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
Running a daycare in South Carolina means juggling licensing paperwork, staffing challenges, parent expectations, and the constant worry that one accident could shut your doors. A child trips on the playground in Columbia, a pipe bursts in your Myrtle Beach facility over the weekend, or a staff member gets hurt lifting a toddler in Florence: each of these scenarios can cost thousands before you even call a lawyer. The right insurance setup is what stands between a bad day and a business-ending crisis.
South Carolina's childcare insurance requirements aren't as straightforward as many owners assume. The state doesn't technically force you to carry general liability, but the alternative is a paperwork headache that puts you at serious financial risk. And the coverages you actually need: general liability, abuse and molestation, property, commercial auto, and workers' compensation: form a web of protection that no single policy handles alone. This guide breaks down what South Carolina childcare centers need, what it costs, and where owners commonly leave gaps that come back to bite them.
Understanding South Carolina Childcare Insurance Requirements
South Carolina's Department of Social Services (DSS) oversees
childcare licensing, and the insurance rules catch a lot of new owners off guard. The state takes a somewhat unusual approach compared to neighbors like North Carolina or Georgia, giving providers a choice rather than a strict mandate. That flexibility sounds nice until you understand the trade-offs.
DSS Licensing and Insurance Mandates
Here's the part most people get wrong: South Carolina law does not require general liability insurance for licensed childcare facilities. Under S.C. Code §63-13-210, centers that choose to go without coverage must instead obtain signed acknowledgment statements (DSS Form 2902) from every parent or guardian. That form essentially tells parents the facility is uninsured.
Think about what that means practically. Every single family that enrolls needs to sign that form. New families mid-year? More forms. And if a child gets hurt and the parents sue, you're defending yourself with personal assets: your home, your savings, everything. Most experienced daycare operators consider going without liability coverage a non-starter, regardless of what the law technically allows.
South Carolina Workers' Compensation Rules
South Carolina requires workers' compensation coverage for businesses with four or more employees. Most daycare centers hit that threshold quickly, especially once you factor in part-time aides and after-school staff. The maximum weekly compensation rate is $1,189.94 as of January 1, 2026, which matters because it directly affects what injured employees can claim.
Childcare work is more physically demanding than people realize. Staff lift children dozens of times daily, clean floors, move furniture, and supervise outdoor play. Back injuries, slips on wet floors, and repetitive strain claims are common. Operating without workers' comp when you're required to carry it exposes you to state penalties and personal liability for medical bills.


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.
Essential Coverage Types for Daycare Owners
A comprehensive insurance package for a South Carolina childcare center typically bundles general liability, commercial property, workers' compensation, and abuse/molestation coverage. But each piece does something different, and understanding those differences prevents you from overpaying for coverage you don't need or, worse, discovering gaps after a claim.
General Liability vs. Professional Liability
These two coverages get confused constantly, and they protect against very different things.
| Feature | General Liability | Professional Liability |
|---|---|---|
| What it covers | Bodily injury, property damage, personal injury to third parties | Errors in professional judgment, negligence in care |
| Example claim | Child slips on a wet hallway floor | Failure to administer medication as directed by a parent |
| Who it protects | Visitors, parents, children on premises | The center against claims of negligent supervision |
| Typical limits | $1M per occurrence / $2M aggregate | Not specified |
| Required by SC law? | Not technically, but strongly recommended | No, but often required by landlords or contracts |
General liability handles the "someone got hurt on your property" scenarios. Professional liability covers the judgment calls: did your staff respond appropriately when a child had an allergic reaction? Did you follow proper supervision ratios? Both matter, and many policies can be structured to include both.
Abuse and Molestation Coverage
This is the coverage nobody wants to think about, but it's arguably the most critical. A single allegation of abuse: even an unfounded one: can generate legal costs that bankrupt a small center. Defense attorneys alone can run $50,000 or more before a case reaches trial according to https://www.egbowman.com/business-insurance/specialized-business-insurance/daycare-and-preschool-insurance.
Many carriers have shifted abuse and molestation coverage to standalone policies or specific endorsements rather than bundling it within general liability. This trend means you can't just assume your GL policy covers these claims. You need to read the exclusions carefully or, better yet, have an independent agent review them.
An agency like CSP Insurance Services, which works with multiple carriers rather than a single company, can compare how different insurers structure this coverage: some offer broader defense cost provisions, while others cap payouts at levels that won't actually protect a center facing a serious claim.
Commercial Property and Business Interruption
Your building, furniture, playground equipment, computers, and curriculum materials all need protection. South Carolina's coastal exposure adds a layer of complexity here. Centers in Myrtle Beach or the Lowcountry face hurricane and flood risks that inland facilities in Rock Hill or Columbia don't.
One trend hitting South Carolina hard: insurers are moving coverage for roofs older than 15-20 years from replacement cost to actual cash value, which can bump premiums by 20% or more. If your facility has an aging roof, getting it inspected and replaced before your next renewal could save you significant money. Business interruption coverage is the piece that keeps paying your bills if a storm or fire forces you to close temporarily: payroll, rent, and lost tuition revenue don't stop just because your building is damaged.

