July 2026 - Home and Auto Insurance

Backyard Fun & Liability: Is Your Home Properly Protected This Summer?

Summer on the Grand Strand means cookouts, pool parties, and making memories with family and friends. Whether you have a swimming pool, trampoline, playset, or other backyard attractions, these features can add plenty of fun—but they can also increase your liability risk as a homeowner.

At Carolina Property Insurance, we encourage homeowners across Murrells Inlet, Myrtle Beach, Georgetown, Pawleys Island, and surrounding coastal communities to understand how their homeowners insurance responds when accidents happen on their property.

How Liability Coverage Protects Homeowners

Most homeowners insurance policies include personal liability coverage, which may help pay for medical expenses, legal fees, or settlement costs if someone is injured on your property and you’re found legally responsible.

While liability coverage can provide valuable protection, it’s important to remember that insurance companies expect homeowners to maintain a reasonably safe property. Failing to address known hazards could affect how a claim is handled.

What Is an “Attractive Nuisance”?

Certain backyard features naturally attract children and may increase the risk of accidents. In insurance and legal circles, these are often referred to as attractive nuisances.

Common examples include:

✅ Swimming pools
✅ Trampolines
✅ Playgrounds and swing sets
✅ Treehouses

Because children may be drawn to these features, homeowners often have a greater responsibility to secure them and prevent unauthorized access.

Backyard Features May Have Special Insurance Requirements

Not all insurance companies view pools, trampolines, and playsets the same way. Some carriers may require specific safety measures, while others may limit or exclude coverage altogether.

Swimming Pools

Many insurance companies require:

A fenced enclosure
Self-closing and self-latching gates
Secure covers when not in use

Trampolines

Some carriers require:

Safety net enclosures
Proper anchoring
Compliance with manufacturer guidelines

Others may exclude trampoline-related claims entirely.

Playsets & Playground Equipment

Regular maintenance is key. Loose bolts, damaged swings, and worn components can create unnecessary hazards and potential liability issues.

Tips for a Safer Backyard

A few simple precautions can help reduce the risk of injuries:

✔ Install proper fencing and safety barriers
✔ Inspect outdoor equipment regularly
✔ Repair damaged equipment promptly
✔ Post pool rules and safety reminders
✔ Always supervise children around pools and trampolines
✔ Keep walkways and play areas free of hazards

Taking proactive steps not only protects your family and guests—it may also help support your position if an accident leads to a claim.

Don’t Forget About Liability Limits

Many homeowners are surprised to learn how quickly medical and legal costs can add up after a serious accident. That’s why it’s important to review your liability limits regularly and determine whether additional protection, such as an umbrella policy, may be appropriate for your situation.

Enjoy Summer with Confidence

Your backyard should be a place for relaxation and family fun—not worry. By understanding your homeowners insurance coverage and taking the right safety precautions, you can enjoy your outdoor space with greater peace of mind.

At Carolina Property Insurance, we’re here to help you review your homeowners insurance, liability coverage, umbrella policies, flood insurance, and more. Our local team can help you find coverage that fits your home, lifestyle, and budget.

📞 Ready for a homeowners insurance review? Contact Carolina Property Insurance today and let us help ensure your family, home, and finances are protected all summer long. 🌴🏡☀️

Does Auto Insurance Follow the Car or the Driver?

One of the most common questions we hear at Carolina Property Insurance is: “If I lend my car to someone, will my insurance cover them?” The answer is usually yes—but there are important exceptions every driver should understand.

Knowing how auto insurance applies when someone else is behind the wheel can help you avoid costly surprises and make informed decisions about who drives your vehicle.

In Most Cases, Insurance Follows the Vehicle

Generally, auto insurance is attached to the vehicle, not the person driving it. If you allow a friend or family member to borrow your car and they’re involved in an accident, your policy is typically the first line of coverage.

This means your liability coverage may help pay for injuries or property damage caused by the accident, up to your policy limits.

If damages exceed those limits, the driver’s insurance policy may provide additional coverage. That’s why having adequate liability protection is so important.

When Coverage May Not Apply

While insurance often follows the vehicle, there are situations where coverage could be limited or denied:

Permission Matters

Most policies extend coverage to drivers who have your permission to use the vehicle. If someone takes your car without permission, coverage may be affected or denied.

Excluded Drivers

Some policies specifically exclude certain drivers. If an excluded driver gets behind the wheel and causes an accident, the insurance company may not cover the claim.

