Get answers to common questions about general liability insurance in South Carolina through our best business insurance research. MoneyGeek's analysis provides reliable insights to help South Carolina business owners make informed coverage decisions:
Best General Liability Insurance in South Carolina
The Hartford leads South Carolina as the top-rated and most affordable general liability insurer, with coverage starting at $84 per month.
Get matched to the best and cheapest general liability insurer for you below.
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Updated: November 27, 2025
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Commercial General Liability Insurance in South Carolina: Fast Answers
Which company offers the best general liability insurance in South Carolina?
The Hartford is the top general liability insurance company in South Carolina, earning a 4.59 out of 5 with competitive rates at $84 per month. It delivers strong claims handling and affordable coverage for local businesses. NEXT follows closely with a 4.56 score, offering reliable digital tools and solid customer support for $106 per month.
Who offers the cheapest general liability insurance in South Carolina?
The cheapest general liability insurance companies in South Carolina are:
- The Hartford: $84 per month
- Simply Business: $99 per month
- Nationwide: $100 per month
- Progressive: $103 per month
- NEXT: $106 per month
Do South Carolina businesses legally need general liability insurance?
South Carolina doesn't legally require most businesses to carry general liability insurance. However, certain licensed professionals like contractors and electricians may need specific coverage amounts. Local municipalities can impose their own requirements, and most landlords and clients demand proof of insurance before signing contracts.
How much does general liability insurance cost in South Carolina?
General liability insurance costs between $17 and $947 per month for small South Carolina businesses with two employees. Drone companies pay the lowest rates, while pressure washing businesses see the highest premiums. Your actual cost depends on your industry risk level, business location, coverage limits and employee count.
Best General Liability Insurance Companies in South Carolina
The Hartford is our top choice for general liability insurance in South Carolina, offering an excellent balance of affordable rates and quality customer service. NEXT also performs well, with strong customer service for small business owners. Nationwide rounds out the leading options with reliable stability and solid coverage choices.
| The Hartford | 4.59 | $84 |
| NEXT Insurance | 4.56 | $106 |
| Nationwide | 4.53 | $100 |
| Simply Business | 4.48 | $99 |
| Coverdash | 4.38 | $106 |
| Thimble | 4.35 | $110 |
| biBERK | 4.31 | $117 |
| Chubb | 4.28 | $122 |
| Progressive Commercial | 4.28 | $103 |
| Hiscox | 4.20 | $117 |
How Did We Determine These Rates?
These rates reflect MoneyGeek's analysis of small businesses with two employees across 79 major industries. Actual rates vary based on your business location, industry risk factors, claims history, coverage limits and individual insurer underwriting criteria. Contact insurers directly for personalized quotes.
Get Matched to the Best Cheap South Carolina General Liability Insurer
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LEARN MORE ABOUT THE BEST BUSINESS INSURANCE IN SOUTH CAROLINA
General liability insurance covers your South Carolina business against customer injuries and property damage, but it won't protect you from every risk. Complete your business insurance strategy with these additional guides:
Best South Carolina General Liability Insurance Reviews
Finding the best general liability insurance provider in South Carolina requires looking beyond affordable rates to consider coverage quality and customer service. Our research analyzed top business insurers to help you make the right choice.
The Hartford
Best South Carolina General Liability Insurer
MoneyGeek Rating
4.6/ 5
4.5/5Affordability
4.6/5Customer Experience
4.7/5Coverage Points
Average Monthly General Liability Premium
$84These rates are for small businesses with two employees across 79 major industries or business types and focus solely on general liability policies.Our Survey: Claims Process
4.5/5Our Survey: Likely to Be Recommended to Others
4.5/5
NEXT
Best South Carolina Commercial General Liability Customer Experience
MoneyGeek Rating
4.6/ 5
4.3/5Affordability
4.7/5Customer Experience
4.8/5Coverage Points
Average Monthly General Liability Premium
$106These rates are for small businesses with two employees across 79 major industries or business types and focus solely on general liability policies.Our Survey: Claims Process
3.9/5Our Survey: Likely to Be Recommended to Others
4.8/5
Cheapest General Liability Insurance Companies in South Carolina
The Hartford offers the cheapest general liability insurance in South Carolina at $84 per month, saving businesses $22 or 20.5% compared to the state average. Simply Business and Nationwide also provide affordable coverage options.
| The Hartford | $84 | $1,011 |
| Simply Business | $99 | $1,183 |
| Nationwide | $100 | $1,200 |
| Progressive Commercial | $103 | $1,238 |
| NEXT Insurance | $106 | $1,274 |
| Coverdash | $107 | $1,278 |
| Thimble | $110 | $1,324 |
| Hiscox | $117 | $1,409 |
| biBERK | $117 | $1,410 |
| Chubb | $122 | $1,469 |
How Did We Determine These Rates?
