Homeowner’s Insurance Rates Skyrocketing? I've Got a Smart Way to Save

If you’ve opened your renewal notice and immediately questioned whether your house is now insured for accidental gold bar spills—same. Homeowner’s insurance premiums across Charleston and the Lowcountry are up, and for a lot of folks, they’re offensively high.

But here’s a surprisingly simple way to fight back: install a home security system.

Yes, really.

Most major insurance providers offer a discount of 2% to 5% on your annual premium just for having a monitored security system in place. Some companies go as high as 15%, depending on the features of your setup. That means you might offset the cost of the system and put more money back in your pocket—year after year.

Why Insurance Rates Are Rising in Charleston

Let’s talk about the elephant on the peninsula: rates in South Carolina—especially coastal markets like Charleston, Mount Pleasant, and Daniel Island—have jumped due to a perfect storm of:

• Increased storm risk modeling, even in X flood zones
• Inflation impacting reconstruction costs
• A rising number of insurance claims statewide
• Fewer carriers writing new policies near the coast

The result? Even with no claims and great credit, you may be seeing a sharp increase at renewal time.

How a Security System Helps You Win

Insurance is all about risk mitigation, and a monitored alarm system signals to your insurer that you're lowering the risk of losses from break-ins, fire, and even water damage (if you include smart sensors). Many insurers offer tiered discounts based on the system's capabilities:

• Basic system (door/window sensors, audible alarm): ~2-5% discount
• Monitored system with fire/smoke/water detection: ~5-10%
• Fully integrated smart home systems with video, automation, etc.: Up to 15%

A Local Tip for Charleston Homeowners

Charleston has a robust network of local security vendors who understand both historic homes downtown and newer construction in Mount Pleasant or Nexton. Look for providers who offer systems compatible with your insurance carrier’s requirements—and don’t forget to get it in writing for your discount.

Bonus tip: Some carriers also offer credits for wind mitigation features, upgraded roofing, or flood vents—especially if your home was recently built or improved. If you're unsure, a local real estate expert (hi, it’s me) can help you sort through the jargon and find out what qualifies.

Bottom Line: Don't Just Pay—Play the Game

If you're staring at a 20% rate hike and wondering what on earth changed, you're not alone. But you're also not powerless. A few smart upgrades—like a home security system—can shave real dollars off your premium and protect what matters most.

Ready to Shop for a Home (or Re-Shop Your Policy)?

Whether you're buying your first home in Charleston or just tired of giving your insurer more for less, I'm here to help. I stay on top of market trends, local vendor recommendations, and cost-saving tips that go beyond the listing price. Let’s make sure your next move—or your current one—is working for you, not draining your wallet.

→ Contact me today for expert guidance on buying, selling, or protecting your Charleston home.