What does Mauldin Insurance Group do?

Mauldin Insurance Group is an independent insurance agency based in Lexington, SC. We help individuals, families, and businesses across South Carolina find the right insurance coverage — including Medicare Advantage, Medicare Supplement, Part D, ACA health insurance, life insurance, final expense, auto, home, and commercial insurance. As an independent agency, we work with multiple top-rated carriers and shop the market on your behalf at no cost to you.

When do I need to sign up for Medicare, and what happens if I miss my enrollment window?

Your Initial Enrollment Period is a 7-month window that begins 3 months before the month you turn 65 and ends 3 months after. If you miss this window and do not have qualifying employer coverage, you may face a permanent late enrollment penalty on your Part B premium — 10% for each 12-month period you delayed — plus a gap in coverage. The Annual Enrollment Period runs October 15 through December 7 each year. We strongly recommend calling us before your 65th birthday to map out your enrollment timeline and avoid any costly mistakes.

What are the best Medicare plans available in Lexington and the Midlands area?

The best Medicare plan depends entirely on your health needs, your doctors, your prescriptions, and your budget. In the Lexington and Columbia, SC area, we represent 6 organizations offering 52 products in our service area — including Medicare Advantage plans, Medicare Supplement plans (Plan G and Plan N are most popular for new enrollees), and Part D prescription drug plans. We compare every available option side by side and help you choose the plan that fits your life at no cost to you. Call Jennifer at (843) 509-2462 for a free, no-pressure comparison.

What is the difference between Medicare Advantage and Medicare Supplement?

Medicare Advantage (Part C) is an all-in-one alternative to Original Medicare offered by private insurers. It typically bundles Parts A, B, and D in one plan — often with extra benefits like dental and vision — and usually has low or $0 monthly premiums, but uses provider networks and involves copays. Medicare Supplement (Medigap) works alongside Original Medicare, covering the 20% coinsurance and other out-of-pocket costs Original Medicare leaves behind. It carries a monthly premium but gives you the freedom to see any Medicare-accepting doctor nationwide with very predictable costs. We help you decide which approach is right for your health and budget.

How much does health insurance cost in South Carolina, and can I get help paying for it?

ACA health insurance premiums in South Carolina vary based on your age, household size, income, and the plan tier you choose. Many South Carolinians qualify for premium tax credits through the federal marketplace that significantly reduce their monthly cost — some qualify for plans as low as $0 per month depending on income. We help you determine your subsidy eligibility, compare all available plans, and enroll at no charge. Call us at (843) 509-2462 or (803) 920-8827 to get started.

How much life insurance do I actually need to protect my family in South Carolina?

A common starting point is the DIME method: add up your Debt, Income replacement (typically 10x your annual income), Mortgage balance, and Education costs for your children. For most South Carolina families this works out to $500,000 to $1,000,000 in coverage. Term life insurance is often the most affordable way to get there — a healthy 35-year-old can often get $500,000 in 20-year term coverage for $25 to $35 per month. We help you find the right amount and the right carrier based on your specific situation at no cost.

What is final expense insurance and who is it for?

Final expense insurance is a type of whole life insurance with a smaller face value — typically $5,000 to $25,000 — designed specifically to cover funeral costs, burial expenses, outstanding medical bills, and other end-of-life costs. The average funeral in South Carolina costs between $9,000 and $12,000. It is a good fit if you are between ages 50 and 85, want guaranteed coverage with no medical exam required, and need an affordable, predictable premium that never increases. Coverage typically starts at $20 to $70 per month. Call Jennifer at (843) 509-2462 for a free quote.

How much does homeowners insurance cost in South Carolina?

The average homeowners insurance premium in South Carolina runs approximately $1,400 to $1,900 per year for a typical single-family home, though this varies significantly based on your home's location, age, roof type, construction, coverage limits, deductible, and claims history. As an independent agency, we shop multiple carriers to find the best combination of coverage and price. We also review your dwelling coverage limit to make sure it reflects current rebuilding costs — many SC homeowners are significantly underinsured without realizing it.

Should I bundle my home and auto insurance?

Bundling your auto and home insurance with the same carrier typically saves 10% to 20% on both policies and simplifies your coverage — one agent, one renewal cycle, and one point of contact if you ever need to file a claim. Most major carriers offer a multi-policy discount that makes bundling a straightforward win for most families. That said, bundling is not always the cheapest option in every situation. We compare bundled and unbundled scenarios side by side so you can make an informed decision. Call Ben at (803) 920-8827 for a free auto and home quote.

What is the difference between liability and full coverage auto insurance?

