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 nonprofit in South Carolina means juggling tight budgets, volunteer coordination, grant compliance, and a hundred other priorities that have nothing to do with insurance. But one bad slip-and-fall at a fundraiser, one car accident during a supply run, or one data breach exposing donor credit cards can undo years of work overnight. The right insurance coverage isn't just a line item on your budget: it's what keeps your doors open when something goes sideways. Whether you're operating a food bank in Florence, a youth mentoring program in Columbia, or a community health clinic near Myrtle Beach, your organization faces risks that generic commercial policies weren't built to handle. South Carolina nonprofits need coverage tailored to their specific operations, from general liability and workers comp to specialized policies like abuse and molestation or cyber liability. This guide breaks down exactly what coverage your organization needs, what the state requires, and where most nonprofits get it wrong. If you've been putting off an insurance review because it feels overwhelming, this is the place to start.
Understanding Nonprofit Liability in South Carolina
Nonprofits face a unique liability profile. You're often working with vulnerable populations, relying on volunteers who may not have professional training, and hosting public events with unpredictable attendance. South Carolina courts have shown increasing willingness to award larger verdicts in liability cases, a trend known as social inflation that's hitting nonprofits particularly hard. Understanding your exposure is step one.
The Role of General Liability Insurance
General liability (GL) is the foundation of any nonprofit insurance program. It covers bodily injury, property damage, and personal injury claims arising from your operations. If a volunteer trips over a cord at your annual gala and breaks a wrist, GL responds. If a visitor slips on a wet floor at your community center, GL covers the medical bills and any resulting lawsuit.
Most nonprofits in South Carolina carry GL limits of $1 million per occurrence and $2 million aggregate. The average cost for nonprofit GL policies in 2026 runs between $500 and $2,500 annually, depending on your organization's size, revenue, and activities. Organizations hosting large public events or working with children should expect to pay toward the higher end of that range.
Directors and Officers (D&O) Protection
Your board members are personally exposed to lawsuits alleging mismanagement, breach of fiduciary duty, or employment-related claims. D&O coverage protects individual directors and officers when someone sues them for decisions made on behalf of the organization. This isn't theoretical: wrongful termination claims, allegations of financial mismanagement, and disputes with donors or grant-makers happen regularly.
Without D&O coverage, recruiting qualified board members becomes nearly impossible. Experienced professionals won't serve on a board that leaves them personally liable. Most policies include entity coverage as well, protecting the nonprofit itself alongside its leadership.
South Carolina Charitable Immunity Laws
South Carolina offers limited charitable immunity protections, but don't rely on them too heavily. The state's Tort Claims Act and related case law provide some shield for charitable organizations, but the protection has significant gaps. Immunity typically doesn't apply to motor vehicle accidents, intentional acts, or situations where the nonprofit carries insurance (courts may allow claims up to policy limits).
The practical takeaway: charitable immunity might reduce your exposure in narrow circumstances, but it's not a substitute for proper insurance. Treat it as a bonus layer of protection, not your primary defense.


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.
State-Mandated Coverage: Workers Comp and Commercial Auto
South Carolina law doesn't give nonprofits a pass on mandatory coverages. If you have employees or own vehicles, you have legal obligations that carry real penalties for noncompliance.
South Carolina Workers Compensation Requirements
Any South Carolina employer with four or more employees must carry workers compensation insurance. As of January 1, 2026, the maximum weekly workers' compensation rate in South Carolina is $1,189.94. This applies to nonprofits just like any other employer, and the SC Workers' Compensation Commission doesn't make exceptions based on your tax-exempt status.
Here's where nonprofits often stumble: volunteer classification. Volunteers generally aren't covered under standard workers comp policies unless you specifically add them. Some organizations purchase volunteer accident policies separately, which is smart if you rely heavily on unpaid help. If a volunteer gets injured and you have no coverage, you could face a lawsuit that your GL policy may not fully address.
Commercial Auto vs. Hired and Non-Owned Coverage
If your nonprofit owns vehicles: vans for client transport, trucks for food delivery, anything titled to the organization: you need commercial auto insurance. South Carolina requires minimum auto liability limits of 25/50/25 ($25,000 per person, $50,000 per accident for bodily injury, $25,000 for property damage), but those minimums are dangerously low for an organization transporting clients or supplies.
Many nonprofits don't own vehicles but have staff or volunteers using personal cars for organizational business. That's where hired and non-owned auto (HNOA) coverage becomes essential. If an employee causes an accident while driving to pick up auction items for your fundraiser, your organization could be named in the lawsuit. HNOA fills that gap, and it's surprisingly affordable: often just a few hundred dollars annually as an endorsement on your GL policy.

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.
Industry-Specific Policies for SC Organizations
Standard GL and workers comp won't cover everything. Depending on your mission, you likely need specialized policies that address risks unique to your sector.
Professional Liability for Human Services
If your nonprofit provides counseling, case management, medical services, or any form of professional advice, you need professional liability insurance (sometimes called errors and omissions). This covers claims alleging negligence, mistakes, or failure to deliver promised services.
