South Carolina Earthquake Swarm Spurs Insurance Coverage Advisory

A cluster of 13 small earthquakes occurred near Lake Greenwood, South Carolina, starting August 19, 2025, with the largest measuring a magnitude of 3.0. These seismic events, referred to as a "swarm" by geologists, included eight tremors on August 23 and two more on August 25, affecting the Coronaco community near the lake. The South Carolina Department of Natural Resources Geological Survey confirmed the activity, which is significant though generally minor in magnitude, with most quakes measuring around 2.0 and typically felt only by a few people at rest.

The South Carolina Department of Emergency Management (SCDEM) issued an advisory following these events, encouraging residents to consider earthquake insurance coverage. Typical homeowners policies in the state do not cover earthquake damages, but additional or standalone earthquake insurance is available. This advisory aims to raise awareness about seismic risks, which can occur unexpectedly in South Carolina due to the multiple fault lines present beneath the region.

South Carolina experiences approximately 10 to 20 earthquakes annually, primarily in the Lowcountry, though this recent swarm in the Upstate region is comparable to previous clusters like the 2022 swarm in the Midlands near Lugoff-Elgin. The SC Geological Survey characterized such swarms as unusual but not unexpected, attributing them to known geological fault activities rather than unexplained causes.

From an insurance perspective, the event highlights the importance of assessing earthquake risk in regions not typically associated with high seismic activity. Insurance providers and risk managers may find opportunities to educate policyholders on coverage gaps related to earthquake damage, especially in emerging risk zones. Regulatory bodies might also consider promoting greater transparency about such risks and encourage broader earthquake coverage adoption among homeowners.

Overall, this recent seismic activity underlines the necessity for preparedness and informed risk management strategies within South Carolina's property insurance market. Stakeholders including insurers, emergency management officials, and consumers are reminded of the unpredictable nature of natural disasters and the evolving landscape of risk in various geographies.