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 developer broke ground on a 96-unit LIHTC project in Columbia last year and discovered, mid-construction, that their standard commercial insurance package didn't cover mold remediation triggered by a subcontractor's plumbing error. The claim cost $340,000 out of pocket. That's the kind of scenario that keeps affordable housing developers up at night, and it's entirely preventable with the right coverage strategy.
Affordable housing development in South Carolina carries risks that standard commercial policies simply weren't designed for. Between LIHTC compliance requirements, multi-phase construction timelines, environmental exposures, and the sheer complexity of subsidized projects, the insurance needs are specific and consequential. This guide breaks down the essential coverages, including GL, workers comp, commercial auto, and the industry-specific policies that protect South Carolina developers from the gaps that sink projects.
South Carolina's 2026 LIHTC allocation includes $26,702,193 for the 4% credit program, meaning more developers are competing for funding and more projects are moving forward. With that growth comes increased exposure, and the insurance decisions you make early in development can determine whether a project stays financially viable.
Navigating Insurance for South Carolina Affordable Housing Projects
Affordable housing developers face a risk profile that looks nothing like a typical commercial real estate venture. The combination of public funding, regulatory oversight, and tenant demographics creates insurance needs that demand specialized attention.
The Unique Risk Profile of LIHTC and Subsidized Developments
LIHTC projects carry a 15-year compliance period during which any misstep, from tenant income verification errors to building code violations, can trigger credit recapture. That financial exposure alone justifies coverage most standard policies don't offer. Developers managing properties in Florence, Myrtle Beach, or along the coast also face hurricane and flood risks that inland projects don't share.
The tenant population in affordable housing developments tends to generate higher frequency (though not necessarily higher severity) liability claims. Slip-and-fall incidents, maintenance-related injuries, and security-related claims are more common in multi-family affordable properties than in market-rate developments. Your insurance program needs to account for this reality without blowing your per-unit operating budget.
Meeting State and Federal Compliance Standards
South Carolina Housing Finance and Development Authority (SC Housing) requires specific insurance documentation before releasing LIHTC allocations. The 2026 Qualified Allocation Plan includes updated standards around building resilience and insurance requirements, particularly for properties in wind-prone coastal zones.
Federal requirements layer on top of state mandates. HUD-funded projects require Davis-Bacon wage compliance (which affects workers comp classifications), environmental review documentation, and specific bonding requirements. Missing any of these can delay or kill a project. An independent agency like CSP Insurance Services, with over 80 years of experience across South Carolina, can help developers identify which compliance-driven coverages apply to their specific project type and funding source.


Your CSP agent
Lawson Walker, CIC
Insurance Sales
On this page
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 |
Medical Payments and Personal Injury Protection

Medical payments coverage (MedPay) pays for medical bills for you and your passengers after an accident, regardless of who caused it. South Carolina doesn't require PIP (personal injury protection), but MedPay is a practical alternative that covers immediate medical costs without waiting for fault to be determined. If you regularly travel with family or friends, carrying $10,000 to $25,000 in MedPay is a reasonable baseline.
Core Liability and Asset Protection Policies
These are the foundational policies every affordable housing developer needs. Getting them wrong, or getting them too late, is the most common mistake I see developers make.
General Liability: Protecting Against Third-Party Claims
General liability (GL) is your first line of defense against bodily injury and property damage claims from third parties. For affordable housing developers, GL needs to cover both the construction phase and the operational phase, and the limits should reflect the scale of the project.
Most lenders and tax credit syndicators require minimum GL limits of $1 million per occurrence and $2 million aggregate. But here's where developers get tripped up: a standard GL policy written for a general contractor won't cover the developer entity's exposure as a property owner during lease-up and stabilization. You need GL structured for your role as both developer and eventual operator.
Builders Risk and Property Insurance for Multi-Family Units
Builders risk covers the structure during construction, protecting against fire, wind, theft, and vandalism. In South Carolina, wind and hail exposure is a major pricing factor, especially for projects in Charleston, Myrtle Beach, and the Lowcountry. Rising insurance costs across the state have made builders risk premiums particularly volatile in 2026.
Once the project transitions from construction to occupancy, builders risk converts to a standard property policy. The gap between these two coverages is a danger zone. I've seen developers lose weeks of coverage during the transition because they didn't coordinate the effective dates properly. Make sure your broker handles this handoff explicitly.
Professional Liability and Errors & Omissions
Professional liability (E&O) protects against claims arising from design errors, consulting mistakes, or negligent advice during the development process. If you're acting as your own general partner or providing development consulting services, E&O is essential.
This coverage is especially important for developers who handle their own compliance reporting. A miscalculation in tenant income certification that triggers credit recapture could generate a claim from your investor limited partner. E&O responds to that kind of exposure.

