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
Running a funeral home in South Carolina means shouldering a unique set of risks that most business owners never think about. From handling human remains with care and dignity to transporting families in specialized vehicles, the death care industry operates under pressures that standard commercial policies simply don't address. Getting the right insurance coverage for your mortuary, whether you're based in Florence, Columbia, or along the coast near Myrtle Beach, requires understanding both state-specific mandates and the specialized protections that keep your business safe from catastrophic claims.
The stakes are high. A single professional liability claim or a workers' comp dispute can threaten a funeral home that took generations to build. South Carolina has its own regulatory framework, minimum coverage thresholds, and licensing requirements that shape what you need and what you can skip. This guide breaks down every major coverage type: general liability, workers' compensation, commercial auto, and the industry-specific policies that separate adequate protection from real peace of mind. Whether you're opening a new location or reviewing an existing portfolio, this is the practical information you actually need.
Understanding South Carolina Funeral Home Insurance Requirements
South Carolina regulates funeral homes through the Board of Funeral Service and the Department of Consumer Affairs, which oversees preneed funeral contract licensing. These agencies set the baseline for what your operation must carry, but the real coverage decisions go well beyond minimums. State law requires specific insurance types depending on your services, employee count, and vehicle fleet.
One thing many owners overlook: South Carolina's coastal exposure creates additional property and flood risks that inland funeral homes don't face. If your chapel sits in a wind or flood zone near Myrtle Beach or Charleston, standard property insurance won't be enough. You'll need separate wind/hail and flood endorsements, which we'll cover later.
State-Mandated Workers' Compensation Rules
South Carolina requires workers' compensation insurance for any business with four or more employees, including part-time staff. Funeral homes that employ embalmers, directors, drivers, and office staff almost always hit that threshold. The South Carolina Workers' Compensation Commission certified the 2026 maximum weekly compensation rate at $1,189.94 for injuries occurring on or after January 1, 2026.
That rate matters because it directly affects your potential exposure. An embalmer who suffers a formaldehyde-related injury or a driver hurt in an accident could draw benefits at that rate for months or years. Funeral homes also face unique occupational hazards: exposure to chemicals, lifting heavy caskets, and the emotional toll that can lead to mental health claims. Your workers' comp policy should account for all of these.
South Carolina Commercial Auto Liability Minimums
South Carolina's minimum auto liability limits are 25/50/25: that's $25,000 per person for bodily injury, $50,000 per accident, and $25,000 for property damage. For a funeral home operating hearses and family limousines, those minimums are dangerously low. A single accident involving a hearse and another vehicle could easily exceed $50,000 in medical costs alone.
Most experienced agents recommend carrying at least $1 million in combined single-limit coverage for funeral home fleets. Your vehicles transport grieving families and human remains, and the liability exposure from either scenario far exceeds what minimum coverage handles.


Your CSP agent
Lawson Walker, CIC
Insurance Sales
On this page
CSP Insurance Services is a fully licensed independent insurance agency serving individuals, families, and businesses across South Carolina.
From our home in Florence, we proudly serve clients in Florence, Myrtle Beach, Rock Hill, Columbia, and communities throughout South Carolina. As an independent Trusted Choice agency, our team works with a wide range of top-rated carriers to provide personal and commercial coverage — home, auto, business, life, and more — tailored to the real needs of the people and businesses we protect.
Boat and Watercraft Coverage for Weekend Adventures
Your homeowners policy might cover a small kayak or canoe, but anything with a motor typically needs its own policy. Boat insurance covers physical damage to the vessel, liability for injuries or property damage you cause on the water, and sometimes towing and salvage costs.
