CSP Insurance Services was founded in 1939, when Clifford Cormell joined Earnest Streett to sell insurance in Florence. More than 80 years later, we still answer the phone ourselves. No call centers, no chatbots — just a local team that knows your name and your policy.

We compare several carriers to find a policy that fits you, not one company's products.

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80+ years local experience

Hospital bills, treatment, and prescriptions for a work-related injury or illness.

Medical expenses

Claims history

A single afternoon on the trails can turn into a financial nightmare faster than most riders expect. A rolled ATV, a collision with another rider, or even a stolen machine sitting in your driveway: these aren't rare scenarios. They happen every season across South Carolina, from the Lowcountry to the Upstate. Yet a surprising number of ATV owners ride without any real insurance protection, often assuming their homeowners policy has them covered (spoiler: it usually doesn't). Understanding the full picture of ATV insurance, from coverage types and policy limits to the specific components that protect your wallet, is the difference between a minor setback and a devastating loss. This guide breaks down everything you need to know before your next ride, whether you're trail riding in the Francis Marion National Forest or using your four-wheeler on a family farm near Florence. If you've been putting off getting proper coverage, or if you're not sure what your current policy actually includes, now is the time to sort it out.

Understanding ATV Insurance Basics

ATV insurance works a lot like auto insurance, but with some key differences that catch people off guard. Your all-terrain vehicle faces unique risks: rollovers on uneven terrain, theft from open properties, and injuries to passengers or bystanders. A dedicated ATV policy addresses these risks with coverage components specifically designed for off-road vehicles, rather than trying to shoehorn protection into a policy built for sedans and SUVs.


The structure of a typical policy includes liability, collision, comprehensive, and medical payments coverage, each with its own limits and deductibles. You can mix and match these components based on how and where you ride. Someone who only uses their ATV on private farmland has very different needs than a rider who trailers their machine to public trail systems every weekend.

Is ATV Insurance Legally Required?

South Carolina doesn't require insurance for ATVs used exclusively on private property, but the moment you cross onto public land, trails, or roads (where permitted), the picture changes. Many public trail systems and OHV parks require proof of liability coverage before they'll let you ride. ATV legal requirements vary significantly from state to state, and even within South Carolina, local ordinances can add their own rules.


Here's the practical reality: even if no law forces you to carry insurance, riding without it is a gamble with terrible odds. A single injury claim from another person can run into six figures. If you're financing your ATV through a dealer, your lender will almost certainly require comprehensive and collision coverage as a condition of the loan.

Homeowners Insurance vs. Dedicated ATV Policies

One of the most common mistakes ATV owners make is assuming their homeowners insurance covers their machine. Most homeowners policies provide extremely limited coverage for motorized vehicles, and what little protection exists typically only applies on your own property. The second you ride off your land, that coverage vanishes.


Even on your property, homeowners insurance often caps ATV-related claims at a fraction of the vehicle's value and may exclude liability for injuries to guests. A dedicated ATV policy fills these gaps with proper liability limits, off-property coverage, and protection tailored to the risks of off-road riding. The cost difference between relying on a homeowners policy and buying standalone ATV coverage is usually modest, but the protection gap is enormous.

Your CSP agent

Lawson Walker, CIC

Insurance Sales

CSP Insurance Services is a fully licensed independent insurance agency serving individuals, families, and businesses across South Carolina.

From our home in Florence, we proudly serve clients in Florence, Myrtle Beach, Rock Hill, Columbia, and communities throughout South Carolina. As an independent Trusted Choice agency, our team works with a wide range of top-rated carriers to provide personal and commercial coverage — home, auto, business, life, and more — tailored to the real needs of the people and businesses we protect.

Boat and Watercraft Coverage for Weekend Adventures

Your homeowners policy might cover a small kayak or canoe, but anything with a motor typically needs its own policy. Boat insurance covers physical damage to the vessel, liability for injuries or property damage you cause on the water, and sometimes towing and salvage costs.


Lake-specific risks differ from coastal ones. A boat kept at Myrtle Beach faces saltwater corrosion, hurricane exposure, and higher theft rates than one stored at a private dock on Lake Wateree. Your policy should reflect where you keep and operate the boat. An independent agency like CSP Insurance Services can compare quotes across multiple marine carriers to find coverage that actually matches your boating habits rather than forcing you into a one-size-fits-all plan.

