Homeowners Insurance in Charleston, South Carolina

Key Takeaways

  • The average Charleston home insurance cost is about $2,779 annually, or about 55% above South Carolina’s average of $1,792 annually. 
  • Our customers can find the cheapest homeowners insurance in Charleston, South Carolina, by searching for insurers that offer plenty of discounts and by adjusting their coverage and deductibles. 
  • The best home insurance companies in Charleston, South Carolina, vary from person to person, as needs are subjective. 

What’s the Average Charleston Home Insurance Cost?

The average homeowners insurance cost in Charleston, South Carolina, is about $2,779 annually. Compared to the state’s average home insurance premium of about $1,792, rates in this city are about 55% above average.

Due to the state’s coastal location, South Carolina home insurance can be high for some, especially for those in coastal cities like Charleston. Charleston’s location makes it susceptible to severe weather. The threat of hurricanes, floods, and even tornadoes underscores the importance of protecting your property.

The cost of homeowners insurance isn’t uniform for every person. Rates vary due to a variety of factors related to your home, your policy, and your personal details.

However, we have dozens of customers who count on us to get the best Charleston home insurance, so we have a good idea of what the average customer pays in this South Carolina city. We went ahead and compiled our customers’ data, ran the numbers, and figured out the average price our customers pay for coverage in Charleston. 

Clovered Site Icon Average Homeowners Insurance Cost in Charleston

City

Average Premium

Charleston

$2,779

But, as we mentioned earlier, many factors affect insurance rates. To get a more accurate picture of the Charleston home insurance rates, we can break down the numbers even further. Generally, the older a house is, the more expensive it is to insure. Older homes are less likely to meet modern building or safety codes, which makes them inherently riskier and more vulnerable to damage from severe weather.

Older houses may also have features that aren’t easy to replace because they’re no longer made or are harder to find today. As a result, insurance companies generally charge higher rates to cover older homes. 

As you gather quotes, you may also notice that the construction style of the house affects premiums, as masonry homes cost less to insure than frame homes. Generally, masonry homes, which are houses built out of brick or concrete, have lower insurance premiums because masonry homes can withstand the elements better. They are also much less likely to suffer from termites and wood rot.

homeowners-insurance

It’s Time to Switch Your Homeowners Insurance

We partner with the nation’s top homeowners insurance companies so you can get a custom policy at an affordable price.

Finding the Cheapest Home Insurance Companies in Charleston, South Carolina

Unfortunately, there isn’t one company that specializes in cheap coverage. Insurance rates vary from person to person, so the company that may offer you the lowest rates may not do the same for your neighbor. The best way to find the best home insurance in Charleston, South Carolina, that saves you the most on your premiums is to compare quotes from several insurers. 

Once you’ve selected the insurer that offers you the cheapest rates, there are some decisions you can make about your policy that can affect your premiums, too. In fact, you may be able to save on your premiums by tweaking a few details on your policy.

For example, the amount of coverage you carry directly affects how much you’ll pay. Generally, the more insurance you have, the more you’ll pay. So, if you’re concerned with saving money, you may opt for less coverage. 

The deductible you choose also plays a role. An easy way to lower your premium is to select a higher deductible. Opting for a higher deductible means the insurance company would have to pay less in case of a claim since you would be taking on more out-of-pocket costs yourself. Unsurprisingly, the insurer likes this, so choosing a higher home insurance deductible often results in a lower rate.

How to Find the Best Homeowners Insurance in Charleston, South Carolina

The best insurance company in Charleston is subjective — it depends on your needs and which carrier offers the right coverage at a price that works for you. Customer service and claims handling are important factors to consider as well.

If you have any special details about your home or how you use it, you’ll want to make sure they’re covered by your insurer, too. For example, some residents may need vacation home insurance in Charleston, South Carolina, if the residence is empty for several consecutive months in the off-season. 

Additionally, if the size of your home is above average, you may need to find an insurer that offers high-value home insurance in Charleston, South Carolina. While many insurers may offer coverage for these types of homes, you may find that some are favored over others.

To guarantee you’re getting the best coverage, it’s important to know what insurance policies contain. The best policies don’t skimp in any major areas of coverage. You should always compare quotes from multiple providers to know you’re getting the right deal.

Charleston Home Insurance Coverages

Homeowners insurance policies are usually divided into different aspects of coverage. Each area protects your property or financial situation in different ways. A typical home insurance plan in Charleston, known as an HO3 policy, should have these coverages.

Clovered Site Icon Coverages for Home Insurance in Charleston, South Carolina

Coverage

Definition

Dwelling Coverage

Also known as coverage A, dwelling coverage financially safeguards the main structure of your home. This includes your floor, windows, walls, roof, and patio.