Lake-specific risks differ from coastal ones. A boat kept at Myrtle Beach faces saltwater corrosion, hurricane exposure, and higher theft rates than one stored at a private dock on Lake Wateree. Your policy should reflect where you keep and operate the boat. An independent agency like CSP Insurance Services can compare quotes across multiple marine carriers to find coverage that actually matches your boating habits rather than forcing you into a one-size-fits-all plan.
| Feature | Admitted (Standard) Carriers | Non-Admitted (E&S) Carriers |
|---|---|---|
| State regulation | Fully regulated; rates filed with state | Exempt from rate filing; flexible pricing |
| Guaranty fund protection | Yes: state fund covers claims if carrier fails | No: no guaranty fund backstop |
| Policy forms | Standardized (ISO forms common) | Manuscript or custom forms |
| Risk appetite | Prefers low-to-moderate risk | Accepts high-risk and unusual exposures |
| Premium cost | Generally lower | Typically 20-75% higher |
| Surplus lines tax | Not applicable | Buyer pays state surplus lines tax (varies 2-5%) |
| Speed of placement | Standard timelines | Can be faster or slower depending on complexity |
Medical Payments and Personal Injury Protection

Medical payments coverage (MedPay) pays for medical bills for you and your passengers after an accident, regardless of who caused it. South Carolina doesn't require PIP (personal injury protection), but MedPay is a practical alternative that covers immediate medical costs without waiting for fault to be determined. If you regularly travel with family or friends, carrying $10,000 to $25,000 in MedPay is a reasonable baseline.
Core Liability Protections for Mortuary Services
Liability insurance forms the backbone of any funeral home's risk management strategy. But "liability" isn't one thing: it's a family of coverages, each addressing a different type of claim. Getting this wrong is one of the most common and costly mistakes funeral home owners make.
General Liability vs. Professional Liability (Errors and Omissions)
General liability covers third-party bodily injury and property damage on your premises. If a mourner trips on a wet floor in your chapel or a delivery person injures themselves in your parking lot, GL responds. Professional liability (often called errors and omissions) covers mistakes in the services you provide: wrong body at a viewing, incorrect cremation, or failure to follow family instructions.
| Coverage Type | What It Covers | Example Claim | Typical Limits |
|---|---|---|---|
| General Liability | Bodily injury, property damage on premises | Guest falls on stairs during service | $1M per occurrence / $2M aggregate |
| Professional Liability | Errors in professional services | Wrong remains delivered to family | $1M per claim / $2M aggregate |
| Combined GL + PL | Both premises and professional risks | Bundled policy for full protection | Varies by carrier |
The distinction matters because GL will not cover a claim arising from a professional error. If you only carry general liability, you're exposed to the exact type of claim most likely to hit a funeral home. Professional liability trends are shifting toward higher claim frequency and severity in 2026, making this coverage more important than ever.
Employment Practices Liability Insurance (EPLI)
Funeral homes tend to be tight-knit workplaces, sometimes family-run, and that closeness can actually increase EPLI risk. Wrongful termination, discrimination, and harassment claims don't require large staffs to materialize. A single disgruntled former employee can file a claim that costs $50,000 or more to defend, even if you win.
EPLI covers defense costs and settlements from employment-related claims. South Carolina doesn't mandate it, but any funeral home with employees should carry it. The cost is relatively modest compared to the exposure: typically $1,200 to $3,000 annually for a small operation.

Most South Carolina small businesses land on Silver or Gold plans. Bronze works well when paired with employer HSA contributions, while Platinum plans are typically reserved for businesses competing for top talent in industries like healthcare or tech.
Specialized Coverage for the Death Care Industry
Standard commercial packages leave significant gaps for funeral homes. The death care industry has exposures that no other business faces, and the policies designed to address them are just as specialized.
