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 food bank in Florence, a youth mentoring program in Columbia, or a disaster relief organization along the coast means you're doing work that matters. But one lawsuit, one vehicle accident, or one data breach involving donor records can undo years of mission-driven effort in a matter of weeks. Nonprofit insurance covers the full spectrum of risks these organizations face: general liability, workers compensation, commercial auto, and policies tailored to specific types of charitable work. The tricky part is that nonprofits aren't just small businesses with a 501(c)(3) attached. They rely on volunteers, serve vulnerable populations, hold events in borrowed spaces, and often operate on razor-thin margins. That combination creates a unique risk profile that standard commercial policies don't always address. Commercial insurance premiums fell for the first time in nine years during Q1 2026, which means this is actually a smart time to review your coverage. Whether you're launching a new organization or reassessing what you already carry, understanding how these policies work together can save you from a catastrophic gap when it counts most.

Why Nonprofits Need Specialized Insurance Coverage

Nonprofits face a strange paradox: they exist to serve communities, yet that service creates exposure to lawsuits, injuries, and financial loss. A for-profit business can absorb certain hits by raising prices or drawing on reserves. Most nonprofits can't do that. One uninsured claim can force program cuts, layoffs, or closure. The stakes are genuinely higher because the mission depends on financial stability.

Common Risks and Liability Exposures

Think about what a typical week looks like for a South Carolina nonprofit. A community health clinic sees patients who might allege malpractice. A Habitat for Humanity chapter has volunteers swinging hammers on construction sites. A Myrtle Beach animal rescue transports dogs in organization-owned vans. Each of those activities carries a distinct liability exposure.


Slip-and-fall injuries at fundraising events, allegations of discrimination in hiring, property damage at rented facilities, and even reputational harm from social media controversies all land squarely on the organization's shoulders. The nonprofit insurance landscape is getting more complicated in 2026, particularly for organizations working with minors, operating in coastal flood zones, or handling sensitive personal data.

Protecting Board Members and Volunteers

Board members often serve without compensation, but they can still be personally sued for decisions they make on behalf of the organization. In South Carolina, the Volunteer Protection Act offers some shield, but it doesn't cover gross negligence or willful misconduct, and it won't stop someone from filing a lawsuit in the first place. Defense costs alone can run into six figures.


Volunteers present a different challenge. They're not employees, so workers comp doesn't automatically cover them. If a volunteer gets hurt sorting donations or driving to an event, the organization could face a liability claim with no policy to respond. Volunteer accident policies exist specifically for this gap, and they're surprisingly affordable, often under $500 a year for small organizations.

Your CSP agent

Lawson Walker, CIC

Insurance Sales

CSP Insurance Services is a fully licensed independent insurance agency serving individuals, families, and businesses across South Carolina.

From our home in Florence, we proudly serve clients in Florence, Myrtle Beach, Rock Hill, Columbia, and communities throughout South Carolina. As an independent Trusted Choice agency, our team works with a wide range of top-rated carriers to provide personal and commercial coverage — home, auto, business, life, and more — tailored to the real needs of the people and businesses we protect.

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.

Foundational Policies for Every Organization

Every nonprofit, regardless of size or mission, needs a core set of policies. These aren't optional extras. They're the baseline that keeps the doors open.

General Liability: The First Line of Defense

General liability insurance covers third-party bodily injury, property damage, and personal or advertising injury. If a visitor trips over a cord at your fundraiser in Rock Hill and breaks a wrist, this policy responds. If your organization accidentally damages a landlord's property, same thing.


Most landlords, event venues, and grant-making foundations require proof of general liability before they'll work with you. Typical limits start at $1 million per occurrence and $2 million aggregate. For small nonprofits in South Carolina, annual premiums often range from $500 to $3,000 depending on your activities, revenue, and claims history.

Workers Compensation and State Requirements

South Carolina requires workers comp for any employer with four or more employees. That threshold catches a lot of nonprofits off guard, especially when they hire their fourth part-time staffer and suddenly face a compliance obligation. The SC Workers' Compensation Commission doesn't make exceptions for charitable status.


Workers comp covers medical expenses, lost wages, and rehabilitation for employees injured on the job. It also protects the organization from lawsuits by injured workers. Even if you have fewer than four employees, carrying the policy voluntarily is worth considering. One serious back injury from lifting boxes of supplies can generate $50,000 or more in medical costs.

Commercial Auto for Transporting Goods and People

If your nonprofit owns, leases, or regularly uses vehicles, you need commercial auto coverage. 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), but those minimums are dangerously low for an organization transporting clients or volunteers.


The commercial auto insurance market has been one of the hardest-hit lines in recent years due to rising repair costs and nuclear verdicts. If employees or volunteers drive their own cars for nonprofit business, you'll also want hired and non-owned auto coverage. This fills the gap when a volunteer's personal policy doesn't fully cover an accident that happens during organization activities.

Industry-Specific and Specialized Add-ons

Beyond the foundational policies, certain nonprofits need coverage that reflects the specific nature of their work.

