Last year more than 1 million crop insurance policies were sold, protecting more than 130 different crops across 400 million acres. As a farmer in South Carolina, your land and your crops are at risk of being damaged or completely ruined by a natural disaster. Crop insurance is the protection you need to stay afloat after an event like flooding.

When it comes to crop insurance, you have a few options, and not all will cover flooding. A South Carolina independent insurance agent can make sure you have crop insurance that does include flooding and help you understand your other options as well. 

In 2019, floods caused approximately US $3.75 billion in property and crop damage across the United States.

What Does Crop Insurance Cover in South Carolina?

Crop insurance is purchased by farmers and ranchers to protect their crops from any losses that they may experience from natural disasters. Crop insurance is offered as a federal insurance option, referred to as multiple peril crop insurance (MPCI)  When purchased, it covers the following perils:

Farmers can also choose to purchase crop-hail insurance, which is a more limited policy that protects specifically against hail damage. However, a crop-hail policy can be extended to include damage from fire, theft, vandalism, and malicious mischief, but it will not cover flood damage like an MPCI policy does.

What Is Not Covered under Crop Insurance in South Carolina?

Most farmers will choose to purchase MCPI insurance, as it's more comprehensive than crop-hail insurance and available for more than 120 crops. However, not all crops are covered in every geographical area, so you'll want to check with your South Carolina independent insurance agent to make sure all of your crops are protected under crop insurance.

If My Crop Insurance in South Carolina Doesn't Cover Flooding, What Will?

Even though an MCPI policy covers flooding, there are limitations on what it will cover, and it won't cover the loss of already-harvested grain stored in now-flooded bins. In addition, crop-hail insurance never covers flooding, so if you only purchase crop-hail insurance and your crops experience flooding, you won't be covered.

The good news is that there is help for farmers who find themselves without insurance or filing a claim that's not covered by their crop insurance. The Noninsured Crop Disaster Assistance Program (NAP), managed by the USDA Farm Service Agency, provides financial assistance in the event of low yields, loss of inventory, or prevented planting that occur due to a natural disaster, like flooding.

Top 5 risks for property owners in South Carolina

1. Hurricanes and tropical storms
2. Ice storms and freezing
3. Burglary and other property crimes
4. Wildfires and residential fires
5. Flooding and water damage

What Is Considered a Flood in South Carolina?

Many weather patterns can result in a flood. Whether it's a thunderstorm, hurricane, tornado or snowmelt, it can cause river levels to rise or coasts to flood. South Carolina is at risk of the following types of flooding events:

• Flash flooding: When high water rapidly flows into what is normally a dry area or an area experiences rapid water level rise in a stream or creek that goes above a predetermined flood level. If the water levels rise within six hours of the event that caused the increase in water, then it's deemed a flash flood. 
• Riverine flooding: When river levels rise above the capacity of a river's banks and natural drainage system, causing the river to overflow its banks and flood surrounding areas.
• Coastal flooding:  When land is submerged in seawater by waves, tides, storm surges, or heavy rainfall as a result of a coastal weather event like a hurricane. 
• Dam breaks: When water overtops a dam structure or general surrounding ground, or structural failure causes a dam to seep or fully break. 
• Snowmelt: When rapidly warming temperatures cause the quick melting of snow and the water runoff causes nearby streams and rivers to rapidly rise.
• Debris jams:  When a river or stream is backed up by debris or ice, causing the river to flood.

Rivers, dams, and creeks have predetermined flood levels, and any event that causes water to surpass these predetermined levels is considered a flood in South Carolina. 

What Does Flood Insurance Cover in South Carolina?

A flood insurance policy will cover any physical damage to your property and possessions. Flood insurance is purchased separate from your homeowners policy and you'll have the option to purchase building coverage and contents coverage. Each option has its own deductible and covers different things.

Building coverage typically includes:

• The insured building and its foundation
• Electrical and plumbing systems
• Central air conditioning equipment, furnaces, and water heaters
• Refrigerators, cooking stoves, and built-in appliances
• Permanently installed carpeting over unfinished flooring
• Permanently installed paneling, wallboard, bookcases, and cabinets
• Window blinds
• Detached garages
• Debris removal

Contents coverage typically includes:

• Clothing, furniture, and electronic equipment
• Curtains
• Portable and window air conditioners
• Portable microwave ovens and portable dishwashers
• Carpets that are not included in building coverage
• Clothes washers and dryers
• Food freezers and the food in them
• Certain valuable items such as original artwork and furs, up to $2,500

If you do not purchase contents coverage, your flood-damaged personal property will not be covered. 

What Are the Flood Zones in South Carolina?

South Carolina is filled with flood zones across the state. Most cities on the coast are located in flood zones because of their proximity to the Atlantic Ocean, but inland rivers and streams put many other cities at risk. You can look up flood zones using the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) flood maps, but many of the maps are outdated. The easiest way to know if your home and farm are located in a flood zone is to ask your independent insurance agent. They'll know the risks your farm faces. 

Why Work with an Independent Insurance Agent?

When it comes to flooding, there are multiple options that you can choose from, and the choices can be overwhelming. Independent insurance agents in South Carolina are experts in crop insurance. They know which policies cover flooding and can make a recommendation for you. Once you know the type of crop insurance you need, your agent can shop multiple carriers and deliver different quotes for you to choose from.