Other Structures Coverage

Also known as coverage B, other structures coverage protects the structures on your property that aren’t attached to your main house. These include sheds, fences, decks, gazebos, and more.

Personal Property Coverage

Also known as coverage C, personal property coverage helps cover your belongings inside your house. Your furniture, electronics, clothes, valuables, and more are included in personal property coverage.

Loss of Use Coverage

Also called additional living expenses, loss of use coverage is part of your plan that may cover expenses you may incur if you’re forced to move out of your home due to damage from a covered peril. It can enable your provider to reimburse you for expenses like hotel stays, food, gas, and more.

Liability Coverage

Liability coverage protects your financial well-being in case someone gets injured on your property and decides to sue you for damages. Your insurance can cover the related medical expenses, property damage, and legal fees if you’re found liable.

Medical Payments Coverage

Medical payments covers smaller injuries and medical expenses if you’re found liable for someone’s injury on your property. It’s like liability coverage, but specifically designed for minor injuries.

Getting Home Insurance Quotes in Charleston, South Carolina

If you’re looking for Charleston home insurance quotes, we’re here to help. Whether you’re searching for a standard home insurance policy or more niche coverage options like a personal umbrella insurance provider in Charleston, we’re prepared to help you find a policy that best meets your needs. 

Clovered is a full-service independent insurance agency partnering with some of the top providers in South Carolina to get you the best coverage at a great price. 

We’d love to help you get a quote. You can get one entirely online. Or, if you want to speak to a licensed agent on the phone, just call 833-255-4117 Monday through Friday from 8:30 a.m. to 6 p.m. You can also email us anytime at agent@clovered.com with any questions, and an agent will get back to you soon.

Average Cost of Homeowners Insurance in North Charleston, South Carolina

North Charleston was incorporated in 1972, and it’s distinct from Charleston in some ways. In our breakdown of home insurance in Charleston, we included the zip codes from North Charleston, too, such as 29415 and 29418. 

Home insurance in North Charleston is affected by the same factors as policies in Charleston, so the difference in premiums isn’t very drastic. However, this area is farther inland than Charleston proper, so these residents may see lower premiums due to lower severe-weather risk. 

Clovered Site Icon Average Homeowners Insurance Cost in North Charleston

City

Average Premium

North Charleston

$2,178
homeowners-insurance

It’s Time to Switch Your Homeowners Insurance

We partner with the nation’s top homeowners insurance companies so you can get a custom policy at an affordable price.

Charleston Home Insurance FAQs

What’s the best renters insurance in Charleston, South Carolina?

The best renters insurance, no matter where you live, will be a policy that meets your coverage needs within your budget. The best way to find such a policy? You’re actually halfway there. Here at Clovered, you can get a dwelling fire insurance quote for Charleston in just a couple of clicks. By comparing South Carolina renters insurance quotes, you can select the insurer that best meets your needs.

Should I have condo insurance in Charleston, South Carolina?

Yes, you should have condo insurance in Charleston and wherever else you decide to live. While it may only be required if you use a mortgage to finance your unit, it’s always a good idea to maintain home insurance coverage to ensure your property is protected in the event of a disaster.

Do I need mobile home insurance in Charleston, South Carolina?

While you may not legally need mobile home insurance, you should maintain a policy for your own peace of mind. If you have a mobile home in Charleston, note that your policy will differ from those discussed above. We discussed average HO3 policy rates, but HO3 policies don’t cover mobile homes. Providers offer HO7 policies for mobile homes. Although many of the coverage areas are the same on both policies, the rates may differ.

Do I need hurricane insurance in Charleston, South Carolina?

It’s important to note that there isn’t a single policy known as hurricane insurance. Instead, home and flood insurance work together to help cover the cost of damage a hurricane may cause. So, if you’re interested in coverage for hurricane damage, it’s crucial to ensure your home and flood insurance policies are up to the task.

Should I get flood insurance in Charleston, South Carolina?

Unfortunately, home insurance will do little to cover damage from flooding. To be properly protected from the many flooding risks in Charleston, you’d need a separate flood insurance policy. The city’s location at the intersection of the Atlantic coast and several major tributaries means flooding from storm surges and high tides is likely.

The editorial content on Clovered’s website is meant to be informational material and should not be considered legal advice.

About the author

John Miceli

Content Writer II

John is a licensed insurance agent and content writer for Clovered. He has authored or edited over 400 informational pieces on property insurance, including home, auto, and flood, to help consumers understand their coverage. John graduated from the University of Florida with a B.S. in...

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