Household Drivers Should Be Listed

If someone in your household regularly drives your vehicle, they should be listed on your policy. Failing to disclose regular drivers could create issues if a claim occurs.

Business or Ride-Share Use

Using your personal vehicle for business purposes, food delivery, or ride-sharing services may require additional coverage. Standard personal auto policies don’t always cover these activities.

Before Lending Your Vehicle

Before handing over your keys, consider:

✅ Does the person have a valid driver’s license?
✅ Do they have a safe driving history?
✅ Are your liability limits sufficient?
✅ Does your policy have any driver restrictions?

A quick review now can prevent major headaches later.

SC Safe Home Grant Program Portal July 13, 2026

SC Department of Insurance Announces Reopening of the
SC Safe Home Grant Program Portal July 13, 2026

Columbia, S.C. — The South Carolina Department of Insurance (SCDOI) is pleased to announce that the SC Safe Home Grant Program will reopen its application portal on Monday, July 13, 2026.

SC Safe Home provides matching and non-matching mitigation grants, typically between $4,000 and $7,500, to help eligible coastal homeowners strengthen their homes against hurricanes and high-wind events. Qualifying improvements include roof retrofits, opening protection, and structural reinforcements. These upgrades are proven to reduce storm damage and may also lower a homeowner’s insurance premiums.

The program serves owner-occupied, single-family homes and is designed to improve resilience rather than fund general home repairs or new construction. Grant eligibility is based on household income and other qualifying factors.

“Building a more resilient South Carolina is central to our mission,” said Michael Wise, Director of the South Carolina Department of Insurance. “This year, we are better prepared than ever to help homeowners make meaningful improvements that reduce the impact of severe weather.”

The SC Safe Home Program continues its collaboration with the Insurance Institute for Business & Home Safety (IBHS) and the FORTIFIED ROOF Program. This partnership allows qualifying roof projects to earn dual designations, which may unlock additional savings and options for homeowners.

The online application portal will open at 8:30 a.m. on Monday, July 13, 2026. Homeowners are encouraged to review program guidelines, gather required documents, and familiarize themselves with the application process in advance. Homeowners can sign up for updates and announcements through the SC Safe Home website. For more information, visit SCSafeHome.com.

Submitted by SC DOI

Back-to-School Insurance Checklist for College Students

Sending a student to college is an exciting milestone, but it also brings new responsibilities—and new risks. Whether your student is moving into a dorm, renting an apartment, or taking a vehicle to campus, now is the perfect time to review your insurance coverage.

At Carolina Property Insurance, we help families throughout Myrtle Beach, Murrells Inlet, Georgetown, and the Grand Strand make sure their students are protected during every stage of college life.

Why Review Insurance Before Each School Year?

A lot can change from one school year to the next. New housing arrangements, different driving habits, and changes in personal belongings can all impact insurance coverage.

Taking a few minutes to review your policies each year can help you:

✅ Avoid coverage gaps
✅ Protect valuable belongings
✅ Ensure proper liability protection
✅ Take advantage of available discounts
✅ Gain peace of mind while your student is away

Off-Campus Students Need Renters Insurance

One of the most common misconceptions we hear is that a landlord’s insurance covers a student’s belongings. Unfortunately, that isn’t the case.

A renters insurance policy can help protect:

Electronics, furniture, clothing, and personal belongings
Liability if someone is injured in the rental
Additional living expenses if the apartment becomes uninhabitable after a covered loss

Best of all, renters insurance is often very affordable and provides valuable protection for students living on their own.

What About Students Living in Dorms?

Many homeowners insurance policies provide limited coverage for dependents living in a dorm room. However, those limits may not fully cover expensive items like laptops, gaming systems, tablets, and other electronics.

Before move-in day, it’s a good idea to review your homeowners policy and determine whether additional protection is needed.

Auto Insurance for College Students

If your student is taking a car to school, updating your auto insurance is essential. Factors such as where the vehicle is kept, how often it’s driven, and the school’s location can affect coverage and pricing.

You may also qualify for savings, including:

Good student discounts
Multi-policy discounts
Discounts for students attending school without a vehicle

Our team can help identify available savings while ensuring your student remains properly protected.

Consider Tuition Insurance

College represents a significant financial investment. Tuition insurance may help reimburse eligible education expenses if a student must withdraw due to a covered illness, injury, or other qualifying circumstances.

