Columbia, SC Homeowners Insurance
Find the right homeowners insurance policy for you.
Written by
Ann Herro has been writing about insurance and employee benefits for over 15 years. She has covered topics as easy as insuring a car, and as difficult as transparency in healthcare costs.
Columbia, affectionately called the “Cola,” is home to its beloved Gamecocks. Culturally attuned residents of this city often frequent the Columbia Museum of Art that hosts 25 separate galleries and is located on Main Street. Many residents of this fair city also own their own homes, and these folks understand the importance of having a Columbia, SC homeowners insurance policy.
Theft in South Carolina
- National average for burglaries: 37,814
- South Carolina number of burglaries: 40,958
South Carolina has a higher than average number of burglaries, but keep in mind that if you live in a relatively safe area, your premium will be lower than the state average.
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Number of catastrophes in South Carolina and the US
- National number of catastrophes: 19,033
- Number of catastrophes in South Carolina: 621
- National number of tornadoes: 1,233
- Number of tornadoes in South Carolina: 13
- National property from weather: $5,511,270,000
- Property damage from weather in South Carolina: $12,050,000
South Carolina has a high number of catastrophes in general, and it has a higher number of tornadoes than what the other states endure.
What Is Included in a Homeowners Insurance Policy?
The coverage that you will find in your basic Columbia homeowners insurance policy will provide you with insurance protection in the following areas:
- The home’s structure: Insurance coverage for both the exterior and interior of the house, including exterior structures such as a detached garage and sheds
- Personal assets: Includes all your personal property and the things you own within the home
- Liability insurance: Provides coverage for damage to another person's property, or for injuries to another person while on your premises
- Living expenses: Provides you with coverage if you have to temporarily live somewhere else because your home is under repair or is temporarily uninhabitable
- Medical expense coverage: Covers another person or family member for injuries while your property
Additional Information when Buying a Policy
When choosing a Columbia homeowners insurance policy, you want to keep these things in mind as well:
- Type of coverage: Many insurers will give the option of choosing between a policy that covers “ACV” (actual cash value) and a policy that covers "replacement cost.” Actual cash value means that repairs or replacement of your home will incur a depreciation factor. Replacement cost will reimburse you for the current market value of repairs or replacement.
- Coverage on your contents: The majority of insurers will only insure the contents in your home up to 50 percent of the insured value that you carry on the house itself. Carefully consider the value of your contents to make certain you have sufficient coverage. Certain personal contents have specified ceiling amounts for specific items such as art, collectibles, and jewelry for example. You may have to pay an extra premium or buy an additional rider to ensure you cover these items at their actual value.
- Value of your home: You should review your policy occasionally to ensure that the amount of coverage you originally bought takes into account any appreciation in the home’s value over the years.
Save on Home Insurance
Our independent agents shop around to find you the best coverage.
Cost of Homeowners Insurance in South Carolina
- National yearly premium average: $1,034
- South Carolina yearly premium average: $1,134
- 13th most expensive premium in the US
How a Homeowners Premium Is Determined
The premium for your Columbia homeowners insurance coverage will take into consideration the following variables:
- How the home was constructed
- The year it was built
- How close you are to a fire station
- The coverage amounts on your policy
- The deductible you choose
Other Insurance Considerations
A standard homeowners policy will not cover every peril. For example, most insurers do not include a loss that occurs from a flood or earthquake. Specialized insurance policies cover these perils. You will have to buy separate coverage if either of these issues are a concern where you reside.
Insurance Discounts
There are several ways you can lower the amount you pay for a homeowners insurance policy. These are some of the options:
- Paying a higher deductible
- Combining your homeowners policy with other policies, which is known as “bundling”
- Improving the security and safety of your home with an alarm, deadbolts or internal sprinklers
How to Find a Homeowner’s Insurance Policy
A homeowners policy that is suitable for your specific needs is best located by contacting an independent member agent in our network. A member agent has access to many insurers and can compare policies and show you comparable Columbia home insurance quotes from multiple insurers.
Contact one of these member agents in your area today to find the right insurance coverage for your home.