Why the number surprises people
Many South Carolina policies — and nearly all coastal ones — carry a separate hurricane or named-storm deductible set as a percentage of Coverage A. On an illustrative $410,000 dwelling limit, 2% is $8,200, not the $1,500 that applies to a kitchen fire.
When the percentage applies
The trigger is defined in the policy, not by the weather. Some forms apply it from the time a hurricane watch or warning is issued for any part of the state until a set period after it ends; others tie it to a named storm. The declarations page and the hurricane deductible endorsement control. Inland owners were surprised to find this after Helene in 2024.
How it fits with appraisal
Appraisal decides the amount of loss; the deductible then comes off that amount. A loss only slightly above the deductible may not be worth a formal dispute, while one well above it often is. Run both numbers through the claim gap & fee estimator.
Questions about this tool
Does the percentage apply to contents too?
It is usually calculated from the dwelling limit but applied to the whole hurricane loss. Check your policy’s wording.
Can I lower my hurricane deductible?
Sometimes at renewal, usually for a higher premium. Mitigation such as an SC Safe Home upgrade may also affect pricing; ask your agent.