Liability insurance covers damage and injuries you cause to other people in an accident — it is the minimum coverage required by South Carolina law (25/50/25 minimums). It does not pay for damage to your own vehicle. Full coverage typically adds collision coverage (damage to your own vehicle in an accident) and comprehensive coverage (theft, weather damage, falling objects, and animal strikes). Whether full coverage makes financial sense depends on your vehicle value, whether you have a loan or lease, and your personal financial situation. We help you think through the right level of coverage for your specific circumstances.

Does Mauldin Insurance Group serve areas outside of Lexington, SC?

Yes — we serve clients across all of South Carolina and are also licensed in North Carolina and Georgia. While we are based in Lexington and serve a large volume of clients in the Columbia, Irmo, Chapin, Cayce, West Columbia, and Lake Murray areas, we work with clients statewide by phone, video, and in-person when needed. Distance is never an obstacle and there is no extra charge for clients outside the immediate Lexington area.

Does it cost anything to work with Mauldin Insurance Group?

No — our services are completely free to you. Insurance carriers pay independent agents a commission when a policy is placed. Your monthly premium is exactly the same whether you enroll through us or go directly to the carrier. The difference is that we do the research, comparison, and shopping for you, and we stay in your corner at renewal and at claim time. There is no obligation and no pressure — just honest help from people who live and work in your community.

3 Auto Insurance Coverages Most South Carolina Drivers Don’t Have (But Should)

Ben J. Mauldin | Apr 09 2026 21:42

Most drivers in South Carolina think they have “full coverage.”

The reality?

Many are missing one or more key protections — and don’t find out until it’s too late.

We review policies every day for drivers in Lexington, Columbia, and across the Midlands… and the same gaps show up over and over again.

Here are 3 of the most important coverages most people either don’t have — or don’t have enough of.

1. Underinsured Motorist Coverage (UIM)

This is one of the biggest gaps we see.

What it does:

Covers you when the other driver has insurance — but not enough of it.

Example:

You’re hit by someone with $25,000 in liability coverage
Your medical bills and damages total $75,000

Without UIM:

You could be responsible for the remaining $50,000

With UIM:

Your policy helps cover the difference

Why this matters in South Carolina

South Carolina minimum limits are relatively low.

That means a lot of drivers on the road:

Are underinsured
Don’t carry enough coverage for serious accidents

The problem

Many policies:

Don’t include UIM at all
Or have limits that are too low

2. Uninsured Motorist Coverage (UM)

This one is required in South Carolina — but not always in the way people think.

What it does:

Covers you if you’re hit by a driver who:

Has no insurance
Or leaves the scene (hit-and-run)

The catch

The state minimum limits may not be enough.

If you only carry minimum UM coverage:

It may not fully cover injuries or damages in a serious accident

What we often see

Drivers assume:

“I have it, so I’m covered”

But the limits are too low to actually protect them.

3. Rental Reimbursement (Loss of Use)

This one gets overlooked all the time — until someone needs it.

What it does:

Pays for a rental car while your vehicle is being repaired after a covered claim.

Why it matters

Without it:

You’re paying out of pocket for a rental
Or scrambling to find transportation

Even a short repair can cost:

$300–$1,000+ depending on the situation

The good news

This coverage is usually:

Very affordable
Easy to add

Bonus: Liability Limits (The Biggest Hidden Risk)

This isn’t a separate coverage — but it’s one of the biggest issues we see.

Many drivers carry:

State minimum limits (like 25/50/25)

That might save money upfront…

But if you cause a serious accident:

You could be personally responsible for anything beyond those limits

A Quick Reality Check

If you haven’t reviewed your policy recently, there’s a strong chance:

You’re missing at least one of these coverages
Or your limits aren’t where they should be

And unfortunately, this usually isn’t discovered until after an accident.

How Mauldin Insurance Group Helps

At Mauldin Insurance Group, we review auto policies for drivers across Lexington, Columbia, and the Midlands to identify gaps like these.

Because we work with multiple carriers, we can:

Compare options side-by-side
Adjust coverage without guessing
Help you balance cost and protection

Our goal isn’t just to lower your premium — it’s to make sure your coverage actually works when you need it.

Get a Free Coverage Review (No Pressure)

If you want, I’ll take a few minutes and:

Check if you’re missing any of these coverages
Let you know if your limits make sense
See if there’s a better option available

No pressure. Just a second opinion.

Call or text: (803) 920-8827
mauldininsurancegroup.com

Final Thought

Most people don’t realize what’s missing from their auto policy — until it costs them.

A quick review now can prevent a major financial problem later.

Most drivers in South Carolina think they have “full coverage.”The reality?Many are missing one or more key protections — and don’t find out until it’s too late.We review policies every day for...

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