Wind vs Flood: The Most Common Storm Claim Dispute in South Carolina
After a hurricane or tropical storm, the question of what caused the damage, wind or water, can decide whether a claim is paid. Halversen Law represents South Carolina property owners in these disputes.
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Why the cause matters
Most homeowners and commercial property policies cover wind and exclude flood. Flood is covered by a separate flood policy, often through the National Flood Insurance Program, which has its own limits and federal rules. When a storm brings both, each insurer may point to the other.
How big the flood side is in South Carolina
From 2015 to 2026, 21,303 National Flood Insurance Program claims were filed in South Carolina. Hurricane Matthew produced 4,621 of them in the Lowcountry alone, and Hurricane Florence 1,028 on the Grand Strand. Our area pages list flood claims by county.
Evidence of wind damage
- Roof, siding, window and soffit damage above the water line.
- Rain that entered through openings the wind created.
- Damage on sides of the building that water did not reach.
- NOAA wind reports and the storm’s timing: wind often arrives hours before peak surge.
- Photos with timestamps, neighbor and contractor statements, and an engineer’s report.
Wind pool and named storm deductibles
In the coastal area, wind coverage may come from the South Carolina Wind and Hail Underwriting Association rather than your homeowners insurer (S.C. Code § 38-75-310). A hurricane or named storm deductible may apply to the wind portion. See wind pool claims and hurricane deductibles.
Two policies, two sets of deadlines
A flood claim under a federal flood policy follows that policy’s proof of loss and lawsuit deadlines, which are shorter than South Carolina’s 3-year limit for property policies. File both claims promptly and keep them separate. See claim deadlines in South Carolina.
See also hurricane claims.
Questions about a claim? Call 843-284-5790 or request a case review.
This page is general information about South Carolina law, not legal advice. Reading it does not create an attorney-client relationship. Every claim depends on its own policy and facts.