South Carolina Life Insurance

With an average life expectancy of 76.5 years, South Carolina residents may benefit from the peace of mind that life insurance offers. The right coverage can safeguard your family's financial future, letting them comfortably maintain their lifestyle if you die unexpectedly, but to choose a plan that suits your needs, you'll need to understand your options. You should also know your rights under South Carolina life insurance law.  

South Carolina Life Insurance Rules and Specifics

The South Carolina Department of Insurance is responsible for overseeing insurance transactions across the state. The department was created to implement and enforce the state's insurance laws, as outlined in Title 38 of the South Carolina Code of Laws, with the goal of protecting consumers and ensuring a fair marketplace.

Highlights of these statutes include:

• A free look period: Life insurance contracts are long and take time to read through thoroughly. To give consumers time to review and understand their policies, South Carolina law mandates a free look period, which typically lasts for 10 days. However, 30 days are required for policies sent via mail. During this time, the policyholder may cancel the policy for any reason and receive a full refund.
• A late-premium grace period: South Carolina law requires insurers to grant policyholders a 1-month grace period if they've missed a payment. During this period, coverage remains active, and policyholders may make up missed payments without worrying about their insurer canceling their plan.
• Timely claims payout: If an insurer doesn't settle a life insurance claim within 30 days of receiving the insured's death certificate, the death benefit begins to accrue interest. The issuing company may also be subject to fines. 
• Guaranteed death benefits: If a state-licensed insurer goes bankrupt and can't pay out claims, its policyholders are protected under South Carolina law. The South Carolina Life and Accident and Health Insurance Guaranty Association provides death benefit protection of up to $300,000 per person as long as the policyholder's premiums were paid as contracted. 

Life Insurance Resources in South Carolina

As a policyholder, shopper or beneficiary, you may have questions or concerns that can't be adequately addressed by an individual life insurance company or agent. In these cases, South Carolina residents may reach out to either the South Carolina Department of Insurance or the South Carolina Bar.

The South Carolina Department of Insurance

As the state's main regulatory agency for insurance, the SCDOI can answer most questions regarding South Carolina laws. The agency's website includes:

• A policy locator service
• An online consumer complaint form
• Educational resources to help state residents understand their insurance options

The South Carolina Bar

The South Carolina Bar includes public resources for state residents, such as:

• Information on life insurance laws
• A free lawyer referral service
• A mediator search

Some state residents may qualify for pro bono legal services.