Sometimes. Many coastal homes on the Grand Strand are insured for wind through a regular homeowners policy, but when private insurers exclude wind, owners in the eligible coastal area can buy wind and hail coverage from the SC Wind and Hail Underwriting Association. That means two policies. Flood insurance is always separate.
Last updated: October 2026
Insurance is one of the biggest variables in the cost of owning a home on the Grand Strand. This Homes Myrtle guide explains how homeowners, wind, and hail coverage work in coastal Horry and Georgetown counties. It also covers what the state wind pool is and which state programs may help.
We do not quote premiums or give insurance advice. Every property is priced individually, so talk to a licensed insurance agent about your specific home. The rules below come from the SC Department of Insurance and the SC Wind and Hail Underwriting Association, dated as of October 2026.
Why Does Coastal Insurance Work Differently?
On the coast, wind and hail coverage is sometimes split from the rest of a homeowners policy. Some private insurers write a full policy that includes wind. Others exclude wind and hail for homes close to the water, which leaves the owner to buy that coverage separately. Flood is a separate policy in either case. FEMA's FloodSmart explains the basics.
What Is the SC Wind and Hail Underwriting Association?
The South Carolina Wind and Hail Underwriting Association (SCWHUA) is the state-created wind pool for the coast. According to its rules (as of October 2026), it provides wind and hail coverage only, in a defined coastal area, for property owners who are unable to get that coverage in the private market.
In Horry County, the eligible area (Zone 1) runs generally east of the west bank of the Intracoastal Waterway from the North Carolina line to where US 17 crosses the waterway. South of that point, it runs east of US 17 or Bypass 17, whichever is farther west, to the Georgetown County line. In Georgetown County, it covers areas east of US 17/Bypass 17 between the Harrell Siau Bridge and the Horry line, and east of the Intracoastal Waterway south of the bridge.
SCWHUA offers an address eligibility check on its website, scwind.com. Final eligibility requires an inspection. Buildings started on or after September 15, 1971 must also meet building codes to qualify.
Can Wind Mitigation Lower Your Premium?
South Carolina requires insurers to offer premium credits for qualifying wind-mitigation features, per the SC Department of Insurance. Insurers must also tell you about those credits when a policy is issued and when it renews. Examples include roof-to-wall connections, opening protection such as shutters, and roof covering.
In a 2016 DOI brochure, the department reported average savings of about 8% for shutters, with up to 12% available. These are 2016 survey figures and may not reflect current pricing, so ask a licensed agent what credits apply to a specific home today. A wind-mitigation inspection is usually how features get documented.
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Can SC Safe Home Grants Help Pay for Upgrades?
SC Safe Home is a SC Department of Insurance grant program that helps eligible coastal homeowners strengthen their homes. As of October 2026, the program page lists grants of up to $7,500 for resilient roofing, up to $5,000 for sustainable roofing, and up to $3,000 for shutters, with separate matching-grant versions.
Eligibility, per the DOI, includes an owner-occupied single-family home in an eligible coastal county (Horry and Georgetown are on the list), active homeowners insurance, no prior Safe Home grant, and no prior storm-damage claim. The application portal opens and closes in cycles. It reopened in July 2026, and as of late October 2026, the page says it is not accepting applications. Check the DOI page for the next window.
What Should You Ask Before You Buy?
Request insurance quotes during your due-diligence period, not after.
- Does a private insurer offer a full policy, including wind, for this address?
- If not, is the property in SCWHUA Zone 1, and what does the inspection require?
- What are the deductibles? Coastal policies often carry a separate named-storm or hurricane deductible.
- What mitigation features does the home already have, and are they documented?
- What flood coverage does the lender require?
Insurance is a major line in our Cost of Living in Myrtle Beach guide. If you are coming from another coastal state, see Moving from Florida to South Carolina.
How Does Location Affect Coverage on the Grand Strand?
Distance from the water and the age of the home both affect your insurance options. Homes east of the SCWHUA lines may face different private-market options than homes inland. Newer homes built to current code may qualify for more mitigation credits. Because these factors stack, two homes at the same list price can have very different carrying costs. This is why we suggest getting quotes on your top choices early. Retirees should also see our Retiring to Myrtle Beach guide.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Does homeowners insurance cover wind and hail in Myrtle Beach?
Many policies do, but some insurers exclude wind on homes close to the coast. Check the declarations page for a wind exclusion.
Who qualifies for the SC wind pool?
Owners in the association's defined coastal area who cannot get wind and hail coverage from a private insurer. Check an address at scwind.com.
Does wind and hail insurance cover flooding?
No. Flood damage requires a separate NFIP or private flood policy.
Is an inspection required for a wind pool policy?
Yes. The association requires an inspection, and buildings started on or after September 15, 1971 must meet building code.
Are SC Safe Home grants available now?
The portal reopened in July 2026 but was not accepting applications as of late October 2026. Check the SC Safe Home page for the next opening.
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Our team can share the location details insurers ask about for any home you are considering. Those details include the flood zone, wind-pool zone, year built, and roof age. We then point you to licensed agents for quotes.
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