South Carolina Boat Dealer Insurance

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.

80+ years local experience

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

Medical expenses

Claims history

Feature Short-Term Disability Long-Term Disability
Waiting Period 7-14 days 90-180 days
Benefit Duration Up to 26 weeks 2 years to age 65+
Income Replacement 60%-70% 50%-60%
Common Claims Surgery recovery, pregnancy, fractures Cancer, heart disease, chronic conditions
Typical Cost $0.10-$0.50 per $100 of payroll $0.20-$0.60 per $100 of payroll
Best For Bridging short absences Protecting against career-ending events
General Liability Professional Liability
What it covers Bodily injury, property damage, personal injury on premises Errors in care, negligent supervision, failure to follow care plans
Example claim Visitor slips on wet floor Staff administers wrong medication dosage
Typical limits $1M per occurrence / $2M aggregate $1M per occurrence / $3M aggregate
Average cost ~$91/month for social service providers $100-$200/month depending on services
Who files claims Visitors, vendors, third parties Residents, families, guardians

General liability insurance for social service organizations currently averages about $91 per month for a $1M/$2M policy. Professional liability typically runs higher because the claims tend to be more complex and costly. Skipping either one is a mistake I've seen operators make, usually because they assume one policy covers everything.

Running a boat dealership on the South Carolina coast means dealing with risks that most business owners never think about. A customer slips on your showroom dock. A hurricane stalls over Myrtle Beach for 36 hours. A trailer hauling a $90,000 center console jackknifes on I-95. These aren't hypothetical scenarios: they're the kinds of claims that South Carolina marine dealers actually file.


Getting the right insurance coverage for a boat dealership here requires more than just a standard commercial policy. You need a mix of general liability, workers' compensation, commercial auto, and several marine-specific policies that most general insurance agents barely understand. The state's 187 miles of coastline and its hurricane exposure create a risk profile that's genuinely unique, and your coverage needs to reflect that. The marine industry itself is in an interesting spot right now: new boat sales have shown resilience heading into 2026, which means dealerships are carrying more inventory and taking on more risk. That's exactly why getting your insurance right matters more than it did five years ago.


This guide breaks down every major coverage type South Carolina boat dealers should carry, from the obvious ones to the industry-specific policies that can save your business when things go sideways.

Essential Insurance Requirements for South Carolina Boat Dealers

South Carolina requires specific minimum coverages for any business, but boat dealers face additional exposure that makes bare-minimum policies dangerously inadequate. The state mandates workers' compensation for businesses with four or more employees, auto liability insurance for any vehicles used in business operations, and general liability coverage is effectively required by most marina leases and lender agreements.


What catches many dealers off guard is how these requirements interact with marine-specific risks. A standard business owner's policy (BOP) won't cover boats in your inventory, damage during sea trials, or pollution liability from a fuel spill at your dock. You need to think of your insurance as layers: the state-required foundation, then industry-specific policies stacked on top.

South Carolina Workers' Compensation Laws for Marine Businesses

South Carolina law requires workers' comp for any business with four or more employees, but here's where it gets tricky for marine dealers. If your employees perform work on navigable waters, federal maritime law may apply instead of (or in addition to) state workers' comp. The Longshore and Harbor Workers' Compensation Act covers employees injured on navigable waters or adjoining areas like docks and piers.


This means your service technicians working on boats in the water, your dock hands, and anyone who regularly works at the waterline may need federal coverage. Standard state workers' comp won't cover those claims. The premiums for maritime workers' comp tend to run 20-40% higher than standard rates, but the alternative is paying a claim out of pocket that could easily hit six figures.

Commercial Auto and Fleet Coverage for Boat Transport

If your dealership delivers boats, picks up trade-ins, or runs parts between locations, you need commercial auto coverage. South Carolina's minimum auto liability is 25/50/25 ($25,000 per person, $50,000 per accident for bodily injury, $25,000 for property damage), but those minimums are laughably low when you're towing a boat worth five or ten times that amount.


