CSP Insurance Services was founded in 1939, when Clifford Cormell joined Earnest Streett to sell insurance in Florence. More than 80 years later, we still answer the phone ourselves. No call centers, no chatbots — just a local team that knows your name and your policy.
We compare several carriers to find a policy that fits you, not one company's products.
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80+ years local experience
Hospital bills, treatment, and prescriptions for a work-related injury or illness.
Medical expenses
Claims history
A single hailstorm rolling through the Pee Dee region can turn a lot full of new Chevrolets into a multimillion-dollar insurance claim overnight. A customer slipping on a freshly mopped service bay floor can trigger a lawsuit that drags on for years. And a single clerical error in your F&I office can expose your dealership to regulatory penalties you never saw coming. Franchised auto dealer insurance isn't just a box to check: it's a layered system of protections that keeps your business, your people, and your manufacturer relationship intact.
This guide walks through the full coverage picture for franchised dealerships, from general liability and workers comp to commercial auto, garage liability, and the industry-specific policies that most generic agents overlook. If you operate a franchise dealership in South Carolina, the stakes are high, the exposures are unique, and getting this right matters more than most owners realize until a claim hits.
Understanding Risk for Franchised Auto Dealerships
Franchised dealers face a risk profile that looks nothing like a typical retail business. You're holding millions of dollars in manufacturer-owned inventory on open lots. You're running a service department with lifts, chemicals, and heavy equipment. You employ salespeople, technicians, porters, and finance managers, each with distinct liability exposures. And all of this happens under the watchful eye of a manufacturer that has its own insurance compliance requirements baked into your franchise agreement.
Unique Liabilities of Franchise Operations
The franchise model creates liability layers that independent lots don't deal with. Your OEM relationship means you're performing warranty repairs, which opens you to product liability claims if a repair is done incorrectly. Test drives put customers behind the wheel of vehicles you own, creating a hybrid liability scenario. Loaner car programs, which many manufacturers require, add another vehicle fleet to insure. Even your signage and branding are governed by franchise standards that can affect your premises liability exposure.
South Carolina's 25/50/25 minimum auto liability limits are among the lowest in the country, meaning your customers may be underinsured when they're driving your loaner or test-drive vehicles. That gap falls on you if something goes wrong.
The Role of Manufacturers in Insurance Compliance
Every franchise agreement includes an insurance section, and most dealers skim it once during signing and never look at it again. That's a mistake. Manufacturers typically require specific coverage types, minimum limits (often $1 million or more for general liability), and proof of coverage through certificates of insurance. Some OEMs require you to name them as additional insureds.
Falling out of compliance can trigger a franchise default notice. An independent agency like CSP Insurance Services, with over 80 years of experience working with South Carolina businesses, can review your franchise agreement alongside your current policies to identify any gaps before your manufacturer does.


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 |
Core Liability and Property Protections
These are the foundational policies every franchised dealer needs. Think of them as the floor, not the ceiling, of your insurance program.
General Liability for Customer and Facility Safety
General liability covers third-party bodily injury and property damage claims that happen on your premises or because of your operations. A customer trips over a floor mat in the showroom. A tech accidentally damages a customer's personal property during a repair. A delivery driver backs into a visitor's car in your lot. All of these fall under GL.
Most franchise agreements require at least $1 million per occurrence and $2 million aggregate. In practice, many dealers carry higher limits or add an umbrella policy, especially if they operate multiple rooftops. South Carolina courts don't cap personal injury damages, so a single bad slip-and-fall verdict can exceed basic policy limits fast.
Protecting Physical Inventory and Showrooms
Your physical assets need property coverage that accounts for the full replacement cost of your building, equipment, parts inventory, and special fixtures like paint booths or alignment racks. Coastal South Carolina dealers face additional wind and hail exposure, and standard policies often exclude flood damage entirely. If your dealership sits in a FEMA-designated flood zone, a separate flood policy is essential.
One often-overlooked detail: your floorplan inventory (the vehicles on your lot) is typically covered under a separate dealer open lot policy, not your building property policy. Confusing the two is a common and expensive mistake.
Commercial Auto and Garage Liability Explained
Commercial auto insurance covers vehicles your dealership owns and operates: shuttles, parts delivery trucks, tow vehicles, and service loaners. Garage liability is broader and picks up where commercial auto and general liability intersect. It's designed specifically for auto dealers and repair shops, covering claims that arise from your garage operations, including test drives and customer vehicle damage.
The distinction matters because a standard commercial auto policy won't cover a customer test-driving a vehicle. Garage liability fills that gap. Most carriers offer a garage liability policy that bundles these exposures into a single form tailored for dealerships.