Professional Liability Comparison: Basic vs. Extended Coverage
Basic professional liability typically covers errors in embalming, preparation, and service coordination. Extended coverage adds protection for things like failure to refrigerate remains properly, misidentification, and even emotional distress claims from families. The price difference between basic and extended is usually 15-25%, but the coverage gap between them can be enormous.
| Feature | Basic Professional Liability | Extended Professional Liability |
|---|---|---|
| Embalming errors | Covered | Covered |
| Misidentification of remains | Limited or excluded | Covered |
| Emotional distress claims | Excluded | Covered |
| Failure to follow instructions | Covered | Covered |
| Regulatory defense costs | Excluded | Covered |
| Typical annual premium | $800 - $1,500 | $1,200 - $2,500 |
For most South Carolina funeral homes, extended coverage is the right call. The premium difference is small relative to the added protection, and professional liability claim trends point toward broader theories of liability that basic policies simply won't cover.
Environmental and Pollution Liability for Crematories
If your funeral home operates a crematory, you need environmental liability coverage. Cremation produces emissions that fall under EPA and SCDHEC regulations, and a pollution event, whether from equipment malfunction or chemical spill, can trigger cleanup costs that run into six figures. South Carolina legislators have been reviewing crematory standards and death care regulations in the current legislative session, which could tighten compliance requirements.
Standard GL policies exclude pollution events. A dedicated environmental liability policy covers cleanup costs, third-party bodily injury from emissions, and defense costs if regulators come knocking. Premiums vary widely based on your equipment age and location, but expect $2,000 to $5,000 annually for a single-retort operation.
Bailee's Coverage for Personal Effects and Remains
Funeral homes are custodians of irreplaceable items: human remains, jewelry, clothing, military medals, and personal keepsakes. Bailee's coverage protects you when property belonging to others is damaged, lost, or stolen while in your care. This isn't covered under standard property insurance because you don't own the items.
A common scenario: jewelry left on remains during cremation, or personal effects misplaced during transfer between facilities. Without bailee's coverage, your funeral home absorbs the full replacement cost and the reputational damage. Policies typically run $500 to $1,500 annually and cover $25,000 to $100,000 in personal property.
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 |
Protecting Business Property and Fleet Vehicles
Your physical assets, from the chapel where services are held to the vehicles that transport families and remains, represent significant investment. Protecting them requires more than a basic commercial property policy.
Commercial Property for Chapels and Storage Facilities
Funeral home properties often include chapels, preparation rooms, cold storage, offices, and sometimes on-site crematories. A commercial property policy should cover the building structure, contents (caskets, urns, equipment), and business income loss if you're forced to close temporarily after a covered event.
South Carolina's hurricane and severe storm exposure means coastal funeral homes need to pay close attention to wind/hail deductibles, which can be percentage-based rather than flat dollar amounts. A 2% wind deductible on a $1.5 million building means you're covering the first $30,000 out of pocket. An independent agency like CSP Insurance Services can compare options across multiple carriers to find the best deductible structure for your specific location and budget.
Insuring Hearses, Limousines, and Transport Vans
Funeral home vehicles aren't standard commercial autos. Hearses and limousines have high replacement values, specialized modifications, and unique liability profiles. Your commercial auto policy needs to account for the fact that these vehicles transport both grieving passengers and human remains, sometimes simultaneously.
Hired and non-owned auto coverage is also worth considering if your staff ever uses personal vehicles for business errands or if you rent vehicles during peak demand. A gap here could leave you exposed if an employee causes an accident while picking up death certificates in their own car.
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 South Carolina Funeral Insurance
FAQ: How much does funeral home insurance cost in SC?
Most South Carolina funeral homes pay between $8,000 and $25,000 annually for a comprehensive package including GL, professional liability, commercial auto, property, and workers' comp. The exact cost depends on revenue, number of employees, vehicle count, and whether you operate a crematory. Coastal locations typically pay more due to wind and flood exposure.
FAQ: Do I need special insurance if I offer cremation services?
Yes. Cremation operations require environmental/pollution liability coverage that standard GL policies exclude. You'll also want extended professional liability that covers cremation-specific errors like misidentification or failure to remove medical devices before cremation.
FAQ: Does general liability cover mistakes during a service?
