Cheapest homeowners insurance carriers in South Carolina
Estimated annual premiums for a standard policy (~$300k dwelling, $1,000 deductible), ranked cheapest first — South Carolina averages about $1,890/yr (median of the carriers below: $1,852/yr). Enter your ZIP for a ranking tuned to your dwelling amount, deductible, and coverage.
| # | Carrier | Est. annual | vs median |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | USAA | $1,361/yr | Save $491 |
| 2 | Auto-Owners | $1,550/yr | Save $302 |
| 3 | Amica Mutual | $1,625/yr | Save $227 |
| 4 | Travelers | $1,720/yr | Save $132 |
| 5 | Nationwide | $1,814/yr | Save $38 |
| 6 | State Farm | $1,890/yr | +$38 |
| 7 | Progressive | $1,966/yr | +$114 |
| 8 | Farmers | $2,117/yr | +$265 |
| 9 | Allstate | $2,174/yr | +$322 |
| 10 | Liberty Mutual | $2,230/yr | +$378 |
Directional estimates from public rate filings and NAIC data — not a quote. Your actual rate depends on dwelling amount, deductible, roof age, claims history, and ZIP.
- South Carolina averages $1,890/year ($158/month) for homeowners insurance — near the national average
- Rates here are driven largely by hurricanes and coastal wind — your home's age, roof, and claims history matter too
- USAA, Auto-Owners, and Amica Mutual are typically the most competitive; compare at least 3 carriers when shopping
- Not required by state law, but your mortgage lender will require it — and it protects your largest asset
- Standard policies exclude flood and earthquake; buy those separately if you're exposed
What is the average cost of homeowners insurance in South Carolina?
The average cost of homeowners insurance in South Carolina is $1,890 per year — about $158/month — for a standard policy with roughly $300,000 in dwelling coverage and a $1,000 deductible. That puts South Carolina near the national average of about $1,915. The single biggest factor behind South Carolina's rates is hurricanes and coastal wind. South Carolina's Atlantic hurricane exposure drives higher coastal premiums, with the statewide average near national. The spread between the cheapest and most expensive carrier for the same home is often $600–1,500/year, so shopping at renewal genuinely pays off.
Carrier selection matters more than most homeowners assume. USAA, Auto-Owners, and Amica Mutual tend to price most competitively in South Carolina, but the right answer depends on your dwelling amount, roof age, and whether you bundle auto. Entering your ZIP takes about two minutes and reveals current carrier pricing for your specific location.
Cheapest homeowners insurance companies in South Carolina
USAA, Auto-Owners, and Amica Mutual are consistently among the most competitive options for homeowners insurance in South Carolina. Bundling your auto policy is usually the single largest discount available — often 10–20% — followed by raising your deductible and adding modern roof, security, or smart-home credits. Comparing all three at renewal takes about 10 minutes and typically reveals a several-hundred-dollar spread for the same coverage.
One thing many homeowners underestimate: under-insuring the dwelling to save on premium is a costly mistake. Coverage A should reflect your home's rebuild cost, not its market value — and many policies pro-rate even partial claims if you insure for less than 80% of rebuild cost. Use the home coverage calculator to get the levels right before you shop.
What drives homeowners insurance rates in South Carolina?
South Carolina's premiums are shaped primarily by hurricanes and coastal wind. South Carolina's Atlantic hurricane exposure drives higher coastal premiums, with the statewide average near national. On top of regional risk, insurers price your individual home on its age, roof type and age, construction, distance to a fire station, prior claims, and increasingly your insurance-based credit score. Two homes on the same street can pay very different rates based on roof age alone.
Is homeowners insurance required in South Carolina?
No state law in South Carolina requires homeowners insurance. However, if you carry a mortgage, your lender will require it as a condition of the loan and can force-place a (usually more expensive) policy if you let coverage lapse. Even without a mortgage, most owners carry it — a home is the largest asset most people own, and a total loss without coverage is financially catastrophic.
Remember that a standard policy excludes flood and earthquake. In South Carolina, if you're in a flood-prone area you'll need a separate NFIP or private flood policy; earthquake is a separate policy or endorsement. The base policy alone can leave you exposed on the very loss most likely to total your home.
South Carolina homeowners insurance average: $1,890/year ($158/month). Rates here run near the national average and are driven mostly by hurricanes and coastal wind. Bundling auto and getting your dwelling amount right are the two biggest levers on your premium.
Frequently asked questions
What is the average cost of homeowners insurance in South Carolina?
The average is $1,890/year (about $158/month) for ~$300k dwelling coverage with a $1,000 deductible — near the national average of $1,915. Rates vary by ZIP, dwelling amount, roof age, and claims history.
What is the cheapest homeowners insurance in South Carolina?
USAA, Auto-Owners, and Amica Mutual are consistently among the cheapest in South Carolina. Enter your ZIP to compare current carrier rankings for your area.
What drives South Carolina home insurance rates?
Mainly hurricanes and coastal wind. South Carolina's Atlantic hurricane exposure drives higher coastal premiums, with the statewide average near national.
Is homeowners insurance required in South Carolina?
Not by state law, but mortgage lenders require it. Standard policies exclude flood and earthquake — buy those separately if you're exposed.