Feature Admitted (Standard) Carriers Non-Admitted (E&S) Carriers
State regulation Fully regulated; rates filed with state Exempt from rate filing; flexible pricing
Guaranty fund protection Yes: state fund covers claims if carrier fails No: no guaranty fund backstop
Policy forms Standardized (ISO forms common) Manuscript or custom forms
Risk appetite Prefers low-to-moderate risk Accepts high-risk and unusual exposures
Premium cost Generally lower Typically 20-75% higher
Surplus lines tax Not applicable Buyer pays state surplus lines tax (varies 2-5%)
Speed of placement Standard timelines Can be faster or slower depending on complexity

Core Coverage Components and Policy Limits

A complete ATV insurance policy is built from several distinct coverage components, each protecting you against a different type of financial loss. Understanding what each piece does helps you avoid both over-insuring (wasting money) and under-insuring (exposing yourself to risk).


The typical policy structure mirrors auto insurance but with limits and terms adjusted for off-road use. You'll choose coverage amounts and deductibles for each component independently, which gives you real flexibility to build a policy that matches your riding habits and budget.

Liability for Bodily Injury and Property Damage

Liability coverage is the foundation of any ATV policy. It pays for injuries you cause to other people and damage you cause to their property. In South Carolina, the state minimum auto liability split is 25/50/25, meaning $25,000 per person for bodily injury, $50,000 per accident, and $25,000 for property damage. While these minimums technically apply to on-road vehicles, they serve as a useful baseline for ATV coverage.


Most insurance professionals recommend carrying higher limits than the state minimum. A serious ATV accident involving another person can easily exceed $25,000 in medical bills alone. If you're found liable for an amount beyond your policy limits, you're personally responsible for the difference, and that can mean liens on your home, garnished wages, or worse.

Collision and Comprehensive Protection

Collision coverage pays to repair or replace your ATV after an accident, regardless of who's at fault. If you roll your machine on a rocky trail or clip a tree, this is the coverage that kicks in. You'll choose a deductible, typically between $250 and $1,000, and the insurer covers the rest up to your ATV's actual cash value.


Comprehensive coverage handles everything that isn't a collision: theft, vandalism, fire, flooding, and storm damage. For South Carolina riders, this component deserves special attention. Coastal areas face hurricane and tropical storm exposure, and even inland owners deal with seasonal flooding. ATV theft is also a persistent problem, especially for machines stored in open carports or unsecured outbuildings.

Medical Payments and Uninsured Motorist Coverage

Medical payments coverage, often called MedPay, pays for your own medical bills and those of your passengers after an ATV accident, regardless of fault. This coverage is particularly valuable because ATV injuries tend to be more severe than typical auto accidents. Broken bones, head injuries, and spinal trauma are common outcomes of ATV crashes, and emergency room visits alone can run thousands of dollars.


Uninsured motorist coverage protects you if you're injured by another rider who doesn't carry insurance. On public trails, you have no control over whether other riders are insured. This coverage fills that gap and is one of the most overlooked components in ATV policies.

Comparing Standard vs. Enhanced Coverage Options

Not all ATV policies are created equal. A basic liability-only policy and a full-coverage enhanced plan protect very different things at very different price points. Here's how they stack up:

Coverage Feature Standard (Liability-Only) Enhanced (Full Coverage)
Bodily Injury Liability Included Included
Property Damage Liability Included Included
Collision Not included Included
Comprehensive Not included Included
Medical Payments Optional add-on Typically included
Uninsured Motorist Optional add-on Typically included
Accessory Coverage Not included Often included ($1,000-$3,000)
Trip Interruption Not included Available as add-on
Approximate Monthly Cost $30-$50 $75-$150+

The average cost for a standard ATV insurance policy in 2026 runs approximately $100 per month, while basic liability-only policies for public trail use start significantly lower. Enhanced policies cost more but eliminate the financial exposure that keeps riders up at night.


Accessory coverage is worth highlighting. If you've added a winch, upgraded tires, a plow attachment, or a custom exhaust, a standard policy won't cover those modifications. Enhanced policies often include a set amount for aftermarket accessories, with the option to increase that limit for heavily modified machines.

Boat and Watercraft Coverage for Weekend Adventures

Your homeowners policy might cover a small kayak or canoe, but anything with a motor typically needs its own policy. Boat insurance covers physical damage to the vessel, liability for injuries or property damage you cause on the water, and sometimes towing and salvage costs.


Lake-specific risks differ from coastal ones. A boat kept at Myrtle Beach faces saltwater corrosion, hurricane exposure, and higher theft rates than one stored at a private dock on Lake Wateree. Your policy should reflect where you keep and operate the boat. An independent agency like CSP Insurance Services can compare quotes across multiple marine carriers to find coverage that actually matches your boating habits rather than forcing you into a one-size-fits-all plan.