These rates reflect small businesses with two employees across 79 major industries and focus solely on general liability policies. Your premium depends on where your business is located, what industry you're in, how much coverage you choose and other factors insurers consider. Available options differ by state.
Cheapest General Liability Insurance in South Carolina by Industry
MoneyGeek's research identifies the most affordable general liability insurance providers by industry across South Carolina.
- The Hartford offers the cheapest coverage in 23 industries statewide. The company excels in construction, electrical work, pest control, and transportation sectors.
- Thimble ranks as the most affordable option in 14 industries. This provider performs particularly well for service businesses like cleaning companies, HVAC contractors, and software developers.
- biBerk leads affordability in 12 industries throughout South Carolina. The insurer shows strong results for personal service businesses including barber shops, beauty salons, and veterinary practices.
- Simply Business offers the cheapest rates in 11 industries. This provider dominates professional service sectors like accounting firms, consulting businesses, and law practices.
- NEXT and Nationwide each win affordability in seven industries. NEXT performs best for tech companies and photographers, while Nationwide leads in manufacturing and real estate sectors.
Data filtered by:
Select
| Automotive | Coverdash | $114 | $1,365 |
| Accountants | Simply Business | $15 | $178 |
| Ad Agency | Thimble | $103 | $1,230 |
| Auto Repair | Coverdash | $119 | $1,427 |
| Bakery | Coverdash | $84 | $1,003 |
| Bounce House | The Hartford | $57 | $682 |
| Barber | biBERK | $84 | $1,006 |
| Beauty Salon | biBERK | $84 | $1,006 |
| Catering | biBERK | $175 | $2,105 |
| Candle | Simply Business | $99 | $1,190 |
| Cannabis | The Hartford | $54 | $652 |
| Cleaning | Thimble | $86 | $1,036 |
| Coffee Shop | Simply Business | $87 | $1,042 |
| Computer Programming | Thimble | $101 | $1,216 |
| Contractor | biBERK | $210 | $2,523 |
| Computer Repair | The Hartford | $38 | $460 |
| Construction | The Hartford | $134 | $1,604 |
| Consulting | Simply Business | $15 | $178 |
| Daycare | The Hartford | $26 | $317 |
| Courier | The Hartford | $172 | $2,059 |
| DJ | Thimble | $86 | $1,036 |
| Dental | NEXT Insurance | $13 | $155 |
| Drone | The Hartford | $13 | $158 |
| Dog Grooming | biBERK | $84 | $1,003 |
| Electrical | The Hartford | $87 | $1,047 |
| Ecommerce | biBERK | $87 | $1,038 |
| Engineering | biBERK | $17 | $207 |
| Excavation | biBERK | $382 | $4,585 |
| Florist | Simply Business | $32 | $380 |
| Food Truck | Thimble | $84 | $1,013 |
| Food | The Hartford | $84 | $1,008 |
| Gardening | Simply Business | $84 | $1,010 |
| Funeral Home | NEXT Insurance | $46 | $547 |
| Handyman | biBERK | $180 | $2,159 |
| Home-based | NEXT Insurance | $47 | $568 |
| Home-based | The Hartford | $18 | $216 |
| Janitorial | Nationwide | $101 | $1,208 |
| Hospitality | Chubb | $84 | $1,005 |
| HVAC | Thimble | $111 | $1,331 |
| Lawyers | Simply Business | $15 | $178 |
| Jewelry | Thimble | $169 | $2,026 |
| Junk Removal | The Hartford | $130 | $1,565 |
| Lawn/Landscaping | Simply Business | $84 | $1,010 |
| Marine | The Hartford | $24 | $289 |
| Manufacturing | Nationwide | $21 | $248 |
| Moving | Nationwide | $89 | $1,064 |
| Massage | Hiscox | $95 | $1,138 |
| Mortgage Broker | NEXT Insurance | $16 | $196 |
| Nonprofit | biBERK | $27 | $325 |
| Personal Training | The Hartford | $19 | $230 |
| Painting | The Hartford | $114 | $1,366 |
| Party Rental | Thimble | $85 | $1,020 |
| Pet | Thimble | $37 | $444 |
| Pest Control | The Hartford | $26 | $311 |
| Physical Therapy | Thimble | $883 | $10,590 |
| Pharmacy | biBERK | $104 | $1,247 |
| Photography | NEXT Insurance | $14 | $165 |
| Real Estate | Nationwide | $124 | $1,487 |
| Plumbing | Simply Business | $279 | $3,351 |
| Pressure Washing | The Hartford | $880 | $10,561 |
| Security | The Hartford | $113 | $1,361 |
| Restaurant | Nationwide | $85 | $1,024 |
| Retail | Progressive Commercial | $95 | $1,135 |
| Roofing | Thimble | $213 | $2,560 |
| Snack Bars | The Hartford | $92 | $1,107 |
| Software | Thimble | $86 | $1,036 |
| Speech Therapist | Simply Business | $21 | $247 |
| Spa/Wellness | The Hartford | $85 | $1,014 |
| Speech Therapist | Nationwide | $21 | $247 |
| Tech/IT | NEXT Insurance | $16 | $196 |
| Startup | Simply Business | $15 | $178 |
| Transportation | The Hartford | $32 | $387 |
| Travel | The Hartford | $16 | $195 |
| Tree Service | Nationwide | $89 | $1,064 |
| Trucking | NEXT Insurance | $86 | $1,032 |
| Veterinary | biBERK | $26 | $307 |
| Tutoring | Thimble | $101 | $1,216 |
| Wedding Planning | Thimble | $89 | $1,068 |
| Welding | The Hartford | $138 | $1,658 |
| Wholesale | Coverdash | $35 | $418 |
| Window Cleaning | The Hartford | $132 | $1,586 |
Average Cost of General Liability Insurance in South Carolina
General liability insurance costs South Carolina small businesses an average of $106 per month. The average cost of general liability coverage depends on your industry, business size, location and coverage limits.
