Dorchester, SC Home Insurance Quotes!
In the great city of Dorchester, there are a total of 2,380 people living in a variety of different styles of properties from single-family homes, duplexes, condos and apartments. While there are roughly 946 housing units in the city of Dorchester, many of the ones that are currently occupied are in need of lower home insurance rates. In the majority of these Dorchester neighborhoods, the average family size is around 3 residents per house.
In Dorchester, the average household income is about $46,406. While this is a fairly high number, it is slightly below the national median. Luckily, the cost to purchase a home in Dorchester is affordable, the average real estate market price is $121,300, although home prices in this area continue to rise. An increase in home prices results in more risk for the insure to cover. Plus, the cost of living increases with the property taxes due to the cost of home prices going up. Saving money on your home insurance premium can help with your monthly budget and even lower your monthly mortgage payment. Let us help you shop and compare rates in Dorchester, SC today!
Lower Home Insurance Rates in Dorchester Helps with Savings
In addition to affordable housing, Dorchester homeowners insurance also has some great rates to help you save more money. Our average home insurance rates for Dorchester is around $972 per year, for smaller homes with less replacement value coverage and discounts, you can get rates for as low as $722. For larger homes over 1,800 sq. ft in Dorchester, you may see higher rates in the $1272 range due to increased dwelling coverage.
Dorchester Home Insurance By Policy Type
When it comes to Dorchester homeowners insurance policies, there are a few different policy types and each one is written for a certain type of structure. Having the correct policy type is essential to having the proper coverage on your home for added protection when you need it most.
Below we have featured the most common insurance types for homeowners living in or nearby Dorchester:
| Type | Description |
|---|---|
| HO-3 | The most common of homeowners coverage is the HO-3. The majority of homeowners carry this type of policy and it covers damage that is caused by all perils unless they are excluded in the body of the policy. Damage that is caused by floods or earthquakes is always excluded on an HO-3 policy but there can be other exclusions as well. |
| HO-6 | Condos are becoming a popular housing option in Dorchester and if you have one, this is the policy type you need. In addition to condos, it also protects co-ops. This insurance offers coverage for your personal belongings as well as the components of the building that you actually own. |
| HO-8 | Dorchester is lucky to have a fair number of historical homes and if you own one, you may need an HO-8 policy. These policy types are specific to older homes where the replacement cost of the house may actually exceed the cash value of the home. These policies are affordable because the payout levels are less than the actual replacement cost of the house. In most cases, the need for an HO-8 policy arises when the house is more than 40 years old and doesn’t qualify for a HO-3 policy. These policies only cover 11 perils. |
| HO-4 | This policy type was designed for people that rent an apartment. It is often referred to as renters insurance. An HO-4 policy will pay out for damage to your personal property in your apartment and it also offers liability protection in the event that someone is injured in your apartment. |
Compare Homeowners Insurance Rates in Dorchester, SC!
Get up to 12 competitive Dorchester, SC homeowners insurance rates all in one place! |
Dorchester, SC Insurance Quotes & Service
With over 20 years of South Carolina homeowners insurance coverage and quoting experience, we enjoy helping customer find the best price and coverage options for your home in Dorchester, SC. Our new carrier platform includes quick rates from the very best insurance companies, like Liberty Mutual, Safeco Insurance, Tower Hill, ShoreOne, Kind Group Underwriting, AIG, Chubb, Travelers, National General, Heritage Insurance and the South Carolina Wind and Hail Underwriting Association for wind and hail insurance policies. Getting the best insurance rates with the right insurance company is key to protecing your Dorchester home. Let us help you shop the best rates and coverages today!
Get the Best South Carolina Home Insurance Rates Today!
Average Rates Nearby Dorchester
Are you looking for homeowners insurance in a city near Dorchester? Review coverage options and average rates in your area by clicking your city below. We can help you shop home insurance rates!
- Harleyville, SC Home Insurance Quotes
- North Charleston, SC Home Insurance Quotes
- Reevesville, SC Home Insurance Quotes
- Ridgeville, SC Home Insurance Quotes
- Saint George, SC Home Insurance Quotes
- Summerville, SC Home Insurance Quotes
Home Insurance Rates by Zipcode in Dorchester, SC
Easily review average rates and get multiple homeowners insurance quotes by clicking your zip code below located in Dorchester.
Dorchester, SC Home Insurance Average Premiums
$722 /yr.