No. General liability covers premises-related injuries and property damage, not professional errors. You need a separate professional liability (E&O) policy to cover mistakes in embalming, preparation, or service coordination.
FAQ: Are family members covered under my workers' comp policy?
In South Carolina, family members who are bona fide employees and receive W-2 wages are generally covered under workers' comp. Sole proprietors and partners can elect to exclude themselves, but doing so creates personal financial risk if they're injured on the job.
FAQ: What happens if a body is damaged during transport?
This falls under professional liability and potentially bailee's coverage, depending on the circumstances. If the damage occurs due to a vehicle accident, your commercial auto policy may also respond. Having both coverages ensures no gap exists between auto and professional liability claims.
Boat and Watercraft Coverage for Weekend Adventures
Your homeowners policy might cover a small kayak or canoe, but anything with a motor typically needs its own policy. Boat insurance covers physical damage to the vessel, liability for injuries or property damage you cause on the water, and sometimes towing and salvage costs.
Lake-specific risks differ from coastal ones. A boat kept at Myrtle Beach faces saltwater corrosion, hurricane exposure, and higher theft rates than one stored at a private dock on Lake Wateree. Your policy should reflect where you keep and operate the boat. An independent agency like CSP Insurance Services can compare quotes across multiple marine carriers to find coverage that actually matches your boating habits rather than forcing you into a one-size-fits-all plan.
Boat and Watercraft Coverage for Weekend Adventures
Your homeowners policy might cover a small kayak or canoe, but anything with a motor typically needs its own policy. Boat insurance covers physical damage to the vessel, liability for injuries or property damage you cause on the water, and sometimes towing and salvage costs.
Lake-specific risks differ from coastal ones. A boat kept at Myrtle Beach faces saltwater corrosion, hurricane exposure, and higher theft rates than one stored at a private dock on Lake Wateree. Your policy should reflect where you keep and operate the boat. An independent agency like CSP Insurance Services can compare quotes across multiple marine carriers to find coverage that actually matches your boating habits rather than forcing you into a one-size-fits-all plan.
| Feature | Admitted (Standard) Carriers | Non-Admitted (E&S) Carriers |
|---|---|---|
| State regulation | Fully regulated; rates filed with state | Exempt from rate filing; flexible pricing |
| Guaranty fund protection | Yes: state fund covers claims if carrier fails | No: no guaranty fund backstop |
| Policy forms | Standardized (ISO forms common) | Manuscript or custom forms |
| Risk appetite | Prefers low-to-moderate risk | Accepts high-risk and unusual exposures |
| Premium cost | Generally lower | Typically 20-75% higher |
| Surplus lines tax | Not applicable | Buyer pays state surplus lines tax (varies 2-5%) |
| Speed of placement | Standard timelines | Can be faster or slower depending on complexity |
FAQ: Do I need special insurance for a rental RV?
Yes. If you're renting an RV from a peer-to-peer platform, the rental company usually offers insurance, but read the fine print carefully. Your personal auto policy almost certainly won't cover a rented motorhome. If you're renting out your own RV, you'll need a commercial or rental-specific endorsement on your policy.
Making the Right Choice for Your Firm
Funeral home insurance in South Carolina isn't a one-size-fits-all proposition. Your coverage needs depend on whether you offer cremation, how many vehicles you operate, where you're located, and how many people you employ. The biggest mistake owners make is buying a generic commercial package and assuming it covers everything: it doesn't.
The right approach is working with an independent agency that understands both South Carolina's regulatory requirements and the death care industry's unique risks. CSP Insurance Services has been helping South Carolina businesses find the right coverage since 1939, and their ability to compare policies across multiple carriers means you're not locked into one company's limitations. If you're unsure whether your current coverage has gaps, or you're opening a new location and need to build a policy from scratch, request a quote to get a personalized review from someone who actually understands this industry. The peace of mind is worth the phone call.
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




