Cooper Bumpus Insurance Agency
655 W Lincoln Ave, Ste 1, Charleston, IL 61920
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655 W Lincoln Ave, Ste 1, Charleston, IL 61920
View this agency's profile to learn more about their services.
Learn about insurance coverage options specific to Charleston residents.
Charleston home insurance averages $3,500-$4,500/year plus flood coverage. Learn why peninsula properties cost more and how to reduce premiums.
Yes, you should seriously consider it. Charleston experiences regular tidal flooding even on sunny days, and half of all structures in the county are vulnerable to the 100-year flood. With sea level rise projections showing 2-3 feet of increase over the next 50 years, areas that don't flood today will flood in the future. Flood insurance outside high-risk zones is also significantly cheaper, often costing just a few hundred dollars per year.
The South Carolina Wind and Hail Underwriting Association (Wind Pool) is a last-resort option for coastal homeowners who can't get wind and hail coverage through regular insurance companies. It was created by the state in 1971 specifically for high-risk coastal properties. You'll only need Wind Pool coverage if your regular insurer excludes wind and hail damage from your policy, which sometimes happens in Charleston's most vulnerable coastal areas.
Historic homes typically cost 25-50% more to insure than comparable modern homes due to higher reconstruction costs. You'll need specialized coverage that accounts for preservation requirements, period-appropriate materials, and Board of Architectural Review regulations. A proper policy with adequate ordinance and law coverage might add several hundred to over a thousand dollars to your annual premium, but it's essential protection against being underinsured after a major loss.
No, NFIP flood insurance policies have a mandatory 30-day waiting period before coverage begins. This means you need to purchase your policy well before any storm appears on the radar. If you're buying or refinancing a Charleston home, start your flood insurance application immediately—don't wait until hurricane season arrives in June.
Partially. Standard homeowners policies typically cover wind damage from hurricanes, but they don't cover flood damage at all. Since hurricanes bring both wind and flooding, you need separate flood insurance to be fully protected. Some coastal properties also need additional wind/hail coverage through the Wind Pool if their regular insurer excludes it.
Apply for SC Safe Homes grants to strengthen your roof and windows against hurricanes—many insurers offer discounts for these improvements. Shop around with multiple carriers since competition has increased significantly in recent years. You can also save by bundling policies, installing monitored security systems, maintaining good credit, and raising your deductible if you can afford higher out-of-pocket costs after a loss.
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