Essential Industry-Specific Coverages
This is where dealer insurance gets specialized. These policies exist because dealerships have exposures that no other industry shares.
Garagekeepers Legal Liability vs. Direct Primary
Garagekeepers coverage protects customer vehicles while they're in your care, custody, or control: sitting in your service drive, parked overnight waiting for parts, or inside your shop on a lift. There are two main forms. Legal liability garagekeepers only pays if your dealership is found legally responsible for the damage. Direct primary garagekeepers pays regardless of fault, even if a tree falls on a customer's car during a storm.
Direct primary costs more but eliminates disputes with customers and their insurers. For a franchised dealer trying to maintain CSI scores and customer loyalty, the extra cost is usually worth it.
Errors and Omissions for F&I Departments
Your finance and insurance office handles loan applications, extended warranties, GAP coverage, and regulatory disclosures. A mistake in any of these areas, whether it's a Truth in Lending Act violation, an incorrect APR disclosure, or a failure to properly explain a product, can result in a lawsuit or regulatory action.
Dealer E&O insurance covers defense costs and damages from these professional errors. This is one of the most underinsured areas in the dealership world because many owners assume their GL policy handles it. It doesn't.
Open Lot and Weather-Related Damage
Open lot coverage (sometimes called dealer's physical damage) protects the vehicles on your lot from theft, vandalism, fire, and weather damage. In South Carolina, hail is the biggest threat. A single storm can damage dozens or even hundreds of vehicles simultaneously, and claims can easily reach seven figures for a large franchise store.
Most open lot policies have per-vehicle and per-occurrence limits, plus deductibles that may vary by peril. Flood is almost always excluded and must be purchased separately. Dealers near the coast from Myrtle Beach down through Charleston should pay close attention to their wind/hail deductibles, which some carriers set as a percentage of total insured value rather than a flat dollar amount.
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 |
Managing Your Dealership Workforce
Your people are your biggest asset and, from an insurance perspective, one of your biggest exposures.
Workers Compensation for Service and Sales Staff
South Carolina requires workers compensation for any employer with four or more employees, and every franchised dealer clears that threshold easily. Your service technicians face the highest injury risk: burns, cuts, back injuries from lifting, and chemical exposure. But don't overlook your lot porters moving vehicles in tight spaces or your salespeople walking icy lots in winter.
Workers comp rates in SC are classified by job function. A technician carries a much higher rate than an office administrator. Making sure your payroll is properly classified can save thousands per year. Misclassification, whether intentional or accidental, can trigger audit penalties and back-premium charges.
Employment Practices Liability Insurance (EPLI)
Dealerships employ diverse teams across sales, service, parts, and administration, and employment disputes are common. Wrongful termination, discrimination, harassment, and wage-and-hour claims can all land on your desk. EPLI covers defense costs and settlements for these claims.
The EPLI market in 2026 is showing relative stability with rate changes between 0% and +5%, making it a good time to evaluate or expand your coverage. Dealerships are particularly vulnerable to claims because of the commission-based pay structures and long hours common in the industry. Training your managers on proper documentation and termination procedures is one of the most effective ways to reduce employment litigation risk. The evolving legal environment around employment practices means even well-run dealerships should carry this 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.
Comparing Coverage Needs: Basic vs. Comprehensive
Not every dealer needs the same program, but every dealer needs more than the minimum. Here's how a basic setup compares to a comprehensive one:
| Coverage Area | Basic Program | Comprehensive Program |
|---|---|---|
| General Liability | $1M per occurrence | $2M+ with umbrella |
| Garage Liability | State minimums | $1M+ per occurrence |
| Garagekeepers | Legal liability only | Direct primary |
| Open Lot | Basic perils, high deductible | All-risk with lower deductible |
| Workers Comp | State-required minimum | Includes return-to-work program |
| EPLI | Not included | $1M+ with wage/hour coverage |
| Dealer E&O | Not included | $500K-$1M limits |
| Flood | Not included | Separate policy for flood zones |
| Cyber Liability | Not included | Covers data breach and ransomware |
A basic program might satisfy your franchise agreement on paper, but it leaves significant gaps. The comprehensive approach is what protects your actual financial exposure. An independent agency can compare quotes from multiple carriers to find the right balance of coverage and cost, something a captive agent tied to one company simply can't do.
Boat and Watercraft Coverage for Weekend Adventures
Your homeowners policy might cover a small kayak or canoe, but anything with a motor typically needs its own policy. Boat insurance covers physical damage to the vessel, liability for injuries or property damage you cause on the water, and sometimes towing and salvage costs.
Lake-specific risks differ from coastal ones. A boat kept at Myrtle Beach faces saltwater corrosion, hurricane exposure, and higher theft rates than one stored at a private dock on Lake Wateree. Your policy should reflect where you keep and operate the boat. An independent agency like CSP Insurance Services can compare quotes across multiple marine carriers to find coverage that actually matches your boating habits rather than forcing you into a one-size-fits-all plan.
Boat and Watercraft Coverage for Weekend Adventures
