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The Best Homeowners Insurance in South Carolina

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    Residents of the Palmetto State have a lot to deal with when it comes to protecting their homes — from hurricanes to pests to crime. Thankfully, there are several high-quality homeowners insurance companies available to choose from in the state.

    Some of our highest-scoring include Allstate, Auto-Owners, Cincinnati Insurance, USAA, and State Farm. We selected these companies by looking at factors like discounts, premium costs, coverage, company reputation, and more.

    The 5 Best Homeowners Insurance Companies in South Carolina

    • Allstate
    • Auto-Owners
    • Cincinnati Insurance
    • USAA
    • State Farm

    Compare South Carolina’s top insurance companies

     Average Annual Premium* AM Best Financial Strength RatingJ.D. Power Customer Satisfaction Rating**
    Allstate$1,567A+829
    Auto-Owners$1,479 A++831
    Cincinnati Insurance$1,618 A+NA
    USAA$809A++882
    State Farm$1,747 A++835

    *Rates pulled from Coverage.com

    **J.D. Power 2021 U.S. Home Insurance Study, based on a 1,000-point scale

    Best South Carolina Homeowners Insurance Companies

    Allstate

    Allstate’s strength is in the diversity of its offerings and discounts, which allow you to pick and choose the coverage that works best for your circumstances. It has a great website with tons of useful information.

    Allstate

    Best Discount Options

    Why we chose it

    Allstate may not have the lowest premium on our list, but it’s important to remember that rates vary depending on your situation and needs. The number of discounts and digital options for managing your policy make this insurance provider a standout.
    • 4 Reviews Score Score is based on company’s customer experience, financial stability, and coverage options.
    • A+ AM Best Rate AM Best rates insurance providers creditworthiness. Ratings are based on the provider’s ability to follow through with a payout when a consumer files a claim.
    • 829* J.D. Power J.D. Power scores are based on surveys for customer satisfaction and product quality.

    Why we chose it

    Allstate may not have the lowest premium on our list, but it’s important to remember that rates vary depending on your situation and needs. The number of discounts and digital options for managing your policy make this insurance provider a standout.

    Pros

    • Above-average customer service
    • Convenient mobile app
    • Diverse discounts opportunities
    • Informative website and digital tools

    Cons

    • AM Best financial strength ratings are good, but not great
    • Higher than average complaint ratio on NAIC complaint index
    • Some standard coverage isn’t included
    Read More

    Discounts available

    • Early signing discount
    • Hail-resistant roof discount
    • Homebuyer discount

    Unique features

    Allstate also has a mobile app for its customers’ convenience. You can use it to get quotes, access resources, and more. The company’s coverage isn’t as comprehensive as what some other homeowners insurance companies offer. For example, you may need to purchase extended coverage for items like jewelry.

    *J.D. Power 2021 U.S. Home Insurance Study, based on a 1,000-point scale

    Further Reading on Allstate:

    Auto-Owners Insurance

    If you prefer doing your insurance business in person or by phone rather than digitally, Auto-Owners could be a good fit for you. Auto-Owners doesn’t have an online quote tool, nor can you report a claim online.

    Auto-Owners

    Best Claims Satisfaction

    Why we chose it

    Auto-Owners Insurance is about average when it comes to costs in South Carolina, but it offers many ways for its customers to save. The carrier has multiple discounts to take advantage of, including a green discount and a protective devices discount.
    • 4 Reviews Score Score is based on company’s customer experience, financial stability, and coverage options.
    • A++ AM Best Rate AM Best rates insurance providers creditworthiness. Ratings are based on the provider’s ability to follow through with a payout when a consumer files a claim.
    • 831* J.D. Power J.D. Power scores are based on surveys for customer satisfaction and product quality.

    Why we chose it

    Auto-Owners Insurance is about average when it comes to costs in South Carolina, but it offers many ways for its customers to save. The carrier has multiple discounts to take advantage of, including a green discount and a protective devices discount.

    Pros

    • Excellent customer service
    • Strong AM Best financial strength rating
    • High claims satisfaction
    • Several possible discounts and unique add-ons

    Cons

    • Few online capabilities
    • Not rated by all credit agencies
    • Poor digital experience
    Read More

    Discounts available

    • Green discount
    • Multi-policy discount
    • Paid-in-full discount

    Unique features

    Auto-Owners offers some unique coverage options with Homeowners Plus. This can include damage from appliance leaks and coverage for food spoilage during a power outage.