Your commercial auto policy should cover the truck, the trailer, and the cargo being hauled. Many dealers don't realize that a standard commercial auto policy excludes the boat on the trailer: you need an inland marine or cargo endorsement to close that gap. If a boat falls off a trailer on Highway 17, your commercial auto policy covers the truck damage and liability, but the boat itself? That's a separate claim.

General Liability vs. Professional Liability: What's the Difference?

General liability (GL) covers bodily injury and property damage that happens on your premises or because of your operations. Someone trips over a cleat in your showroom, a boat falls off a lift: that's GL territory. Professional liability, sometimes called errors and omissions (E&O), covers mistakes in your professional advice or services.

Coverage Type What It Covers Example Claim Typical Annual Cost
General Liability Bodily injury, property damage on premises Customer slips on wet dock $1,200 - $3,500
Professional Liability (E&O) Errors in advice, service mistakes Recommending wrong engine size causing damage $800 - $2,500
Product Liability Defects in products you sell Sold boat with faulty wiring causes fire Often included in GL

Most boat dealers need both. If you recommend a trolling motor setup that fries a customer's electrical system, that's an E&O claim. If that same customer's boat catches fire at your marina, that's GL.

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.

Fine Arts and High-Value Specialized Goods

Galleries, auction houses, and even corporate offices with art collections need specialized coverage. Standard property policies cap fine art at absurdly low limits, sometimes $2,500 per item. A fine arts floater provides agreed-value coverage, meaning you and the insurer agree on the item's worth upfront. If it's damaged or stolen, that's what you get paid.

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

Computer Equipment and Data Storage

Businesses increasingly rely on portable tech: laptops, tablets, external drives, and mobile servers. A computer equipment floater covers these items when employees take them off-site, whether that's a sales rep carrying a laptop to a client meeting in Columbia or a nonprofit transporting presentation equipment to a fundraiser. Some policies even cover the cost of data restoration, which can be more expensive than the hardware itself.

Industry-Specific Policies: Protecting Your Inventory and Operations

This is where boat dealer insurance diverges sharply from standard commercial coverage. The policies in this section are what separate a dealer who survives a major loss from one who closes permanently. Well-performing inventory insurance programs are seeing rate reductions of 7.5% to 15% in 2026, so this is actually a good time to shop these coverages.

Marine Operators Legal Liability (MOLL)

MOLL coverage protects you when a customer's boat is damaged while in your care, custody, or control. Think service work, winterization, hauling, or storage. If your mechanic drops a lower unit or your forklift operator puts a hole in a hull, MOLL responds.


This is one of the most commonly overlooked policies among smaller dealers, and it's one of the most frequently needed. Any time you touch a customer's property, you're exposed. Standard GL policies specifically exclude damage to property in your care: that exclusion is exactly what MOLL fills.

Bumboats and Dealer Open Lot Coverage for Stock

Your inventory is probably your biggest asset, and a standard property policy won't cover boats sitting on your lot or in the water. Dealer open lot coverage (sometimes called stock throughput or inventory floater) protects your new and used boat inventory against damage from fire, theft, vandalism, and certain weather events.


The term "bumboat" in insurance refers to small vessels used for short trips around a harbor or marina: think demo boats, tenders, or service vessels your staff uses daily. These need separate coverage because they're in constant use and face higher risk than inventory sitting on a trailer. Dealerships along the Grand Strand and Lowcountry should pay special attention to how wind and hail are handled in these policies, since standard exclusions can leave you exposed during storm season.

Protection and Indemnity (P&I) for Sea Trials

Every time you take a customer out for a sea trial or move a boat from your lot to the water, you're creating liability. P&I insurance is the marine equivalent of auto liability: it covers bodily injury and property damage caused by the operation of vessels. If a test drive goes wrong and you hit another boat, a dock, or a swimmer, P&I responds.


Most dealers run sea trials regularly, especially during spring selling season. Without P&I coverage, a single incident on the water could generate a claim that your GL policy explicitly won't touch. Average boat insurance costs vary widely based on vessel type and use, and commercial P&I for dealer operations runs higher than personal boat policies because of the frequency of use.