Your homeowners policy might cover a small kayak or canoe, but anything with a motor typically needs its own policy. Boat insurance covers physical damage to the vessel, liability for injuries or property damage you cause on the water, and sometimes towing and salvage costs.
Lake-specific risks differ from coastal ones. A boat kept at Myrtle Beach faces saltwater corrosion, hurricane exposure, and higher theft rates than one stored at a private dock on Lake Wateree. Your policy should reflect where you keep and operate the boat. An independent agency like CSP Insurance Services can compare quotes across multiple marine carriers to find coverage that actually matches your boating habits rather than forcing you into a one-size-fits-all plan.
| Feature | Admitted (Standard) Carriers | Non-Admitted (E&S) Carriers |
|---|---|---|
| State regulation | Fully regulated; rates filed with state | Exempt from rate filing; flexible pricing |
| Guaranty fund protection | Yes: state fund covers claims if carrier fails | No: no guaranty fund backstop |
| Policy forms | Standardized (ISO forms common) | Manuscript or custom forms |
| Risk appetite | Prefers low-to-moderate risk | Accepts high-risk and unusual exposures |
| Premium cost | Generally lower | Typically 20-75% higher |
| Surplus lines tax | Not applicable | Buyer pays state surplus lines tax (varies 2-5%) |
| Speed of placement | Standard timelines | Can be faster or slower depending on complexity |
Common Questions About Dealership Insurance
How much does franchised auto dealer insurance typically cost? It varies widely based on your revenue, inventory value, number of employees, and location. A mid-size franchise store in South Carolina might pay $80,000 to $200,000 annually across all policies.
Does my manufacturer require specific insurance? Yes. Every OEM franchise agreement includes insurance requirements with minimum limits. Failing to maintain compliance can put your franchise at risk.
Is flood insurance required for inland dealerships? Not always required, but strongly recommended. South Carolina experiences inland flooding regularly, and standard property and open lot policies exclude flood damage entirely.
What's the difference between garage liability and commercial auto? Garage liability is specifically designed for auto dealers and covers operations like test drives and customer vehicle handling. Commercial auto covers your owned business vehicles. Most dealers need both.
Can I bundle all my dealership policies with one carrier? Sometimes, but not always. Some carriers specialize in certain coverages. Working with an independent agency lets you mix carriers to get the best terms on each policy.
Do I need cyber liability insurance? Dealerships store customer financial data, Social Security numbers, and credit applications. A data breach can trigger significant legal and notification costs, making cyber liability a smart addition.
Specialty Lines: Flood, Earthquake, and Valuable Items
Flood insurance is a separate policy, typically written through FEMA's National Flood Insurance Program or a private carrier. If your home sits in a designated flood zone anywhere along the SC coast or near inland rivers, your mortgage lender will require it. But even homes outside mapped flood zones can flood: roughly 25% of flood claims come from properties in low-to-moderate risk areas.
Earthquake coverage is less common in South Carolina, but the state sits near the Charleston fault zone, which produced a magnitude 7.3 quake in 1886. A rider or standalone earthquake policy is worth considering if you're in the Lowcountry.
Scheduled personal property endorsements cover high-value items like jewelry, art, firearms, or musical instruments that exceed standard policy sub-limits. Most homeowners policies cap jewelry coverage at $1,500-$2,500 per item. If your engagement ring is worth $8,000, you need a scheduled endorsement or inland marine floater to cover the difference.
The Bottom Line for Owners
Running a franchised dealership in South Carolina means managing a complex web of insurance exposures that most businesses never face. From the vehicles on your lot to the customers in your showroom to the technicians in your service bays, every part of your operation carries risk that demands specific, well-structured coverage.
The dealers who get burned are usually the ones who bought a generic business policy and assumed it covered everything. It doesn't. Franchise compliance, open lot exposure, F&I liability, and employment practices all require specialized attention. Getting your insurance program right isn't just about avoiding claims: it's about protecting the business you've spent years building.
If you're unsure whether your current coverage matches your actual risk, the team at CSP Insurance Services can review your policies against your franchise requirements and South Carolina-specific exposures. Request a quote and get a clear picture of where you stand before the next storm, lawsuit, or audit catches you off guard.
About the author
Lawson Walker, CIC
I'm proud to be part of an agency that's served Florence since 1939. CSP Insurance Services started as Cormell-Streett & Patterson, built by people who believed insurance should be personal — and more than eight decades later, that conviction still drives everything we do. Commitment, Service, Protection isn't just what CSP stands for; it's how I approach every client relationship.
As an independent, Trusted Choice agency, we aren't tied to any single carrier. That means I work for you — shopping multiple companies to match you with coverage that actually fits your family, your business, and your budget. No call centers, no chatbots. Just a local expert who takes the time to understand what matters to you and stands by you when it counts.
Whether you're protecting your home, your car, or a business you've spent years building, I'd be glad to help you find the right coverage.
We compare several carriers to find a policy that fits you, not one company's products.
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80+ years local experience


