with identical coverage limits and deductibles for accurate comparisons. Ask about discounts for fire-resistant materials and protective devices common in South Carolina homes.

REVIEW YOUR HOMEOWNERS INSURANCE COVERAGE ANNUALLY

Update your dwelling coverage each year to match rising construction costs and your home's current replacement value. South Carolina's housing market fluctuations and hurricane risk mean your coverage needs change over time. Shop for new quotes annually and especially after home improvements to ensure you're properly protected.

Top-Rated South Carolina Home Insurance Companies: Bottom Line

Chubb, USAA and State Farm lead South Carolina's home insurance market with strong financial ratings and comprehensive coverage options. Get quotes from these insurers and prioritize protection against hail damage and flash floods while ensuring adequate rebuilding costs and liability coverage.

Best Home Insurers in South Carolina: FAQ

Common questions South Carolina homeowners ask when shopping for home insurance:

Does home insurance cover flood damage to home?

No, standard home insurance policies exclude flood damage coverage. Homeowners need separate flood insurance through the National Flood Insurance Program or private insurers to protect against water damage from storms, overflowing rivers, or heavy rainfall. This additional coverage must be purchased before flooding occurs, as policies have waiting periods before taking effect.

How much home insurance coverage do I need?

Your dwelling coverage needs to match the full rebuilding cost of your home, not its current market value. Take inventory of your belongings to determine adequate personal property coverage amounts. Use a construction cost calculator or get a professional appraisal to establish accurate rebuild estimates for proper protection.

How does South Carolina's hurricanes affect home insurance rates?

South Carolina's hurricane risk significantly drives up home insurance premiums, as insurers account for potential wind and flood damage costs. Coastal communities like Charleston and Myrtle Beach face the highest rates due to their direct storm exposure. However, homeowners can secure discounts by installing impact-resistant windows, storm shutters, and reinforced roofing materials that reduce vulnerability to hurricane damage.

What's the difference between replacement cost and actual cash value coverage?

Replacement cost coverage pays to replace damaged items with new ones at current market prices, while actual cash value only covers what your belongings were worth after depreciation. For instance, if your five-year-old television gets destroyed in a fire, replacement cost buys you a brand-new TV, but actual cash value only pays the depreciated worth of your old set.

How We Determined the Best Home Insurance Companies in South Carolina

Our analysis identifies which insurers balance affordability with coverage for South Carolina-specific risks. We evaluated home insurance providers across three weighted factors that determine value for South Carolina homeowners.

Affordability (55%): We analyzed rates for different home types, credit tiers and risk levels. Providers earned higher scores for competitive pricing and extensive discounts. Cost carries the heaviest weight because premiums determine whether you can maintain coverage long-term. South Carolina's high rebuilding costs and frequent hail claims make affordable coverage important.

Customer satisfaction (30%): We reviewed ratings from Trustpilot, app stores and J.D. Power surveys covering the buying process, policy management and claims handling. These ratings show which companies deliver consistent service throughout your relationship, not just competitive quotes. Claims experience matters most when wildfire or hail damage strikes and you need prompt payment and clear communication.

Coverage options (15%): We assessed add-on availability, unique features and state access. More flexibility lets you tailor policies to South Carolina needs like wildfire coverage, water backup from snowmelt and equipment breakdown coverage for HVAC systems in temperature extremes. Standard policies don't always address South Carolina's specific hazards without customization.

Our Sample Profile

Costs reflect a homeowner aged 41 to 60 with good credit and no prior claims insuring a 2,500-square-foot home built in 2000. Coverage includes $250,000 dwelling coverage, $125,000 personal property coverage, $200,000 personal liability coverage and a $1,000 deductible. This profile represents typical South Carolina homeowners balancing comprehensive coverage with manageable premiums.

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.

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