Dwelling Fire Insurance in Myrtle Beach, SC

What Is Dwelling Fire Insurance?

Dwelling fire insurance, often called a DP-3 policy, protects properties that aren't your primary residence. If you own a rental home, investment property, or vacant house in Myrtle Beach or the surrounding areas, this is the coverage you need. Standard homeowners insurance won't cut it — dwelling fire insurance is built specifically for landlords, real estate investors, and property owners who don't live in the home full-time.

Whether you own a single rental in Conway, a vacation property in Pawleys Island, or a portfolio of investment homes across the Grand Strand, dwelling fire insurance keeps your properties protected from fire, storms, and other covered perils.

Why Myrtle Beach Property Owners Need Dwelling Fire Insurance

If you rent out a property or own a home you don't occupy, your standard homeowners policy won't cover it. Insurance companies require a different type of policy for non-owner-occupied properties because the risk profile is different. Dwelling fire insurance fills that gap.

• Standard homeowners insurance excludes rental and investment properties


• Protects your investment from fire, lightning, wind, hail, and other covered perils


• Covers the physical structure and attached structures like garages and porches


• Provides liability protection if someone is injured on your property


• Replaces lost rental income if the property becomes uninhabitable after a covered loss

What Does Dwelling Fire Insurance Cover?

A dwelling fire policy in South Carolina is designed to protect the building itself and your income as a landlord or investor. Here's what's typically included:

Dwelling Coverage: Pays to repair or rebuild the structure if it's damaged by a covered peril like fire, lightning, wind, or hail. This covers the main building, including the roof, walls, floors, and built-in systems like plumbing and electrical.

Other Structures: Covers detached structures on the property, such as garages, storage sheds, and fences. If a storm damages the detached garage at your rental property in North Myrtle Beach, this coverage pays for repairs.

Fair Rental Value (Loss of Rents): Reimburses you for lost rental income if your property becomes uninhabitable due to a covered loss. If a fire forces your tenants out for three months while you rebuild, this coverage replaces the rent you would have collected.

Liability Protection: Covers legal expenses and medical bills if someone is injured on your rental property and you're found responsible. If a visitor trips on a broken step and sues, your dwelling fire policy helps cover the costs.

Medical Payments: Pays for minor medical expenses if a guest or visitor is injured on the property, regardless of fault. This can help avoid a lawsuit over smaller incidents.

Who Needs Dwelling Fire Insurance?

Dwelling fire insurance is the right choice if you own property that you don't live in full-time. This includes:

• Landlords renting out single-family homes or duplexes


• Real estate investors with income-producing properties


• Owners of vacation homes that are rented seasonally


• Property owners with homes under renovation or awaiting sale


• Owners of inherited properties that are currently vacant

If you own rental properties in Myrtle Beach, Surfside Beach, Murrells Inlet, Litchfield, or Georgetown, dwelling fire insurance protects your investment and your income stream.

Dwelling Fire Insurance vs. Landlord Insurance

You'll often hear the terms "dwelling fire insurance" and "landlord insurance" used interchangeably, but there are some differences. Dwelling fire insurance (DP-1, DP-2, DP-3) is a specific policy form that covers the structure against named perils or broad perils depending on the version. Landlord insurance is a broader term that can include dwelling coverage plus additional protections tailored for rental property owners.

A DP-3 policy offers the most comprehensive dwelling fire coverage, protecting against all perils except those specifically excluded. If you want solid protection for your Myrtle Beach rental property, a DP-3 is usually the best option.

What Dwelling Fire Insurance Doesn't Cover

Like all insurance policies, dwelling fire insurance has exclusions. Common exclusions include:

• Flood damage (requires a separate flood insurance policy)


• Earthquake damage


• Tenant belongings (tenants should carry renters insurance)


• Normal wear and tear or neglected maintenance


• Damage caused intentionally by the property owner

If your investment property is in a flood-prone area — and many Myrtle Beach properties are — talk to our agents about adding flood insurance to fully protect your investment.

How Much Does Dwelling Fire Insurance Cost in South Carolina?

The cost of dwelling fire insurance depends on the property's location, age, construction type, coverage limits, and the deductible you choose. Properties in coastal areas like Myrtle Beach, North Myrtle Beach, and Pawleys Island may have higher premiums due to hurricane and wind exposure.

Factors that can lower your premium include installing smoke detectors, security systems, and storm shutters. Bundling your dwelling fire policy with other coverage, like your personal auto or homeowners insurance, may also qualify you for a discount.

Moore & Associates compares rates from multiple carriers to find you competitive dwelling fire insurance without cutting corners on coverage.

Why Work With Moore & Associates?

As an independent insurance agency in Myrtle Beach, SC, we're not tied to one insurance company. That means we can shop multiple carriers to find the best dwelling fire insurance for your rental or investment property.

Moore & Associates has served South Carolina property owners since 1979. We understand the local rental market and the risks that come with owning property along the coast. When you call, you talk to a local agent who knows Myrtle Beach, Conway, Murrells Inlet, and Georgetown — not an out-of-state call center.

Whether you own one rental home or a dozen investment properties, we can help you build the right coverage at a price that makes sense.

Get a Dwelling Fire Insurance Quote in Myrtle Beach, South Carolina

Our dwelling fire insurance agents serve Myrtle Beach, South Carolina and surrounding areas including North Myrtle Beach, Atlantic Beach, Conway, Surfside Beach, Murrells Inlet, Litchfield, Pawleys Island, and Georgetown. Contact Moore & Associates today for a free quote.