Factors That Influence Your Premium Costs

Several variables drive what you'll pay:


  • Specialty: Neurosurgeons pay far more than internists
  • Claims history: Prior claims increase your rates, sometimes dramatically
  • Location: Urban areas with higher jury awards tend to cost more
  • Policy type: Occurrence policies cost more than claims-made
  • Coverage limits: Higher limits mean higher premiums
  • Years in practice: New physicians sometimes pay less initially on claims-made policies (the "step" or "mature" rate system)


The trend line isn't encouraging. Malpractice claims data for 2026 shows continued growth in both claim frequency and severity, meaning premiums are likely to keep rising. Shopping your coverage through an independent agency that compares multiple carriers can save you thousands annually without sacrificing protection.

For most commercial projects, extended coverage with appropriate endorsements is the smarter choice. The premium difference is often modest compared to the potential gap in coverage.

Comparing Coverage: Basic vs. Comprehensive Dealer Packages

The difference between a basic and comprehensive dealer insurance package isn't just about premium cost: it's about which claims bankrupt you and which ones are just paperwork.

Coverage Element Basic Package Comprehensive Package
General Liability $1M per occurrence $2M+ per occurrence
Inventory/Open Lot Named perils only All-risk with fewer exclusions
Workers' Comp State minimum Includes maritime/USL&H
Commercial Auto State minimum (25/50/25) $1M combined single limit
MOLL Not included $500K - $1M
P&I Not included $1M+
Flood Not included Separate NFIP or private policy
Pollution Liability Not included $500K - $1M

A basic package might cost $8,000-$15,000 annually for a small dealership. Comprehensive coverage runs $20,000-$45,000 depending on inventory value, location, and number of employees. The gap in premium is significant, but so is the gap in protection. An independent agency like CSP Insurance Services can pull quotes from multiple carriers to find where that sweet spot falls for your specific operation, since they're not locked into a single company's product lineup.

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

This is a policy feature that doesn't get enough attention. A consent-to-settle clause gives you the right to approve or reject any settlement offer your insurer wants to make. Without it, your carrier can settle a claim you believe is meritless, and that settlement goes on your record.


Some policies include a "hammer clause" instead: if you refuse a settlement the insurer recommends and the case goes to trial with a worse outcome, you're responsible for the difference. Understanding this clause before you buy a policy is critical. At CSP Insurance Services, their team walks clients through these policy details line by line, which matters because the fine print in malpractice policies can have career-altering consequences.

The Role of Consent-to-Settle Clauses

Errors and Omissions (E&O) for Design Flaws

If your shop does any design work, engineering consultation, or CAD/CAM programming for clients, E&O insurance is essential. This covers claims where your professional judgment or technical expertise leads to a client's financial loss.


A common scenario: your shop designs a custom fixture based on a client's rough specifications, the fixture fails during production, and the client claims your design was flawed. Without E&O coverage, you're defending that claim and paying any settlement from your own funds. Product recall insurance trends in 2026 show that insurers are paying closer attention to design-related exposures, which means getting E&O in place now is smarter than waiting until underwriting tightens further.

Managing Risks Specific to Coastal South Carolina

South Carolina's coast presents insurance challenges that inland dealers simply don't face. Hurricane season runs June through November, and the marine insurance market in 2026 is paying close attention to coastal exposures after several active storm seasons.

Windstorm and Hurricane Deductibles for Marinas

Here's something that surprises many first-time boat dealer owners: your windstorm deductible is probably not a flat dollar amount. Most coastal South Carolina commercial policies use percentage-based hurricane deductibles, typically 2-5% of the insured value. If your inventory is worth $2 million and you have a 3% hurricane deductible, you're covering the first $60,000 of storm damage yourself.


These deductibles apply per occurrence, and they only kick in when the National Weather Service names a storm. A strong thunderstorm with 70 mph winds? That's your regular deductible. A named tropical storm with 70 mph winds? That's your hurricane deductible. Same wind speed, very different out-of-pocket cost.

