Renters Insurance in Charleston, SC
With renters insurance, you can get personal liability
coverage and protect your stuff in Charleston. Learn more
about coverage and how it works
What does Lemonade renters insurance in Charleston protect me against?
Renters insurance protects your stuff against several potential damages (or “perils” in insurance speak). A standard renters insurance policy in Charleston covers perils like:
- Fire & Smoke Damage
- Theft & Break-Ins
- Clothes & Shoes
- Jewelry & Watches
- Your Laptop & Electronics
- Books & Collections
- Wind & Hail Damage
- Art & Musical Instruments
- Kitchen Appliances & Gadgets
- Furniture & Home Decor
- Sports Equipment & Bikes
- Water damage From Burst Pipes
Not covered: floods, normal wear & tear, your roommate’s stuff, or getting mad at the Gamecocks & punching your TV.
What does Lemonade renters insurance cover in Charleston?
It’s not just about your stuff, renters insurance also covers:
Personal liability
Someone slips at your pool party? We’ve got the medical bills and potential lawsuits covered
Loss of use
Burst pipe makes your place unlivable? We’ll cover hotel costs above what you normally spend
Medical payments
Guest cuts themselves on broken glass? We’ll handle the cost of their ER visit
Want to learn more about what renters insurance covers (and what it doesn’t)? Check our coverage guide.
How much does renters insurance cost in Charleston?
As of 2026, renters insurance in Charleston is $22 per month on average. Factors like your location, how much coverage you select, and your deductible determine how much you’ll pay.
Here is how it compares to other cities in South Carolina:
| City | Average monthly cost |
|---|---|
| Charleston | $22 |
| Columbia | $23 |
| Summerville | $22 |
| Rock Hill | $20 |
| Mount Pleasant | $24 |
Source: ValuePenguin
Customers love Lemonade renters insurance
Our customers rate Lemonade renters insurance 4.9 on Trustpilot. Don’t just take our word for it, check out what they’re saying.
How does Lemonade protect Charleston renters?
Protection built for coastal life and historic city risks
Hurricane protection
Wind, hail, and (some) water damage when South Carolina’s hurricanes and severe storms hit
Protection against theft
We’ll cover your electronics whether it’s a break-in or grab-and-go
Hurricane displacement
Hurricane or severe storm evacuation keeping you out of your place? We’ve got you covered
How much renters insurance do you need in Charleston?
The right amount depends on what you own and your lifestyle.
Here’s how to calculate what you need.
Personal property coverage
You can choose anywhere from $10,000 to $250,000 in coverage. Walk through your Charleston rental and add up what it would cost to replace everything: furniture, electronics, clothes, kitchen items, and personal belongings. That sum should be your personal property coverage limit.
Read moreLoss of use coverage
Coverage ranges from $3,000 to $200,000. Think about how much you’d spend on temporary housing, meals, and other expenses if your rental became unlivable due to covered damage. Spending just one week in a Charleston hotel will run you $1263*, so factor in your local costs.
Read morePersonal liability coverage
Lemonade’s standard $100,000 covers medical bills and legal fees if someone gets hurt in your rental or if you accidentally damage someone else’s property. Your landlord will probably specify how much you need, so pay attention to your lease requirements.
Read moreHow to save on renters insurance rates
Renters insurance is generally quite affordable, but there are still some ways you can save
Bundle
Combine renters with car or pet insurance for instant multi‐policy discounts. (Plus, you can manage your policies in one place)
Pay in full
Pay your full premium upfront to avoid monthly fees and earn up to a 5% annual payment discount.
Security devices
Fire alarms and security systems can lower your rate. Check what safety features your rental has, you might already qualify.
Who needs renters insurance in Charleston?
Renters insurance is one of the smartest investments any renter can make. Here’s how a handful of Charleston residents benefit from coverage:
College of Charleston students
College is expensive enough without replacing stolen laptops or textbooks. Your landlord's insurance won't cover your belongings, but renters insurance will, including that bike you need to get around College of Charleston's downtown campus. Plus, you're covered if someone gets injured during study sessions at your place.
