Water damage in your home can be caused by a variety of incidents, and your South Carolina home insurance in South Carolina does not provide coverage for all of them.

South Carolina independent insurance agents are local professionals who can help you understand more about homeowners insurance, and can help you find coverage that fits your needs.

Flooding in South Carolina

Hurricanes, tropical storms, flooding, and water damage are among the top five risks for South Carolina homeowners.

Top 5 risks for South Carolina homeowners: 

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

South Carolina homes can be damaged by flooding that results from severe storms, thunderstorms, seasonal rains, and other major weather events. Certain parts of the state are highly vulnerable to river flooding due to low-lying topography and a humid, subtropical climate.

Along the coast, flooding is largely the result of tropical storms and hurricanes. This type of flooding is usually a result of heavy rains, high winds, storm surges, erosion, and battering by debris.

Hurricane Joaquin resulted in widespread, heavy rainfall and major flooding from the central part of South Carolina to the coast. Historic rainfall from the storm resulted in moderate-to-major river flooding across South Carolina with at least 20 locations exceeding the established flood stages.

Some areas experienced more than 20 inches of rainfall over a 5-day period, with many locations recording rainfall rates of 2 inches per hour. Much of this rainfall occurred over urban areas where runoff rates are high and where recent rains had left the ground already saturated.

Losses related to this event were $1.492 billion, much of which was uninsured.

Does Home Insurance in South Carolina Cover Water Damage?

Flooding isn’t the only cause of water damage to your South Carolina home. It's important to understand that water damage due to flooding is not covered by home insurance in South Carolina, but other types of water damage are covered.

Coverage for water damage entirely depends on the cause of the damage.

In general, most standard homeowners insurance policies define covered water damage as sudden and accidental discharge of water. This means that you’re not likely to have coverage for water damage caused by regular maintenance issues or failure to make timely repairs.

The dwelling coverage portion of your homeowners insurance policy protects your home’s structure from a variety of “covered perils,” or causes of loss. In general, insurance companies will consider your water damage covered if it caused by:

If you leave the water running in a sink while you are away for the weekend, and water overflows onto your floor, the water damage would probably be covered. Or if rain comes in through a hole in the roof or a broken window during a severe storm, any resulting water damage is likely to be covered.

But preventable long-term problems that could have been avoided with simple maintenance are not covered.

What’s most important is that you review your policy carefully and understand exactly what the restrictions are for water damage under your specific South Carolina home insurance policy.

What Kind of Water Damage Is Not Covered by Home Insurance in South Carolina?

There are several items or scenarios in which water damage is not covered by home insurance in South Carolina.

The source of the damage

Even if your water damage is covered, most insurance policies will not cover the source of the water damage. So, you may be reimbursed for the costs of tearing out and replacing a damaged floor, but you probably won’t have coverage for the cost of replacing the broken dishwasher, washing machine, or pipe that caused the damage in the first place.

Flood from a hurricane or another weather event

Flood damage is not covered under home insurance in South Carolina, regardless of the cause of the flooding or the source of the water. Flooding can occur in a variety of situations, including heavy rains, over-saturated ground, or overflowing or surging bodies of water such as rivers, ponds, lakes, and oceans. In general, it is considered to be any rising waters that come from outside your home.

Burst pipes

Your South Carolina homeowners insurance will usually cover water damage due to burst pipes. But if your insurance company feels that you were at fault or failed to take precautions to protect your pipes, your claim could be denied.

Sewer backup

Sewer backup is not covered under most standard home insurance policies in South Carolina, but you can add sewer backup coverage with a policy endorsement. These endorsements typically offer $5,000 to $10,000 of coverage for damage caused by a sewer backup.

Appliance leaks

Appliance leaks that are deemed to be sudden and accidental will be covered by your homeowners policy. But if your insurance company feels that you have been negligent (perhaps you failed to fix an ongoing leak) your claim can be denied.

Ground water seepage

Most insurance companies will not cover damage due to ground water seepage. This is typically considered to be a maintenance issue.

Roof leaks

If a roof leak and subsequent damage are because you did not properly maintain your roof, your South Carolina home insurance policy isn't likely to cover your claim for water damage.

What Does Flood Insurance Cover in South Carolina?

South Carolina homeowners can purchase separate South Carolina flood insurance that is offered by the National Flood Insurance Program (NFIP). Flood insurance is recommended for homeowners, condo owners, and renters who live on a flood plain or who simply want the additional protection it offers.

Flood insurance covers physical damage to your building and your personal property. Rates vary depending on the flood risk for your property.

Building coverage and contents coverage must be purchased separately, and always have separate deductibles. If you do not purchase contents coverage, your flood-damaged personal property will not be covered. 

What To Do after Your South Carolina Home Has Been Flooded

Even a small flood is likely to leave a huge mess in your home. In most cases it will be difficult to know what to do first.

It’s important to exercise extreme caution as you begin the cleanup process. You need to know how to properly clean, sanitize, and dry out your home and your other possessions.

If you’ve evacuated because of a major flood, listen to the authorities for information and instructions, and do not return home until you’ve been told it’s safe to do so. You should also avoid driving, except in emergencies.

As you begin the cleanup process, remember the following:

• Wear heavy gloves and boots during cleanup.
• Do not touch electrical equipment if it is wet or if you are standing in water. If it is safe to do so, turn off the electricity.
• Avoid wading in floodwater, which can contain dangerous debris, contaminants, and underground or downed power lines. 
• Take photos of any damage before doing any cleanup or repairs.
• Perform temporary repairs that are necessary to prevent further damage (e.g., pump and dry water out of your basement or any area that is flooded).
• Call a professional cleaning service for help with cleaning water and mold damage.

You’ll need to contact your insurance company as soon as possible. You’ll work with a claim representative on getting repairs made, as well as coordinating any other coverage that you have (e.g., temporary housing). Most insurance policies will cover the damage after you've paid your deductible.

How a South Carolina Independent Insurance Agent Can Help

Water damage coverage is one of the most confusing areas of homeowners insurance in South Carolina. It’s important to understand what is covered and what is not. That’s where your independent insurance agent can help.

A local agent can not only help you get quality, affordable home insurance in South Carolina, but can also help you understand your coverage so there are no surprises. A South Carolina independent insurance agent can also help you get flood insurance.