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.

Why Your Home Insurance Went Up in South Carolina (2026) — And What You Can Do About It

Ben J. Mauldin | Apr 09 2026 21:37

What homeowners in Lexington, Columbia, and across the Midlands need to know right now

If your home insurance premium went up this year in South Carolina, you’re not alone — and it’s probably not because of anything you did.

We’re seeing homeowners in Lexington, Columbia, and across the Midlands get hit with 15–40% increases… sometimes with no claims at all.

Naturally, the first reaction is:

“Why is this happening?”

Here’s the real answer — and what you can actually do about it.

Why Home Insurance Rates Are Going Up in South Carolina

There isn’t just one reason — it’s a combination of factors happening at the same time.

1. Storm Risk Is Driving Costs Higher

South Carolina has seen increased storm activity and more costly weather-related claims over the past few years.

Even if your home hasn’t had a claim, insurance companies price risk across the entire region — not just your individual property.

2. Reinsurance Costs Have Increased

Insurance companies buy their own insurance (called reinsurance), and those costs have gone up significantly.

When that happens, those costs get passed down to homeowners through higher premiums.

3. The Cost to Rebuild Your Home Has Gone Up

Materials, labor, and construction costs have all increased.

That means:

Higher dwelling coverage amounts
Higher premiums to match

Even if your home value hasn’t changed much, the cost to rebuild it has.

4. Insurance Companies Are Tightening Up

Some carriers are becoming more selective about the homes they insure in South Carolina.

This leads to:

Fewer options
Higher pricing
Less flexibility

The Part Most People Don’t Realize

Here’s something that surprises a lot of homeowners:

Many insurance agents don’t actually re-shop your policy every year.

If you’re with a captive agent (one company only), they typically can’t move you when your rate increases.

So even if your premium jumps significantly… you may just be stuck with it.

3 Things That Might Be Making Your Rate Worse

Beyond the market changes, there are a few common issues we see that can push your premium even higher:

1. Your Dwelling Coverage May Be Too High

Sometimes coverage increases automatically each year — even when it’s no longer accurate.

That can lead to you paying for more coverage than you actually need.

2. You Might Be Missing Discounts

We regularly see policies missing discounts for things like:

Roof updates
Security systems
Bundling (or unbundling)

These don’t always carry over automatically.

3. Bundling Isn’t Always Cheaper Anymore

For years, bundling auto and home was the best way to save.

That’s not always true today.

In some cases:

Keeping them separate can actually lower your total cost

What You Can Actually Do About It

The good news — you’re not stuck.

Here are a few simple steps that can make a real difference:

✔ Review Your Coverage (Not Just the Price)

Make sure your dwelling, deductible, and endorsements actually match your situation.

✔ Compare Multiple Companies

Rates vary significantly between carriers right now — sometimes by hundreds or even thousands per year.

✔ Adjust Your Deductible Strategically

A higher deductible can lower your premium, but it needs to make sense for your situation.

A Quick Reality Check

If you haven’t reviewed your home insurance in the last 1–2 years, there’s a very good chance:

You’re either overpaying
Underinsured
Or both

How Mauldin Insurance Group Helps

At Mauldin Insurance Group, we work with homeowners across Lexington, Columbia, and the Midlands to review their coverage and compare options across multiple carriers.

Instead of being locked into one company, we can:

Check if your current rate makes sense
Identify coverage gaps
See if switching actually benefits you

Our goal is simple:
help you make a smart decision — not a rushed one.

Get a Free Coverage Review (No Pressure)

If you want, I’ll take 5 minutes and tell you:

If you’re overpaying
If your coverage is off
And if switching actually makes sense

No pressure. No obligation. Just a second opinion.

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

Final Thought

Rates are going up across South Carolina — that part is real.

But overpaying or having the wrong coverage?
That’s something you can fix.

What homeowners in Lexington, Columbia, and across the Midlands need to know right now If your home insurance premium went up this year in South Carolina, you’re not alone — and it’s probably not...

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