Home Insurance

HOME INSURANCE IN CHARLESTON, SC

Your Home Is Your Biggest Investment. Let’s Protect It the Right Way.

Your home is more than a property — it’s where your life happens. Whether you’re in James Island, Johns Island, West Ashley, Mount Pleasant, or anywhere in the Lowcountry, we build homeowners insurance policies that actually protect you when it matters most.

Most people don’t realize this until it’s too late: All home insurance is NOT the same.

We take the time to educate you, customize your coverage, and make sure there are no surprises during a claim.

Why Local Expertise Matters MORE in Charleston

The Lowcountry is unique — and so are its risks:

  • Hurricanes & tropical storms

  • Flood zones & coastal erosion

  • High humidity & moisture damage

  • Older roofs and older construction

  • Tight underwriting by carriers in coastal areas

  • Building codes + mandatory upgrades after storms

Online quotes and out-of-state agents don’t understand this.

We do — because we live here.

What Does Homeowners Insurance Actually Cover?

1. Dwelling (Your Home’s Structure)

Covers damage to the physical structure — walls, roof, floors, built-in appliances, etc.

2. Other Structures

Detached garage, shed, fences, driveway, pergolas, etc.

3. Personal Property (Your Stuff)

Furniture, clothing, electronics, appliances, décor, etc.

Covered at replacement or actual cash value (we explain the difference).

4. Loss of Use (Temporary Housing)

If your home is uninhabitable due to a covered loss, insurance pays for:

  • Hotel or rental home

  • Food & living expenses

  • Pet boarding

This benefit can be a lifesaver after a storm.

5. Liability Coverage (Lawsuits & Medical Bills)

If someone is injured on your property or your actions cause damage to others, this covers:

  • Medical expenses

  • Legal fees

  • Settlements or judgments

This is one of the most valuable parts of your policy.

SCHEDULED PERSONAL PROPERTY (Don’t Skip This!)

Most people don’t realize: High-value items are NOT fully covered under standard personal property limits.

To protect expensive belongings, we “schedule” them with full replacement coverage.

Items that should be scheduled:

  • Engagement rings & jewelry

  • Firearms

  • High-end sports equipment (golf clubs, fishing gear, bicycles)

  • Furs & designer fashion

  • Artwork & collectibles

  • Musical instruments

  • Rare memorabilia

If it would break your heart or your wallet to replace, schedule it.

We help you schedule items the right way — so you’re 100% covered in a loss.

The Truth About Roofs & Storm Claims (No One Tells You This)

Home insurance is NOT a maintenance plan. It is designed to cover sudden, accidental damage — not wear and tear.

You can:

  • Here’s what homeowners need to know:

  • Roofs depreciate over time

  • A 20-year-old roof will NOT get full replacement value

  • Even if a STORM damages an old roof…

    • Insurance may only pay the depreciated value

    • Or deny the claim if the roof was already deteriorating

  • Poor maintenance = Claim Denied

We review your roof age, materials, and coverage BEFORE a storm ever hits — so you’re not blindsided later.

This is why having a real agent matters.

WATER DAMAGE: What’s Covered & What’s NOT

Water claims are one of the most commonly misunderstood — and denied — types of claims.

Covered:

  • Sudden burst pipe

  • Storm-created opening (wind blows off shingles, rain enters)

NOT Covered:

  • Gradual leaks (maintenance issue)

  • Ground water seeping into basement

  • Long-term moisture damage

  • Flooding (requires separate flood policy)

WATER BACKUP COVERAGE = EXTRA ENDORSEMENT (ADD IT!)

If a sewer or drain backs up into your home — that’s NOT covered in a standard policy.

But with a water backup endorsement (small extra cost), it IS covered.

This is one of the most important add-ons for Charleston homeowners.

Optional but CRITICAL Coverages We Recommend

We help you find every available discount, including:

We tailor your policy with smart add-ons to fill dangerous gaps:

  • Water Backup Coverage

  • Extended Replacement Cost (covers inflation & spikes in materials)

  • Ordinance or Law Coverage (code upgrades for older homes)

  • Equipment Breakdown (HVAC, appliances, electrical)

  • Identity Theft Protection

  • Flood Insurance (sold separately — we’ll help you with FEMA or private flood)

We won’t let you be underinsured.

Liability Protection: More Important Than You Think

If a guest slips, gets hurt, or sues you — this coverage can save your finances.

We tailor your policy with smart add-ons to fill dangerous gaps:

Covers:

  • Guest injuries on your property

  • Medical payments

  • Legal defense

  • Dog bites (depending on breed)

  • Damage your family causes to others

  • Lawsuits

Want even more protection?

We can add an Umbrella Policy for $1M+ in extra liability coverage for pennies on the dollar.

Want to Save Money? Bundle & Win.

Most clients save up to 25% by bundling home + auto with us.

Plus, bundling gives you:

  • One agent

  • One bill

  • Better coverage coordination

  • Fewer gaps

  • Bigger discounts

What Our Homeowners Are Saying

“When a storm hit and we had roof damage, Rhonda explained everything, worked with the adjuster, and helped us get what we were owed. She even told us ahead of time what would and wouldn’t be covered. No surprises!”

Why Choose Us Instead of a 1-800 Number?

Other Agents / Online Quotes

Generic policies

No explanation of exclusions

No review of roof or water risk

You handle claims alone

Out-of-state reps

Our Agency

Customized coverage

Transparent education

We catch gaps before claims

We guide & advocate for you

Charleston-based team

Insurance shouldn’t be confusing. We make it clear, personal, and reliable.

Protect Your Home the Right Way — Before the Storm

Let’s make sure you understand what’s covered — and what’s not — so there are no surprises when you file a claim.

Peace of mind starts with the right coverage. Let’s build it together.

© 2025
Rhonda P Myers: Allstate Insurance. All rights reserved