You’re renting a home, and you’re already enjoying some of the freedoms not experienced by those who own their living spaces outright. Unfortunately, renter or not, you still can’t escape common hazards like natural disasters and break-ins. So in order to protect your home, you’ll need the proper coverage. Luckily, a South Carolina independent insurance agent can get you set up with the right renters insurance for the job. But first, here’s a guide to this important coverage.

What Is Renters Insurance?

Regardless of where the home you’re renting is located, renters insurance is basically an agreement between the renter and an insurance company in which the insurer agrees to cover financial losses relating to damages and liabilities on the property. Only the specific perils stated in the policy will be covered by the insurance company. Renters insurance is designed to help protect renters from losing their home and their stuff should disaster strike.

What Does Renters Insurance Cover in South Carolina?

Unlike homeowners insurance, renters insurance doesn’t include coverage for the actual dwelling or the structure of the home itself since that’s typically the landlord’s responsibility. However, renters still need protection for their personal stuff and their guests, which is where renters insurance comes in.

There are the three main coverages included in standard renters insurance policies available in South Carolina:

• Personal property coverage: This covers your personal belongings like furniture, clothing, electronics, knickknacks, silverware, etc. that are stored within the home from perils such as fire or theft.
• Liability coverage: This covers legal expenses such as attorney and court fees in the event you are sued for bodily injury or property damage to a third party. Settlements you’re ordered to pay if you lose the case are covered as well. Coverage extends to all members of the family living within the home, including pets.
• Additional living expenses: In the event your home becomes temporarily uninhabitable following a crisis like a fire or natural disaster, this coverage will reimburse you for additional expenses while staying at a temporary residence like a hotel. Coverage also pays for things like additional gas mileage, laundry services, eating out, etc.

These three components compose the core of renters insurance packages in South Carolina. Working together with a South Carolina independent insurance agent is a great way to get the right amount of coverage in each category for your unique home.

What Does Renters Insurance Not Cover in South Carolina?

Like every other kind of insurance out there, renters insurance comes with a list of specified covered perils as well as non-covered perils. Becoming familiar with what your renters insurance policy doesn’t cover can save you the hassle of filing claims that are bound to get denied, and in the event of certain non-covered natural disasters, it can help you find the right kind of policy to protect you.

Renters insurance policies in South Carolina do not cover the following perils:

• Certain natural disasters (i.e., floods, earthquakes, and mudslides)
• Maintenance-related losses
• Wear and tear damage (i.e., failure of the renter to maintain upkeep of the home)
• Insect damage or infestations
• Damage from war or nuclear fallout
• Business-related liability

If you run a business out of your home, renters insurance won’t cover any liability-related mishaps. To protect your personal property against flood or earthquake damage, you’ll need a flood insurance or earth movement policy. Flood insurance policies are only available through the National Flood Insurance Program, which is a part of FEMA. Renters in South Carolina, a coastal state that’s prone to hurricanes and flooding, may want to consider getting a policy.

Do I Need Renters Insurance in South Carolina?

Maybe. While renters insurance isn’t technically required by law, your landlord or property manager is legally allowed to require any renters to carry coverage before they’re approved. But regardless of whether or not you need it, it’s still a great idea to have coverage. As a renter, you’ll want protection not only for yourself and your stuff, but for other family members and your guests/visitors, too. Having renters insurance comes with numerous benefits.

Renters insurance policies in South Carolina typically protect against the following perils:

• Theft
• Vandalism
• Explosion
• Fire and smoke
• Water damage (certain types)
• Aircraft or vehicle damage
• Riots
• Falling objects (and trees)
• Certain natural disasters (i.e., windstorms, hail, lightning, and blizzards)

Your South Carolina independent insurance agent can help you review your renters insurance policy to answer any remaining questions about your coverage. They’ll also be able to help you figure out whether you’ve got enough coverage, or if you should purchase more.

How Much Does Renters Insurance Cost in South Carolina?

While it’s hard to offer an exact figure without knowing your unique living situation, the national average for renters insurance policies is about $200 annually. But unless you’re renting a particularly expensive home in a major city like Charleston or near the water in Myrtle Beach, you can typically expect to pay close to this amount or possibly even less. A South Carolina independent insurance agent can help find more exact quotes for you.

Why Work with a South Carolina Independent Insurance Agent?

In order to get the protection you need and deserve, you’ll want to work with a trusted expert. And who could be better for the job than a local agent who shares your area code? Independent insurance agents act as your own personal insurance shoppers, offering you tons more options than one-policy companies. With just one call, they’ll hook you up with multiple quotes.

South Carolina independent insurance agents are armed with knowledge on what coverage is needed in your area, and they’ll get you set up with just enough of it — not too little, not too much. They’ll handle all the heavy lifting so you can rest assured you’ll be set up with the right coverage at the right price.

They’re not just there at the beginning either. If disaster strikes, your South Carolina agent will be there to help walk you through the claims process and make sure you’re getting the benefits you're entitled to. Now that’s thinking ahead.