Conway, South Carolina has one of the most documented flood risk profiles of any community in Horry County. Situated along the Waccamaw River, the city has experienced catastrophic flooding multiple times — most recently when Hurricane Florence in 2018 caused the Waccamaw to reach historic crest levels, inundating neighborhoods throughout the city and displacing thousands of residents for weeks. For Conway homeowners, flood insurance isn't a luxury or an optional add-on — it's a foundational part of responsible homeownership. Moore & Associates Insurance helps Conway and Horry County residents compare flood insurance options and find the right coverage for their property.

The standard homeowners insurance policy explicitly excludes flood damage. It doesn't matter whether the flooding comes from a hurricane, a slow-moving storm system, a river overflow, or backed-up drainage — if rising water damages your home, your homeowners policy will not pay for it. The only way to be covered for flood losses is through a separate flood insurance policy.

Conway's location along the Waccamaw River creates a specific and well-documented flood risk that goes beyond what many homeowners anticipate. After Hurricane Florence, properties miles from the river — properties that had never flooded before — were inundated as the Waccamaw rose to unprecedented levels over the course of several days. This prolonged flooding was unlike the rapid storm surge events more commonly associated with coastal flooding, and it caught many Conway homeowners without flood coverage.

The lesson is clear: in Conway, flood risk is real, documented, and not limited to properties with a waterfront address.

FEMA maintains Flood Insurance Rate Maps (FIRMs) that designate flood risk zones for communities across the country. In Conway, several neighborhoods fall within Zone A or AE — high-risk flood zones where federally backed mortgage lenders are required to mandate flood insurance as a condition of the loan. If your property is in one of these zones and you have a federally backed mortgage, you're likely already required to carry flood insurance.

However, the 2018 flooding made it clear that Zone X properties — those outside the high-risk flood areas on FEMA maps — are not necessarily safe from flooding in Conway. The Waccamaw River's behavior during extended rainfall events can produce flooding that extends well beyond what flood maps predict. FEMA data consistently shows that a significant portion of flood claims nationwide come from properties outside designated high-risk zones.

Whether or not your mortgage requires it, flood insurance in Conway is worth serious consideration for virtually every homeowner in the city.

Conway homeowners have two primary options for flood coverage: the National Flood Insurance Program (NFIP) and private flood insurance carriers. The NFIP, administered by FEMA, provides federally backed flood coverage up to $250,000 for the structure and $100,000 for contents. It's widely available, accepted by lenders who require flood insurance, and has paid billions in claims since its inception.

Private flood insurance has become an increasingly competitive alternative. Private policies often offer higher coverage limits — important for Conway homeowners with higher-value properties — as well as additional living expenses coverage, which the NFIP does not provide. If a flood forces you out of your home for weeks during repairs, private flood insurance can cover your hotel costs and additional living expenses. The NFIP will not. For Conway homeowners who experienced extended displacement after Florence, this distinction is significant.

Private flood policies may also offer replacement cost coverage for personal property, whereas the NFIP pays actual cash value for contents — meaning depreciation is factored in. For homeowners with newer appliances, furniture, and electronics, replacement cost coverage provides meaningfully better protection.

A standard flood insurance policy covers direct physical damage from flooding to your home's structure and its contents. Building coverage includes the foundation, walls, flooring, electrical and plumbing systems, HVAC equipment, and major appliances. Contents coverage covers personal belongings, furniture, clothing, electronics, and other personal property stored in the home.

Flood insurance does not cover damage caused by moisture or mold that could have been avoided, temporary housing costs (under NFIP — private policies may cover this), and property outside the insured building such as decks, fences, and landscaping. Understanding these exclusions before a flood occurs helps you plan appropriately and avoid unpleasant surprises during the claims process.

Moore & Associates Insurance has served Conway and Horry County since 1979. We're an independent agency, which means we can compare NFIP and private flood insurance options side by side and help you determine which provides the best protection for your specific property and situation. Don't wait until the next flood warning to think about coverage — contact us today for a free, no-obligation flood insurance consultation and quote.