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 an optometry practice in South Carolina means juggling patient care, expensive diagnostic equipment, staffing, and a dozen other priorities before you even think about insurance. But one malpractice claim, one stolen laptop full of patient records, or one employee injury can threaten everything you've built. The right insurance coverage for your optometry practice isn't just a box to check: it's the difference between recovering from a setback and closing your doors. Whether you're opening a solo practice in Florence or expanding a multi-location operation near Myrtle Beach, understanding what policies you actually need (and which ones are just padding someone else's commission) is worth your time. A well-structured optometrist insurance plan covers general liability, professional liability, workers' comp, commercial auto, and several industry-specific policies most eye doctors don't think about until it's too late. This guide breaks down each coverage type, what it costs, and how to avoid the gaps that catch practice owners off guard.

Essential Insurance for Optometry Practices

Every optometry practice needs a foundation of core policies before layering on specialty coverage. The three pillars are professional liability (malpractice), general liability, and property/equipment protection. Miss any one of these, and you're exposed in ways that could cost six figures or more.


The American Optometric Association recommends that every practicing OD carry both professional and general liability coverage, and their guidance on business and liability insurance is a solid starting point for understanding what the profession considers baseline protection. But baseline isn't always enough: your specific practice setup, location, and services determine what you actually need.

Professional Liability vs. General Liability

These two policies get confused constantly, and the distinction matters. Professional liability (malpractice insurance) covers claims arising from your clinical work: a missed diagnosis of glaucoma, a contact lens fitting that causes a corneal ulcer, or a prescription error that leads to injury. General liability covers everything else that happens on your premises or because of your business operations: a patient tripping over a loose floor tile, damage to a landlord's property, or advertising claims gone wrong.


You need both. Professional liability protects your clinical judgment. General liability protects your business as a physical, operational entity. Carrying one without the other is like locking your front door but leaving every window open.

Protecting Your Specialized Optical Equipment

Optometry equipment is shockingly expensive. A single OCT machine can run anywhere from $30,000 to over $150,000 depending on the model and capabilities. Add in autorefractors, slit lamps, visual field analyzers, and your lens edging equipment, and most practices are sitting on $200,000 to $500,000 worth of gear.


Standard commercial property insurance often caps equipment coverage at levels that won't replace a full diagnostic suite. You'll want an inland marine policy or equipment breakdown coverage that specifically lists your high-value items at replacement cost: not depreciated value. If a hurricane hits the Grand Strand or a pipe bursts in your Columbia office, depreciated value on a three-year-old OCT machine won't get you back to seeing patients.

Cyber Liability for Patient Records

Optometry practices store protected health information (PHI) including Social Security numbers, insurance details, and medical histories. A data breach doesn't just trigger HIPAA penalties: it creates notification costs, credit monitoring obligations, legal fees, and reputation damage that can linger for years.


South Carolina's Insurance Data Security Act (modeled after the NAIC model law) imposes specific requirements on businesses handling personal data. Cyber liability insurance covers breach response costs, regulatory defense, and third-party claims. For a small to mid-size practice, policies typically start around $1,000 to $2,500 annually: a fraction of what a single breach would cost out of pocket.

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

Coverage Comparison: Core vs. Specialized Policies

Seeing your options side by side makes the decision clearer. Here's how core and specialized policies stack up for a typical optometry practice:

Coverage Type What It Protects Typical Annual Cost Who Needs It
General Liability Slip-and-fall, property damage, advertising injury $400 - $1,200 Every practice
Professional Liability Malpractice, misdiagnosis, treatment errors $800 - $3,000 Every licensed OD
Business Owner's Policy (BOP) Bundles GL + property + business interruption ~$1,164/year Solo and small practices
Cyber Liability Data breaches, HIPAA fines, notification costs $1,000 - $2,500 Any practice storing PHI
Workers' Compensation Employee injuries, lost wages, medical bills Varies by payroll Required with 4+ employees in SC
Commercial Auto Vehicles used for business purposes $1,200 - $3,000 Practices with mobile services
EPLI Wrongful termination, discrimination, harassment claims $800 - $3,000 Practices with staff

A Business Owner's Policy bundles several core coverages and typically costs around $97 per month for optometrists: roughly $1,164 annually. That's often the most cost-effective starting point for a new practice, though you'll likely need to add professional liability and cyber coverage separately.

