Love Your Coverage: How Your Credit & Driving Habits Affect Auto Insurance

February is all about relationships — and while flowers and chocolate are great, there’s another relationship worth checking in on this month: your auto insurance policy.

Many drivers across the Upstate don’t realize how much factors like credit history, driving behavior, and policy structure can influence their rates. February is a great reminder to show your policy a little love — and make sure it’s working for you, not against you.

How Credit Impacts Auto Insurance Rates

In South Carolina, insurance companies are allowed to consider credit-based insurance scores when determining premiums. While this isn’t a traditional credit score, it’s influenced by similar factors such as:

  • Payment history
  • Length of credit history
  • Outstanding debt

If your credit has improved over the last year — maybe you paid down balances or avoided late payments — your auto insurance rate may be able to improve too. But insurers don’t automatically update this unless a review is requested.

Driving Habits Matter More Than You Think

Your daily routine plays a role in your coverage needs and pricing:

  • Shorter commutes or working from home
  • Reduced mileage
  • Fewer drivers on the policy
  • Clean driving record updates

With traffic continuing to grow around Greenville and the surrounding areas, making sure your coverage reflects how and where you drive is more important than ever.

Bundling: One of the Easiest Ways to Save

One of the most common opportunities we see during policy reviews is bundling auto insurance with home or renters coverage.

Bundling can:

  • Lower your overall premium
  • Simplify billing and renewals
  • Increase loyalty discounts over time

It’s a simple way to strengthen your coverage and your budget.

Winter Driving & Coverage Considerations

While Upstate winters are usually mild, we’ve all seen how icy mornings and severe weather can affect our roads! These factors lead to increased accidents this time of year. February is a good time to confirm:

  • Collision and comprehensive coverage levels
  • Deductibles that make sense financially
  • Roadside assistance options

A small adjustment now can make a big difference if the unexpected happens.

Show Your Policy Some Love This Month

Auto insurance isn’t one-size-fits-all — and as your life changes, your coverage should change with it.

Schedule a free auto insurance review with one of our agents today to see if you’re receiving every discount you qualify for and ensure your policy fits your current lifestyle.

A little attention now can lead to better protection — and real savings — all year long.

Insurance Resolutions for the New Year: A Coverage Checklist for 2026

The start of a new year is the perfect time to reset — not just your routines and goals, but your insurance coverage too. Life changes quickly, and even small updates over the past year can mean your policies no longer fully protect you.

Reviewing your insurance in January can help you avoid gaps, overpaying, or unpleasant surprises later in the year.

Here’s a simple checklist to help you start 2026 with confidence!

1. Review Your Auto Insurance

Ask yourself:

  • Did you buy or sell a vehicle in 2025?

  • Add a teen driver or remove one?

  • Change your daily commute or start working from home?

With growing traffic around Greenville and surrounding areas, making sure your liability limits and deductibles still make sense is key. January is also a great time to check for bundling discounts or safe-driver savings you may qualify for.

2. Check Your Homeowners or Renters Coverage

Have you:

  • Renovated your home?

  • Purchased new furniture, electronics, or appliances?

  • Added outdoor features like a fence, shed, or deck?

Upstate weather can be unpredictable — from ice in the winter to heavy spring rains and hot summer days — so it’s important to confirm your dwelling and personal property limits are accurate. Renters should also double-check coverage, especially if they’ve moved or upgraded belongings.

3. Consider an Umbrella Policy

Umbrella insurance provides extra liability protection beyond your auto and home policies. If you’ve experienced any of the following, it may be time to add one:

  • Increased assets or savings

  • A new business venture or rental property

  • Teen drivers or frequent guests in your home

Many people are surprised by how affordable umbrella coverage can be for the added peace of mind it provides.

4. Business Owners: Update Your Commercial Coverage

If you own or operate a business in the Upstate, January is the ideal time to review:

  • Business Owner’s Policies (BOP)

  • General liability limits

  • Workers’ compensation

  • Bonds or Errors & Omissions coverage

Growth is great — but growth without updated insurance can leave you exposed. Even adding equipment, hiring staff, or expanding services can require adjustments to your policy.

5. Schedule a Policy Review (Even If Nothing Changed)

Even if you think everything stayed the same, insurance rates, discounts, and coverage options change every year. A quick annual review can help:

  • Identify savings opportunities

  • Close coverage gaps

  • Ensure policies align with your current lifestyle and goals

Think of it as preventative maintenance — much easier than dealing with issues after a loss!

Start the Year Protected

Your insurance should grow with you, and the new year is the best time to make sure it does.

Call Edwards Insurance today or request a free policy review on our website to start 2026 knowing you’re properly covered — at the right price — for whatever the year brings!

How to Winterize Your Home & Car in the Upstate: A Simple Guide to Protect What Matters

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Even though winters in South Carolina are typically mild, surprise freezes and sudden temperature drops can still do serious damage. Icy roads, burst pipes, dead car batteries, and unexpected insurance claims are more common than most people realize.

The good news? A few easy winterizing steps can help protect your home and car, prevent unnecessary expenses, and keep your family safe. Here’s a quick guide!

Winterizing Your Home

Cold weather can affect your home’s plumbing, heating, and even the exterior. Here’s how to prepare:

1. Protect Your Pipes

Freezing temperatures can cause pipes to burst—which often leads to water damage.

