Are you having trouble finding homeowner insurance? Or, did your current rate increase? You're not alone.

According to the South Carolina Insurance News Service, insurance rates are nearly 25 percent higher than last year.  However, as News 13 found out, it's not that you can't find insurance, its what price you're willing to pay.

"With some rate increases in Florida and Mississippi almost 100 percent, we're really pretty lucky in South Carolina that we don't pay more than we do," said Allison Dean Love, Executive Director of the SC Insurance News Service.

The rising cost of insurance is affecting homeowners in every coastal area throughout the country.  Rates are twice as high as two or three years ago and even more on commercial property.

Last year's hurricanes, along with population growth and rapid increases in property value, put insurance rates higher than ever.  "So the carriers have become very leery of writing on the coast.  It's become awfully expensive for the ones that will," said Tommy Cook, a Myrtle Beach insurance agent.

Insurance companies use storm projections to assess their future risks. Frank Thompson, an agent in Conway, says insurance companies must manage their growth.  "The companies need to make sure they can be financially solid if a big storm comes and if they're overexposed in a certain area. Certainly they don't want to risk all the assets and become bankrupt. That's a lose-lose for everybody."

According to the South Carolina Insurance News Service, for every $1 insurance companies collect in premiums they pay out $1.14.  This extra expense only adds to the rate increases. 

People moving to the coast say they can't find insurance

Allison Love said, "When people say, "I can't find insurance, it probably means they can't find insurance that they think is affordable. The good news is you can still find it in South Carolina, but you might not like what you have to pay for it."

The Mansell family bought a home in Myrtle Beach in early July.

They moved to South Carolina from New York. 

They received 34 'no's' from insurance companies before getting one 'yes'. 

That 'yes' turned out to be a no after all. The company called back and said they made a mistake.  A representative told them they do not write in Horry County.

They did find a policy, only days before moving.

"But the policy we got has a $1,000deductible and doesn't include hurricane or flood with the first $7,500in wind damage. So, basically you got a fire policy on your house," said Mansell.

"Right now it's just become extremely tough. People are frustrated. It is awfully expensive but we try to do the best we can for our customers," said Cook.

Experts warn not to wait until the last minute.  Start shopping early.  Also ask questions, choose a comfortable deductible and check out the insurance company.

If you have questions about your insurance, you can contact the South Carolina Department of Insurance on their hotline at 1-800-768-3467.

There are steps you can take to lower your insurance bills. Some companies give credit for:

• Installing hurricane shutters
• Reinforcing garage doors
• Adding wind resistant glass
• Securing loose shingles
• Trimming trees close to your home

You can also receive consumer-friendly information from the SC Insurance News Service.  Their website is http://www.scinsnews.com/