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
A single slip-and-fall claim at a client's office can cost a small cleaning company tens of thousands of dollars. A stolen laptop accusation can destroy a reputation overnight. And in South Carolina, where new civil liability laws took effect on January 1, 2026, the way responsibility gets assigned in accidents has shifted in ways that directly affect service businesses. If you run a cleaning or janitorial operation anywhere from Florence to Myrtle Beach to Columbia, your insurance setup isn't just a box to check: it's the thing standing between you and a lawsuit that could shut you down. The right mix of general liability, janitorial bonds, workers' compensation, commercial auto coverage, and property protection depends on the size of your crew, the types of clients you serve, and whether you're scrubbing residential kitchens or maintaining commercial high-rises. South Carolina has its own set of rules and market pressures that make cookie-cutter national advice mostly useless. Here's what actually matters for cleaning businesses operating in this state right now.
Essential Insurance Coverage for South Carolina Cleaning Businesses
Every cleaning business faces a core set of risks: injuring someone on a job site, damaging a client's property, having an employee accused of theft, or losing your own equipment. The policies that address these risks aren't interchangeable, and skipping one because you have another is a common and expensive mistake. South Carolina's insurance market has been
under pressure from legislative reforms and updated rate structures, which means premiums have shifted for many business categories. Understanding what each policy actually covers helps you spend your insurance budget where it matters most.
General Liability for Third-Party Injuries and Property Damage
General liability is the foundation of any cleaning business insurance package. It covers bodily injury and property damage claims from third parties: think a client who trips over your vacuum cord, or a mop bucket that damages hardwood flooring. Most commercial clients in South Carolina won't even let you through the door without proof of general liability coverage, typically at $1 million per occurrence and $2 million aggregate (https://www.csp4me.com/industries/janitorial-services-insurance/south-carolina).
One critical gap many cleaning business owners miss is that standard general liability policies exclude damage to property in your care, custody, or control. That means if you accidentally knock a flat-screen TV off a wall while dusting, your general liability policy likely won't pay for it. You need a separate Care, Custody, and Control endorsement, which typically costs between $50 and $200 per year. For the price of a couple supply runs, you're covered for the exact type of claim cleaning companies face most often.
Janitorial Bonds for Employee Dishonesty and Theft
A janitorial bond is not insurance in the traditional sense: it's a three-party agreement between you, a surety company, and your client. If an employee steals from a client's property, the bond pays the client's claim. You, as the business owner, are then responsible for repaying the surety company.
Clients ask for bonding because it gives them a financial guarantee and a layer of trust. For cleaning businesses that work in offices, medical facilities, or high-end homes around Rock Hill or the Grand Strand, being bonded is practically a requirement to win contracts. Bond amounts typically range from $5,000 to $25,000 (https://swiftbonds.com/license-permit-bonds/janitorial-bonds/), and annual premiums are usually a small percentage of the bond amount. If you're hiring employees who enter private spaces unsupervised, this isn't optional: it's table stakes.
Business Personal Property for Equipment and Supplies
Your commercial vacuums, floor buffers, pressure washers, and chemical supplies represent real money. Business personal property coverage protects that investment against theft, fire, vandalism, and certain weather events. In coastal areas like Myrtle Beach, where hurricane and wind exposure is a genuine concern, this coverage becomes even more relevant.
A standard business owner's policy (BOP) often bundles property coverage with general liability at a lower combined premium than buying them separately. For a small operation running out of a home or storage unit, a BOP can be a smart, cost-effective starting point.


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 |
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.
South Carolina Workers' Comp and Legal Requirements
South Carolina has specific rules about workers' compensation that differ from neighboring states, and misunderstanding them can result in fines, denied claims, or personal liability.
Understanding the Four-Employee Rule in SC
South Carolina requires workers' compensation insurance for businesses with four or more employees (https://www.wcc.sc.gov/employer-faqs). If you have three or fewer, you're technically exempt: but exemption doesn't mean protection. Without workers' comp, an injured employee can sue you directly for medical bills, lost wages, and pain and suffering. That's often far more expensive than a workers' comp policy would have been.
The new liability laws effective January 1, 2026, have reshaped how responsibility is assigned in accident and injury cases through civil liability recalibration. For cleaning businesses, this means the legal exposure from workplace injuries may look different than it did even a year ago. Even solo operators who hire occasional part-time help should think carefully about voluntary coverage: one serious injury on a job site can bankrupt a small business.
Commercial Auto Insurance for Transporting Crews
If you use any vehicle for business purposes: hauling equipment, driving between job sites, transporting employees: your personal auto policy almost certainly won't cover an accident. South Carolina's minimum auto liability limits are 25/50/25 ($25,000 per person for bodily injury, $50,000 per accident, $25,000 for property damage) (https://insurify.com/car-insurance/south-carolina/minimum-requirements/), but those minimums are dangerously low for a business vehicle carrying crew members and expensive equipment.
