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

Living in Conway means dealing with a specific set of driving realities: tourist traffic spilling over from Myrtle Beach, seasonal flooding along the Waccamaw River, and insurance rates that can swing wildly depending on your ZIP code, credit history, and the type of coverage you carry. If you're shopping for auto insurance as a Conway driver, the choices you make between liability, collision, and comprehensive coverage will directly affect how protected you are - and how much you pay each month.


This guide breaks down South Carolina's coverage requirements, explains how local factors shape your premiums, and helps you figure out what level of protection actually makes sense for your situation. Whether you've lived in Horry County your whole life or just relocated from out of state, understanding these details can save you real money and prevent ugly surprises after an accident.

Understanding South Carolina Auto Insurance Requirements

South Carolina is stricter than many states about what drivers must carry, and for good reason. The state has a higher-than-average rate of uninsured motorists and a significant number of weather-related claims each year. Knowing the legal minimums is your starting point, but it shouldn't be your ending point.

Minimum Liability Limits in the Palmetto State

South Carolina mandates a minimum 25/50/25 liability coverage structure. Here's what those numbers mean:


  • $25,000 per person for bodily injury
  • $50,000 per accident for total bodily injury
  • $25,000 per accident for property damage


These numbers might sound adequate until you consider that the average cost of a new car in 2026 hovers around $48,000 and a single ER visit can easily exceed $30,000. If you cause an accident that totals someone's SUV and sends two people to the hospital, you could be personally liable for tens of thousands of dollars beyond what your minimum policy covers.

Uninsured Motorist Coverage Mandates

South Carolina also requires uninsured motorist (UM) coverage at the same 25/50/25 level. You can reject this coverage in writing, but doing so is risky. Roughly one in eight drivers on South Carolina roads has no insurance at all, and that number tends to be even higher in areas with a transient population - like the greater Myrtle Beach corridor that Conway sits within.


UM coverage protects you when the other driver either has no insurance or doesn't have enough to cover your damages. Given the odds of encountering an uninsured driver on Highway 501 or Route 544, keeping this coverage active is one of the smarter decisions you can make.

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

Comparing Coverage: Basic vs. Full Protection

The gap between minimum liability and a full protection package is significant, both in cost and in what happens when something goes wrong. A lot of Conway drivers carry only the state minimum because it's the cheapest option, but "cheapest" and "best value" are rarely the same thing.

Comparison Table: Liability Only vs. Comprehensive and Collision

Coverage Feature Liability Only (State Minimum) Full Protection (Comprehensive + Collision)
Bodily injury to others Covered up to 25/50 Covered up to your chosen limits
Property damage to others Covered up to $25,000 Covered up to your chosen limits
Damage to your own vehicle Not covered Covered (minus deductible)
Theft of your vehicle Not covered Covered under comprehensive
Weather damage (hail, flooding) Not covered Covered under comprehensive
Hit-and-run damage to your car Not covered Covered under collision
Typical monthly cost in Conway $75 - $120 $140 - $250
Out-of-pocket risk after a major at-fault accident Very high Limited to deductible

The monthly premium difference might be $80 to $130, but the financial exposure difference can be enormous. If you're driving a vehicle worth more than a few thousand dollars, collision and comprehensive coverage usually pays for itself the first time you need it.

Factors Influencing Rates for Conway Drivers

Your premium isn't pulled from thin air. Insurers use a combination of personal, geographic, and behavioral data to calculate what you'll pay. Conway has its own set of risk factors that affect every driver in the area.

Local Traffic Patterns and Risk Factors

Conway sits at the intersection of several busy corridors. Highway 501 funnels millions of tourists toward the beach each year, and Routes 378 and 544 handle heavy commuter traffic. Accident frequency along these routes is one reason auto insurance costs have risen across the region in recent years.


Flooding is another major factor. Conway has experienced repeated flood events, most notably from hurricanes and heavy rain systems that cause the Waccamaw River to overflow. Insurers price this risk into comprehensive coverage rates, which tend to be higher here than in inland South Carolina cities like Columbia or Rock Hill.


Vehicle theft rates in Horry County, while lower than in major metro areas, still factor into your premium. Parking in a garage or using anti-theft devices can help offset this.

Discounts for Coastal Residents and Students

Despite the higher baseline risk, there are real ways to bring your premium down. Most carriers offer discounts that Conway residents can take advantage of:


  • Multi-policy discounts for bundling auto with homeowners or renters insurance
  • Safe driver discounts if you've been accident-free for three or more years
  • Good student discounts for drivers under 25 maintaining a B average or better
  • Defensive driving course credits (South Carolina approves several online options)
  • Low-mileage discounts if you work from home or have a short commute


An independent agency like CSP Insurance Services can compare rates across multiple carriers to find which combination of discounts gives you the best deal. Because they're not locked into a single insurer, they can match your specific profile to the carrier that rewards it most.