Professional Liability and D&O Coverage

Professional liability, sometimes called errors and omissions, protects against claims that your organization gave bad advice, failed to deliver promised services, or made a professional mistake. Counseling centers, legal aid organizations, and healthcare nonprofits need this coverage the most.


Directors and officers insurance is a separate but related policy. It protects board members and executives from personal liability when they're sued for decisions made in their official capacity. Allegations of mismanagement, failure to comply with regulations, or improper use of funds can all trigger D&O claims. D&O coverage is especially critical because recruiting quality board members becomes nearly impossible without it.

Abuse and Molestation Coverage for Youth Programs

Any nonprofit working with children, the elderly, or other vulnerable populations should carry abuse and molestation coverage. Standard general liability policies typically exclude these claims, leaving a massive gap. Youth sports leagues, after-school programs, church ministries, and summer camps across South Carolina all need this endorsement or standalone policy.


This coverage addresses both the defense costs and potential settlements from allegations of abuse. Premiums depend on the number of participants, the nature of supervision, and whether the organization has formal screening and training protocols in place. Having documented background check procedures can meaningfully reduce your premium.

Cyber Liability for Donor Data Protection

If your nonprofit stores donor credit card numbers, Social Security numbers from clients, or health records, you're holding data that hackers want. A breach notification in South Carolina can cost $5 to $30 per record, and that adds up fast when you have thousands of donors in your database.


Cyber liability insurance covers breach notification costs, credit monitoring for affected individuals, forensic investigation, legal defense, and regulatory fines. Even small nonprofits collecting online donations through their website carry real cyber risk. Policies start around $1,000 annually for organizations with modest data exposure.

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

Comparing Core Coverage Types

Understanding the difference between general liability and professional liability trips up a lot of nonprofit leaders. They sound similar but respond to completely different types of claims.

Table: General Liability vs. Professional Liability

Feature General Liability Professional Liability
What it covers Bodily injury, property damage, personal injury to third parties Errors, omissions, or negligence in professional services
Example claim Visitor slips on wet floor at your office Client alleges your counseling advice caused harm
Who needs it Every nonprofit Nonprofits providing advice, counseling, healthcare, or professional services
Typical annual cost (small nonprofit) $500 - $3,000 $1,000 - $5,000
Usually required by Landlords, venues, grantors Licensing boards, contracts with government agencies
Defense costs Typically included within the policy limit May be inside or outside the limit depending on the policy

The key takeaway here: one doesn't replace the other. A nonprofit counseling center in Columbia needs both. An independent agency like CSP Insurance Services can compare options from multiple carriers to find the right combination without overpaying, which matters when every dollar supports your mission.

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 Nonprofit Coverage

FAQ: Do volunteers count as employees for insurance?

No, not for workers comp purposes in South Carolina. Volunteers are generally excluded from mandatory workers comp coverage. That said, you can purchase a separate volunteer accident policy to cover medical expenses if a volunteer gets hurt during organizational activities.

FAQ: Does my personal car insurance cover nonprofit work?

Your personal auto policy may provide some coverage, but most personal policies have exclusions for regular business use. If you're routinely driving for nonprofit purposes, your organization should carry hired and non-owned auto insurance to fill the gap.

FAQ: How much does nonprofit insurance typically cost?

Small nonprofits with annual budgets under $500,000 typically spend $2,000 to $6,000 per year on a basic insurance package. Costs increase with revenue, number of employees, high-risk activities, and claims history. The 2026 insurance outlook suggests stabilizing rates for most nonprofit classes.

FAQ: Is D&O insurance required by law?

Not in South Carolina or any other state. But many grant-making foundations and government contracts require it as a condition of funding. Beyond that, try recruiting experienced professionals to your board without it. They'll ask about D&O coverage before they agree to serve.

FAQ: Can one policy cover all my organization's needs?

A Business Owner's Policy, or BOP, bundles general liability with property coverage and is a good starting point. But it won't include workers comp, commercial auto, D&O, or professional liability. Most nonprofits need three to five separate policies working together to be properly protected.

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 Mission

Getting nonprofit insurance right isn't about buying every policy available. It's about matching your actual risk profile to the right combination of coverage. A youth mentoring program in Florence has very different needs than a coastal environmental advocacy group in Myrtle Beach, even though both are 501(c)(3) organizations.


Start by listing your activities, assets, number of employees and volunteers, and the populations you serve. That inventory becomes the foundation for building a coverage plan that actually protects your organization. With nonprofit industry trends shifting in 2026, including increased regulatory scrutiny and evolving cyber threats, reviewing your policies annually isn't just smart. It's essential.


CSP Insurance Services has been helping South Carolina organizations find the right fit since 1939, working with multiple carriers to build coverage around each nonprofit's specific situation. If you're unsure whether your current policies have gaps, or if you're starting fresh and need guidance, request a quote to get a personalized review from a team that actually picks up the phone.