For the city of Dorchester, homeowners insurance rates may vary on deductible, coverage amount and property details. Below is a list of the averages based on the cost of an annual home insurance premium.
| Coverage Amount: | Annual Premium |
|---|---|
| 1800 sq. ft. or below (discounts applied) | $722 /yr. |
| Average Coverage: | $972 /yr. |
| 2600 sq. ft. or higher (all discounts applied) | $1272 /yr. |
What is the average home insurance cost for a home in Dorchester, SC?
- • The average homeowners insurance premium paid annually for a home in Dorchester is around $972 per year.
What does it cost on average per month for home insurance in Dorchester, SC?
- • Homeowners in Dorchester pay an average cost per month around $81.00 for insurance coverage.
Dorchester, SC Coastal Wind, Hail & Flood Information
Dorchester is located in a coastal county which greatly increases the risk of hurricanes and windstorms. Our quoting process will include wind and hail coverage options to give you the best protection you need against high winds and storm damage.
Flood Zone Notice: The beautiful coastal city of Dorchester is know for it's beautiful beaches and waterways. Because Dorchester County (FIPS: 45035) has a shoreline and is in a coastal area it is important to purchase flood insurance. The risk is very high in this area and we will work with you to provide the best flood insurance coverage you need for your home in Dorchester, SC.
Coastal South Carolina Information: Coastal South Carolina Home Insurance Rates
Dorchester Flood Insurance and Windstorm Coverage
Dorchester is a coastal community that is often at risk from windstorms and other severe weather. In these types of areas, it is a good idea to carry wind and hail coverage. Our quoting process will include wind and hail coverage options to give you the best protection you need against high winds and storm damage.
Flood damage is another peril that South Carolina homeowners must deal with due to our extreme weather and sea level elevation. Unfortunately, a standard homeowners policy excludes flood coverage. In order to fully protect your home, you should consider purchasing a separate flood insurance policy.
Dorchester, SC - 2023 Housing Information
| Month | Current Home Value (2023) | Last Year Home Value (2022) |
|---|---|---|
| January | $270,368 | $238,529 |
| February | $268,646 | $249,292 |
| March | $267,636 | $262,816 |
| April | $268,410 | $272,347 |
Homeowners insurance will help cover the cost to repair or replace your Dorchester home if it is damaged or destroyed by a covered peril, up to your coverage limits. A homeowners policy is made up of a few different coverages. Here are the most common coverages:
- Dwelling: This coverage will pay to repair or replace the structure of your home if it is damaged or destroyed. Review and Calculate Replacement Cost Coverage in Dorchester
- Liability: This coverage will help cover medical and legal bills if someone is injured in your home, slipping on an icy sidewalk for example. It also offers protection if you damage another person’s property, your child hitting a baseball through a neighbor’s window for example.
- Contents: This covers the cost to replace your personal possessions that are destroyed by a covered peril. Furniture, electronics, clothing and household goods are excellent examples. Contents coverage is often capped at 50% to 70% of your dwelling coverage.
- Other Structures: This coverage protects other structures on your property such as detached garages, outbuildings, barns, and sheds.
- Loss of use: This covers everyday costs that you incur if you cannot live in your home while it is being repaired due to a claim. It will pay hotel and restaurant bills and even the cost of dry cleaning.
Get up to 12 competitive Dorchester, SC homeowners insurance rates all in one place! |
Saving Money Tips on Dorchester Home Insurance
A great way to save money on Dorchester homeowners insurance is to make sure you are getting all the discounts you are qualified to receive. Here are just a few of the most common discount’s insurers offer:
- Bundling: If you purchase your home and auto (or any other insurance coverage) from the same insurer, you should get a bundling discount. Expect to save 20%-25%.
- Secure your home: Adding a monitored security system, water leak sensors, deadbolts, and smoke detectors should result in a discount.
- Impact resistant roof: If you are replacing your roof, consider impact resistant roofing materials which help prevent hail and impact damage as well as resulting in a significant discount.
- Stay claim free: If you have been claim free for a number of years (five is a common requirement) your insurer should offer a claim free discount.
Are you shopping for the best rate near or wihin the Dorchester area? Check out what homeowners are paying on average for South Carolina homeowners insurance.
Elevation Review for Coastal Wind or Flooding Risk
| Elevation | Details | Homeowners Tips |
|---|---|---|
| 101 ft. | This is the average home elevation in Dorchester, SC | » Elevation is crucial to a homeowners insurance policy because it determines the risk of your home being in a flood zone which is particularly important in a coastal state such as Dorchester, South Carolina. A standard homeowners policy does not cover flood damage. If you live in a flood prone area, you will need to purchase a separate flood to fully protect your home. Flood insurance can be purchased via the National Flood Insurance Program (NFIP) or in the private market. NFIP policies come with coverage caps and other restrictions so you may need to supplement your flood insurance coverage with a private market policy. It's important to remember that flooding occurs in low and moderate risk areas as well. According to FEMA data, almost 25% of all flood claims come from low to moderate-risk areas. |
To get online quotes on your home and compare rates on home insurance premiums in Dorchester, enter your zip code above and easily complete our online quoting application. Remember, it's important to speak with us about additional home insurance discounts so you can get the best rate for your home in Dorchester County.
