South Carolina has experienced heightened demands for new flood insurance options as the threat of sea-level rise, coastal and inland flooding intensifies throughout the state. Responding to the need for coverage, Wright National Flood Insurance Services, LLC (WNFIS) is launching a Residential Private Flood Insurance Program throughout South Carolina on May 12. This first-of-its-kind, stand-alone product was launched in Florida and New Jersey last year, with plans for expansion into additional states.

Wright’s Residential Private Flood Insurance offering was created to address the flood insurance protection gap, which has become more urgent with the increased frequency and severity of major weather events. South Carolina is anticipated to face more than $2.9 billion in property damages due to flooding over the next 13 years – nearly double what is predicted for neighboring coastal states.¹ When looking at the US as a whole, over the past 23 years a startling 99 percent of counties throughout the nation have been impacted by flooding events.²

Similar to customization options available in standard personal lines coverages, this is the first flood coverage that allows property owners to tailor their flood insurance policy to their specific needs.

“We are offering flood coverage that is not one size fits all,” said James R. Watje, Senior Vice President of Private Flood at Wright National Flood Insurance Services. “Each home we cover is as unique as the people living in it. That’s why we created a product that will not only help protect your home but also has the flexibility to customize that protection.”

Wright’s Residential Private Flood Insurance Program will be sold exclusively by Wright’s partner agents, and it is currently backed by an insurance provider with an A+ rating from AM Best.

Key features of the coverage include:

No waiting period

No Elevation Certificate required

Higher dwelling limits

Single deductible

Automatic replacement cost on both dwelling and personal property

Loss of Use, Other Structures, and Building Ordinance coverages

Optional Resiliency coverage (rebuilding with flood-resistive materials)

South Carolina is ranked seventh among all states in coastal flooding vulnerability, even though the state ranks 23rd in total population. An estimated 400,000 South Carolina residents are at risk of being impacted by inland and coastal flooding.³ Through Wright’s Residential Private Flood Program with automatic replacement cost coverage and optional Resiliency coverage, property owners can rebuild with flood-resistive materials, decreasing the impact of future floods.

“Following the successful launch of our Residential Private Flood Insurance Program in Florida and New Jersey, we are pleased to now be expanding the program to South Carolina and look forward to making customizable flood insurance a nationwide standard as we roll out the program across the country,” added Watje.