March marks the start of spring storm season in South Carolina, and for homeowners in the Upstate, that can mean heavy rain, strong winds, hail, and occasional severe weather.
While most of us focus on preparing our homes physically — cleaning gutters, checking roofs, and securing outdoor furniture — it’s just as important to understand what your homeowners insurance actually covers before a storm hits.
Here’s what Upstate homeowners should know as we move into the stormiest months of the year.
What Homeowners Insurance Typically Covers During Storms
Most standard homeowners insurance policies cover damage caused by sudden and accidental weather events, including:
Wind damage High winds can damage roofs, siding, fences, and windows. If a storm causes a tree branch to fall onto your home or garage, that damage is usually covered.
Hail damage Hailstorms can damage roofs, gutters, and vehicles parked outside. Even small hail can cause roofing damage that may not be obvious immediately.
Fallen trees If a tree falls on your home due to wind or lightning, homeowners insurance generally covers removal and repairs.
Lightning strikes Lightning can damage electronics, appliances, and even start fires. Most policies cover both the structural damage and personal property loss.
What May Not Be Covered
While homeowners insurance protects against many storm-related issues, there are some important exceptions.
Flooding Flood damage is typically not covered under standard homeowners insurance. This includes rising water from heavy rain, overflowing creeks, or drainage issues.
Even homes outside traditional flood zones can experience flooding during strong storms — which is why some homeowners choose to add flood insurance for additional protection.
Gradual maintenance issues Insurance usually won’t cover problems that result from long-term wear and tear, such as an aging roof or poorly maintained gutters.
Regular home maintenance plays an important role in preventing storm damage.
Storm Preparation Tips for Upstate Homeowners
Taking a few preventative steps now can help reduce potential damage when storms roll through the Greenville area.
Consider:
• Inspecting your roof for loose shingles • Cleaning gutters and downspouts • Trimming tree branches near your home • Securing outdoor furniture or decorations • Checking that sump pumps and drainage systems are working properly
These simple steps can go a long way toward protecting your property.
Document Your Home Before Storm Season
One of the most helpful things homeowners can do before storm season is document their home and belongings.
Take photos or videos of:
● Each room in your house
● Major appliances and electronics
● Furniture and valuable items
This documentation can make the claims process much smoother if you ever need to file one.
A Quick Coverage Review Can Make a Big Difference
Spring storms are unpredictable, but having the right insurance coverage in place ahead of time can provide peace of mind.
March is a great time to review:
● Your dwelling coverage limits
● Personal property coverage
● Deductibles for wind or hail damage
● Whether flood insurance might make sense for your location
Prepare Now for Storm Season
If you haven’t reviewed your homeowners insurance in a while, now is the perfect time.
Contact Edwards Insurance today for a free coverage review and make sure your home is protected before spring storm season ramps up across the Upstate.
Our team is happy to walk you through your options and help ensure your policy fits your home, your budget, and your peace of mind.
Spring Storm Season in the Upstate: What Your Homeowners Insurance Covers
Homeowners Insurance, UncategorizedMarch marks the start of spring storm season in South Carolina, and for homeowners in the Upstate, that can mean heavy rain, strong winds, hail, and occasional severe weather.
While most of us focus on preparing our homes physically — cleaning gutters, checking roofs, and securing outdoor furniture — it’s just as important to understand what your homeowners insurance actually covers before a storm hits.
Here’s what Upstate homeowners should know as we move into the stormiest months of the year.
What Homeowners Insurance Typically Covers During Storms
Most standard homeowners insurance policies cover damage caused by sudden and accidental weather events, including:
Wind damage High winds can damage roofs, siding, fences, and windows. If a storm causes a tree branch to fall onto your home or garage, that damage is usually covered.
Hail damage Hailstorms can damage roofs, gutters, and vehicles parked outside. Even small hail can cause roofing damage that may not be obvious immediately.
Fallen trees If a tree falls on your home due to wind or lightning, homeowners insurance generally covers removal and repairs.
Lightning strikes Lightning can damage electronics, appliances, and even start fires. Most policies cover both the structural damage and personal property loss.
What May Not Be Covered
While homeowners insurance protects against many storm-related issues, there are some important exceptions.
Flooding Flood damage is typically not covered under standard homeowners insurance. This includes rising water from heavy rain, overflowing creeks, or drainage issues.
Even homes outside traditional flood zones can experience flooding during strong storms — which is why some homeowners choose to add flood insurance for additional protection.
Gradual maintenance issues Insurance usually won’t cover problems that result from long-term wear and tear, such as an aging roof or poorly maintained gutters.
Regular home maintenance plays an important role in preventing storm damage.
Storm Preparation Tips for Upstate Homeowners
Taking a few preventative steps now can help reduce potential damage when storms roll through the Greenville area.
Consider:
• Inspecting your roof for loose shingles • Cleaning gutters and downspouts • Trimming tree branches near your home • Securing outdoor furniture or decorations • Checking that sump pumps and drainage systems are working properly
These simple steps can go a long way toward protecting your property.
Document Your Home Before Storm Season
One of the most helpful things homeowners can do before storm season is document their home and belongings.
Take photos or videos of:
● Each room in your house
● Major appliances and electronics
● Furniture and valuable items
This documentation can make the claims process much smoother if you ever need to file one.
A Quick Coverage Review Can Make a Big Difference
Spring storms are unpredictable, but having the right insurance coverage in place ahead of time can provide peace of mind.
March is a great time to review:
● Your dwelling coverage limits
● Personal property coverage
● Deductibles for wind or hail damage
● Whether flood insurance might make sense for your location
Prepare Now for Storm Season
If you haven’t reviewed your homeowners insurance in a while, now is the perfect time.
Contact Edwards Insurance today for a free coverage review and make sure your home is protected before spring storm season ramps up across the Upstate.
Our team is happy to walk you through your options and help ensure your policy fits your home, your budget, and your peace of mind.
Love Your Coverage: How Your Credit & Driving Habits Affect Auto Insurance
UncategorizedFebruary 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:
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:
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:
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:
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
UncategorizedThe 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
Auto Insurance, Homeowners InsuranceEven 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.
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.
3. Seal Doors and Windows
Drafts can cause higher heating bills and strain your HVAC system.
4. Prevent Roof & Gutter Problems
Debris buildup can cause water leaks and ice dams (yes, even in SC during sudden freezes!).
5. Check Your Smoke Alarms
House fires increase in the winter due to heaters, candles, and holiday cooking.
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.
2. Test Your Car Battery
Batteries work harder in winter and can fail without warning.
3. Replace Wiper Blades & Refill Fluid
Visibility becomes crucial during winter rain and frost.
4. Check Antifreeze Levels
Antifreeze protects your engine from freezing and overheating.
5. Keep a Winter Emergency Kit
Even a short drive can turn risky if roads freeze. Pack:
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!