For many families, this additional protection provides valuable peace of mind.

Don’t Forget Health and Travel Coverage

Students attending school out of state—or studying abroad—should also review:

Health insurance networks and provider availability
Travel insurance options
Emergency medical coverage while away from home

Making sure coverage extends to your student’s campus location can prevent unexpected expenses later.

Let Carolina Property Insurance Help

Before the school year begins, let our experienced team review your coverage and make sure your student is protected wherever college life takes them.

At Carolina Property Insurance, we’re proud to help families across the Grand Strand find the right combination of homeowners, renters, auto, flood, boat, and specialty insurance coverage.

📞 Contact us today for a complimentary policy review and head into the school year with confidence.

Carolina Property Insurance
The things that matter to you, matter to us!

What Additional Insured Endorsements Really Mean for Businesses

Additional insured endorsements are a common part of business contracts—but they’re also one of the most misunderstood. Without a clear understanding, businesses can run into unexpected liability, coverage gaps, or even disputes when a claim arises.

At Carolina Property Insurance, we regularly help clients navigate these requirements—especially here in Myrtle Beach, Murrells Inlet, and the surrounding areas, where business relationships and contracts can get complex. Understanding how these endorsements work can make a big difference in protecting your business.

What Is an Additional Insured Endorsement?

An additional insured endorsement is a change to a liability insurance policy that extends limited protection to a third party.

In simple terms, it allows one business to be covered under another business’s liability policy—but only under specific circumstances tied to the named insured’s work, services, or operations.

You’ll typically see these endorsements required in agreements such as:

Landlord and tenant relationships
Property management and vendor contracts
Construction projects between owners and contractors
General contractor and subcontractor agreements
Vendors providing on-site services or event support

In each case, the goal is to provide protection for claims arising from one party’s work—not for unrelated actions.

Why Businesses Use Additional Insured Endorsements

These endorsements are designed to help manage shared risk.

For example, a property owner may require a contractor to add them as an additional insured before starting work. If the contractor’s work causes damage or injury, the owner may seek coverage under the contractor’s policy.

The same principle applies to vendors, tenants, and subcontractors—when one party’s work could create exposure for another, this endorsement helps provide a layer of shared protection.

How This Coverage Works in Real Situations

When properly in place, an additional insured may request coverage under the named insured’s liability policy if a claim is directly tied to that party’s work.

Here are a few common examples:

A subcontractor performs faulty work that leads to property damage. The general contractor is pulled into the claim and looks to the subcontractor’s policy.
A tenant’s business operations result in an injury on the property. The landlord may rely on the tenant’s liability coverage.
A vendor damages property while performing services, and the hiring business is named in the claim. Coverage may apply under the vendor’s policy.

The key takeaway: coverage applies only when the claim stems from the named insured’s work—not from the additional insured’s independent actions.

What Additional Insured Endorsements Do Not Cover

It’s important to understand what these endorsements don’t do.

They do not:

Provide the same level of coverage as a named insured
Cover every claim involving the additional insured
Replace the need for your own liability insurance
Protect against your own independent negligence
Automatically satisfy all contract requirements

Because coverage is limited, every business should still carry its own liability insurance to protect against its own risks.

Why Certificates of Insurance Can Be Misleading

Certificates of insurance (COIs) are often used to show proof of coverage—but they don’t actually create or change coverage. Even if a certificate mentions additional insured status, the endorsement must be properly issued and included in the policy.

In short: the policy—and the endorsement wording—controls the coverage, not the certificate.

Why Contract Review Matters

Additional insured endorsements may seem routine, but the details matter.

Before signing any lease, vendor agreement, or construction contract, it’s important to review:

What coverage the contract requires
Whether your current policy meets those requirements
Whether endorsements need to be added or adjusted

Taking a little time upfront can help prevent costly surprises later.

A Smart Way to Manage Shared Risk

Additional insured endorsements are a valuable tool for managing risk when businesses work together—but they’re not a complete solution on their own. Understanding how they work—and where their limitations are—can help you make better decisions and avoid unexpected financial exposure.

Let’s Make Sure You’re Set Up Correctly

If your business operates in Myrtle Beach, Murrells Inlet, or the surrounding areas and you’re unsure whether your coverage meets contract requirements, we’re here to help.

We’re happy to review your policies, walk through your contracts, and make sure you have the right protection in place—so you can move forward with confidence.

Feel free to reach out anytime—we’re here to support you and your business.