Commercial auto insurance fills this gap. It covers liability, collision, and comprehensive damage for vehicles used in your business operations. If you're running crews across Columbia or between multiple client sites in the Upstate, commercial auto isn't a luxury: it's a necessity. An agency like CSP Insurance Services, which works with multiple carriers, can compare commercial auto rates to find coverage that fits your routes and fleet size.

Comparing Coverage: Basic vs. Comprehensive Protection
Not every cleaning business needs every type of coverage on day one. But understanding the difference between bare-minimum protection and a well-rounded policy helps you make informed decisions as you grow.
Coverage Comparison Table
| Coverage Type | Basic Package | Comprehensive Package |
|---|---|---|
| General Liability | $1M/$2M limits | $1M/$2M limits with higher umbrella |
| Care, Custody & Control | Not included | Included (endorsement) |
| Janitorial Bond | Not included | $5,000-$25,000 bond |
| Workers' Compensation | Only if 4+ employees | Voluntary coverage for all workers |
| Commercial Auto | State minimums (25/50/25) | Higher limits with hired/non-owned auto |
| Business Property | Not included | Equipment and supplies covered |
| Typical Annual Cost | Contact an agent for pricing | Contact an agent for pricing |
The basic package gets you through the door for simple residential jobs. The comprehensive package is what you need to land commercial contracts, protect your team, and sleep well at night.
Boat and Watercraft Coverage for Weekend Adventures
Your homeowners policy might cover a small kayak or canoe, but anything with a motor typically needs its own policy. Boat insurance covers physical damage to the vessel, liability for injuries or property damage you cause on the water, and sometimes towing and salvage costs.
Lake-specific risks differ from coastal ones. A boat kept at Myrtle Beach faces saltwater corrosion, hurricane exposure, and higher theft rates than one stored at a private dock on Lake Wateree. Your policy should reflect where you keep and operate the boat. An independent agency like CSP Insurance Services can compare quotes across multiple marine carriers to find coverage that actually matches your boating habits rather than forcing you into a one-size-fits-all plan.
Boat and Watercraft Coverage for Weekend Adventures
Your homeowners policy might cover a small kayak or canoe, but anything with a motor typically needs its own policy. Boat insurance covers physical damage to the vessel, liability for injuries or property damage you cause on the water, and sometimes towing and salvage costs.
Lake-specific risks differ from coastal ones. A boat kept at Myrtle Beach faces saltwater corrosion, hurricane exposure, and higher theft rates than one stored at a private dock on Lake Wateree. Your policy should reflect where you keep and operate the boat. An independent agency like CSP Insurance Services can compare quotes across multiple marine carriers to find coverage that actually matches your boating habits rather than forcing you into a one-size-fits-all plan.
| Feature | Admitted (Standard) Carriers | Non-Admitted (E&S) Carriers |
|---|---|---|
| State regulation | Fully regulated; rates filed with state | Exempt from rate filing; flexible pricing |
| Guaranty fund protection | Yes: state fund covers claims if carrier fails | No: no guaranty fund backstop |
| Policy forms | Standardized (ISO forms common) | Manuscript or custom forms |
| Risk appetite | Prefers low-to-moderate risk | Accepts high-risk and unusual exposures |
| Premium cost | Generally lower | Typically 20-75% higher |
| Surplus lines tax | Not applicable | Buyer pays state surplus lines tax (varies 2-5%) |
| Speed of placement | Standard timelines | Can be faster or slower depending on complexity |
Factors That Influence Your Premium Costs
Insurance costs for cleaning and janitorial businesses in South Carolina vary widely, and the quotes you receive depend on several concrete factors: not just your revenue or employee count.
Residential vs. Commercial Cleaning Risk Profiles
Residential cleaners generally pay lower premiums because the exposure is more predictable: smaller spaces, fewer people on site, and lower-value property at risk. Commercial janitorial operations face higher premiums because they often work in larger buildings, handle more expensive equipment, and clean during off-hours when slip-and-fall risks increase.
A two-person house cleaning team in Florence might pay a monthly premium for general liability based on their specific risk profile. A ten-person commercial crew servicing office buildings in Columbia could easily pay significantly more. Your client contracts also matter: some commercial clients require higher coverage limits, which pushes premiums up.
The Impact of Specialized Services like Pressure Washing
Adding services like pressure washing, window cleaning above ground level, or carpet shampooing changes your risk profile significantly. Pressure washing involves water damage risk, chemical exposure, and potential injury from high-pressure equipment. Insurers classify these activities differently, and your premium will reflect the added exposure.
If you're thinking about expanding your service menu, talk to your insurance provider before you start marketing. An independent agency like CSP Insurance Services can review how adding a specialty service would affect your coverage and costs across multiple carriers, helping you avoid gaps before they become claims.
