8 Common Insurance Myths- Debunked

When it comes to insurance, misinformation can be costly. At Carolina Property Insurance, we regularly talk with clients who are surprised to learn that some of the most common insurance “facts” they’ve heard simply aren’t true.

Whether you live in Murrells Inlet, Myrtle Beach, Pawleys Island, Georgetown, or anywhere along the South Carolina coast, understanding what your policies actually cover can help you avoid unexpected gaps and better protect your family, home, vehicles, and business.

Let’s clear up a few common misconceptions.

Myth #1: Flood Insurance Is Only Needed in High-Risk Areas

This is one of the biggest misconceptions we see in coastal South Carolina.

Many flood claims occur outside of designated high-risk flood zones. And here’s an important reminder: standard homeowners insurance does not cover flood damage.

With our coastal weather, heavy rainfall, hurricanes, and tropical storms, flood insurance is worth considering regardless of your flood zone designation.

Myth #2: Older Cars Don’t Need Insurance Protection

While you may choose to adjust certain coverages as your vehicle ages, liability coverage is still essential and legally required in most situations.

If your vehicle is important to your daily life, dropping comprehensive or collision coverage could leave you facing significant out-of-pocket expenses after an accident, theft, or weather-related loss.

Myth #3: Homeowners Insurance Covers Everything You Own

Most homeowners policies include personal property coverage, but valuable items often have coverage limits.

Jewelry, firearms, collectibles, fine art, and expensive electronics may require additional protection to ensure they’re fully covered.

A quick policy review can help identify whether your valuables need special consideration.

Myth #4: Anyone Who Borrows Your Car Is Automatically Covered

In many cases, occasional drivers who have your permission to use the vehicle may be covered under your policy.

However, every policy is different. Coverage can be affected by excluded drivers, household members who aren’t listed, ride-sharing activities, or business use.

Before handing over your keys, it’s important to understand how your policy works.

Myth #5: My Savings Account Is Enough Protection

Even a healthy savings account can be quickly depleted by a major home loss, liability claim, or lawsuit.

Homeowners insurance doesn’t just protect your home—it can also help cover personal belongings, liability claims, and additional living expenses if your home becomes uninhabitable after a covered loss.

Myth #6: My Auto Policy Automatically Covers Rental Cars

Many personal auto policies provide some protection for rental vehicles used for personal travel, but coverage varies.

Before declining coverage offered by a rental company, it’s a good idea to review your policy and understand exactly what’s protected.

Myth #7: Credit Doesn’t Affect Insurance Rates

Many insurance companies use credit-based insurance scores as part of their rating process.

In some cases, improvements to your credit profile could help you qualify for better insurance rates. If your financial situation has changed, it may be worth revisiting your coverage options.

When Was the Last Time You Reviewed Your Insurance?

Life changes quickly, and your insurance should keep up.

A policy review is a smart idea if you’ve: ✅ Purchased a home or vehicle
✅ Renovated your property
✅ Added a driver to your household
✅ Started a business
✅ Improved your credit
✅ Experienced major life changes

Let Carolina Property Insurance Help

At Carolina Property Insurance, we’re committed to helping our clients understand their coverage—not just sell policies. Whether you need homeowners, flood, auto, condo, renters, boat, motorcycle, umbrella, or business insurance, our local team is here to answer questions and help you make informed decisions.

📞 Not sure if your coverage still fits your needs? Contact Carolina Property Insurance today for a complimentary policy review and let us help ensure you’re protected from the unexpected. 🏡🚗🌊💙

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. 🌴🏡☀️

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

3 Things You Should Check on Your Policy Today

Have you ever thought about what is most important in your homeowner’s insurance policy? If you want to understand your home insurance policy, it’s important to make sure you have the coverage you really need. There are three main areas of your policy to focus on for comprehensive protection for your property. Comprehensive protection in an insurance policy is when you are insured against a wide range of risks and unforeseen events, adequately. 

# 1. Coverage Types

– Dwelling Coverage: Make 100% sure that your policy has the full replacement cost of your home as well as all structures on your property, even your fencing! Your agent can help you determine the cost to rebuild your home in today’s market by running a quick replacement cost estimate. 

– Personal Property Coverage: Is your policy limit too low or too high? We see this a lot in today’s market, sometimes the limit is preset by companies you may be overinsured. Why pay for more than what you own? You may need a separate policy called an inland marine policy to schedule valuables such as jewelry, guns and collectibles. Never assume everything you own is covered, most policies have preset limitations on specific valuables. 

– Liability Coverage: it is imperative to have enough liability protection/limits in case someone is injured on your property or if you accidentally cause damage to someone else’s property. No one likes getting sued, but it happens daily. 

# 2. Deductibles

– Amounts:  In coastal SC, almost every company sets a minimum amount on your wind/hail deductible and that is normally 2% of your dwelling coverage. All other peril deductibles (anything not related to wind/hail) can range from $1,000-$5,000 or a percentage of dwelling coverage. You can pick which deductible is most affordable to you. But remember, you pay those deductibles out-of-pocket before insurance kicks in. Choose an amount that fits your financial situation.

# 3. Exclusions and Limitations

– Specific Exclusions: In our area, flood damage is specifically excluded on property policies. Be aware of what is not covered under your policy and don’t just assume you have coverage. Read through your policy to see the exclusions.

– Coverage Limits: A lot of policies have caps on damages caused by water on older homes. See if your policy has any caps on specific types of claims, like theft or damage to personal property. This also ties back to valuables and realizing there are certain limits built into policies. 

    Our homes are our livelihoods. Please ensure that you understand your policy. No one thinks the unimaginable could happen to them, but we see it more than you know. In the event of a total loss, you will need the tools necessary to help yourself recover financially. Reviewing these three areas on your policy does just that! 

Submitted by Mary Beth Morris