1939
Serving SC
Most Requested
Core business coverage.
The policies most South Carolina businesses start with.

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

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

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

General Liability
Accidents happen on the job and on your property. General liability covers third-party injury and property damage claims against your business.

Inland Marine
Tools, equipment, and goods on the move aren’t covered by standard property policies. Inland marine protects them wherever they travel.

Business Owners (BOP)
A business owners policy bundles property and liability coverage into one package, often at a better price for small businesses.
We compare several carriers to find a policy that fits you, not one company's products.
◆
80+ years local experience


1939
Serving SC

Insurance Sales
J. Roger Jordan, CIC
[CONFIRM bio]
Personal Insurance
Coverage for your home, vehicles, and family.
Protect what matters most with personal policies shopped across our carriers.
Home
Your house is likely your largest investment. Home insurance helps rebuild after covered damage and protects you from liability.
Auto
South Carolina drivers need real protection. Auto coverage handles liability, collision, medical costs, and uninsured drivers.
Umbrella
When a serious claim climbs past your home or auto limits, umbrella coverage adds an extra layer of liability protection.
Boat
Time on the water should be worry-free. Boat coverage protects your vessel, your passengers, and your liability on the lake or coast.
Motorcycle
Riders need coverage built for the road. Motorcycle insurance protects your bike, your gear, and you after an accident.
Condo
Your association covers the building, but not what’s inside. Condo insurance protects your belongings, improvements, and liability.
We compare several carriers to find a policy that fits you, not one company's products.
◆
80+ years local experience