Boat and Watercraft Coverage for Weekend Adventures

Your homeowners policy might cover a small kayak or canoe, but anything with a motor typically needs its own policy. Boat insurance covers physical damage to the vessel, liability for injuries or property damage you cause on the water, and sometimes towing and salvage costs.


Lake-specific risks differ from coastal ones. A boat kept at Myrtle Beach faces saltwater corrosion, hurricane exposure, and higher theft rates than one stored at a private dock on Lake Wateree. Your policy should reflect where you keep and operate the boat. An independent agency like CSP Insurance Services can compare quotes across multiple marine carriers to find coverage that actually matches your boating habits rather than forcing you into a one-size-fits-all plan.

Feature Admitted (Standard) Carriers Non-Admitted (E&S) Carriers
State regulation Fully regulated; rates filed with state Exempt from rate filing; flexible pricing
Guaranty fund protection Yes: state fund covers claims if carrier fails No: no guaranty fund backstop
Policy forms Standardized (ISO forms common) Manuscript or custom forms
Risk appetite Prefers low-to-moderate risk Accepts high-risk and unusual exposures
Premium cost Generally lower Typically 20-75% higher
Surplus lines tax Not applicable Buyer pays state surplus lines tax (varies 2-5%)
Speed of placement Standard timelines Can be faster or slower depending on complexity

Factors That Influence Your Premium Costs

Your ATV insurance premium isn't a random number. Insurers use a specific set of factors to calculate your rate, and understanding these gives you some control over what you pay. The insurance industry has been refining its pricing models in recent years, and ATV policies have become more granular in how they assess risk.


Where you live matters, too. South Carolina riders in coastal counties may pay more due to storm and flood exposure, while rural policyholders might see lower rates if theft statistics are favorable in their area.

Vehicle Type and Engine Displacement

The type of ATV you ride is the single biggest factor in your premium. A 90cc youth model costs far less to insure than a high-performance 1000cc sport quad. Insurers categorize ATVs by engine size, intended use (utility vs. sport), and replacement cost. Sport ATVs designed for speed and aggressive riding carry higher premiums because they're statistically more likely to be involved in accidents.


Side-by-sides (UTVs) generally cost more to insure than traditional ATVs due to their higher price tags and passenger capacity. Polaris, one of the largest manufacturers, has seen continued demand for its utility and sport models, which means more of these higher-value machines are on trails and need coverage. If you're shopping for a new machine, factor insurance costs into your purchase decision before signing at the dealer.

Rider History and Safety Certifications

Your driving record and ATV-specific experience directly affect your premium. A clean driving history with no at-fault accidents or moving violations signals lower risk to insurers. Some carriers also check for DUI/DWI convictions, which can make you ineligible for coverage entirely or dramatically increase your rate.


Completing an ATV safety certification course can earn you a discount with many insurers, typically 5% to 15% off your annual premium. The ATV Safety Institute offers courses across South Carolina, and the investment in time pays for itself quickly through lower insurance costs. An independent agency like CSP Insurance Services can help you identify which carriers offer the best safety course discounts and match you with a policy that rewards your responsible riding habits.

Specialty Lines: Flood, Earthquake, and Valuable Items

Flood insurance is a separate policy, typically written through FEMA's National Flood Insurance Program or a private carrier. If your home sits in a designated flood zone anywhere along the SC coast or near inland rivers, your mortgage lender will require it. But even homes outside mapped flood zones can flood: roughly 25% of flood claims come from properties in low-to-moderate risk areas.


Earthquake coverage is less common in South Carolina, but the state sits near the Charleston fault zone, which produced a magnitude 7.3 quake in 1886. A rider or standalone earthquake policy is worth considering if you're in the Lowcountry.


Scheduled personal property endorsements cover high-value items like jewelry, art, firearms, or musical instruments that exceed standard policy sub-limits. Most homeowners policies cap jewelry coverage at $1,500-$2,500 per item. If your engagement ring is worth $8,000, you need a scheduled endorsement or inland marine floater to cover the difference.

Common Questions About ATV Insurance

Do I need insurance if I only ride on my own property? Legally, no, but practically, yes. If a friend or family member gets hurt riding your ATV on your land, you could face a lawsuit. Your homeowners policy likely won't cover it adequately.


Does my ATV policy cover my kids when they ride? Most policies cover household members listed on the policy, but age restrictions and engine size limitations often apply. Check your policy language carefully, especially for youth riders.


