What Insurance Covers in 2026

What Insurance Covers in 2026: Coastal South Carolina Home & Business Protection Guide

As we move into what we hope is a smooth 2026 for the insurance world, we know that insurance coverage in coastal South Carolina is changing fast. Rising construction costs, stronger storms, increased flood exposure, and evolving carrier requirements mean homeowners and business owners across Charleston, Hilton Head, Bluffton, and Beaufort need to understand exactly what insurance may or may not cover.

At Schirmer Insurance Group, we’ve protected Lowcountry families and businesses for over 40 years. Homeowners insurance continues to protect your most valuable asset, but coastal policies now come with more exclusions and conditions than ever before. Here’s what insurance covers in 2026 and what coastal residents should be reviewing right now.

What Home Insurance Typically Covers:

• Dwelling coverage for wind, fire, lightning, and certain storm damage

• Other structures such as garages and sheds

• Personal property inside the home

• Loss of use if your home becomes unlivable

• Personal liability for injuries or property damage

What’s Changing in 2026:

• Higher wind deductibles, often percentage-based

• Stricter roof age requirements for coastal homes

• Named storm limitations or exclusions

• Flood damage is NOT covered under standard home policies

This is especially important for homeowners seeking coastal home insurance, where wind and water risks are higher.

Flood Insurance: A Must-Have in 2026

Flood insurance is typically not included in home or business insurance policies. It is one of the most critical coverages to have on your interest if you reside or own a business in coastal South Carolina.

Flood Insurance Covers:

• Building property coverage

• Personal contents coverage

2026 Flood Insurance Trends:

• Risk Rating 2.0 continues to impact pricing

• More private flood insurance options available

• Higher premiums in tidal and coastal flood zones

Whether you live in Hilton Head, Beaufort, or inland Bluffton, flood risk extends far beyond FEMA high-risk zones.

Business Insurance Coverage in 2026

Local businesses face growing exposure from storms, cyber threats, and rising replacement costs.

Essential Business Insurance Coverages:

• General liability

• Commercial property

• Business interruption

• Workers’ compensation

• Cyber liability

• Professional liability

Coastal Risks Affecting Businesses in 2026:

• Storm surge and flood damage

• Supply chain interruptions

• Cyber attacks and data breaches

• Increased rebuilding and equipment costs

Business owners searching for Hilton Head business insurance or Beaufort commercial insurance should review insurance coverage once a year to ensure coverage meets the market risks.

Auto insurance continues to cover liability, collision, and comprehensive losses, but with market trends creating rising need for umbrella coverage.

Auto Insurance Covers:

• Liability for injuries and damage

• Collision and comprehensive

• Uninsured motorist protection

Umbrella Insurance in 2026:

• Extends liability limits beyond home and auto policies

• Protects personal assets

• Covers rental properties and secondary homes

Umbrella coverage is increasingly recommended for families in Charleston, Bluffton, and Hilton Head, where property values and liability exposure are higher.

Why Local Insurance Expertise Matters in 2026

National policies often overlook regional risks. The team here at Schirmer Insurance Group understand:

• Coastal building codes

• Flood zone changes

• Windstorm underwriting requirements

• Local carrier availability

Insurance in 2026 is more complex, more regional, and more important than ever. If you haven’t reviewed your policy recently, now is the time. Request a coverage review today and make sure your insurance is ready for 2026.