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

Common Questions for Conway Car Owners

How much does insurance cost in Conway vs. Myrtle Beach?

Conway drivers typically pay 5% to 15% less than drivers with a Myrtle Beach address, primarily because Myrtle Beach has higher traffic density, more tourist-related accidents, and greater theft risk. That said, if you live near the Conway-Myrtle Beach border, the difference may be minimal. Your exact rate depends more on your driving record and credit score than your address alone.

Does my policy cover hurricane or flood damage?

Standard auto insurance does not cover flood damage under liability or collision. You need comprehensive coverage for that. Unlike homeowners insurance, you don't need a separate flood policy for your vehicle - comprehensive auto coverage handles water damage from flooding, storm surge, and hurricanes. Given Conway's flood history and its designation as a flood-prone area, carrying comprehensive coverage here isn't optional in any practical sense.

What happens if I drive without insurance in SC?

South Carolina has some of the toughest penalties in the Southeast for uninsured driving. A first offense can result in a fine up to $550, license suspension, and a requirement to file an SR-22 (proof of financial responsibility) for three years. Repeat offenses carry steeper fines, longer suspensions, and potential vehicle impoundment. The state has also been considering legislative measures to strengthen enforcement against uninsured motorists, so penalties may increase.

How can I lower my premium as a new resident?

If you've recently moved to Conway from another state, bring proof of your prior insurance history. A continuous coverage record with no lapses is one of the strongest factors in getting a lower rate. Transfer your driving record from your previous state as quickly as possible, since South Carolina insurers may charge higher rates if they can't verify your history. Also consider raising your deductible to $1,000 if you have enough savings to cover it - this alone can reduce your premium by 15% to 25%.

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.

Making the Right Choice for Your Vehicle

Picking the right auto insurance in Conway comes down to balancing what you can afford monthly against what you can afford to lose in a bad scenario. The state minimum keeps you legal, but it leaves you exposed to financial risk that most families can't absorb. Comprehensive and collision coverage costs more each month, but it means a hailstorm, a flooded parking lot, or a fender-bender on 501 won't derail your finances.


Think about your vehicle's value, your savings, and how much driving you do on high-traffic corridors. If you're financing or leasing, your lender almost certainly requires full coverage anyway. If you own your car outright, run the numbers on what replacing it would cost versus what you'd save by dropping to liability only.


The smartest approach is to get quotes that reflect your actual situation rather than guessing. CSP Insurance Services has been helping South Carolina drivers find the right fit since 1939, and their team can walk you through options from multiple carriers without the pressure of a single-company sales pitch. If you're ready to see what your coverage should actually look like, request a quote and get a clear picture of your options before your next renewal date hits.

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

Most Requested

Core business coverage.

The policies most South Carolina businesses start with.

Commercial Property

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

Workers Compensation

Required for most South Carolina employers with staff. It covers medical bills and lost wages when an employee is hurt on the job.

Commercial Auto

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

General Liability

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.

Business Owners (BOP)

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

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

◆

80+ years local experience

1939

Serving SC

Insurance Sales

J. Roger Jordan, CIC

Meet Richard

[CONFIRM bio]

Personal Insurance

Coverage for your home, vehicles, and family.

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

Home

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.

Motorcycle

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

Condo

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

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

◆

80+ years local experience

1939

Serving SC

Insurance Sales

J. Roger Jordan, CIC

Meet Richard

[CONFIRM bio]

Get a Quote

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.

Condo

Get a Quote

Motorcycle

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

Get a Quote

Industries We Serve

Specialized coverage for your industry.

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

Restaurants

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

Manufacturers

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

Healthcare Providers

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

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

◆

80+ years local experience

1939

Serving SC

Commercial Property

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

Meet Richard View all business coverage Get a Quote

Commercial Auto

Get a Quote

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

How It Works

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.

We recommend coverage

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

You get covered

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

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

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

Why clients choose CSP.

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.

◆

80+ years local experience

1939

Serving SC

Insurance Sales

J. Roger Jordan, CIC

Meet Richard

[CONFIRM bio]

Get a Quote

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.

Condo

Get a Quote

Motorcycle

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

Get a Quote

FAQs

Questions, answered.

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.

How It Works

Insurance tips & updates.

Plain-language guidance to help you make confident decisions.

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Compare group health insurance vs. individual plans for SC employers. Learn costs, tax benefits, ICHRA options, and the best fit for your team.

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

◆

80+ years local experience

1939

Serving SC

Insurance Sales

J. Roger Jordan, CIC

Meet Richard

[CONFIRM bio]

Get a Quote

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.

Condo

Get a Quote

Motorcycle

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

Get a Quote

Get a Quote

Let's find your coverage.

Tell us a little about what you need to protect. A real person from our Florence team will review it and follow up.

2420 Hoffmeyer Road, Suite D
Florence, SC 29501

Mon–Fri 8:30am – 5:00pm