The South Carolina Wind and Hail Underwriting Association — also called the Wind Pool or SCWHUA — provides wind and hail insurance for homeowners who are unable to secure coverage in the private market. These are commonly coastal homes that have wind and hail coverage excluded from their primary South Carolina home insurance policies.
Any property in the Wind Pool’s covered territory is eligible to purchase coverage from the association. However, private market options are usually more affordable and offer broader protection, so the Wind Pool is designed as an option of last resort.
Eligibility rules for SC Wind Pool coverage
Only homes in the South Carolina Wind Pool territory are eligible. This coverage area, commonly called “Beach,” includes the coastal areas of the following counties:
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Horry County
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Georgetown County
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Colleton County
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Charleston County
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Beaufort County
You can use the association’s eligibility checker to verify that your home is in the coverage area.
Traditional private wind and hail insurance options are generally more affordable and customizable than Wind Pool coverage, so the association recommends exhausting private coverage options before resorting to Wind Pool insurance.
In addition to falling within the “Beach” area, South Carolina Wind Pool eligibility requires:
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Property cannot be located completely or partially over water, including during high tides and wave wash
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Property must comply with the law and building codes
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Property must comply with National Flood Insurance Program (NFIP) zoning requirements
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Property is well maintained, especially the roof
Farm and manufacturing properties are excluded from South Carolina Wind Pool coverage. Manufactured homes are eligible for Wind Pool coverage if they meet certain requirements, but they must be in a fixed location.
What South Carolina Wind Pool policies cover
South Carolina Wind Pool policies only cover two perils (an industry term for sources of damage): wind and hail. This includes wind and hail damage from hurricanes, tornadoes, and other severe storms.
Wind and hail policies do not cover other types of storm damage. Depending on the policy, your home insurance may cover some, but certain perils — like flooding — are never covered unless you carry flood insurance. Flood coverage can sometimes be added to your home policy via endorsement (an optional add-on). Otherwise, you can purchase a separate flood policy from a private insurer or the NFIP.
SC Wind Pool coverage limits
Coverage limits — the maximum your policy will pay for damage — are $1.3 million for residential homes and $2.5 million for commercial properties. The state requires that you exhaust Wind Pool coverage limits before purchasing additional wind and hail coverage from a different source (like a surplus lines insurer specializing in high-risk insurance products).
SC Wind Pool deductibles
Your deductible is your financial responsibility (either a set dollar amount or a percentage of your dwelling coverage limit) when you file an insurance claim for covered damage. Wind Pool policies typically have percentage-based deductibles. These apply separately to building and contents losses, so if you have damage to your home’s structure and to your personal belongings, each claim payout is reduced by its own separate deductible.
The exact percentage depends on which coastal zone your property is in:
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Zone 1: 3% deductible
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Zone 2: 2% deductible
Zone 1 is the eastern coastal area of the state with higher wind risk, while Zone 2 is the coastal region farther inland. The Wind Pool eligibility checker notes which zone your home falls into.
Some Wind Pool policies let you choose a higher deductible than the zone minimum. Raising your deductible lowers your premium (what you pay for the policy), since you're agreeing to cover more of the damage yourself if you file a claim.
How to apply for South Carolina Wind Pool coverage
Homeowners cannot directly apply for coverage with the South Carolina Wind and Hail Underwriting Association. However, any agent or broker licensed in South Carolina can submit a Wind Pool application on your behalf.
SC WInd Pool waiting period before coverage begins
There is a 15-day waiting period for policies. This waiting period begins when SCWHUA receives your signed application, any application documentation (like photos or inspection reports), and your payment.
This waiting period may be waived for newly purchased homes. The association will issue a temporary insurance contract called a binder for coverage beginning the day after the home purchase is finalized. Your official application for coverage must be submitted before the binder’s expiration date.
The waiting period is an alternative to traditional moratoriums that prevent homeowners from purchasing coverage when a named storm is approaching. This discourages homeowners from waiting until they need coverage to purchase it. If you’re nervous about the waiting period, the best solution is to shop early and secure coverage long before a storm — ideally when you purchase your home and well before the start of hurricane season.
Frequently asked questions
What type of policy does the SC Wind and Hail Underwriting Association offer?
The South Carolina Wind and Hail Underwriting Association offers basic residential and commercial insurance policies for wind and hail damage only. These are not comprehensive home or property insurance policies. Wind and hail policies are designed to be paired with a standard home insurance.
Is wind insurance required in South Carolina?
Wind insurance is not required by the state, but mortgage lenders will typically require you to have wind insurance as a condition of your home loan.
What is covered under a wind and hail policy?
Wind and hail insurance covers wind and hail damage from hurricanes, tornadoes, and other severe storms. It does not cover other types of damage associated with these storms, such as flooding. For additional coverage, you will need a standard home policy and flood insurance.
