What Home Insurance Do You Need on the North Carolina Coast?

🏠 What Home Insurance Do You Need on the North Carolina Coast?

Thinking about buying a home on the North Carolina coast? From Wrightsville Beach to Carolina Beach and beyond, the coastal lifestyle is hard to beat—and to fully enjoy it, you need to make sure your investment is protected.

Insurance for coastal properties works a little differently than for homes farther inland. If you’re new to the area or purchasing a second home here, here’s what you need to know.

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1. Standard Homeowners Insurance 🧱

This is your traditional policy that covers things like:

• Fire
• Theft
• Vandalism
• Liability for injuries on your property

While essential, standard homeowners insurance does not cover windstorm or flood damage—two of the biggest risks here on the coast. That means additional coverage is usually necessary.

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2. Wind & Hail Insurance 💨

In coastal North Carolina counties like New Hanover, Pender, and Brunswick, wind and hail coverage is often excluded from standard policies. Instead, homeowners typically need a separate policy—sometimes through private carriers, but often through the North Carolina Joint Underwriting Association (NCJUA), commonly known as the Beach Plan.

This policy specifically covers:

• Damage from hurricanes, tropical storms, and severe thunderstorms
• Roof repairs or replacement after wind or hail events

💡 Pro tip: Ask your agent what your named storm deductible is—it’s usually a percentage of your home’s insured value, not a flat dollar amount.

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3. Flood Insurance 🌊

Standard homeowners insurance does not cover flood damage. This surprises a lot of people, especially those buying in low-risk areas—but the truth is, flooding can happen anywhere.

You have two main options:

• NFIP (National Flood Insurance Program): Federally backed and widely used
• Private flood insurance carriers: May offer broader coverage or higher limits

Even if your home is not in a designated flood zone, your lender may still require flood insurance, and I often recommend it regardless.

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4. Named Storm Deductibles: What They Mean 💸

When a tropical storm or hurricane is officially named, most coastal insurance policies have separate, higher deductibles that kick in. These are usually calculated as a percentage of your home’s insured value—typically 1% to 5%.

That means for a $500,000 home with a 2% named storm deductible, you’d be responsible for $10,000 in damage costs before insurance kicks in.

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5. Insurance Moratoriums: Why Timing Matters ⏳

Here’s something many buyers don’t know:
Once a storm is named and enters a certain distance from the NC coastline, many insurers place a moratorium on new or modified policies. That means you can’t:

• Start a new policy
• Make changes to an existing one
• Finalize coverage until the storm has passed

If you’re under contract during hurricane season, it’s crucial to bind your insurance early in the due diligence process.

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6. Where to Get Coverage 🧾

Depending on your location and coverage needs, you may find insurance through:

• Private insurance providers
• The NCJUA “Beach Plan” for wind and hail
• The NFIP or private market for flood insurance

Your best bet? Work with an insurance agent who understands the specific needs of coastal North Carolina homes. I’m always happy to connect my clients with trusted local experts who can guide you through the options.

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Final Thoughts 💡

The beauty of coastal living is worth protecting—but that means going beyond a basic homeowners policy. Wind and hail and flood coverage are essential for homes near the North Carolina coast.

If you’re thinking about buying in Wilmington, Wrightsville Beach, or anywhere along our beautiful shoreline, let’s talk. I’ll help guide you through every step—from choosing the right neighborhood to making sure you’re fully covered.

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Kimberly Crouch, Realtor® | eXp Realty
Authentic Coastal Luxury at Every Price Point
📍 Serving Wilmington, Wrightsville Beach, & surrounding areas