Short answer: The South Carolina Wind and Hail Underwriting Association, often called the Wind Pool, sells wind and hail coverage for property in the state's legally defined coastal area when owners can't buy it in the regular market. It covers only wind and hail. You buy everything else, including flood, separately, and apply through a licensed South Carolina agent or broker.
What the Wind Pool is
S.C. Code §38-75-330 created the association as a residual market for wind and hail insurance on residential and commercial property in the coastal area. Its stated purpose, in §38-75-320, is "to assure an adequate market for wind and hail insurance in the coastal areas of this State."
It's an unincorporated association of insurers, not a state agency. Every insurer writing property insurance statewide must be a member and shares in its results. The association calls itself a market of last resort and recommends shopping the standard market first, noting that owners who later find better coverage can cancel without penalty.
Where it applies
Section 38-75-310 defines the coastal area by specific boundaries, including:
- areas of Beaufort and Colleton counties east of the west bank of the Intracoastal Waterway;
- parts of Georgetown County east of a line paralleling U.S. 17, plus Cedar, North and South islands;
- areas of Horry County east of U.S. 17 or Bypass 17, whichever is farther west;
- listed Charleston County islands and beaches, including Kiawah, Seabrook, Folly and Edisto, and defined parts of James, Johns and Wadmalaw islands.
A broader seacoast area covers all of Horry, Georgetown, Berkeley, Charleston, Dorchester, Colleton, Beaufort and Jasper counties. Under §38-75-460, the Director of Insurance may temporarily expand the territory into the seacoast area for up to 24 months at a time when market conditions threaten availability.
What it covers
The Wind Pool writes a limited-peril policy for direct damage from wind and hail. At the policyholder's request, the statute also allows coverage for:
- additional living expense;
- loss of business income; and
- fair rental value.
The association's About page says replacement cost can be requested for single-family primary residences built after 1950, but a flood policy must be in force at the time of loss or the claim is handled on an actual cash value basis. Its Q&A adds that standard deductibles are 2% or 3% of policy limits, depending on the property's zone.
What it doesn't cover
Fire, theft, liability, water damage and flood fall outside a Wind Pool policy. So a coastal owner may need three policies:
- a homeowners or dwelling policy with a wind and hail exclusion;
- the Wind Pool policy for wind and hail; and
- a separate flood insurance policy.
Percentage deductibles work differently from flat-dollar ones. See what a hurricane or wind/hail deductible is.
Properties that don't qualify
The definition of insurable property excludes farm and manufacturing property and highway-licensed vehicles. Buildings started on or after September 15, 1971 must substantially comply with the building code in effect, including design-wind standards, and with National Flood Insurance Program construction requirements. The association can also decline property that isn't in insurable condition.
How to apply
The association has no agents of its own. By law, an application must be made through a licensed producer acting for you, and that producer can't bind coverage or adjust claims. The association inspects the property. Premiums must be paid in full before coverage starts, and new policies have a short waiting period. Policies are written for one year and don't renew automatically; continuing coverage takes a new application and premium each year.
If you're turned down or there's no timely decision, §38-75-350 lets you appeal to the Director of Insurance, who can order the association to issue a policy.
Scenarios
A Myrtle Beach condo owner's insurer excludes wind. If the building is inside the coastal area, the owner can apply for wind and hail.
A Summerville homeowner can't find wind coverage. Most of Summerville sits in Dorchester County, which is in the seacoast area but not the base coastal area, so eligibility depends on whether an expansion order applies.
Bottom line
The Wind Pool fills one gap: wind and hail on coastal property. Pair it with a homeowners policy for other perils and flood coverage for water. Compare it with other states' programs on our FAIR Plans by state page and our wind and hail insurance guide.
Contact Alishahi Insurance or call (877) 711-4545. See insurance in South Carolina.
Frequently asked questions
What is the South Carolina Wind Pool?
The South Carolina Wind and Hail Underwriting Association, a last-resort market for wind and hail coverage in the coastal area.
Does the South Carolina Wind Pool cover flooding?
No. It covers wind and hail only. Flood requires a separate policy.
Can I buy directly from the Wind Pool?
No. Applications must go through a licensed South Carolina producer acting for you.
Who is eligible for the Wind Pool?
Owners of insurable property in the statutory coastal area, or in an expanded area under a Director's order.
Does the Wind Pool pay replacement cost?
It can for primary single-family homes built after 1950, but only if a flood policy is in force at the time of loss.
Alishahi Insurance · 439 N Canon Dr, Penthouse, Beverly Hills, CA 90210 · (877) 711-4545 · CA License #4348151. General information only. This isn't legal, tax or financial advice or a coverage determination. Coverage depends on policy language and underwriting, and rules vary by state.