1939
Serving SC

Insurance Sales
J. Roger Jordan, CIC
[CONFIRM bio]
Boat
Your association covers the building, but not what’s inside. Condo insurance protects your belongings, improvements, and liability.
Time on the water should be worry-free. Boat coverage protects your vessel, your passengers, and your liability on the lake or coast.
Condo
Motorcycle
Riders need coverage built for the road. Motorcycle insurance protects your bike, your gear, and you after an accident.
Industries We Serve
Specialized coverage for your industry.
Every industry carries its own risk. We help South Carolina businesses protect what they've built.

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

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

Healthcare Providers
Practices and clinics carry patient, property, and professional risk. We help cover liability, equipment, and the people who run your practice.
We compare several carriers to find a policy that fits you, not one company's products.
◆
80+ years local experience


1939
Serving SC

Commercial Property
Protect the building, equipment, and inventory your business runs on, so a covered fire, theft, or storm doesn’t become a closed door.
Commercial Auto
Cars, trucks, and fleets used for work need more than a personal policy. This handles liability, damage, and your drivers.
How It Works
Getting covered is simple.
Four steps, one real person from start to finish.
We compare carriers
We shop options across our carriers to find strong protection at a fair price.
We compare several carriers to find a policy that fits you, not one company's products.
Multi-carrier choice
Claims advocacy
When a claim happens, we stand in your corner and help move it forward with your carrier.
Local SC roots
We live and work in Florence and understand the risks your community faces because we face them too.
Client Reviews
Why clients choose CSP.
Independent advice, real people, and decades of local roots.
We compare several carriers to find a policy that fits you, not one company's products.
◆
80+ years local experience


1939
Serving SC

Insurance Sales
J. Roger Jordan, CIC
[CONFIRM bio]
Boat
Your association covers the building, but not what’s inside. Condo insurance protects your belongings, improvements, and liability.
Time on the water should be worry-free. Boat coverage protects your vessel, your passengers, and your liability on the lake or coast.
Condo
Motorcycle
Riders need coverage built for the road. Motorcycle insurance protects your bike, your gear, and you after an accident.
FAQs
Questions, answered.
Straight answers about working with an independent agency.

What does an independent insurance agency do?
An independent agency represents several carriers instead of one. We compare coverage and pricing across companies, then recommend the policy that fits you best.
Do you cover both personal and business insurance?
Yes. CSP writes personal lines like home and auto, and commercial lines for businesses across South Carolina.
How long has CSP been in business?
CSP traces its roots to 1939, with more than 80 years serving South Carolina families and businesses.
Will I work with a real person?
Always. No call centers and no chatbots — you work with a local team member who knows your account.
Which areas do you serve?
We’re based in Florence and serve clients statewide, including Myrtle Beach, Rock Hill, and Columbia.
How do I get a quote?
Request a quote online, call us, or stop by the office. A real person will review your needs and follow up.
How It Works
Insurance tips & updates.
Plain-language guidance to help you make confident decisions.
We compare several carriers to find a policy that fits you, not one company's products.
◆
80+ years local experience


1939
Serving SC

Insurance Sales
J. Roger Jordan, CIC
[CONFIRM bio]
Boat
Your association covers the building, but not what’s inside. Condo insurance protects your belongings, improvements, and liability.
Time on the water should be worry-free. Boat coverage protects your vessel, your passengers, and your liability on the lake or coast.
Condo
Motorcycle
Riders need coverage built for the road. Motorcycle insurance protects your bike, your gear, and you after an accident.
Get a Quote
Let's find your coverage.
Tell us a little about what you need to protect. A real person from our Florence team will review it and follow up.
2420 Hoffmeyer Road, Suite D
Florence, SC 29501
Mon–Fri 8:30am – 5:00pm