Manufacturing companies often pay higher premiums due to increased risk exposure, while accounting firms tend to pay less because of lower liability concerns. Sole proprietors generally pay less than businesses with employees since they have fewer liability risks.
Average Cost of General Liability Insurance in South Carolina by Industry
General liability insurance costs in South Carolina vary widely by industry, ranging from $17 monthly for drone businesses to $947 for pressure washing companies. This difference shows how your business type directly impacts your general liability coverage rates. Review this table to find typical costs for your specific industry.
Data filtered by:
Select
| Accountants | $23 | $274 |
| Ad Agency | $37 | $439 |
| Automotive | $55 | $662 |
| Auto Repair | $157 | $1,887 |
| Bakery | $93 | $1,122 |
| Barber | $46 | $550 |
| Beauty Salon | $69 | $830 |
| Bounce House | $73 | $873 |
| Candle | $57 | $682 |
| Cannabis | $69 | $832 |
| Catering | $91 | $1,088 |
| Cleaning | $137 | $1,645 |
| Coffee Shop | $93 | $1,114 |
| Computer Programming | $30 | $361 |
| Computer Repair | $49 | $592 |
| Construction | $182 | $2,178 |
| Consulting | $23 | $273 |
| Contractor | $264 | $3,165 |
| Courier | $202 | $2,427 |
| Daycare | $34 | $408 |
| Dental | $22 | $267 |
| DJ | $26 | $314 |
| Dog Grooming | $66 | $788 |
| Drone | $17 | $207 |
| Ecommerce | $76 | $909 |
| Electrical | $116 | $1,396 |
| Engineering | $41 | $495 |
| Excavation | $482 | $5,783 |
| Florist | $44 | $532 |
| Food | $111 | $1,337 |
| Food Truck | $147 | $1,761 |
| Funeral Home | $62 | $750 |
| Gardening | $116 | $1,396 |
| Handyman | $253 | $3,032 |
| Home-based | $25 | $295 |
| Home-based | $47 | $568 |
| Hospitality | $67 | $809 |
| HVAC | $254 | $3,046 |
| Janitorial | $142 | $1,703 |
| Jewelry | $42 | $500 |
| Junk Removal | $168 | $2,018 |
| Lawn/Landscaping | $124 | $1,493 |
| Lawyers | $24 | $283 |
| Manufacturing | $66 | $794 |
| Marine | $29 | $348 |
| Massage | $99 | $1,190 |
| Mortgage Broker | $24 | $284 |
| Moving | $128 | $1,541 |
| Nonprofit | $37 | $446 |
| Painting | $149 | $1,786 |
| Party Rental | $82 | $987 |
| Personal Training | $25 | $296 |
| Pest Control | $33 | $401 |
| Pet | $58 | $696 |
| Pharmacy | $64 | $767 |
| Photography | $25 | $300 |
| Physical Therapy | $114 | $1,368 |
| Plumbing | $374 | $4,490 |
| Pressure Washing | $947 | $11,369 |
| Real Estate | $55 | $661 |
| Restaurant | $150 | $1,801 |
| Retail | $68 | $812 |
| Roofing | $402 | $4,819 |
| Security | $144 | $1,728 |
| Snack Bars | $122 | $1,458 |
| Software | $27 | $327 |
| Spa/Wellness | $110 | $1,325 |
| Speech Therapist | $32 | $388 |
| Startup | $30 | $355 |
| Tech/IT | $27 | $328 |
| Transportation | $39 | $467 |
| Travel | $22 | $259 |
| Tree Service | $134 | $1,612 |
| Trucking | $106 | $1,274 |
| Tutoring | $31 | $376 |
| Veterinary | $46 | $557 |
| Wedding Planning | $29 | $344 |
| Welding | $171 | $2,048 |
| Wholesale | $46 | $555 |
| Window Cleaning | $165 | $1,978 |
How Did We Determine These Rates?
