This section offers common questions and answers. Please refer to the Manual and policy forms for more detailed answers.Where does the Association provide coverage?

By South Carolina Statute, the Coastal Area is defined as follows:

Zone 1 is defined as follows:

1.         All areas in Beaufort County east of the west bank of the Intracoastal Waterway with the exception of Lady's Island, Coosaw Island, and Morgan Island.

2.         All areas of Colleton County which are east of the west bank of the Intracoastal Waterway.

3.         The following areas in Charleston County: the portion of Edisto Island which is east of Peters Point Road and Point of Pines Road, Edingsville Beach, Kiawah Island, Botany Bay Island, Folly Island, Seabrook Island, Morris Island, and all areas north of the city of Charleston which are east of the west bank of the Intracoastal Waterway.

4.         The following areas in Georgetown County: all areas between the Harrell Siau Bridge and the Georgetown – Horry County border which are east of U.S. Highway No. 17 or By-Pass 17, whichever is further west, and all areas south of the Harrell Siau Bridge which are east of the west bank of the Intracoastal Waterway.

5.         The following areas in Horry County:

(a)        beginning at the northern border of Horry County, all areas east of the west bank of the Intracoastal Waterway to the point where the where U.S. Highway 17 crosses the Intracoastal Waterway

(b)        from the point where U.S. Highway 17 crosses the Intracoastal Waterway, south to the Georgetown – Horry County border, all areas which are east of U.S. Highway 17 or By-Pass 17, whichever is farther west

Zone 2 is defined as follows:

1.         The following areas in Beaufort County:  Lady's Island, Coosaw Island, and Morgan Island.

2.         The following areas in Charleston County:

(a)        the portion of Edisto Island which is west of Peters Point Rd and Point of Pines Rd.

(b)        the portion of James Island which is east of the west bank of the James Island Creek.

(c)        the portion of John’s Island which is east of Exchange Road which becomes Plow Ground Road to Hoopstick Island Road to Church Creek.

(d)        the portion of Wadmalaw Island which is east of Roseville Road to west of Cherry Point Road to Maybank Highway to Brigger Hill Road.

(e)        all areas north of the City of Charleston which are east of U.S. Highway 17 and west of the Intracoastal Waterway.

3.         The following areas in Georgetown County:

(a)        all areas between the Harrell Siau Bridge and the Georgetown – Horry County border which are east of the west bank of the Intracoastal Waterway and west of U.S. Highway 17 or By-Pass 17, whichever is farther west.

(b)        all areas south of the Harrell Siau Bridge which are east of U.S. Highway 17 and west of the Intracoastal Waterway

4.         The following areas in Horry County:

(a)        beginning at the northern border of Horry County, an area bounded on the west by a line defined as follows: SC Highway 57 (Wampee Road) to the point where it meets SC Highway 9, then following SC Highway 9 east to SC Highway 31 (Carolina Bays Parkway), then following SC 31 west to River Oaks Drive, then following River Oaks Drive to US Highway 501, across US Highway 501, where the road becomes George Bishop Parkway, then following George Bishop Parkway and turning right onto Claypond Road, following Claypond Road to Burcale Road, then following Burcale Road until it ends at Riverside Drive.  The line then continues in a straight line from the end of Burcale Road to the Intracoastal Waterway, where it then follows the waterway to the Georgetown – Horry County border.

(b)        the eastern boundary of Zone 2 in Horry County is the western boundary of Horry County Zone 1 as defined above.

How do I become licensed with the Association?
It is not necessary to become licensed with the Association. We will accept an application from any individual who holds a valid insurance license or brokers license from the South Carolina Department of Insurance.

South Carolina also licenses insurance agencies. To place business with the Association, your agency must be properly licensed.

What credit terms are available?
All policies must be paid in full prior to coverage going into effect. All payments must be by agency check, certified check, or money order.

What is the policy fee?
There is a $8 policy fee for each policy. It supports the inspection program used by the Association. It is paid each policy period.

What is the commission rate?
The commission rate is 10%.

What are your maximum limits?
For dwellings, mobile homes, townhouses, and condo unit owners risks, the maximum limits are $1,300,000. For commercial risks, the maximum limits are $2.5 million.

Maximum limits refers to the maximum coverage available for a given location including building, contents, indirect loss coverage, and increased cost of construction coverage. Please refer to the Manual for information on restrictions.

South Carolina law requires that the Association's maximum limits be used prior to purchasing excess wind insurance.

Is there a hurricane restriction?
The hurricane restriction was replaced on January 15, 1996 with a waiting period. The 15-day waiting period starts after the Association has received the properly completed signed and dated application, photos, and full payment of premium.

What perils are covered?
The policy forms cover the perils of wind and hail, subject to the terms of the policies.

Is flood insurance required?
While flood insurance is not required, it is strongly recommended.

What deductibles are available?
A 2% deductible is standard for Zone 2 properties, and a 3% deductible is standard for Zone 1 properties.  Higher deductibles are available for a premium credit.

Deductibles apply separately to building and contents. An additional deductible applies to the indirect coverages For personal lines risks, the deductible is based on policy limits. For commercial lines risks, the deductible is based on property value.

Does the Association automatically renew policies?
No. The broker must request that the policy be rewritten and submit the full payment of premium each year. The Association distributes pre-printed applications for rewrites approximately 90 days in advance of expiration.

How can I learn more about the Association?
The Association Staff, in conjunction with the various agents associations, offers seminars covering a number of wind and hail topics. These seminars are filed for South Carolina Continuing Education Credit.  Bulletins are released periodically announcing the availability of the classes.

How can I obtain a manual?
It is available for downloading in our manual section. If you prefer, you can request a manual by sending $10 to the Association Office.

For more helpful tips . . . Please see Division VII of the manual.