In this article, unless the context otherwise requires:

(1) "Essential property insurance" means insurance against direct loss to property as defined and limited in the wind and hail insurance policy and forms approved by the director or his designee; and after January 1, 1995, at the request of the insured, coverage for:

Terms Used In South Carolina Code 38-75-310

(a) actual loss of business income;

(b) additional living expense; or

(c) fair rental value loss.

Before November 1, 1994, the South Carolina Wind and Hail Underwriting Association must file with the department for approval additional policy forms defining the terms of and providing coverage for actual loss of business income, additional living expense, and fair rental value loss.

(2) "Association" means the South Carolina Wind and Hail Underwriting Association established pursuant to the provisions of this article.

(3) "Plan of operation" means the plan of operation of the association approved or promulgated by the department pursuant to the provisions of this article.

(4) "Insurable property" means immovable property at fixed locations in coastal areas of the State as that term is defined, or tangible personal property located in it, which property is determined by the association to be in an insurable condition as determined by reasonable underwriting standards, but not to include farm or manufacturing property, or motor vehicles which are eligible to be licensed for highway use. A structure commenced on or after September 15, 1971, not built in substantial compliance with the most recent building code, adopted by the Building Codes Council as referenced in § 6-9-50, or the approved building code in existence at the time of construction or the standards promulgated under the National Manufactured Housing Construction Standards and Safety Act, including the design-wind requirements in it, is not an insurable risk under the terms of this article. A structure commenced on or after September 15, 1971, must comply with any construction and zoning requirements affecting the structure, promulgated or adopted pursuant to the requirements of the Federal Flood Insurance Program.

(5) "Coastal area" means:

(a) all areas in Beaufort County and Colleton County which are east of the west bank of the intracoastal waterway;

(b) the following areas in Georgetown County: all areas between the Harrell Siau Bridge and the Georgetown-Horry County border which are east of a line paralleling U.S. Highway No. 17, and Cedar Island, North Island, and South Island;

(c) all areas in Horry County east of U.S. Highway No. 17 or By-Pass 17, whichever is farther to the west;

(d) the following areas in Charleston County: Edisto Island, Edingsville Beach, Kiawah Island, Botany Bay Island, Folly Island, Seabrook Island, Morris Island, and all areas north of the City of Charleston which are east of the west bank of the intracoastal waterway and the following areas:

(i) the portion of James Island which is east of the west bank of the James Island Creek;

(ii) the portion of John’s Island which is east of a line paralleling Exchange Road which becomes Plow Ground Road to Hoopstick Island Road to Church Creek; and

(iii) the portion of Wadmalaw Island which is east of a line paralleling Roseville Road to west of Cherry Point Road to Maybank Highway to Brigger Hill Road.

(6) "Net direct premiums" means gross direct premiums excluding reinsurance assumed and ceded written on property other than farm or manufacturing in this State for fire and extended coverage insurance, including the fire and extended coverage components of homeowners policy and commercial multiple peril package policies, less return premiums upon canceled contracts, dividends paid or credited to policyholders, or the unused or unabsorbed portion of premium deposits.

(7) "Seacoast area" means all areas within Horry, Georgetown, Berkeley, Charleston, Dorchester, Colleton, Beaufort, and Jasper Counties.