Bluffton Homeowners Insurance
Find the right homeowners insurance policy for you.
Bluffton is a small town located in South Carolina’s Lowcountry. With a population of about 13,000 people, Bluffton, SC is the fastest-growing municipality in the state — and with good reason. Those who live in this residential community enjoy beautiful golf courses and parks, great shopping and cultural venues, and real old-fashioned southern hospitality. Some even go so far as to call it “the last true coastal village of the south.” If you own a house in this charming southern city, you will want to be sure to protect your investment with a suitable Bluffton home insurance policy.
When you are shopping for a comprehensive and affordable policy for your house, you can enlist the help of one of the many experienced independent insurance agents in our network. These independent agents are able to gather for you a selection of customized Bluffton homeowners insurance quotes from competing providers so that it is easy for you to compare rates and find the best policy to meet your household’s coverage and budgetary needs.
- National yearly premium average: $1,211
- South Carolina yearly premium average: $1,269
- 17th most expensive premium in the U.S.
Homeowners in South Carolina pay higher-than-average rates for their home insurance coverage, which is something that those shopping for Bluffton home insurance may find disconcerting. Of course, rates can vary significantly from one homeowner to the next, so these figures should be used only to get a general idea of how much your policy may cost. Insurers take a number of factors into consideration when they calculate your rates. These include but are not limited to such things as the following:
- The ZIP code where your house is located
- The use of the home you are insuring: primary residence or second home
- The estimated value and rebuilding costs of the house you are insuring
- The year your house was built and the materials used in its construction
- The amount of property coverage you wish to include with your coverage
- The amount of your deductible
- Your claims history
- The incidence of a swimming pool or other liability hazard on the property
Every insurance company calculates risk and rates in different ways, so each may quote you a different price. It is, therefore, a good idea to compare a few Bluffton homeowners insurance rates before you make a selection. That way, you can be sure that the policy you choose is not overpriced.
Insurance for Vacation Homes and Second Homes
If you own additional properties such as rental units, second homes or vacation homes, these properties need to be covered by their own home insurance policies. Rates on these types of properties are influenced by additional factors such as these:
- Whether the property sits unoccupied for long periods of time throughout the year
- Whether the property is located in an area with a high risk for severe weather
- Whether you allow tenants or guests to live in your property when you are not using it
- Whether the property is a condo, beach house, duplex, manufactured home, etc.
Be sure to discuss the insurance needs of your additional homes with your local agent who can make appropriate recommendations and help you find affordable coverage for all of your properties.
Number of Thefts in South Carolina
- National number of burglaries per 1,000 homes: 3.76
- South Carolina number of burglaries per 1,000 homes: 5.80
The burglary rate in South Carolina is higher than the national average. Unfortunately, the rate is Bluffton is somewhat high as well. This may be due, in part, to a large number of tourists and travelers who are in the area. You can be proactive in safeguarding your property by ensuring that all your doors and windows have working locks, that your entryways are well-lit and unobstructed, and that you stop mail delivery service when you are out of town.
One of the most effective burglar deterrents is a home burglar alarm system. Having one installed in your home can even earn you a discount on your Bluffton homeowners insurance policy. In the unfortunate event that your house is broken into and property is stolen, you may gain some comfort from knowing that your Bluffton home insurance company compensates you for your losses. You need a copy of the police report and a detailed inventory of your stolen items when you file your claim.
Number of Catastrophes in South Carolina
- Number of declared disasters in South Carolina since 1953: 38
- Average number of tornadoes per year in South Carolina: 27
- Amount of property damage in South Carolina: $12,050,000
- 1 in 15 insured homes has a claim each year
The risk of tornado activity in Bluffton is actually quite low as it is 44 percent less than the national average. The worst tornado to affect the vicinity was an F3 twister that touched down more than 23 miles away from the Bluffton town center in 1998. Nevertheless, residents should be prepared to handle devastating catastrophes like tornadoes and house fires. You can do this by ensuring that your Bluffton homeowners insurance policy includes a sufficient amount of property coverage. Your agent can help you determine how much coverage is enough and whether special endorsements are needed to fully cover your particularly valuable belongings.
What Are the Risks in Bluffton, SC?
The biggest property-damaging risk that Bluffton homeowners face is hurricanes. This town has been affected by more than 70 hurricanes since 1930. These storms can bring damaging winds, heavy rains, and general destruction. Property owners can experience damage to their roofs, siding, windows and other property, and repairs can be costly. Your local agent will be aware of this risk and will help you ensure that the policy you choose includes hurricane coverage that can adequately protect the investment you have made in your home.
Compare Bluffton Home Insurance Quotes
The only way you can be sure that you are getting your Bluffton homeowners insurance policy at a reasonable price is by comparing the rates and policies offered by competing insurance companies. Unfortunately, this often proves to be a time-consuming and sometimes even frustrating chore, so many consumers choose not to do it. As a result, they end up paying more than they need to for their coverage.
That is why savvy homeowners in Bluffton opt to work with the experienced independent insurance agents in our network. These local agents will take the time to understand your coverage needs and will then make rate inquiries on your behalf. That way, you can quickly and easily compare customized quotes for a selection of suitable Bluffton home insurance policies. With offices conveniently located in and near the town of Bluffton, it is easy to find an agent near you.