Most South Carolina small businesses land on Silver or Gold plans. Bronze works well when paired with employer HSA contributions, while Platinum plans are typically reserved for businesses competing for top talent in industries like healthcare or tech.
Mandatory State Coverages: Workers Comp and Commercial Auto
South Carolina law doesn't give developers a choice on these two coverages. Getting them right protects both your workers and your project timeline.
South Carolina Workers Compensation Requirements
South Carolina requires workers compensation coverage for any employer with four or more employees. The 2026 maximum weekly compensation rate was approved by the Workers' Compensation Commission and reflects updated wage data. Construction classifications carry some of the highest premium rates in the state, so accurate payroll reporting and proper class codes matter enormously.
One common mistake: developers assume their general contractor's workers comp policy covers everyone on site. It doesn't. Subcontractors need their own policies, and if they don't carry them, the GC's policy (and ultimately the developer's) picks up the exposure. Always require certificates of insurance from every sub, and verify them. NCCI, which administers South Carolina's workers comp rate filings, publishes state-specific advisory documents that outline classification and rating changes developers should track.
Commercial Auto for Mixed-Use and Multi-Site Management
If your company owns, leases, or regularly uses vehicles for site visits, material transport, or property management across multiple locations, commercial auto insurance is required. South Carolina's minimum auto liability limits are 25/50/25, but those minimums are dangerously low for a developer managing multi-million-dollar projects.
Most developers managing properties across Columbia, Rock Hill, and the Pee Dee region are running vehicles between sites daily. A serious accident with state-minimum coverage could expose the development entity to personal liability. Carry at least $1 million in combined single-limit coverage, and add hired and non-owned auto coverage if employees ever use personal vehicles for company business.
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 |
Industry-Specific Risks: Pollution and Environmental Coverage
Affordable housing projects frequently involve brownfield redevelopment, older building rehabilitation, or construction on previously industrial land. Standard GL policies exclude pollution claims, full stop.
Environmental site assessments (Phase I and Phase II) are required for most LIHTC projects, but even a clean Phase I doesn't eliminate all risk. Developers in South Carolina have encountered unexpected contamination from underground storage tanks, lead paint in rehab projects, and asbestos in older structures slated for adaptive reuse. The state has been working to address housing supply challenges, which means more rehab projects are entering the pipeline, and more developers are encountering environmental exposures.
A pollution liability policy covers cleanup costs, third-party bodily injury from contamination, and legal defense. For rehab projects, contractor's pollution liability (CPL) covers pollution events caused during construction. These policies are project-specific and relatively affordable compared to the exposure they cover.
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.
Comparison: Standard Commercial vs. Affordable Housing Specialized Coverage
| Coverage Area | Standard Commercial Policy | Affordable Housing Specialized Policy | General Liability |
|---|---|---|---|
| General Liability | Covers basic premises liability | Includes tenant discrimination defense, LIHTC compliance exposure | No |
| Property Insurance | Standard replacement cost | Accounts for subsidized rent income loss, extended vacancy periods | No |
| Professional Liability | Often excluded or limited | Covers tax credit recapture claims, compliance reporting errors | No |
| Environmental | Excluded under standard GL | Pollution liability for brownfield and rehab projects | No |
| Workers Comp | Standard classifications | Construction-specific class codes with wrap-up options for large projects | No |
| Commercial Auto | Basic fleet coverage | Multi-site management, hired/non-owned auto included | Yes |
The difference between these two approaches can mean hundreds of thousands of dollars in uncovered claims. CSP Insurance Services works with multiple carriers to build customized programs that address these gaps, comparing options across the market rather than pushing a single carrier's product.
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 |
FAQ: Do I need special insurance for a rental RV?
Yes. If you're renting an RV from a peer-to-peer platform, the rental company usually offers insurance, but read the fine print carefully. Your personal auto policy almost certainly won't cover a rented motorhome. If you're renting out your own RV, you'll need a commercial or rental-specific endorsement on your policy.
Common Questions About Affordable Housing Insurance
Do I need separate insurance for the construction phase and the operating phase? Yes. Builders risk covers the construction period, and a standard property/liability program takes over at occupancy. Coordinating the transition dates is critical to avoid gaps.
Can my general contractor's insurance cover the whole project? No. The GC's policy covers their scope of work, but the developer entity needs its own GL, property, and professional liability coverage. Relying solely on the GC's policy leaves significant gaps.
How much does pollution liability cost for a typical LIHTC rehab project? Premiums vary widely based on site history and scope, but most developers pay between $5,000 and $25,000 for a project-specific pollution policy. That's a fraction of what a single cleanup event could cost.
Does South Carolina require flood insurance for affordable housing projects? If the property is in a FEMA-designated flood zone and has a federally backed mortgage, yes. Even outside mandatory zones, lenders and syndicators often require it.
What happens if a subcontractor doesn't carry workers comp? The developer or GC becomes responsible for the sub's employees under South Carolina law. Always verify certificates before allowing any sub on site.
Are there insurance requirements specific to the 2026 QAP? SC Housing's 2026 QAP includes updated resilience and insurance standards, particularly for coastal properties. Review the QAP requirements early in your application process.
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.
The Bottom Line for South Carolina Developers
Affordable housing insurance in South Carolina isn't a box-checking exercise. The combination of LIHTC compliance risk, coastal weather exposure, environmental hazards, and multi-phase development timelines creates an insurance profile that demands specialized attention. Getting the right GL, workers comp, commercial auto, and pollution coverage in place before breaking ground protects both your investment and your ability to deliver housing that communities need.
The developers who avoid costly surprises are the ones who work with an independent agency that understands both the insurance market and the affordable housing industry. If you're planning a project in South Carolina and want coverage built specifically around your development's risk profile, request a quote from CSP Insurance Services. Their team can compare options across multiple carriers and structure a program that actually fits your project, not a generic template that leaves you exposed.
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
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
[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
[CONFIRM bio]
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
Motorcycle
Riders need coverage built for the road. Motorcycle insurance protects your bike, your gear, and you after an accident.
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.
Commercial Auto
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.
We compare carriers
We shop options across our carriers to find strong protection at a fair price.
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
[CONFIRM bio]
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
Motorcycle
Riders need coverage built for the road. Motorcycle insurance protects your bike, your gear, and you after an accident.
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.
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
[CONFIRM bio]
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
Motorcycle
Riders need coverage built for the road. Motorcycle insurance protects your bike, your gear, and you after an accident.
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