South Carolina Homeowners Insurance News & Information
-
Coastal South Carolina Home Insurance Rates Posted on Saturday 30th December, 2023
South Carolina is an amazing place to call home. It is overflowing with world-class cities, beautiful beaches, museums, and restaurants. It is truly a wonderful place to live. Unfortunately, some of our beautiful coastal cities, Myrtle Beach, Charleston and Hilton Head as an example come with some pretty high homeowners insurance premiums if you live […]
-
Will my home insurance cover roof replacement? Posted on Saturday 24th December, 2022
The answer to the question “does insurance cover roof replacement,” is not always clear cut. In most cases, it will depend on the reason that your roof needs to be replaced. If your roof has simply reached the end of its life, the cost to replace it will fall to you. On the other hand, […]
-
Am I underinsured for hurricane damage? Posted on Thursday 26th August, 2021
Tropical Storm Henri hit the Northeast pretty hard over the last week and for many homeowners the pain caused by the storm could just be getting started. Unfortunately, many homeowners may be underinsured or not have the right coverage in place when it comes to tropical storm and hurricane damage. A recent study by Policygenius […]
-
What can increase the cost of your homeowners insurance? Posted on Wednesday 28th October, 2020
If you are in the market for a house, the cost of homeowners insurance is probably not your number one priority but some homes come with risks that could dramatically up the cost of insuring your new home. Knowing what risks can be an insurance issue with a home can help you save not only […]
-
Hurricane Isaias is on the same track as Hurricane Dorian – What can we expect? Posted on Wednesday 5th August, 2020
Hurricane Isaias is on roughly the same track as Hurricane Dorian and is the first hurricane to hit the Bahamas since Dorian stalled over the islands as a Category 5 monster killing dozens of people and causing massive destruction. Here is a quick overview of both storms as well as a few tips on how […]
Dorchester, SC Dwelling Coverage Estimate
It is important to calculate your dwelling coverage for your home in Dorchester so you know what type of homeowners insurance coverage you need to cover your replacement cost. It is recommended to have enough dwelling coverage to rebuild your home if it was destroyed by a covered peril.
Please remember that replacement cost coverage does not include the cost of the land, only the price to rebuild your home, which is why we like to help customers by answering a few questions that you may have.
What is the average replacement cost coverage in Dorchester, SC?
- The average square footage in Dorchester is around 926 Sq. Ft. which would cost you around $121,300 to replace the home if you base the home on the price to build per square foot of $131.
Minimum Replacement Cost Total: $121,300
Location: Dorchester, South Carolina (Dorchester County)
Average Building Cost Per Square Foot in Dorchester: $131 (low end)
Average Square Footage in Dorchester: 926 Sq. Ft.
| Home Improvement Status | Price per Sq. Ft. | Dwelling Coverage |
|---|---|---|
| None or Very Minor Improvements | $131 | $121,300 |
| Some Additional Upgrades | $164 | $151,625 |
| Major Home Updates or Advancements | $197 | $181,950 |
The dwelling coverage is calculated by the average cost per square foot ($131) in Dorchester, South Carolina times your heated square footage. Which would equal the cost to rebuild your home minus the cost of the property or land. Some homes will have a higher replacement cost due to home improvements like updated kitchens and bathrooms. Other upgrades may include: granite countertops, hardwood floors and stainless steel appliances. The national square foot average to build a brand new home is around 2500 square feet. So if you are looking to build, and your square footage of your new home is 2500, you are looking at a dwelling coverage premium of around $409,375 (Media price to build of $164 x 2500 sq. ft.) to cover the cost to rebuild your new home.
What is the difference between actual cash value and replacement cost value?
Homeowners insurance is available in both actual cash value (ACV) and replacement cost value (RCV). Knowing the difference is important:
Actual cash value: When valuing your personal possessions, an actual cash value policy will take depreciation into account. This means that your 10-year-old TV will be basically worthless according to your insurance company. While an ACV policy tends to be cheaper, if you have to make a claim you may be disappointed in your claim payout.
Replacement cost value: A RCV policy will replace your possessions with brand new items of similar quality regardless of how old they were at the time they were destroyed. While RCV policies are slightly more expensive, they are well worth the cost if you have to make a claim.