  • Cover outdoor faucets
  • Let indoor faucets drip overnight during freezes
  • Open cabinet doors under sinks to allow warm air to circulate
  • Consider insulating exposed pipes if they’re in garages, attics, or crawl spaces

Tip: Know where your main water shut-off valve is in case a pipe bursts.

2. Inspect Your Heating System

Have your HVAC or furnace serviced to ensure it’s working efficiently.

  • Change air filters
  • Test carbon monoxide detectors
  • Clean vents and remove dust buildup
  • Have fireplaces and chimneys professionally inspected

3. Seal Doors and Windows

Drafts can cause higher heating bills and strain your HVAC system.

  • User weather stripping or caulk
  • Cover older windows with plastic insulation kits
  • Check for cracks around doors

4. Prevent Roof & Gutter Problems

Debris buildup can cause water leaks and ice dams (yes, even in SC during sudden freezes!).

  • Clean gutters
  • Trim branches hanging over your roof
  • Check shingles for loose or missing pieces

5. Check Your Smoke Alarms

House fires increase in the winter due to heaters, candles, and holiday cooking.

  • Replace batteries
  • Test alarms monthly
  • Keep a fire extinguisher in the kitchen

Winterizing Your Car

Cold weather can impact your tires, battery, and engine performance. Before temperatures drop, check these:

1. Inspect Tire Pressure & Tread

Tire pressure drops in cold weather, affecting braking and traction.

  • Check pressure weekly
  • Consider winter or all-season tires if you travel to colder states
  • Make sure your tread depth is safe (use the penny test)

2. Test Your Car Battery

Batteries work harder in winter and can fail without warning.

  • Have it inspected at a local auto shop
  • Look for corrosion around terminals
  • Replace if older than 3-5 years

3. Replace Wiper Blades & Refill Fluid

Visibility becomes crucial during winter rain and frost.

  • Switch out old wipers
  • User washer fluid rated for freezing temperatures
  • Keep an ice scraper in your car

4. Check Antifreeze Levels

Antifreeze protects your engine from freezing and overheating.

  • Check coolant levels
  • Make sure you have the correct mixture (typically 50/50 antifreeze + water)

5. Keep a Winter Emergency Kit

Even a short drive can turn risky if roads freeze. Pack:

  • Blanket
  • Flashlight
  • Gloves
  • Water + snacks
  • Jumper cables
  • Phone charger
  • First aid kit

We’re Here to Help Protect Your Home & Car

At Edwards Insurance, we believe protection starts long before a claim. A little preparation, the right coverage, and a team you can trust makes all the difference.

Want help reviewing your home or auto policy?
Our local team is happy to take a look and make sure you’re prepared for winter and beyond.

Call us or send a message anytime — we’re here for you!

5 Common Auto Insurance Mistakes South Carolina Drivers Make

When it comes to car insurance, it’s easy to assume you’re covered — until you’re in a situation where you realize you’re not. As an independent agency serving drivers across Upstate South Carolina, we see common mistakes that can cost people thousands in repairs, medical bills, and lost time.
Here are five of the biggest auto insurance mistakes we see (and how to avoid them).

1. Choosing Only the State Minimum Coverage

South Carolina requires drivers to carry minimum liability limits of 25/50/25, but that’s rarely enough to fully protect you.
If you cause an accident that results in major injuries or property damage, those limits can be used up quickly — leaving you personally responsible for the rest.
Our tip: Consider higher limits and add Uninsured/Underinsured Motorist (UM/UIM) coverage to protect yourself against drivers who aren’t adequately insured.

2. Forgetting to Review Your Policy Annually

Life changes — maybe you bought a new car, added a teen driver, or started commuting farther for work. If you haven’t reviewed your policy in a year or more, your coverage may not reflect your current situation.
Our tip: Schedule a quick annual policy review with your agent. It’s free, easy, and ensures your coverage still fits your lifestyle and budget.

3. Not Understanding Comprehensive and Collision Coverage

Comprehensive covers things like theft, hail, or hitting a deer — while collision covers damage from an accident with another car or object.
We often meet drivers who think they’re covered for these events when they’ve only chosen liability coverage.
Our tip: If your car is newer or still being financed, make sure you have both comprehensive and collision coverage. It’s usually worth it for peace of mind.

4. Ignoring Discounts and Bundling Opportunities

Many South Carolina drivers are paying more than they need to simply because they haven’t asked about discounts.
From safe-driver programs to bundling your home and auto policies, there are often ways to save without sacrificing protection.
Our tip: Ask your agent to review all available discounts — especially if you also insure your home or business with us.

5. Focusing Only on Price

We all want to save money, but the cheapest policy isn’t always the best value. Low-cost plans often come with low coverage limits, high deductibles, or poor claims service when you need it most.
Our tip: Balance affordability with coverage quality. An independent agency like us can shop multiple carriers to find the best protection for your budget.

Final Thoughts

Auto insurance isn’t just about meeting state requirements — it’s about protecting yourself, your family, and your financial future.
Avoiding these common mistakes can help you drive with confidence, knowing you’re covered for whatever comes your way.

Ready to Review Your Coverage?

Our team at Edwards Insurance Agency is here to help you find the right protection at the right price.
👉 Contact us today or call (864) 292-5502 for a free, no-obligation policy review.