Renters insurance is a type of personal insurance policy. It protects your personal belongings against damage or loss, and also protects you if someone is injured as a result of your negligence. 

But does your South Carolina renters insurance cover flooding? If not, how can you purchase flood insurance to make sure you’re protected?

Does Renters Insurance Cover Flooding in South Carolina?

Renters insurance provides financial protection for the loss or destruction of possessions when you rent a house or apartment. With renters insurance, your possessions are covered for losses related to:

• Fire 
• Smoke
• Lightning
• Vandalism 
• Theft
• Explosion
• Windstorm and water damage (not floods) 

Renters insurance in South Carolina does not cover damage caused by floods. 

If Renters Insurance Does Not Cover Flooding, What Will?

If you’re a renter in South Carolina and want protection from flood damage, you need to purchase flood insurance from the National Flood Insurance Program (NFIP). 

Congress created NFIP in 1968 to help provide a way for property owners to financially protect themselves from flood damage. Flood insurance from the NFIP is available to homeowners, renters, condo owners, and business owners.

The NFIP offers renters flood insurance to protect your personal possessions in the event of a flood. Your coverage won’t cover any damage to your actual building; it’s your landlord’s responsibility to purchase building flood insurance. 

You can purchase up to $100,000 in contents-only coverage for your belongings. It covers your furniture, clothes, television, computers, rugs, and electronic equipment. It also covers the following if they are your belongings and not provided by your landlord:

• Curtains
• Washer and dryer
• Portable and window air conditioners
• Microwave oven
• Valuable items such as original artwork and furs (up to $2,500)
• Food freezers and the food in them

How Can I Prevent Flood Damage to My Apartment in South Carolina?

No matter where you live, the NFIP offers some tips to get ready and prevent flood damage, including:

• Get flood insurance.
• Know your flood risk. Visit the online Flood Map Service Center from the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) to understand the flood risk in your area. 
• Take a household inventory. This will help you file and expedite a renters insurance or flood insurance claim. 
• Store important documents on the highest level possible inside of a waterproof container.

You can also reduce your potential losses from flooding by taking the following steps:

• Elevate and anchor utilities. 
• Waterproof your basement.
• Clear debris from gutters.
• Elevate or move your furniture.

How Can an Agent Help Me with Renters Insurance in South Carolina?

If you’re shopping for renters insurance in South Carolina, working with a local independent insurance agent is your best bet. Independent agents aren’t tied down to one insurance company. They can help you shop around for the best coverage at a price that fits your budget.

What’s more, talk to an agent about your need for renters flood insurance. Flood insurance can only be purchased from your insurance agent, not directly from the federal government. Your independent insurance agent can help you learn about whether or not you live in a flood plain or a high-risk zone, and can get you quotes for renters flood insurance in your South Carolina community.