What happens if my ATV is stolen from a trailhead parking lot? Comprehensive coverage pays for theft regardless of location. Without it, you're absorbing the full replacement cost yourself.


Can I get a multi-vehicle discount if I own more than one ATV? Yes, most carriers offer multi-vehicle discounts for insuring two or more ATVs on the same policy. This can save 10% to 25% depending on the insurer.


Are side-by-sides and UTVs covered under ATV insurance? They can be, but some carriers write separate UTV policies. The coverage components are similar, though limits and premiums differ due to higher vehicle values and passenger exposure.


Does ATV insurance cover me if I ride in another state? Most policies provide coverage across state lines, but the customer satisfaction and claims experience can vary by carrier. Confirm with your insurer before any out-of-state trips, especially if you're heading to states with different registration requirements.

Boat and Watercraft Coverage for Weekend Adventures

Your homeowners policy might cover a small kayak or canoe, but anything with a motor typically needs its own policy. Boat insurance covers physical damage to the vessel, liability for injuries or property damage you cause on the water, and sometimes towing and salvage costs.


Lake-specific risks differ from coastal ones. A boat kept at Myrtle Beach faces saltwater corrosion, hurricane exposure, and higher theft rates than one stored at a private dock on Lake Wateree. Your policy should reflect where you keep and operate the boat. An independent agency like CSP Insurance Services can compare quotes across multiple marine carriers to find coverage that actually matches your boating habits rather than forcing you into a one-size-fits-all plan.

Boat and Watercraft Coverage for Weekend Adventures

Your homeowners policy might cover a small kayak or canoe, but anything with a motor typically needs its own policy. Boat insurance covers physical damage to the vessel, liability for injuries or property damage you cause on the water, and sometimes towing and salvage costs.


Lake-specific risks differ from coastal ones. A boat kept at Myrtle Beach faces saltwater corrosion, hurricane exposure, and higher theft rates than one stored at a private dock on Lake Wateree. Your policy should reflect where you keep and operate the boat. An independent agency like CSP Insurance Services can compare quotes across multiple marine carriers to find coverage that actually matches your boating habits rather than forcing you into a one-size-fits-all plan.

Feature Admitted (Standard) Carriers Non-Admitted (E&S) Carriers
State regulation Fully regulated; rates filed with state Exempt from rate filing; flexible pricing
Guaranty fund protection Yes: state fund covers claims if carrier fails No: no guaranty fund backstop
Policy forms Standardized (ISO forms common) Manuscript or custom forms
Risk appetite Prefers low-to-moderate risk Accepts high-risk and unusual exposures
Premium cost Generally lower Typically 20-75% higher
Surplus lines tax Not applicable Buyer pays state surplus lines tax (varies 2-5%)
Speed of placement Standard timelines Can be faster or slower depending on complexity

Making the Right Choice for Your Vehicle

Picking the right ATV policy comes down to honest self-assessment. How do you actually use your machine? Where do you ride? What would happen financially if it were totaled or if you injured someone on the trail? The answers to these questions should drive your coverage decisions, not the cheapest quote you can find online.


A liability-only policy might be fine for a low-value utility quad that stays on your farm. But if you're riding a $15,000 sport ATV on public trails every weekend, skipping collision and comprehensive coverage is a risk most people can't afford to take. The monthly difference between basic and full coverage is often less than a tank of gas.


Working with an independent agency gives you access to quotes from multiple carriers, which means you're not stuck with whatever one company decides to charge. The team at CSP Insurance Services has been helping South Carolina families and individuals find the right fit since 1939, and they can walk you through coverage options without the pressure of a single-carrier sales pitch. If you're ready to get proper protection in place, request a quote and talk to someone who actually knows ATV coverage inside and out. Your next ride will feel a lot better knowing you're covered.

About the author

Lawson Walker, CIC

I'm proud to be part of an agency that's served Florence since 1939. CSP Insurance Services started as Cormell-Streett & Patterson, built by people who believed insurance should be personal — and more than eight decades later, that conviction still drives everything we do. Commitment, Service, Protection isn't just what CSP stands for; it's how I approach every client relationship.


As an independent, Trusted Choice agency, we aren't tied to any single carrier. That means I work for you — shopping multiple companies to match you with coverage that actually fits your family, your business, and your budget. No call centers, no chatbots. Just a local expert who takes the time to understand what matters to you and stands by you when it counts.


Whether you're protecting your home, your car, or a business you've spent years building, I'd be glad to help you find the right coverage.