Mandatory Coverage for Your Staff and Vehicles

Once your practice grows beyond just you, certain coverages shift from "nice to have" to legally required.

Workers' Compensation for Clinic Staff

South Carolina requires workers' compensation insurance for businesses with four or more employees. That threshold catches most optometry practices: once you have a receptionist, an optical technician, and a billing specialist, you're there. Even if you're below the threshold, carrying workers' comp protects you from personal liability if a staff member gets hurt on the job.


Common claims in optometry offices include repetitive strain injuries from lens edging work, back injuries from moving equipment, and slips in storage areas. Workers' comp covers their medical treatment and a portion of lost wages while keeping you out of a personal injury lawsuit. Premiums are calculated as a percentage of payroll, and South Carolina's rates for office-based healthcare workers are relatively moderate compared to higher-risk industries.

Commercial Auto for Mobile Eye Exams

Tele-optometry and mobile eye exam services have grown significantly, with pricing models for remote eye care reflecting this shift. If your practice sends staff to nursing homes, schools, or corporate wellness events using a business-owned vehicle, you need commercial auto insurance. South Carolina's minimum auto liability limits are 25/50/25 ($25,000 per person, $50,000 per accident for bodily injury, $25,000 for property damage), but most insurance professionals recommend carrying well above minimums.


Personal auto policies explicitly exclude business use. If your optical technician gets into an accident while delivering glasses to a patient's home using a practice vehicle, your personal policy won't cover it. That gap has burned more small practice owners than you'd expect.

Boat and Watercraft Coverage for Weekend Adventures

Your homeowners policy might cover a small kayak or canoe, but anything with a motor typically needs its own policy. Boat insurance covers physical damage to the vessel, liability for injuries or property damage you cause on the water, and sometimes towing and salvage costs.


Lake-specific risks differ from coastal ones. A boat kept at Myrtle Beach faces saltwater corrosion, hurricane exposure, and higher theft rates than one stored at a private dock on Lake Wateree. Your policy should reflect where you keep and operate the boat. An independent agency like CSP Insurance Services can compare quotes across multiple marine carriers to find coverage that actually matches your boating habits rather than forcing you into a one-size-fits-all plan.

Boat and Watercraft Coverage for Weekend Adventures

Your homeowners policy might cover a small kayak or canoe, but anything with a motor typically needs its own policy. Boat insurance covers physical damage to the vessel, liability for injuries or property damage you cause on the water, and sometimes towing and salvage costs.


Lake-specific risks differ from coastal ones. A boat kept at Myrtle Beach faces saltwater corrosion, hurricane exposure, and higher theft rates than one stored at a private dock on Lake Wateree. Your policy should reflect where you keep and operate the boat. An independent agency like CSP Insurance Services can compare quotes across multiple marine carriers to find coverage that actually matches your boating habits rather than forcing you into a one-size-fits-all plan.

Feature Admitted (Standard) Carriers Non-Admitted (E&S) Carriers
State regulation Fully regulated; rates filed with state Exempt from rate filing; flexible pricing
Guaranty fund protection Yes: state fund covers claims if carrier fails No: no guaranty fund backstop
Policy forms Standardized (ISO forms common) Manuscript or custom forms
Risk appetite Prefers low-to-moderate risk Accepts high-risk and unusual exposures
Premium cost Generally lower Typically 20-75% higher
Surplus lines tax Not applicable Buyer pays state surplus lines tax (varies 2-5%)
Speed of placement Standard timelines Can be faster or slower depending on complexity

Factors That Determine Your Premium Costs

Your premiums aren't pulled from thin air. Insurers look at several specific factors when pricing optometry coverage.