    *J.D. Power 2020 U.S. Home Insurance Study, based on a 1,000-point scale

    Further Reading on Auto-Owners:

    Cincinnati Insurance Co. 

    Cincinnati Insurance writes business and individual insurance policies and is based in Ohio, though it has a strong presence in South Carolina. It positions itself toward high-net-worth individuals, but it sells policies for homes of any value.

    Cincinnati Insurance

    Best for High-Value Homes

    Why we chose it

    Cincinnati Insurance Company has a Superior A+ financial rating from AM Best. A strong rating lets customers know the insurance provider has a history of financial stability and has been able to pay claims.
    • 4.3 Reviews Score Score is based on company’s customer experience, financial stability, and coverage options.
    • A+ AM Best Rate AM Best rates insurance providers creditworthiness. Ratings are based on the provider’s ability to follow through with a payout when a consumer files a claim.
    • N/A J.D. Power J.D. Power scores are based on surveys for customer satisfaction and product quality.

    Why we chose it

    Cincinnati Insurance Company has a Superior A+ financial rating from AM Best. A strong rating lets customers know the insurance provider has a history of financial stability and has been able to pay claims.

    Pros

    • Good for high-value homes
    • Homeowners Plus endorsement
    • Option for flexible increased coverage
    • Strong customer service

    Cons

    • More expensive than average coverage
    • No online quotes or claims
    Read More

    Discounts available

    • Bundle discounts
    • Good claim history discounts
    • Home alarm discount

    Unique features

    The Executive Homeowner Plus endorsement offers uncommon coverage, including personal property replacement without a deduction for depreciation.

    USAA

    USAA appears at the top of rating lists for its excellent customer service marks, comprehensive policies and competitive prices. The only catch is you must be a current or former member of the military or an immediate family member to purchase a policy — but if you are, the company could be a strong consideration for you.

    USAA

    Best for Military Members

    Why we chose it

    USAA has one of the highest overall customer satisfaction ratings from J.D. Power, even though it is not officially ranked due to eligibility restrictions. It also features some of the most affordable rates in South Carolina among the companies we examined.
    • 4 Reviews Score Score is based on company’s customer experience, financial stability, and coverage options.
    • A++ AM Best Rate AM Best rates insurance providers creditworthiness. Ratings are based on the provider’s ability to follow through with a payout when a consumer files a claim.
    • 882* J.D. Power J.D. Power scores are based on surveys for customer satisfaction and product quality.

    Why we chose it

    USAA has one of the highest overall customer satisfaction ratings from J.D. Power, even though it is not officially ranked due to eligibility restrictions. It also features some of the most affordable rates in South Carolina among the companies we examined.

    Pros

    • Option for flexible increased coverage
    • Outstanding customer service
    • Policies tailored to military family needs
    • Strong financial rating from AM Best

    Cons

    • Limited discounts
    • Only available to current and former military members and their families
    Read More

    Discounts available

    • Claims-free discount up to 10%
    • Home security system discount
    • Save up to 10% if you bundle home insurance with auto insurance

    Unique features

    USAA’s policies are written with service men and women in mind. This means they have details that anyone in the military can appreciate, such as full coverage for uniforms for active duty or deployed members.

    *J.D. Power 2021 U.S. Home Insurance Study, based on a 1,000-point scale

    Further Reading on USAA:

    State Farm

    Based on our research, State Farm offers above-average customer support along with competitive pricing and solid coverage options. For those new to homeownership, their Simple Insights blog can tell you a lot you need to know about homeownership in general.

    State Farm

    Best for Fast Claim Payments

    Why we chose it

    State Farm is a well-known insurance company with a long history and a good reputation. It has a Superior A++ financial rating from AM Best and one of the strongest customer satisfaction ratings from the 2021 J.D. Power Home Insurance Study.
    • 3.75 Reviews Score Score is based on company’s customer experience, financial stability, and coverage options.
    • A++ AM Best Rate AM Best rates insurance providers creditworthiness. Ratings are based on the provider’s ability to follow through with a payout when a consumer files a claim.
    • 835* J.D. Power J.D. Power scores are based on surveys for customer satisfaction and product quality.

    Why we chose it

    State Farm is a well-known insurance company with a long history and a good reputation. It has a Superior A++ financial rating from AM Best and one of the strongest customer satisfaction ratings from the 2021 J.D. Power Home Insurance Study.