Young Professionals
Your laptop, furniture, and professional wardrobe are investments in building your career in the Holy City. Renters insurance protects them from hurricane damage and covers liability if someone gets hurt in your space. For less than your monthly King Street dining budget, you're protected against coastal living risks.
Maritime industry workers
Working at Charleston's busy port or in the maritime industry means irregular schedules and time away from home. Renters insurance protects your belongings while you're keeping America's second-largest container port running, covering theft and storm damage. It's peace of mind while you're moving global commerce.
Tech professionals
Working in Charleston's growing tech hub means you have valuable equipment and systems at home. Renters insurance protects your high-end laptops, monitors, and belongings from hurricane damage or theft. It's essential protection for the Holy City's digital economy.
Military personnel
Serving at Charleston Air Force Base, Naval Weapons Station, or with the Coast Guard means frequent relocations and coastal risks. Renters insurance covers your uniforms, electronics, and belongings from hurricane damage or theft. It travels with you and provides liability coverage wherever your service takes you.
What’s the best renters insurance in Charleston?
We might be biased, but Lemonade was designed to shine for Charleston renters
All in the app
Get a quote, manage your policy, and file claims all from your phone
Coverage for you
Pick exactly what you need. No cookie-cutter policies
Claims paid fast
Most claims get handled in minutes, not weeks
Charleston renters insurance FAQs
What's the average cost of rent in Charleston?
According to Zumper*, the average cost of rent in Charleston is $2,439. However, the average cost of rent varies widely depending on where you live, and the type of home you’re renting. Here’s a look at how the average cost of rent changes in Charleston based on your property type:
- Apartment: $2,100
- Condo: $2,124
- House: $2,950
How does renters insurance work in Charleston?
Lemonade harnesses the power of tech to make the process of filing a renters insurance claim and getting reimbursed stress-free. Here’s how the renters insurance claims process works for Charleston residents:
- Document damage: When disaster strikes in Charleston, make sure to take clear photos or videos of any damage to your belongings. This documentation will help support your claim.
- File a claim: Open the Lemonade app and file your claim in minutes by chatting with AI Jim and providing the necessary details about your loss or damage.
- Get reimbursed: For eligible claims, receive your money directly in your bank account. Around 30% of Lemonade renters insurance claims are handled instantly, so Charleston renters can get back to normal quickly.
What information do I need to get a renters insurance quote?
Getting a renters insurance quote takes just a few minutes. You’ll need:
• Your rental address and move-in date
• An estimate of what your belongings are worth
• Your preferred deductible amount
• Basic details about your rental (apartment, house, or condo)
• Any security features like fire alarms or security systems
Most quotes take under 5 minutes, and you can adjust your coverage anytime through the Lemonade app.
Does my Charleston renters insurance cover items stolen from my car while visiting Rainbow Row?
Yes, your belongings is covered under personal property, including items stolen from your car downtown. Whether your items are stolen while you’re touring Rainbow Row or visiting Waterfront Park. With Charleston residents facing a 1 in 49 chance of becoming a victim of property crime, renters insurance coverage is a smart choice.
Are my items covered if they're damaged during King Tide flooding on the Peninsula?
No, standard renters insurance doesn’t cover flood damage. If you’re renting in flood-prone areas of the Peninsula, consider separate flood insurance through National Flood Insurance Program (NFIP).
All coverage is subject to individual policy limits, terms, and conditions. Certain items mentioned in this article, including electronics, jewelry and watches, art and musical instruments, and some collections, are subject to sub—limits under standard renters insurance policies and may need to be scheduled separately for full protection. Any hypothetical examples used in Lemonade editorial content are purely expositional. Hypothetical examples do not alter or bind Lemonade to any application of your insurance policy to the particular facts and circumstances of any actual claim. The costs shown in this article are sourced from Value Penguin, accessed January 2025. https://www.valuepenguin.com/best-cheap-renters-insurance-south-carolina
*Average costs of hotel stays sourced from https://www.budgetyourtrip.com/search.php.
* Average cost of rent sourced from Zumper as of January 2025 https://www.zumper.com/