Why does insurance matter when buying or selling?

Insurance matters because a lender will not close a mortgage without proof of coverage, and in flood-prone or coastal areas of the Lowcountry, that premium can materially affect what a buyer can actually afford. A high quote discovered late in the process can even derail a deal that looked fine on paper. Brian Beatty recommends buyers get an insurance quote early, before they are deep into inspection and financing timelines.