The recent devastation caused by hurricanes Helene and Milton has reminded homeowners in Charleston, South Carolina, of the critical importance of having the right insurance coverage. Living in a coastal city like Charleston means that hurricanes and flooding are not just possibilities—they are realities. In the aftermath of these storms, homeowners are left assessing damages, or a total loss, and often discovering gaps in their insurance policies.
Why Standard Homeowners Insurance May Not Be Enough
Many homeowners believe that their standard insurance policy covers all potential threats to their home, but this is a misconception. While typical homeowners insurance may cover wind damage and destruction caused by hurricanes, it often excludes flooding. For residents of Charleston, where storm surges and flooding are common with each major storm, this exclusion can be financially devastating.
Flood insurance is essential for anyone living near the coast. Even if you’re not in a designated flood zone, storms like Helene and Milton can result in significant water damage that a standard policy won’t cover. Homeowners without flood insurance can find themselves paying out-of-pocket for damages that can reach tens of thousands of dollars—or more.
What to Do After a Storm
If you’re affected by a hurricane or severe storm, taking the right steps quickly can make all the difference in recovering both financially and emotionally. First, contact your insurance company to file a claim as soon as possible. Provide photos and videos of the damage to document everything thoroughly. If your home is uninhabitable, ask about temporary housing options that may be covered by your policy.
Second, avoid making any permanent repairs until your insurance adjuster has assessed the damage. You may, however, make temporary repairs to prevent further damage (such as boarding up windows or tarping a damaged roof), but save all receipts for reimbursement.
Lastly, if you’ve experienced flood damage but don’t have flood insurance, consider applying for assistance through FEMA or other relief programs that can offer some financial help in the aftermath of natural disasters.
My Opinion: Prioritize a Comprehensive Insurance Plan
In Charleston, it’s not a question of if you’ll be impacted by a storm, but when. The best way to protect your investment and peace of mind is to ensure you have a comprehensive homeowners insurance policy that includes flood coverage. Relying on standard policies alone is simply too risky for residents in hurricane-prone areas.
Review your insurance policy annually to ensure it aligns with your home’s value and potential risks. This includes reassessing your flood risk and making sure your coverage is sufficient to rebuild, if necessary. And after hurricanes Helene and Milton, it’s clear that being underprepared is not an option.
For those looking to buy or sell in the Charleston market, I always advise making homeowners insurance—including flood coverage—a priority conversation. You don’t want to discover you’re underinsured after disaster strikes.