We compare several carriers to find a policy that fits you, not one company's products.

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80+ years local experience

1939

Serving SC

Meet Richard

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The policies most South Carolina businesses start with.

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Protect the building, equipment, and inventory your business runs on, so a covered fire, theft, or storm doesn’t become a closed door.

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Cars, trucks, and fleets used for work need more than a personal policy. This handles liability, damage, and your drivers.

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Accidents happen on the job and on your property. General liability covers third-party injury and property damage claims against your business.

Inland Marine

Tools, equipment, and goods on the move aren’t covered by standard property policies. Inland marine protects them wherever they travel.

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A business owners policy bundles property and liability coverage into one package, often at a better price for small businesses.

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80+ years local experience

1939

Serving SC

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J. Roger Jordan, CIC

Meet Richard

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Protect what matters most with personal policies shopped across our carriers.

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Your house is likely your largest investment. Home insurance helps rebuild after covered damage and protects you from liability.

Auto

South Carolina drivers need real protection. Auto coverage handles liability, collision, medical costs, and uninsured drivers.

Umbrella

When a serious claim climbs past your home or auto limits, umbrella coverage adds an extra layer of liability protection.

Boat

Time on the water should be worry-free. Boat coverage protects your vessel, your passengers, and your liability on the lake or coast.

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Riders need coverage built for the road. Motorcycle insurance protects your bike, your gear, and you after an accident.

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Your association covers the building, but not what’s inside. Condo insurance protects your belongings, improvements, and liability.

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80+ years local experience

1939

Serving SC

Insurance Sales

J. Roger Jordan, CIC

Meet Richard

[CONFIRM bio]

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Boat

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Time on the water should be worry-free. Boat coverage protects your vessel, your passengers, and your liability on the lake or coast.

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Every industry carries its own risk. We help South Carolina businesses protect what they've built.

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Kitchens, customers, and staff create daily exposure. We protect your property, equipment, liquor liability, and employees.

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From equipment breakdown to product liability, manufacturers face risk on the floor and beyond. We help cover property, machinery, and goods.

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Practices and clinics carry patient, property, and professional risk. We help cover liability, equipment, and the people who run your practice.

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80+ years local experience

1939

Serving SC

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Cars, trucks, and fleets used for work need more than a personal policy. This handles liability, damage, and your drivers.

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Getting covered is simple.

Four steps, one real person from start to finish.

Tell us about you

Share a few details about what you need to protect. A real person reviews it.

We compare carriers

We shop options across our carriers to find strong protection at a fair price.

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We walk you through the policy in plain language and answer every question.

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Sign with confidence — and we stay on for changes, claims, and yearly reviews.

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Multi-carrier choice

Claims advocacy

When a claim happens, we stand in your corner and help move it forward with your carrier.

Local SC roots

We live and work in Florence and understand the risks your community faces because we face them too.

Client Reviews

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Independent advice, real people, and decades of local roots.

We compare several carriers to find a policy that fits you, not one company's products.

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80+ years local experience

1939

Serving SC

Insurance Sales

J. Roger Jordan, CIC

Meet Richard

[CONFIRM bio]

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Boat

Your association covers the building, but not what’s inside. Condo insurance protects your belongings, improvements, and liability.

Time on the water should be worry-free. Boat coverage protects your vessel, your passengers, and your liability on the lake or coast.

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FAQs

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Straight answers about working with an independent agency.

  • What does an independent insurance agency do?

    An independent agency represents several carriers instead of one. We compare coverage and pricing across companies, then recommend the policy that fits you best.

  • Do you cover both personal and business insurance?

    Yes. CSP writes personal lines like home and auto, and commercial lines for businesses across South Carolina.

  • How long has CSP been in business?

    CSP traces its roots to 1939, with more than 80 years serving South Carolina families and businesses.

  • Will I work with a real person?

    Always. No call centers and no chatbots — you work with a local team member who knows your account.

  • Which areas do you serve?

    We’re based in Florence and serve clients statewide, including Myrtle Beach, Rock Hill, and Columbia.

  • How do I get a quote?

    Request a quote online, call us, or stop by the office. A real person will review your needs and follow up.

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80+ years local experience

1939

Serving SC

Insurance Sales

J. Roger Jordan, CIC

Meet Richard

[CONFIRM bio]

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Boat

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Time on the water should be worry-free. Boat coverage protects your vessel, your passengers, and your liability on the lake or coast.

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2420 Hoffmeyer Road, Suite D
Florence, SC 29501

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