    Pros

    • Excellent web presence
    • Strong AM Best financial strength rating
    • Informative blog
    • Over 19,000 agents nationally

    Cons

    • Higher than average premiums
    • Limited discounts
    Read More

    Discounts available

    • Fire, smoke, or burglar alarms discount
    • Impact-resistant roof discount
    • Multiple policy discount

    Unique features

    State Farm’s comprehensive website makes it easy to get a detailed quote in minutes. You can also pay your bill, file and manage a claim, and handle most maintenance tasks either online or via the company’s app.

    *J.D. Power 2021 Home Insurance Customer Satisfaction Survey, based on a 1,000-point scale

    Further Reading on State Farm:

    Average Cost of Homeowners Insurance in South Carolina

    The average cost of homeowners insurance in South Carolina is $1,516 per year for $200,000 in dwelling coverage. Your actual home insurance costs will depend on many factors, such as the proximity of your home to flood plains or coastal areas. Insurers also evaluate standard elements such as home size and age, crime rates, your claims history, and more.

    Home Insurance Add-Ons That Will Further Protect You

    In South Carolina, it’s important to consider adding flood coverage to your policy. Flooding can be caused by many things, from a spring thaw to a hurricane, and flood insurance is not part of a standard homeowners insurance policy. South Carolina is vulnerable to flooding, so protecting your home and belongings is a good option to consider. You might also want to consider windstorm or hurricane coverage. South Carolina has a long history of hurricanes and tornadoes, and it’s important to protect your finances from the risk of loss.

    The Cheapest Homeowner Insurance Companies in South Carolina

    Largest Companies by Market Share in South CarolinaAverage Annual Premium for $200K Dwelling Coverage
    Lighthouse Prop Ins Corp$717
    Bankers Ins Grp$758
    UNIVERSAL Ins CO Grp$776
    USAA$809
    Homeowners of Amer Ins Co$1,167
    Auto-Owners$1,479
    Allstate$1,567
    Cincinnati Insurance$1,618
    State Farm$1,747
    Southern Farm Bureau$1,772
    ASI Progressive$2,161
    Travelers$2,469

    Cost of Homeowners Insurance by Age of Home

    Age of Home (years)Sample Annual Premium 
    5$1,279 
    20$1,755 
    35$1,846 
    50$1,851 
    Average Across Ages$1,683 

    Top 3 Cheapest Homeowners Insurance Companies in South Carolina

    • Lighthouse Property Insurance Corporation: $717
    • Bankers Insurance Group: $758
    • Universal Insurance Company Group: $776

    Top 3 Most Expensive Homeowners Insurance Companies in South Carolina

    • Travelers: $2,469
    • ASI Progressive: $2,161
    • South Carolina Farm Bureau Mutual Insurance Company: $1,772

    Helpful Resources for South Carolina Homeowners

    The South Carolina Department of Insurance provides insurance advice in easily digestible articles and more thorough brochures. While there, you can also look into the South Carolina Safe Home Mitigation Grant Program. If your home is on coastal property, these funds can help you with weatherproofing your home. The next grant cycle is in December 2021. You can sign up on the website to be notified when applications are open.

    The U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development website also has a variety of resources for South Carolina homeowners. It can walk you through every step, whether you’re just getting started or already maintaining a homestead.

    Homeowners Insurance FAQ

    Methodology

    All rates are pulled from Coverage.com. We evaluated the companies based on their customer rating and experience, financial stability, and coverage to determine the best providers. To compare home insurance companies across the board, we then calculated a Reviews.com score based on the following:

    • Customer Ratings — Customer ratings are an indication of satisfaction with the process of filing a claim. We measured this using J.D. Power Homeowners Satisfaction ratings.
    • Coverage — As there isn’t one company to fit everyone’s needs, we evaluated companies by the amount of coverage options and add-ons available. 
    • Confidence — It is extremely important for insurance companies to fulfill customers’ claims. Companies with sound financial strength will not have issues paying out claims, regardless of the amount. However, companies with weak financial strength might not be able to pay out claims. We measured this using AM Best’s ratings, which specializes in assessing the financial strength of insurance companies.
    • Customer Experience — The amount of complaints a company receives is an indicator of the overall customer experience as it expresses dissatisfaction. We have based this measure on the NAIC National Complaint Index.

    About the Authors

    Lorraine Roberte

    Lorraine Roberte Contributing Writer

    Lorraine Roberte is a South Florida-based personal finance writer. Her work has been published on sites such as Thrive Global, Elephant Journal, Red Tricycle and Tweak Your Biz.

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