Flood Insurance Requirements for Waterfront Properties

If your dealership sits in a FEMA-designated flood zone (and most waterfront properties in South Carolina do), your mortgage lender requires flood insurance. But here's the catch: the National Flood Insurance Program caps commercial coverage at $500,000 for the building and $500,000 for contents. For a dealership with millions in inventory, that's not nearly enough.


Private flood insurance markets have expanded significantly, and excess flood policies can fill the gap above NFIP limits. Boat values across many segments have held steady or increased, which means your flood exposure is growing even if your inventory count hasn't changed. Make sure your coverage limits reflect current replacement values, not what you paid two years ago.

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.

FAQ: What counts as a disability? Does it cover mental health? Are benefits taxable?

What qualifies as a disability under most group plans? Most policies define disability as the inability to perform the essential duties of your own occupation (for the first 1-2 years) and later shift to an "any occupation" standard. The exact definition varies by carrier and policy, so reading the contract language matters.


Does disability insurance cover mental health conditions? Yes, most modern group disability policies cover mental health conditions like depression, anxiety, and PTSD. However, many policies limit mental health claims to 24 months of benefits, even if the overall policy pays to age 65. Ask about this limitation before you buy.


Are disability benefits taxable? It depends on who pays the premium. If the employer pays, benefits are taxable to the employee. If the employee pays with after-tax dollars, benefits are received tax-free.


Can employees receive both workers' comp and disability benefits? Generally, no. Most disability policies include an offset provision that reduces benefits by the amount of workers' compensation received. The two programs are designed to complement each other, not stack.


Is there a waiting period before new employees can enroll? Most group plans allow employers to set an eligibility waiting period, commonly 30, 60, or 90 days. South Carolina doesn't regulate this waiting period for disability coverage, so it's up to the employer.


What happens if an employee is partially disabled? Many LTD policies include a partial or residual disability benefit that pays a reduced amount if the employee can work part-time but not full-time. This feature encourages return-to-work efforts while still providing financial support.

Factors That Influence Your Monthly Premiums

Several factors drive your builders risk premium. Project type matters: a wood-frame apartment complex costs more to insure than a concrete tilt-up warehouse. Location is significant, especially in South Carolina where coastal proximity affects wind/hail rates dramatically. A project in Florence will price very differently from one on the Grand Strand.


Other factors include project duration, the contractor's loss history, protective safeguards on-site (fencing, security cameras, fire extinguishers), and the deductible you choose. Premiums typically run between 1% and 4% of the total project value, though market conditions in early 2026 have pushed rates toward the lower end for well-managed projects.

Usually, yes. A single claim can increase your premiums by 10% to 30% or more, depending on the severity and outcome. Some carriers offer claims-free discounts that you'd lose. That said, a claim that's dismissed or results in no payout has less impact than one with a large settlement. Shopping your renewal through an independent agent can help offset rate increases by comparing offers from competing carriers.

FAQ: Will my rates go up if I have one claim?

Apartment complex insurance isn't a single policy: it's a coordinated set of coverages that work together to protect your buildings, your income, your employees, and your financial future. The right package includes general liability, commercial property, workers comp, commercial auto, and specialized add-ons like loss of rental income and equipment breakdown. Skipping any one of these creates a gap that a single bad claim can exploit.


The most effective approach is working with an independent agency that can compare options across multiple carriers. CSP Insurance Services has been helping South Carolina property owners build customized coverage programs since 1939, with direct access to real people who understand multifamily risk. If you're unsure whether your current coverage matches your actual exposure, or if you're purchasing a new complex and need to build a policy from scratch, request a quote to get a personalized analysis of your insurance needs. A 20-minute conversation now can save you six figures when a claim hits.

Does general liability cover fuel spills?

Usually not. Most GL policies contain pollution exclusions that specifically exclude fuel spills and environmental contamination. You need a separate pollution liability policy to cover cleanup costs, third-party damages, and regulatory fines from fuel releases.

