South Carolina Personal Insurance

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

South Carolina throws a lot at homeowners and drivers that other states simply don't. Between hurricane seasons that seem to stretch longer each year, deer darting across rural highways at dusk, and flash flooding that can hit Columbia or Florence just as hard as the coast, families here face a unique mix of risks. Getting personal insurance right in South Carolina means understanding those risks and building coverage around them, not just checking a box for minimum requirements.


This guide breaks down the essential coverage types for SC families: home, auto, umbrella, and the coastal-specific policies that trip people up most often. Whether you own a bungalow in Rock Hill or a beachfront condo in Myrtle Beach, the goal is the same: protect what you've built without overpaying for what you don't need.

Essential Insurance Coverage for South Carolina Households

South Carolina families typically need at least three core policies working together: homeowners, auto, and some form of liability protection. The mistake most people make is treating these as separate purchases instead of a coordinated strategy. Gaps between policies are where financial disasters happen, like when a tree falls on your car in the driveway and you assume your homeowners policy covers it (it doesn't: that's an auto comprehensive claim).


An independent agency like CSP Insurance Services can look across multiple carriers to spot those gaps. Because they aren't locked into one company's product line, they can mix and match policies from different insurers to get better coverage at a lower total cost. That flexibility matters more in South Carolina than in most states, since coastal carriers and inland carriers often have very different appetites for risk.

Homeowners Insurance and Local Hazards

South Carolina homeowners insurance premiums have been climbing steadily, driven by increased storm activity, rising construction costs, and reinsurance price hikes. The average annual premium for a home with $350,000 in dwelling coverage has risen significantly over the past two years, and many families in coastal counties are paying considerably more than the state average.


The biggest local hazards your policy needs to address include wind damage (from hurricanes and severe thunderstorms), hail, falling trees, and water damage from burst pipes or appliance failures. Standard policies cover most of these, but flood damage is always excluded. So is earthquake damage, which matters more than you'd think given SC's seismic history around the Charleston area.


One common mistake: underinsuring your dwelling. If construction costs have jumped 25-30% since you bought your policy, your coverage limit may not be enough to rebuild. Ask your agent to run a replacement cost estimate every couple of years.

South Carolina Auto Insurance Requirements

South Carolina requires liability minimums of 25/50/25: that's $25,000 per person for bodily injury, $50,000 per accident, and $25,000 for property damage. The state also mandates uninsured motorist coverage at the same limits as your liability. You can reject UM coverage in writing, but doing so is a gamble given that roughly one in eight SC drivers is uninsured.


Auto insurance costs in the state have been rising sharply since 2024, with the average full-coverage policy now running well above the national median. Distracted driving, higher vehicle repair costs, and litigation trends all contribute.

Comparison: Minimum vs. Recommended Liability Limits

Coverage Type SC Minimum Recommended
Bodily Injury (per person) $25,000 $100,000 - $250,000
Bodily Injury (per accident) $50,000 $300,000 - $500,000
Property Damage $25,000 $100,000+
Uninsured Motorist 25/50/25 Match your liability limits
Comprehensive Not required Highly recommended
Collision Not required Recommended if car value > $5,000

The jump from minimum to recommended coverage often costs less than people expect: sometimes just $30-50 more per month. Given that a single serious accident can easily generate $200,000+ in medical bills, minimum coverage leaves you personally liable for the difference.

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.

Protecting Coastal Properties from Wind and Water

Living on or near the South Carolina coast comes with insurance complications that inland residents never deal with. Myrtle Beach, Hilton Head, Charleston, and the surrounding barrier islands all sit in high-risk zones where standard homeowners policies often exclude or limit wind coverage. The insurance market along the Grand Strand has been particularly volatile, with some national carriers pulling out of coastal counties entirely.


This means coastal homeowners frequently need three separate policies: a standard homeowners policy (covering everything except wind and flood), a wind and hail policy, and a flood policy. Coordinating these so there are no coverage gaps requires careful attention to policy language.

Understanding Hurricane and Windstorm Deductibles

If you own property in a coastal SC county, your windstorm deductible probably isn't a flat dollar amount. Instead, it's a percentage of your home's insured value, typically 1% to 5%. On a home insured for $400,000, a 2% hurricane deductible means you're paying the first $8,000 out of pocket before insurance kicks in.


These percentage deductibles only apply to "named storms," meaning hurricanes and tropical storms that receive an official name from the National Hurricane Center. A regular thunderstorm that blows shingles off your roof would fall under your standard deductible, which is usually $1,000 or $2,500. Understanding which deductible applies to which event is critical for budgeting your emergency fund.

The Difference Between Flood and Water Backup Coverage

This is one of the most common points of confusion, and it leads to denied claims every year. Flood insurance covers rising water from external sources: storm surge, overflowing rivers, heavy rainfall that overwhelms drainage systems. It's purchased separately through the National Flood Insurance Program (NFIP) or a private flood carrier.


Water backup coverage, on the other hand, is an endorsement on your homeowners policy that covers damage when your sewer or sump pump backs up into your home. It's usually cheap to add (around $50-75 per year) but has modest limits, often $5,000 to $25,000. You need both types of protection, and neither one substitutes for the other.

