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

,

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.

Fall Safety & Insurance Tips Every Homeowner Should Know

As the leaves change and temperatures cool, fall is the perfect time to prepare your home—and your insurance—for the months ahead. Whether you’re cozying up by the fireplace or welcoming trick-or-treaters, here are a few smart steps to keep your home safe and your coverage ready.

1. Fireplace & Heating Safety

Home fires increase during colder months. Before lighting that first fire, make sure your chimney is clean and inspected. Also check your smoke and carbon monoxide detectors. Many homeowners policies cover fire damage, but prevention is always the best protection.

2. Halloween Liability Risks

Trick-or-treat night is fun, but it also brings more foot traffic to your property. Keep walkways clear, add lighting, and secure pets to prevent accidents. If something does happen, liability coverage on your homeowners policy can help protect you.

3. Storms & Roof Maintenance

Strong autumn storms can mean fallen branches, heavy rain, or even early ice. Now’s the time to inspect your roof and gutters. Taking small steps today can save big headaches later—and ensure a smoother claims process if damage occurs.

4. Auto Insurance & Shorter Days

With fewer daylight hours, accidents tend to increase in the fall. Make sure your auto insurance has the right liability and collision coverage to protect you and your family. Ask about bundling your home and auto for extra savings.

Final Tip: Reviewing your insurance every fall helps keep your coverage aligned with your lifestyle. If you’ve had big changes this year—like a new car, new home, or new driver in the family—now’s the perfect time to update your policies.

Contact Edwards Insurance Agency today for a free coverage review:

How to Prepare Your Home for Natural Disasters in Upstate South Carolina

,

Living in Upstate South Carolina means enjoying beautiful mountain views, vibrant communities, and mild seasons—but it also means preparing for unpredictable weather. From hurricanes pushing inland with heavy rains to severe thunderstorms, flash floods, and the occasional winter ice storm, South Carolina homeowners face a range of risks each year.

While you can’t stop a natural disaster, you can take steps to reduce damage—and make sure your home insurance protects you when the unexpected happens.

Why Home Insurance Matters

Many homeowners are surprised to learn that standard home insurance policies don’t automatically cover every type of natural disaster. In South Carolina, the most common gaps are:

  • Flooding: Standard home insurance typically excludes flood damage, which is a risk in areas near rivers, lakes, and low-lying neighborhoods. A separate flood insurance policy may be needed.
  • Wind & Hail: Strong winds and hail from thunderstorms or hurricanes can cause significant roof and siding damage. 
  • Ice Damage: Freezing rain and ice can weigh down trees and powerlines, leading to roof damage and extended outages.

Disaster Preparedness for Upstate Homeowners

Hurricanes & Severe Storms

Even though Greenville, Spartanburg, and surrounding areas are inland, the remnants of coastal hurricanes often bring high winds and flash floods.

  • Install surge protectors to prevent power surges.
  • Trim trees near your home to minimize storm damage.
  • Keep sandbags or barriers ready if you live in a flood-prone area.

Flash Floods

South Carolina’s heavy rains can overwhelm storm drains and creeks.

  • Elevate HVAC systems, appliances, and electrical panels above ground level.
  • Store valuables in waterproof bins.
  • Ask your agent about flood insurance, especially if you live near a river, creek, or other waterways.

Winter Storms & Ice

While rare, ice storms can knock out power for days.

  • Insulate pipes to prevent freezing.
  • Keep firewood, blankets, and emergency supplies on hand.
  • Review your policy for “loss of use” coverage, which pays for hotels if your home becomes unlivable.

Why an Insurance Review Is Essential

With the Upstate’s mix of weather risks, an annual insurance review ensures you’re not left exposed. Key questions to ask:

  • Does my policy cover wind and hail damage with reasonable deductibles?
  • Do I need a separate flood insurance policy?
  • Will my policy help cover temporary living expenses if my home is uninhabitable?
  • Have recent home improvements or rising construction costs increased my rebuild value?

Want peace of mind before the next storm season? Contact us today for a free insurance checkup!