Common Questions About Boat Dealer Insurance

Does my personal boat insurance cover boats I'm selling at my dealership? No. Personal boat policies exclude commercial use. Dealer inventory requires a separate commercial policy, typically a dealer open lot or stock throughput policy.


Am I required to carry pollution liability insurance in South Carolina? It's not mandated by state law for most dealers, but if you store fuel, perform engine work, or operate near waterways, a single spill can generate cleanup costs exceeding $100,000. Most marina leases require it.


Can I bundle all my dealer coverages into one policy? Some carriers offer marine dealer packages that combine GL, MOLL, inventory, and P&I into a single policy. These bundled programs often cost less than buying each coverage separately, and they reduce gaps between policies.


What happens if a customer damages a boat during a sea trial? Your P&I and MOLL policies would typically respond, not the customer's personal insurance. This is why P&I coverage is essential for any dealer offering test drives.


How often should I update my inventory coverage limits? At minimum, quarterly. Inventory values fluctuate with seasonal buying patterns, and being underinsured during peak season (spring and early summer) is a common and expensive mistake.

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

This is a policy feature that doesn't get enough attention. A consent-to-settle clause gives you the right to approve or reject any settlement offer your insurer wants to make. Without it, your carrier can settle a claim you believe is meritless, and that settlement goes on your record.


Some policies include a "hammer clause" instead: if you refuse a settlement the insurer recommends and the case goes to trial with a worse outcome, you're responsible for the difference. Understanding this clause before you buy a policy is critical. At CSP Insurance Services, their team walks clients through these policy details line by line, which matters because the fine print in malpractice policies can have career-altering consequences.

The Role of Consent-to-Settle Clauses

Errors and Omissions (E&O) for Design Flaws

If your shop does any design work, engineering consultation, or CAD/CAM programming for clients, E&O insurance is essential. This covers claims where your professional judgment or technical expertise leads to a client's financial loss.


A common scenario: your shop designs a custom fixture based on a client's rough specifications, the fixture fails during production, and the client claims your design was flawed. Without E&O coverage, you're defending that claim and paying any settlement from your own funds. Product recall insurance trends in 2026 show that insurers are paying closer attention to design-related exposures, which means getting E&O in place now is smarter than waiting until underwriting tightens further.

Making the Right Choice for Your Dealership

Getting boat dealer insurance right in South Carolina means understanding that no single policy covers everything. You need a layered approach: state-required coverages as the foundation, industry-specific marine policies to protect your inventory and operations, and coastal-specific endorsements to handle hurricane and flood exposure.


The biggest mistake dealers make is treating insurance as a commodity and buying on price alone. A $5,000 savings on premium means nothing when a hurricane deductible wipes out your cash reserves or an uncovered sea trial accident generates a lawsuit. Work with an agency that understands marine dealer risks specifically. CSP Insurance Services has been helping South Carolina businesses build the right coverage since 1939, and their independent model means they can compare options across multiple carriers to find what actually fits your dealership. If you're ready to see what proper coverage looks like for your operation, request a quote and get a real conversation going with people who know this industry.

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.

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]

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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.

Condo

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Motorcycle

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

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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.

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Commercial Auto

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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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Tell us about you

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

We compare carriers

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

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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.

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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.

80+ years local experience

1939

Serving SC

Insurance Sales

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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.

Condo

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Motorcycle

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

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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.

How Much Does Business Insurance Cost for a Small Business in Florence, SC?
6 August 2026
Learn how much small business insurance costs in Florence, SC, including GL, workers’ comp, property coverage, pricing factors, and ways to save.
What Insurance Does a Small Business in South Carolina Legally Need?
6 August 2026
Learn what insurance South Carolina small businesses legally need, including workers’ comp, commercial auto, and essential coverage beyond state requirements.
Group Health Insurance vs. Individual Plans: Which Is Right for SC Employers?
6 August 2026
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]

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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.

Condo

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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