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.

Just Built in Bluffton? Your New-Home, Wind, and Flood Insurance Setup

Ben J. Mauldin | Jul 27 2026 14:00

Serving Bluffton, Sun City Hilton Head, Palmetto Bluff, Okatie, Hilton Head Island, and the greater southern Lowcountry.

Bluffton has exploded — and the homes going up around Sun City Hilton Head, Palmetto Bluff, and the Highway 170/278 corridor are being bought by retirees and Hilton Head-area workers arriving from all over the country. A new home here is a beautiful thing to insure in most ways: modern construction, current codes, often a nice discount. But you're also on the coast, and that changes the playbook. Insuring a new Bluffton home is really about getting three things right — wind, flood, and rebuild cost — not one.

1. Coverage in place before closing

Your lender wants proof of homeowners insurance before funding, and the builder's risk policy ends when you take the keys. Give us a couple of weeks ahead of closing to shop it properly — especially here, where coastal carrier appetite varies and the fastest quote is rarely the best one.

2. The wind piece: know your hurricane deductible

Your policy generally covers wind and hail, but along the southern coast it almost always carries a separate named-storm or hurricane deductible — typically a percentage of your home's insured value (often 2%–5%) rather than a flat dollar amount. On a $400,000-plus Bluffton home, that can be many thousands out of pocket for a single storm. Knowing that number now — and deciding whether to buy it down — is one of the most important calls we'll help you make.

3. The flood piece: always separate, always check

No homeowners policy covers flood. Storm surge, a swollen tidal creek, the May River, or heavy rain pooling and coming inside all fall under a separate flood policy — NFIP or private. And you do not have to be in a high-risk zone to flood. If your only flood protection is a lender requirement, it may be far too little. New homes are often built elevated, which can help your flood rating — we'll check your elevation and zone and find the right policy.

4. Insure to rebuild, not resale

After a total loss you get what it costs to rebuild, not the sale price. Coastal construction and labor aren't cheap, so make sure your dwelling limit reflects real rebuild costs and ask for extended or guaranteed replacement cost — critical after a major storm, when demand spikes prices.

5. Yes — you still get the new-home discount

Even on the coast, new construction is lower risk: new roof, new systems, current wind-rated codes. Many carriers reward it, and features like impact-rated windows and hurricane straps can lower your premium further. Make sure your policy is credited for them.

6. HOA, umbrella, and second-home details

HOA: In Sun City, Palmetto Bluff, and similar communities, the master policy covers some structures but not your interior, belongings, liability, or loss assessment. Bring us the documents.
Umbrella: A pool, a dock, golf carts, and a higher net worth all raise your liability. An umbrella adds $1M+ for a few hundred dollars a year.
Second home or rental: A Bluffton or Hilton Head home used part-time or as a short-term rental needs a policy written for how it's actually used — occupancy rules and rental liability change everything.

The coastal market has tightened — plan for it

If you've heard about carriers pulling back or non-renewing near the coast, it's real. The upside: the high-value and specialty markets that serve coastal homes are still competitive and often offer richer coverage. If you're new to the area or have gotten a non-renewal notice, don't wait — read our guide on what to do in the next 30 days and call us.

Let's set up your new Bluffton home the right way

If you built or bought in Bluffton, Sun City, Palmetto Bluff, or Okatie, we'll structure the wind, flood, and homeowners pieces so there are no gaps, capture your new-home discounts, and coordinate your auto — all before you close.

Call Mauldin Insurance Group or request a coastal home review, and let's protect your new Lowcountry home — wind, water, and all.

New to the coast? Start with our 30-day South Carolina insurance checklist, and make sure you're not underinsured.

Serving Bluffton, Sun City Hilton Head, Palmetto Bluff, Okatie, Hilton Head Island, and the greater southern Lowcountry.Bluffton has exploded — and the homes going up around Sun City Hilton Head,...

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