A mental health counselor at your nonprofit gives advice that a client later claims caused harm. A case manager fails to follow up on a referral, and the client suffers as a result. These scenarios generate professional liability claims, and they're becoming more frequent as social inflation drives up both claim frequency and severity. Standard GL won't respond to these claims because they involve professional judgment, not physical injury or property damage.
Abuse and Molestation Coverage
Any nonprofit working with children, the elderly, or vulnerable adults needs abuse and molestation coverage. This is non-negotiable, and many carriers now require it as a condition of issuing a GL policy for youth-serving organizations. The coverage protects your organization if an employee, volunteer, or participant commits or is accused of committing abuse.
Demand for this coverage has risen sharply over the past several years, and underwriters are scrutinizing applicants more carefully. Having documented screening procedures, background check policies, and supervision protocols will help you secure coverage at reasonable rates. Without these safeguards, some carriers will decline to write the policy entirely.
Cyber Liability for Donor Data Protection
Your nonprofit stores donor names, addresses, credit card numbers, and possibly Social Security numbers for employees. A data breach exposes your organization to regulatory penalties, notification costs, credit monitoring expenses, and lawsuits. Cyber liability insurance covers these costs, and for most small to mid-sized nonprofits, policies are available starting around $1,000 to $3,000 annually.
South Carolina's data breach notification law requires organizations to notify affected individuals within a reasonable time after discovering a breach. The cost of notification alone can run several dollars per record, and that adds up fast if you have thousands of donors in your database.
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 Coverage Needs: Basic vs. Comprehensive
Not every nonprofit needs every policy. Here's a quick comparison to help you figure out where your organization falls:
| Coverage Type | Basic Program | Comprehensive Program |
|---|---|---|
| General Liability | $1M/$2M limits | $1M/$2M + umbrella |
| Workers Comp | State minimum (if 4+ employees) | Includes volunteer accident |
| D&O | $500K limits | $1M+ with employment practices |
| Commercial Auto | HNOA only | Owned auto + HNOA |
| Professional Liability | Not included | $1M per claim |
| Cyber Liability | Not included | $1M limit |
| Abuse & Molestation | Not included | Included with GL or standalone |
| Product Liability | Included in GL at low limits | Higher limits with completed operations |
A small advocacy nonprofit with three staff members and no direct client services might get by with the basic column. A youth-serving organization with 20 employees, owned vehicles, and counseling programs needs everything in the comprehensive column and possibly more.
An independent agency like CSP Insurance Services can be especially helpful here because they compare policies across multiple carriers rather than pushing a single company's products. That objectivity matters when you're trying to stretch a nonprofit budget.
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 Nonprofit Insurance
Does our 501(c)(3) status affect our insurance rates? Tax-exempt status doesn't automatically lower premiums, but some carriers offer nonprofit-specific programs with competitive pricing. Your rates depend more on your activities, claims history, and number of employees than your tax classification.
Are volunteers covered under our workers comp policy? Not automatically. South Carolina workers comp law covers employees, not volunteers. You'll need a separate volunteer accident policy or a specific endorsement to extend coverage to unpaid helpers.
Do we need insurance if we only operate seasonally? Yes. Even seasonal operations create liability exposure. Some carriers offer policies with seasonal rating adjustments that reduce your premium during inactive months.
How much does a typical nonprofit insurance package cost in South Carolina? Small nonprofits with basic needs might pay $2,000 to $5,000 annually. Larger organizations with multiple coverage lines can expect $10,000 to $25,000 or more. Nonprofit-specific carriers often offer bundled pricing that brings costs down compared to buying each policy separately.
Can board members be personally sued? Absolutely. Without D&O coverage, board members can be held personally liable for decisions made on behalf of the organization. South Carolina law provides some protections for volunteer directors, but those protections have limits.
What happens if we don't carry workers comp and an employee gets hurt? The SC Workers' Compensation Commission can impose penalties, and you'll be personally responsible for the employee's medical bills and lost wages. The financial exposure far exceeds the cost of the policy.
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 Mission
Getting nonprofit insurance right in South Carolina isn't about buying every policy available: it's about matching your coverage to your actual risk profile. A homeless shelter in Rock Hill has fundamentally different needs than an arts council in Charleston, and cookie-cutter policies leave gaps that only show up when you file a claim.
Start by auditing your operations honestly. Who do you serve? What activities create the most exposure? Do you transport clients, handle sensitive data, or work with minors? The answers to those questions should drive your coverage decisions, not the other way around.
Working with an agency that understands nonprofit operations, like CSP Insurance Services with its 80-plus years of experience across South Carolina, gives you access to carriers and programs designed specifically for charitable organizations. If you're unsure whether your current coverage matches your actual exposure, it's worth getting a second opinion. You can request a quote to see how your current program stacks up against what's available in the market today. Your mission is too important to leave unprotected by the wrong policy.
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