Specialty Lines: Flood, Earthquake, and Valuable Items
Flood insurance is a separate policy, typically written through FEMA's National Flood Insurance Program or a private carrier. If your home sits in a designated flood zone anywhere along the SC coast or near inland rivers, your mortgage lender will require it. But even homes outside mapped flood zones can flood: roughly 25% of flood claims come from properties in low-to-moderate risk areas.
Earthquake coverage is less common in South Carolina, but the state sits near the Charleston fault zone, which produced a magnitude 7.3 quake in 1886. A rider or standalone earthquake policy is worth considering if you're in the Lowcountry.
Scheduled personal property endorsements cover high-value items like jewelry, art, firearms, or musical instruments that exceed standard policy sub-limits. Most homeowners policies cap jewelry coverage at $1,500-$2,500 per item. If your engagement ring is worth $8,000, you need a scheduled endorsement or inland marine floater to cover the difference.
Common Questions About Cleaning Insurance in SC
Do I need insurance if I'm a solo house cleaner? South Carolina doesn't legally require general liability for sole proprietors, but most clients will ask for proof of coverage. One accidental damage claim could cost you more than years of premiums. Even basic liability coverage is worth the investment.
What is the difference between being insured and being bonded? Insurance protects you from financial loss due to claims against your business. A bond protects your client: if your employee steals something, the bond pays the client, and you repay the surety company. Many clients want both before they'll hire you.
How do I get a certificate of insurance for a new contract? Contact your insurance agent and request a Certificate of Insurance (COI). Most agents can issue one within 24 hours. The COI lists your coverage types, limits, and policy dates, and it can name your client as an additional insured if the contract requires it.
Does my personal car insurance cover my cleaning van? Almost certainly not. Personal auto policies exclude vehicles used for business purposes. If you're transporting equipment or employees, you need a commercial auto policy. Using your personal vehicle for business without proper coverage is one of the most common and costly mistakes small cleaning companies make.
Boat and Watercraft Coverage for Weekend Adventures
Your homeowners policy might cover a small kayak or canoe, but anything with a motor typically needs its own policy. Boat insurance covers physical damage to the vessel, liability for injuries or property damage you cause on the water, and sometimes towing and salvage costs.
Lake-specific risks differ from coastal ones. A boat kept at Myrtle Beach faces saltwater corrosion, hurricane exposure, and higher theft rates than one stored at a private dock on Lake Wateree. Your policy should reflect where you keep and operate the boat. An independent agency like CSP Insurance Services can compare quotes across multiple marine carriers to find coverage that actually matches your boating habits rather than forcing you into a one-size-fits-all plan.
Boat and Watercraft Coverage for Weekend Adventures
Your homeowners policy might cover a small kayak or canoe, but anything with a motor typically needs its own policy. Boat insurance covers physical damage to the vessel, liability for injuries or property damage you cause on the water, and sometimes towing and salvage costs.
Lake-specific risks differ from coastal ones. A boat kept at Myrtle Beach faces saltwater corrosion, hurricane exposure, and higher theft rates than one stored at a private dock on Lake Wateree. Your policy should reflect where you keep and operate the boat. An independent agency like CSP Insurance Services can compare quotes across multiple marine carriers to find coverage that actually matches your boating habits rather than forcing you into a one-size-fits-all plan.
| Feature | Admitted (Standard) Carriers | Non-Admitted (E&S) Carriers |
|---|---|---|
| State regulation | Fully regulated; rates filed with state | Exempt from rate filing; flexible pricing |
| Guaranty fund protection | Yes: state fund covers claims if carrier fails | No: no guaranty fund backstop |
| Policy forms | Standardized (ISO forms common) | Manuscript or custom forms |
| Risk appetite | Prefers low-to-moderate risk | Accepts high-risk and unusual exposures |
| Premium cost | Generally lower | Typically 20-75% higher |
| Surplus lines tax | Not applicable | Buyer pays state surplus lines tax (varies 2-5%) |
| Speed of placement | Standard timelines | Can be faster or slower depending on complexity |
Making the Right Choice for Your Business
The right insurance setup for your South Carolina cleaning business depends on where you are today and where you're headed. A solo residential cleaner needs different protection than a commercial janitorial company with a dozen employees and a fleet of vans. But every cleaning business, regardless of size, needs at least general liability and should seriously consider bonding, care custody and control coverage, and commercial auto.
South Carolina's 2026 regulatory changes and shifting insurance market make this a good year to review your policies rather than auto-renew and hope for the best. Getting quotes from an independent agency that represents multiple carriers gives you a clearer picture of your options than going directly to a single insurer.
If you're starting fresh or overdue for a policy review, CSP Insurance Services has been helping South Carolina businesses find the right fit since 1939. You can request a quote and talk with a real person who understands the cleaning industry's specific risks: no call centers, no chatbots, just straightforward guidance from people who know this state's insurance market inside and out.
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
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




