Earthquake Insurance in Myrtle Beach, SC

What Is Earthquake Insurance?

Earthquake insurance covers damage to your home, belongings, and other structures caused by seismic activity. If you own property in Myrtle Beach or anywhere in South Carolina, your standard homeowners policy does not cover earthquake damage. It's a specific exclusion, which means you need a separate earthquake insurance policy to protect your home from this risk.

Many homeowners assume earthquakes only happen on the West Coast, but South Carolina has a history of seismic activity. The Charleston earthquake of 1886 was one of the most damaging earthquakes ever recorded in the eastern United States, and smaller tremors still occur throughout the region. If you own a home in Myrtle Beach, North Myrtle Beach, Conway, or anywhere along the coast, earthquake insurance is worth considering.

Why Myrtle Beach Homeowners Should Consider Earthquake Insurance

South Carolina sits near several fault lines, and seismic activity — while infrequent — does happen. When it does, the damage can be severe and expensive. Without earthquake insurance, you're on the hook for every dollar of repairs.

• Homeowners insurance specifically excludes earthquake damage — no exceptions


• South Carolina experiences occasional seismic activity, particularly in the Lowcountry and Midlands


• Even minor earthquakes can crack foundations, damage walls, and shift structural supports


• Covers both structural repairs and personal property losses


• Provides additional living expenses if your home becomes uninhabitable after a quake

What Does Earthquake Insurance Cover?

An earthquake insurance policy in South Carolina typically includes several key coverages designed to help you recover after seismic damage.

Dwelling Coverage: Pays to repair or rebuild your home's structure if it's damaged by an earthquake. This includes the foundation, walls, roof, floors, and built-in systems like plumbing, electrical, and HVAC. Foundation cracks and structural shifting are among the most common — and most expensive — types of earthquake damage.

Personal Property Coverage: Covers your belongings if they're damaged or destroyed during an earthquake. If your furniture, electronics, appliances, or other personal items are broken by falling debris or structural collapse, this coverage reimburses you.

Other Structures Coverage: Protects detached structures on your property, such as garages, sheds, fences, and workshops. If the detached garage at your Surfside Beach home cracks or collapses during a tremor, this coverage pays for repairs.

Additional Living Expenses (Loss of Use): Pays for temporary housing, meals, and other living costs if your home is too damaged to live in after an earthquake. If you need to stay in a hotel or rent a temporary place while your Myrtle Beach home is being repaired, this coverage helps with those expenses.

How Earthquake Insurance Deductibles Work

Earthquake insurance deductibles work differently than standard homeowners policy deductibles. Instead of a flat dollar amount, earthquake deductibles are typically expressed as a percentage of your dwelling coverage limit.

For example, if your home is insured for $300,000 and your earthquake policy has a 10% deductible, you'd pay the first $30,000 of any covered earthquake damage before insurance kicks in. Deductibles typically range from 5% to 20%, depending on the policy and your location.

Because of these higher deductibles, earthquake insurance is designed for major damage events rather than minor cracks or cosmetic issues. Our agents can help you understand how different deductible options affect your premium and out-of-pocket costs.

What Earthquake Insurance Doesn't Cover

Like all insurance policies, earthquake coverage has exclusions. Common exclusions include:

• Flood or tsunami damage caused by an earthquake (requires separate flood insurance)


• Fire damage following an earthquake (typically covered by your homeowners policy)


• Vehicle damage (covered by your auto insurance comprehensive coverage)


• Land or property value changes due to ground shifting


• Pre-existing foundation cracks or structural issues

If you live near the coast in Myrtle Beach, Pawleys Island, or Georgetown, you may also want to consider flood insurance to protect against water damage from tsunami or seiche activity that could follow a seismic event.

Is Earthquake Insurance Worth It in South Carolina?

Many South Carolina homeowners don't think about earthquake insurance because major quakes are rare. But "rare" doesn't mean "impossible." The 1886 Charleston earthquake caused widespread destruction, and geologists confirm that the region remains seismically active.

When deciding if earthquake insurance is right for you, consider:

• Your home's construction type — older homes and those with brick or masonry are more vulnerable


• Your foundation type — slab foundations and pier-and-beam structures respond differently to seismic activity


• Your ability to pay for major structural repairs out of pocket


• The relatively low cost of earthquake insurance in South Carolina compared to high-risk states

For many homeowners in Myrtle Beach, North Myrtle Beach, Conway, and Murrells Inlet, earthquake insurance provides affordable peace of mind for a risk that's easy to overlook.

How Much Does Earthquake Insurance Cost in South Carolina?

Earthquake insurance in South Carolina is generally more affordable than in high-risk states like California. Your premium depends on several factors, including your home's age, construction type, foundation, location, coverage limits, and the deductible you choose.

Homes with reinforced foundations, wood-frame construction, and modern building codes typically qualify for lower rates. You may also save by bundling earthquake coverage with your homeowners policy or choosing a higher deductible.

Moore & Associates shops multiple carriers to find competitive earthquake insurance rates for Myrtle Beach homeowners. We'll help you understand your options and find coverage that fits your budget.

Why Work With Moore & Associates?

As an independent insurance agency in Myrtle Beach, SC, we work with multiple carriers to find the right earthquake insurance policy for your home. We're not locked into one company, so we can compare options and get you solid coverage at a fair price.

Moore & Associates has served South Carolina homeowners since 1979. We understand the risks property owners face in this region — from hurricanes and floods to the often-overlooked threat of seismic activity. When you call, you reach a local agent who knows Myrtle Beach, North Myrtle Beach, Litchfield, Pawleys Island, and Georgetown — not an out-of-state call center.

Get an Earthquake Insurance Quote in Myrtle Beach, South Carolina

Our earthquake 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.