Wind and Hail Deductibles for South Carolina Homeowners
South Carolina homeowners insurance typically applies a separate wind and hail deductible of 1 to 5 percent of dwelling value, which on a $300,000 home means $3,000 to $15,000 out of pocket per wind/hail claim, much higher than the standard all-perils deductible. Coastal SC counties have higher mandatory wind/hail deductibles; Upstate counties including Greenville have lower options including flat dollar deductibles in some carriers.
How does the SC wind hail deductible work?
The South Carolina wind and hail deductible is a separate deductible from the standard all-perils deductible, applied only to claims caused by wind, hail, or named storms. Typically expressed as a percentage of dwelling coverage (1 to 5 percent), it can also be a flat dollar amount in some Upstate carriers. A $300,000 Greenville home with a 2 percent wind/hail deductible pays $6,000 out of pocket on any wind/hail claim before the carrier pays anything.
What is the wind hail deductible for Greenville homeowners?
Greenville homeowners typically have wind and hail deductibles ranging from a flat $1,000 to $5,000 (available with some Upstate carriers) to 1 to 2 percent of dwelling value (standard with most carriers). Coastal SC counties (Charleston, Beaufort, Horry) have higher mandatory percentages (typically 2 to 5 percent). Upstate counties including Greenville, Spartanburg, and Pickens have the lowest options. The Morgano Agency reviews wind/hail deductible options at quote.
Can I lower the wind hail deductible in SC?
Yes, most South Carolina carriers allow homeowners to choose the wind/hail deductible at policy issue. Lowering from 5 percent to 1 percent typically costs 8 to 15 percent more in annual premium. Some Upstate carriers offer flat $1,000 or $2,500 wind/hail deductibles in Greenville at a premium add-on of 10 to 20 percent. Coastal SC counties cannot drop below mandatory percentage minimums set by carriers.
Does the wind hail deductible apply to all wind damage in SC?
Generally yes. The wind/hail deductible in South Carolina applies to any claim caused by wind or hail, including tree fall during thunderstorms, hurricane wind damage, hail dents, and tornado damage. Some carriers apply a separate 'named storm' deductible that only triggers for officially named hurricanes or tropical storms, with regular wind damage using the standard deductible. The dec page identifies which deductible structure applies.
Is roof damage subject to the SC wind hail deductible?
Yes, roof wind and hail damage in South Carolina is subject to the separate wind/hail deductible. Additionally, many SC carriers apply an Actual Cash Value (ACV) settlement to roofs older than 10 to 15 years, paying only the depreciated value rather than full replacement cost. A 20-year-old roof with hail damage on a $300,000 home with a 2 percent deductible may net the homeowner only 30 to 50 percent of the replacement cost after both the deductible and ACV depreciation.
About The Morgano Agency
The Morgano Agency Inc is an independent insurance agency in Greenville, South Carolina, founded in 1998 by Vic Morgano. The agency compares rates from multiple carriers including Travelers, Liberty Mutual, Progressive, Hartford, Safeco, and Hagerty for families and businesses across Greenville County and the Upstate. Visit our homeowners insurance page or call (864) 609-5285 for a quote. Find the agency on Google Maps.