SOUTH CAROLINA
FLOOD INSURANCE COST
Last updated October 2026
THE SHORT ANSWER
The average National Flood Insurance Program policy in South Carolina costs about $764 a year, or about $64 a month. Your price can be much higher or lower depending on your home's flood zone, elevation, distance to water and how much it would cost to rebuild. Regular homeowners insurance does not cover flood, and most new flood policies have a 30-day wait.
How Much Does Flood Insurance Cost in SC?
About $764 a year on average for an NFIP policy, based on FEMA data analyzed in 2026. The national average is about $976. South Carolina has more than 190,000 NFIP policies, one of the highest counts in the country.
Averages hide a wide range. A home on high ground outside a flood zone may pay a few hundred dollars. An older oceanfront home in a V zone can pay several thousand.
What Affects Your Flood Insurance Price?
- Flood zone. A and V zones are high-risk. X zones are lower risk.
- Elevation. How high the first floor sits compared to expected flood levels
- Distance to water and the type of flooding, like storm surge or river flooding
- Rebuild cost of the home
- Foundation type, like pilings, slab or crawl space
- Prior flood claims on the home
Since 2021, FEMA prices each home on its own risk instead of only its zone. Two homes on the same street can pay very different amounts.
Is Flood Insurance Required in South Carolina?
It is required if your home is in a high-risk flood zone (zones starting with A or V) and you have a federally backed or regulated mortgage. Your lender will tell you before closing. Even when it is not required, it is worth pricing. About one-third of flood claims from 2013 to 2023 were outside high-risk areas, and the average claim from 2019 to 2023 was about $52,000.
TAKE THE NEXT STEP
Buying near the water?
I pull the flood zone and any elevation certificate for homes you like, so there are no surprises. For quotes, I send clients to Keith Gore at Brightlight Insurance, 910-207-7662.
How Much Coverage Can You Get?
| NFIP coverage | Maximum |
| Building (home or condo unit) | $250,000 |
| Contents | $100,000 |
| Renters (contents only) | $100,000 |
If your home is worth more, private flood insurance or excess flood coverage can fill the gap. Lenders must accept private flood policies that meet federal rules.
Is There a Waiting Period for Flood Insurance?
Usually 30 days. The big exception is when you buy the policy as part of getting, increasing or renewing a mortgage. Then coverage can start at closing. Do not wait until a storm is in the forecast.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the average cost of flood insurance in South Carolina?
About $764 a year, or about $64 a month, for an NFIP policy, based on 2026 analysis of FEMA data. Your cost depends on your home's risk.
Does homeowners insurance cover flooding in SC?
No. Standard homeowners policies exclude flood. You need a separate flood policy.
Is FEMA flood insurance worth it?
For most coastal homes, yes. Flood damage is expensive, and many claims come from outside high-risk zones.
How do I find my flood zone in South Carolina?
Look up the address on the FEMA Flood Map Service Center, or ask your agent for the flood zone and any elevation certificate.
Can I get flood insurance right away?
Most policies have a 30-day wait. If you buy it with a new mortgage at closing, coverage can start at closing.
LET'S TALK
Questions about a home near the water?
I will help you check flood risk before you fall in love with a house.
Related Reading
Do You Need Flood Insurance to Buy a Home in Oak Island NC?
North Myrtle Beach Homes and Area Guide
Moving to Horry County SC
This post is general information, not insurance advice. Average premium from NerdWallet's 2026 analysis of FEMA policy data; coverage limits and rules from FEMA. Get quotes for your specific home.
DANIELLE KING, REALTOR®
Results that MOVE you
843-203-9962 | 910-981-1311 · DANIELLE@YOURKEYTOREALTY.COM
YOURKEYTOREALTY.COM · LICENSED IN NC & SC
REALTY ONE GROUP DOCKSIDE
Danielle King, REALTOR®
Licensed in NC (#363826) and SC (#145618) | Realty ONE Group Dockside
Danielle helps sellers, buyers and investors in Brunswick County NC, Tabor City NC and Horry County SC. Her real estate roots go back to 1995. She writes about the local market here on her blog.