Hugo, Matthew, Florence, Dorian, and Irma are just a few of the most recent hurricanes to hit South Carolina. Residents are at great risk of experiencing personal property damage from thunderstorms, tornadoes, and hurricanes, making it a crucial place to have flood insurance. But how much time do you need to give yourself in order to make sure you're covered?

The good news is that flood insurance will protect you against a hurricane, but you can't purchase it the week the storm hits. You'll need to plan at least 30 days in advance. That's why a South Carolina independent insurance agent can help you secure your flood insurance today, so you're not stuck with it being too late. 

Can I Buy Flood Insurance before a Hurricane in South Carolina?

You're living in South Carolina and the weatherman has just said a hurricane is headed your way. Can you run out and purchase a last-minute South Carolina flood insurance plan? The short answer is not really. While you can physically purchase a flood insurance plan within a few hours of calling your insurance company, most policies do not go into effect for 30 days. If your home or vehicle is damaged by a flood within those 30 days, it will not be covered. 

Where Can I Buy Flood Insurance In South Carolina?

Up until recently, the only way to purchase flood insurance in South Carolina was through the National Flood Insurance Program (NFIP). This program is offered through the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) and distributed through around 60 insurance companies in the US. In November 2020, the governor of South Carolina approved the South Carolina Private Flood Insurance Act, which provides consumers with more flood insurance purchasing options through private flood insurance companies, in addition to NFIP. Whether NFIP or another private insurer is best for you, an independent insurance agent can help you determine the best route to go.

Why Should I Buy Flood or Hurricane Insurance in South Carolina?

The South Carolina Department of Natural Resources Flood Mitigation Program has identified flood-prone areas in every county, city, and town in South Carolina. In fact, there is an 80% chance that the state will be impacted by a hurricane every year. For many years it was believed that only those who lived on the coast needed flood insurance, but some of the hardest-hit counties are those that are designated low-risk zones. Flood insurance is available to homeowners and renters and it protects your property and your belongings. Just one inch of floodwater can result in $25,000 in damage. On average, flood insurance costs $500 a year, so the coverage is well worth the investment. 

Flood Stats in South Carolina

South Carolina hurricane stats from 1851 to 2019

What Does Hurricane Insurance Cover in South Carolina?

When you go to purchase hurricane insurance in South Carolina, you'll be purchasing flood insurance. With flood insurance, you can choose to purchase building and/or contents coverage. Between these two options, you're covered for any damage to your property or personal belongings as a result of a hurricane. 

These items are typically covered under building coverage:

These items are typically covered under contents coverage:

How Much Does South Carolina Flood Insurance Cover?

When you purchase flood insurance from NFIP, you'll have a $250,000 limit for the building and a $100,000 limit for contents coverage. Typically these are not only purchased separately, but also have separate deductibles. These limits may be different when you purchase through a private flood insurer. Your independent agent can discuss policy coverage limits. 

Why Choose an Independent Insurance Agent?

With the South Carolina Private Flood Insurance Act, residents have more options than ever before for purchasing flood insurance. With more options comes more questions about what the best coverage is for you, and a South Carolina independent insurance agent can answer those questions. They're experts in flood insurance and have built a reputation with insurance companies around the state. They will shop flood insurance quotes for you and present you with an option that fits your budget and needs. They're not just there in the beginning, either. In the unfortunate event that you need to use your flood insurance, your independent agent can help you file a claim and see it through to payment.