About the author

Lawson Walker, CIC

I'm proud to be part of an agency that's served Florence since 1939. CSP Insurance Services started as Cormell-Streett & Patterson, built by people who believed insurance should be personal — and more than eight decades later, that conviction still drives everything we do. Commitment, Service, Protection isn't just what CSP stands for; it's how I approach every client relationship.


As an independent, Trusted Choice agency, we aren't tied to any single carrier. That means I work for you — shopping multiple companies to match you with coverage that actually fits your family, your business, and your budget. No call centers, no chatbots. Just a local expert who takes the time to understand what matters to you and stands by you when it counts.


Whether you're protecting your home, your car, or a business you've spent years building, I'd be glad to help you find the right coverage.

We compare several carriers to find a policy that fits you, not one company's products.

◆

80+ years local experience

1939

Serving SC

Meet Richard

Most Requested

Core business coverage.

The policies most South Carolina businesses start with.

Commercial Property

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

Workers Compensation

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

Commercial Auto

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

General Liability

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

Inland Marine

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

Business Owners (BOP)

A business owners policy bundles property and liability coverage into one package, often at a better price for small businesses.

We compare several carriers to find a policy that fits you, not one company's products.

◆

80+ years local experience

1939

Serving SC

Insurance Sales

J. Roger Jordan, CIC

Meet Richard

[CONFIRM bio]

Personal Insurance

Coverage for your home, vehicles, and family.

Protect what matters most with personal policies shopped across our carriers.

Home

Your house is likely your largest investment. Home insurance helps rebuild after covered damage and protects you from liability.

Auto

South Carolina drivers need real protection. Auto coverage handles liability, collision, medical costs, and uninsured drivers.

Umbrella

When a serious claim climbs past your home or auto limits, umbrella coverage adds an extra layer of liability protection.

Boat

Time on the water should be worry-free. Boat coverage protects your vessel, your passengers, and your liability on the lake or coast.

Motorcycle

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

Condo

Your association covers the building, but not what’s inside. Condo insurance protects your belongings, improvements, and liability.

We compare several carriers to find a policy that fits you, not one company's products.

◆

80+ years local experience

1939

Serving SC

Insurance Sales

J. Roger Jordan, CIC

Meet Richard

[CONFIRM bio]

Get a Quote

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

Get a Quote

Motorcycle

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

Get a Quote

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.

Meet Richard View all business coverage Get a Quote

Commercial Auto

Get a Quote

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.

Tell us about you

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

We compare carriers

We shop options across our carriers to find strong protection at a fair price.

We recommend coverage

We walk you through the policy in plain language and answer every question.

You get covered

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

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

Meet Richard

[CONFIRM bio]

Get a Quote

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

Get a Quote

Motorcycle

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

Get a Quote

FAQs

Questions, answered.

Straight answers about working with an independent agency.

  • What does an independent insurance agency do?

    An independent agency represents several carriers instead of one. We compare coverage and pricing across companies, then recommend the policy that fits you best.

  • Do you cover both personal and business insurance?

    Yes. CSP writes personal lines like home and auto, and commercial lines for businesses across South Carolina.

  • How long has CSP been in business?

    CSP traces its roots to 1939, with more than 80 years serving South Carolina families and businesses.

  • Will I work with a real person?

    Always. No call centers and no chatbots — you work with a local team member who knows your account.

  • Which areas do you serve?

    We’re based in Florence and serve clients statewide, including Myrtle Beach, Rock Hill, and Columbia.

  • How do I get a quote?

    Request a quote online, call us, or stop by the office. A real person will review your needs and follow up.

How It Works

Insurance tips & updates.

Plain-language guidance to help you make confident decisions.

How Much Does Business Insurance Cost for a Small Business in Florence, SC?

How Much Does Business Insurance Cost for a Small Business in Florence, SC?

6 August 2026
Learn how much small business insurance costs in Florence, SC, including GL, workers’ comp, property coverage, pricing factors, and ways to save.
What Insurance Does a Small Business in South Carolina Legally Need?

What Insurance Does a Small Business in South Carolina Legally Need?

6 August 2026
Learn what insurance South Carolina small businesses legally need, including workers’ comp, commercial auto, and essential coverage beyond state requirements.
Group Health Insurance vs. Individual Plans: Which Is Right for SC Employers?

Group Health Insurance vs. Individual Plans: Which Is Right for SC Employers?

6 August 2026
Compare group health insurance vs. individual plans for SC employers. Learn costs, tax benefits, ICHRA options, and the best fit for your team.

We compare several carriers to find a policy that fits you, not one company's products.

◆

80+ years local experience

1939

Serving SC

Insurance Sales

J. Roger Jordan, CIC

Meet Richard

[CONFIRM bio]

Get a Quote

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

Get a Quote

Motorcycle

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

Get a Quote

Get a Quote

Let's find your coverage.

Tell us a little about what you need to protect. A real person from our Florence team will review it and follow up.

2420 Hoffmeyer Road, Suite D
Florence, SC 29501

Mon–Fri 8:30am – 5:00pm