Thursday, November 16, 2006

Update on Homeowners' Insurance

Homeowners' Insurance has been increasing over the last few months in the Myrtle Beach area. Many things contributed to this increase including the rough hurricane season the US saw in 2005. The Director of Insurance and other South Carolina politicians suggested expanding the South Carolina Wind and Hail Pool.

What is the South Carolina Wind and Hail Pool? The SC Wind and Hail Pool is a source of funds used to purchase wind and hail coverage provided by the state. In Horry county, residents east of Business 17 can obtain wind and hail coverage from the SC Wind and Hail Pool. This pool provides coverage for these property owners since their regular insurer will not provide wind and hail coverage east of Business 17. Insurance coverage through the SC Wind and Hail Pool is not cheap!

After the large increase in homeowners' insurance (especially in the condo community) seen this spring and summer, government officials suggested expanding the Wind Pool to the Waterway. Expanding the Wind Pool would help condo owners obtain insurance at lower rates. However, homeowners between Business 17 and the Waterway could be effected adversely. Traditional insurance providers would not provide wind and hail coverage to property owners if they could use the SC Wind and Hail Pool. Those homeowners could see an increase in their wind and hail premium. The conclusion (for now) is that the South Carolina Wind and Hail Pool will not be expanded.

I will be posted more information about homeowners' insurance over the next few days.

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