Location plays a huge role in South Carolina. A practice in a coastal zone near Myrtle Beach will pay more for property coverage due to hurricane and wind/hail exposure than an identical practice in Rock Hill. Flood zone designations add another layer: standard commercial property policies exclude flood damage entirely, so you may need a separate flood policy if you're in a FEMA-designated zone.


Practice size and revenue directly affect your general liability premiums. More patients through the door means more exposure. The number of employees drives your workers' comp costs. Your claims history is the single biggest factor in year-over-year pricing: one or two claims can push your premiums up 20-40% at renewal.


The services you offer matter too. A practice that only does refractions and sells frames carries less risk than one performing specialty contact lens fittings or co-managing post-surgical patients. If you're adding services, let your agent know before you start: not after a claim gets denied because it fell outside your covered scope.


Working with an independent agency like CSP Insurance Services gives you an advantage here because they can compare quotes across multiple carriers. A captive agent can only show you one company's pricing, even if a competitor offers better rates for your specific risk profile.

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.

Frequently Asked Questions About Optometrist Insurance

How much does basic insurance cost for a new eye doctor?

A new optometrist opening a solo practice in South Carolina can expect to pay roughly $97 per month for a Business Owner's Policy covering general liability and property. Professional liability adds another $70 to $250 monthly depending on your coverage limits and whether you choose occurrence or claims-made coverage.

Do I need separate insurance if I rent my office space?

Yes. Your landlord's policy covers the building structure, not your equipment, inventory, or liability. You need your own general liability and commercial property coverage. Most commercial leases in South Carolina actually require tenants to carry specific insurance minimums and name the landlord as an additional insured.

Does professional liability cover my optical technicians?

It depends on your policy. Some malpractice policies cover all staff working under your supervision, while others only cover the named OD. Ask your agent specifically whether your technicians, opticians, and any locum tenens providers are included. If they're not, you're exposed.

What happens if a patient slips in my waiting room?

Your general liability policy handles this. It covers their medical expenses, legal defense costs if they sue, and any settlement or judgment. Most GL policies for optometrists carry $1 million per occurrence and $2 million aggregate limits, which is sufficient for the majority of slip-and-fall claims.

Is cyber insurance required by HIPAA?

HIPAA doesn't explicitly mandate cyber insurance, but it does require covered entities to have safeguards for PHI. The cost of a breach without insurance: notification, credit monitoring, legal defense, and potential EPLI claims from affected employees: makes going without it a serious financial risk. Most compliance consultants strongly recommend it.

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 Practice

Getting your optometry insurance right isn't about buying every policy available: it's about understanding where your actual risks are and covering those gaps without overpaying for protection you don't need. A solo practitioner in a leased space has very different needs than a multi-doctor practice with mobile services and a dozen employees.


Start with the essentials: professional liability, general liability (or a BOP that bundles it), and cyber coverage. Add workers' comp once you hit South Carolina's four-employee threshold (or sooner, if you want the protection). Layer in commercial auto, employment practices liability, and business interruption coverage as your practice grows.


The team at CSP Insurance Services has been helping South Carolina healthcare providers build the right coverage since 1939. Because they're independent, they can pull quotes from multiple carriers and find the combination that fits your practice and your budget: no one-size-fits-all packages. If you're opening a new practice or think your current coverage has gaps, request a quote and get a straightforward review of what you actually need.

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.

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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.

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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

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Motorcycle

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

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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.

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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.

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Commercial Auto

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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.

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80+ years local experience

1939

Serving SC

Insurance Sales

J. Roger Jordan, CIC

Meet Richard

[CONFIRM bio]

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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

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Motorcycle

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

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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.

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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

Insurance Sales

J. Roger Jordan, CIC

Meet Richard

[CONFIRM bio]

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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

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

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Florence, SC 29501

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