Moving to the Coast? 3 Insurance Must-Haves for Homeowners

There’s something magical about coastal living. Maybe it’s the salty air, the ocean views, or the promise of a slower, more intentional pace of life. If you're making the move to the North Carolina coast—whether for work, family, or simply a lifestyle shift—you're probably already daydreaming about beach days and seafood boils. But before you settle into your coastal sanctuary, there's one big thing you shouldn't overlook: your insurance coverage.

Coastal homes come with unique risks that require thoughtful protection. From hurricanes to flooding and everything in between, here are three insurance essentials every new coastal homeowner should have on their radar.

1. Wind and Hail Insurance

One of the most important (and often required) policies for homes near the coast is wind and hail insurance. In North Carolina, especially in Tier 1 and Tier 2 coastal counties, standard homeowners insurance policies may exclude windstorm and hail damage due to the high risk of tropical storms and hurricanes.

If you're moving into a coastal zip code, check your policy and confirm whether wind and hail is included. If it isn’t, you'll need a separate windstorm policy through the NC Joint Underwriting Association (NCJUA) or a private insurer.

Quick Tip: Wind and hail deductibles are often separate from your standard deductible and are usually a percentage of your home’s insured value—so be sure you understand your out-of-pocket costs in the event of a claim.

2. Flood Insurance

Here’s the truth: every home on the coast is in a flood zone. You don’t need to live in a high-risk area to be at risk of flood damage. And standard homeowners insurance does not cover flood damage.

Flood insurance is available through the National Flood Insurance Program (NFIP) and select private insurers. Even if your lender doesn’t require it, it’s a smart investment. With the increasing frequency of severe storms and rising sea levels, flood protection is no longer optional—it's essential.

Bonus: Some policies now offer optional coverage for temporary living expenses if your home becomes uninhabitable due to flooding.

3. Homeowners Insurance Tailored for Coastal Living

You’ll still need a solid homeowners insurance policy to protect your home from fire, theft, liability, and more. But not all policies are created equal. Coastal homes have different exposures than inland ones, so it’s important to work with an agent who understands the local market.

Look for:

• Replacement cost coverage for your home and belongings

• Riders or endorsements for valuables (like watercraft or high-end electronics)

• Strong liability protection in case someone is injured on your property

Pro Tip: Bundling your homeowners, auto, and even umbrella policies can help you save money while streamlining coverage.

Your Next Step: Talk to a Coastal Insurance Professional

Whether you're moving to the Outer Banks, Wilmington, Southport, or anywhere along the beautiful NC coast, having the right insurance is key to protecting your dream lifestyle.

 You're busy. We get it. Between your job, the kids' schedules, and the big move itself, you don’t have time to sort through complicated policy details. That’s where we come in.

At Wells Insurance, our local agents take the guesswork off your plate. We offer a personalized insurance review tailored to your new coastal lifestyle—so you get exactly what you need to protect your home, without wasting time or overspending.

✅ We make it simple.
✅ We help you avoid gaps in coverage.
✅ We know the NC coast.

🔗 Ready to check insurance off your moving to-do list? Contact us now and get peace of mind in one easy step.