South Carolina Wind Pool (SCWHUA) Claims
Many coastal property owners get wind and hail coverage from the South Carolina Wind and Hail Underwriting Association, the state wind pool. Here is how it works and what it means for a claim.
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What the wind pool is
The South Carolina Wind and Hail Underwriting Association was created by statute as “a residual market mechanism to provide wind and hail insurance for residential and commercial property to applicants who are unable to procure this insurance in the coastal area” (S.C. Code § 38-75-310 and -330). Essential property insurance from the wind pool may include actual loss of business income, additional living expense and fair rental value (§ 38-75-310(1)).
Who uses it
Property owners in the wind pool’s coastal territory who cannot buy wind and hail coverage from a regular insurer. The Department of Insurance expanded the territory in 2007. Check eligibility for a specific address with the association at scwind.com.
Three policies after one storm
A coastal home can have a homeowners policy that excludes wind and hail, a wind pool policy for wind and hail, and a flood policy for rising water. Under S.C. Code § 38-75-1230, an insurer may exclude wind and hail from a homeowners policy only if the property is in the wind pool’s area or the Director of Insurance approves the exclusion. After a hurricane, each policy covers a different cause, and the insurers may disagree about which caused what. See wind vs flood disputes.
Wind pool claim disputes
- Damage attributed to flood or wear rather than wind.
- A named storm deductible applied to the wind claim. See hurricane deductibles.
- Low estimates for roof and exterior repairs.
- Delays after large storms, when claim volume is highest.
The 3-year limit to sue on a property policy applies. See claim deadlines in South Carolina and 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.