The Role of the South Carolina Wind and Hail Underwriting Association

When private insurers won't write wind coverage for your coastal property, the South Carolina Wind and Hail Underwriting Association (SCWHUA) serves as the insurer of last resort. It's not a government program exactly: it's a pool funded by all property insurers doing business in the state.


SCWHUA policies tend to cost more than private market alternatives and may offer less favorable terms. The state legislature has been reviewing insurance rate structures.%20Matt%20Overturf%20and%20Gina%20Rotunno.pdf) to address affordability concerns, but for now, many coastal homeowners rely on SCWHUA when no other option exists. Before defaulting to the pool, it's worth having an independent agent shop the private market: some regional carriers still write coastal wind policies at competitive rates, especially for well-maintained homes with hurricane-rated features like impact windows and reinforced roofing.

Adding an Umbrella Policy for Enhanced Liability Protection

An umbrella policy picks up where your home and auto liability limits stop. If you carry $300,000 in auto liability and cause an accident with $600,000 in injuries, your umbrella policy covers the remaining $300,000. Without it, that gap comes out of your savings, your home equity, and potentially your future wages.


Umbrella policies have traditionally been one of the best values in insurance: $1 million in coverage for $200-400 per year. That said, umbrella and excess liability costs have been climbing due to larger jury verdicts and what the industry calls "social inflation." Even with higher premiums, the per-dollar cost of umbrella coverage remains far cheaper than increasing your underlying auto or home policy limits.


Who actually needs an umbrella? Anyone with assets worth protecting. If you own a home, have retirement savings, or earn a good income, a lawsuit judgment can follow you for years. Families with teenage drivers, swimming pools, dogs, or rental properties face elevated liability risk and should seriously consider $1-2 million in umbrella coverage. CSP Insurance Services often recommends umbrella policies as part of a complete personal insurance package for South Carolina families, and they can coordinate the underlying policy requirements across carriers.

Boat and Watercraft Coverage for Weekend Adventures

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


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

Boat and Watercraft Coverage for Weekend Adventures

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


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

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

Common Questions About South Carolina Insurance

FAQ: Do I need separate flood insurance if I'm not on the coast?

Yes. Standard homeowners insurance never covers rising water, regardless of where you live. Inland flooding from heavy rain events hits areas like the Midlands and Pee Dee region regularly. A separate flood policy through NFIP or a private carrier is the only way to get this protection.

FAQ: Why is my windstorm deductible a percentage instead of a dollar amount?

Coastal policies in SC use percentage-based deductibles (typically 1-5% of your home's insured value) for named storms. This structure helps insurers manage concentrated hurricane risk. On a $350,000 home, a 2% deductible means $7,000 out of pocket before coverage begins.

FAQ: Does my car insurance cover me if I hit a deer?

Only if you carry comprehensive coverage, sometimes called "other than collision." It's optional in South Carolina but strongly recommended, especially if you drive rural roads in the Upstate or Pee Dee. SC consistently ranks among the top states for deer-vehicle collisions.

FAQ: Can I bundle my coastal home and auto policies?

Many national carriers won't write coastal home policies, which makes bundling tricky. Local independent agents can often find regional carriers that still offer bundle discounts. This is one area where working with an agency that represents multiple companies, rather than a single-carrier agent, pays off.

FAQ: What is Uninsured Motorist coverage and is it required?

SC law requires uninsured motorist (UM) coverage equal to your liability limits. You can formally reject it in writing, but given the state's high rate of uninsured drivers, keeping UM coverage is one of the smartest moves you can make. It protects you if you're hit by someone with no insurance or insufficient coverage.

Specialty Lines: Flood, Earthquake, and Valuable Items

Flood insurance is a separate policy, typically written through FEMA's National Flood Insurance Program or a private carrier. If your home sits in a designated flood zone anywhere along the SC coast or near inland rivers, your mortgage lender will require it. But even homes outside mapped flood zones can flood: roughly 25% of flood claims come from properties in low-to-moderate risk areas.


Earthquake coverage is less common in South Carolina, but the state sits near the Charleston fault zone, which produced a magnitude 7.3 quake in 1886. A rider or standalone earthquake policy is worth considering if you're in the Lowcountry.


Scheduled personal property endorsements cover high-value items like jewelry, art, firearms, or musical instruments that exceed standard policy sub-limits. Most homeowners policies cap jewelry coverage at $1,500-$2,500 per item. If your engagement ring is worth $8,000, you need a scheduled endorsement or inland marine floater to cover the difference.

Making the Right Choice for Your Family

Getting insurance right in South Carolina requires more than picking the cheapest quote. Between coastal wind exclusions, percentage-based hurricane deductibles, mandatory UM coverage, and the ever-present flood risk, the personal lines market here demands careful attention to policy details that vary dramatically from one part of the state to another.


The families who end up best protected are the ones who work with someone who understands these local nuances and can build a coverage strategy across multiple carriers. That's the advantage of an independent agency: you get options instead of a one-size-fits-all policy.


If you're unsure whether your current coverage has gaps or you're paying more than you should, it's worth getting a second opinion. You can request a quote from CSP Insurance Services for a no-pressure review of your home, auto, and umbrella policies. With over 80 years of experience serving South Carolina families, they'll help you figure out exactly what you need and what you can skip.

About the author

Lawson Walker, CIC

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


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


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

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

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80+ years local experience

1939

Serving SC

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.

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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