Personal Insurance in Goose Creek & Charleston, SC

South Carolina requires minimum liability coverage of 25/50/25, which means $25,000 per person and $50,000 per accident for bodily injury, plus $25,000 for property damage. You're also required to carry uninsured motorist coverage at those same limits. These are the legal minimums, but they're often not enough to fully protect you after a serious accident. We help you understand what adequate coverage actually looks like for your situation without pushing you into coverage you don't need.

Wind damage from hurricanes is typically covered under standard homeowners policies in South Carolina, but most coastal policies carry a separate wind or named storm deductible, often 1–5% of your dwelling coverage, rather than a flat dollar amount. Flood damage from storm surge or rising water is almost always excluded from standard policies and requires a separate flood policy through the NFIP or a private carrier. For Lowcountry homeowners, understanding both of these gaps before hurricane season is essential. We walk you through both exposures so nothing surprises you at claim time.

Absolutely. Bundling your home and auto with the same carrier typically saves 10–25% on both policies. However, because we're independent, we don't automatically assume one company's bundle is the best deal, we run the numbers both ways. Sometimes placing your home and auto with two different carriers still saves more than any single company's multi-policy discount. We show you both scenarios and let you decide.

A captive agent works exclusively for one insurance company like a State Farm or Allstate agent and can only offer that company's products. An independent agent like Cheri Nelson Insurance Agency isn't tied to any single carrier. We represent you, not an insurance company, which means we shop across 70+ carriers to find the best combination of coverage and price for your specific situation. If a better option exists somewhere else, we'll find it.

Yes, and this is one of the most important coverage conversations we have with Lowcountry homeowners. FEMA flood zone designations are updated periodically and don't always reflect actual flood risk, especially in low-lying areas around Goose Creek, Summerville, and the greater Charleston metro. A significant percentage of flood claims nationally come from properties outside high-risk flood zones. Private flood insurance options have also expanded significantly in recent years, often at lower premiums than NFIP policies. We recommend a flood risk conversation for any homeowner in Berkeley, Charleston, or Dorchester County.

A common starting point is 10–12 times your annual income, but the right amount depends on your mortgage balance, your family's monthly expenses, how many dependents you have, your existing assets, and whether you have group coverage through an employer. Term life is typically the most affordable option for families who need substantial coverage. We help you work through the numbers honestly, no pressure toward any particular product, and find a policy that protects your family without overcomplicating your finances.

Absolutely. Renters insurance is one of the most affordable policies we offer, typically $15–$30 per month, and it covers far more than most renters realize. Your landlord's policy covers the building structure, but nothing inside your unit. Renters insurance covers your furniture, electronics, clothing, and personal belongings against theft, fire, and other covered losses. It can also cover your personal liability if someone is injured in your home. For the cost of a few cups of coffee a month, it's one of the easiest coverage decisions you can make.

Anyone with assets worth protecting (a home, savings, retirement accounts, or a future income stream. A personal umbrella policy kicks in after your auto or homeowners liability limits are exhausted, providing an additional $1–5 million in coverage. It's one of the most cost-effective policies available, often running $150–$600 per year for $1 million in coverage. If you own a home, have a teenage driver, own a boat or rental property, or simply have more to lose than your base policies cover, umbrella coverage is worth a serious conversation.