Comparing Coverage: Core Protection vs. Enhanced Policy Add-ons
Not every center needs the same policy structure. A small home-based operation in Florence with six kids has different exposure than a 150-child center in Columbia with a commercial kitchen and three transport vans. Here's how core and enhanced coverage typically breaks down:
| Coverage Type | Core Protection | Enhanced Add-ons |
|---|---|---|
| General Liability | Standard $1M/$2M limits | Higher limits, hired/non-owned auto |
| Property | Building and contents, named perils | Replacement cost, equipment breakdown |
| Workers' Comp | State-minimum compliance | Return-to-work programs, employer's liability |
| Abuse & Molestation | Basic endorsement on GL | Standalone policy with higher limits |
| Commercial Auto | Liability only on owned vehicles | Comprehensive/collision, hired auto |
| Umbrella | Not included | $1M-$5M excess liability |
The umbrella policy is worth calling out. For centers with 50+ children, a $1M umbrella that sits on top of your other policies can cost between $500 and $1,500 per year according to https://hotalinginsurance.com/hotaling-insurance-blog/daycare-liability-insurance. One serious injury claim can blow through a $1M GL limit fast.
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 Insurance Premiums
Premium pricing for childcare center insurance in South Carolina varies widely, and understanding what drives your quote up or down gives you real negotiating power.
Enrollment Numbers and Age Groups
The math here is straightforward: more children equals more risk, which equals higher premiums. But the ages matter just as much as the headcount. Infants and toddlers carry higher risk profiles than school-age children because they can't communicate injuries, are more fragile, and require constant hands-on supervision. A center serving 40 infants will typically pay more than one serving 60 school-age kids.
Commercial-grade playground equipment also factors into pricing. Insurers want to know what's on your property, how old it is, and whether it meets current CPSC safety standards. Outdated equipment with known recall issues can spike your premium or even make you uninsurable with certain carriers.
Facility Safety Features and Staff Ratios
Insurers reward risk reduction. Centers with security cameras, fire suppression systems, fenced outdoor areas, and keypad entry systems often qualify for lower rates. Staff-to-child ratios matter too: facilities that maintain ratios better than DSS minimums signal lower risk to underwriters.
CSP Insurance Services has worked with South Carolina daycare owners since 1939, and their team can often identify which safety upgrades will actually move the needle on your premium versus which ones sound good but don't affect pricing. That kind of insight comes from decades of placing policies with dozens of different carriers.
The South Carolina legislature is also considering Bill 3791, a property and casualty insurance reform measure aimed at addressing rising premiums and increasing rate transparency. If passed, this could affect how insurers price commercial policies statewide, including childcare coverage.
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 Daycare Insurance
Do I need insurance if I only watch a few kids in my home? South Carolina's licensing requirements kick in at different thresholds depending on whether you're related to the children. If you're licensed, you should carry coverage regardless of size. The financial risk of even one injury claim far exceeds annual premium costs.
Does my general liability policy cover abuse allegations? Not necessarily. Many carriers now exclude abuse and molestation from standard GL policies, requiring a separate endorsement or standalone policy. Check your declarations page or ask your agent to confirm.
How much does daycare insurance typically cost in South Carolina? Premiums vary based on enrollment, location, coverage limits, and claims history. A small home-based operation might pay a few thousand annually, while a large center with transport vehicles and 100+ children could pay significantly more. Getting quotes from multiple carriers through an independent agency is the fastest way to find your actual number.
Will my premiums go up if I add infant care? Almost certainly, yes. Infants represent higher risk due to their vulnerability and supervision demands. The increase depends on how many infant slots you add and your overall enrollment mix.
Is commercial auto insurance required if I use personal vehicles for field trips? If you're transporting children in any vehicle as part of your business operations, you need commercial auto coverage. Personal auto policies typically exclude business use, and South Carolina's minimum auto liability limits of 25/50/25, as noted in https://mykidreports.com/blog/home-daycare-insurance-coverage-costs-requirements-2026-guide, won't cover a serious accident involving multiple children.
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 Center
Getting childcare insurance right in South Carolina isn't about finding the cheapest policy: it's about building a coverage package that matches your specific risks. A center in a coastal flood zone needs different property protection than one in the Upstate. A facility with infant care needs different liability limits than an after-school program for teenagers.
The most common mistake I see is treating insurance as a checkbox item during licensing rather than an ongoing business decision. Your coverage should evolve as your enrollment grows, as you add services, and as South Carolina's regulatory and weather landscape shifts. Review your policies annually, not just at renewal.
If you're opening a new center or suspect your current coverage has gaps, working with an independent agency that knows South Carolina's childcare market makes a real difference. CSP Insurance Services can compare options across multiple carriers and build a policy that fits your center's actual needs. Request a quote to start a conversation with their team: no call centers, just direct access to people who understand 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
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