These rates reflect small businesses with two employees across 79 major industries and focus solely on general liability policies. Your premium depends on where your business is located, what industry you're in, how much coverage you choose and other factors insurers consider. Available options differ by state.
What Factors Affect South Carolina General Liability Insurance Costs?
Many factors influence how much South Carolina businesses pay for general liability insurance coverage.
South Carolina Legal and Regulatory Environment
South Carolina's 2025 tort reform lowers general liability insurance costs by capping how much businesses pay when accidents occur. South Carolina’s “empty chair” defense lets juries assign blame to parties not included in the lawsuit. Joint liability rules also limit businesses to paying only their share of fault instead of covering the full damages, and bars now carry a maximum of 50% liability in DUI cases.
Insurers reduce premiums by 20% to 40% in response to these lower payout caps. Charleston, Columbia and Greenville businesses still pay 15% to 25% more than rural areas because juries in these cities award larger settlements.
South Carolina Geographic and Environmental Risks
Coastal businesses pay 25% to 40% higher general liability premiums because hurricanes and tourism increase injury claims. Insurers raise rates in hurricane-prone areas since storms create hazardous conditions, like wet floors, debris, and damaged walkways, that generate 3-4x more slip-and-fall claims.
Myrtle Beach, Charleston and Hilton Head see additional 20% to 35% rate increases due to tourist-related liability. Unfamiliar visitors slip, trip and fall more often than locals, file injury claims more readily, and sometimes sue in their home states where verdicts are unpredictable and potentially larger.
South Carolina Economic and Industry Landscape
South Carolina's manufacturing-heavy economy pushes general liability rates higher for all businesses. Insurers charge manufacturers 15% to 25% more because defective products, completed work failures, and supply chain issues create claims that last years after a sale.
The state's 6.9% GDP growth adds rate pressure as rapid expansion brings construction hazards near businesses, undertrained workers in tight labor markets, and higher wage-loss claims from injured parties earning more. Even service businesses pay 5% to 10% extra because insurers set statewide baseline rates reflecting the high-risk manufacturing sector.
South Carolina Healthcare and Medical Costs
Medical expenses drive 60% to 70% of general liability claim costs, so rising healthcare prices directly increase insurance premiums. South Carolina's projected 20% to 27% health insurance rate hikes for 2026 force GL insurers to raise premiums proportionally since every injured customer's emergency room visit, surgery and prescription costs more to cover.
The state's 37th-ranked healthcare system further inflates claim costs because uninsured injured parties skip initial treatment, develop complications requiring expensive emergency care, and use medical lien arrangements that charge 40-60% more than standard insured rates.
How Much General Liability Insurance Do I Need in South Carolina?
Your coverage needs depend on your industry and location in South Carolina. While South Carolina doesn't mandate general liability insurance for most businesses, specific licensed trades must meet minimum requirements for commercial general liability to maintain their professional credentials. Charleston and other municipalities add their own rules on top of state standards. These mandatory coverage levels apply to specific professions.
South Carolina public liability insurance requirements for licensed electricians
Electricians must carry $300,000 per occurrence and $600,000 annual aggregate coverage that includes completed operations protection. South Carolina ties this insurance requirement directly to maintaining an active electrical contractor license.
South Carolina public liability insurance requirements for electrical sign contractors
Coverage requirements mirror those for standard electricians at $300,000 per occurrence and $600,000 aggregate. Policies must include protection for work completed after leaving the job site.
South Carolina public liability insurance requirements for fire sprinkler contractors
The South Carolina Contractor's Licensing Board requires at least $100,000 in general liability coverage. This protects against third-party claims related to installation, testing and maintenance of fire suppression systems.
Public liability insurance requirements for general contractors in Charleston
Contractors working on City of Charleston projects must carry $1 million per occurrence and $2 million aggregate minimum coverage. Charleston also mandates professional liability insurance with matching limits and a $20,000 deductible.
Note: State insurance requirements can change frequently. Always verify current requirements with the South Carolina Department of Insurance or consult a licensed insurance agent.
How to Choose the Best General Liability Insurance in South Carolina
Balance coverage requirements with your budget when getting business insurance in South Carolina. General liability protects against customer accidents and property damage claims, but comprehensive protection requires evaluating multiple factors beyond basic coverage limits.
- 1Determine Coverage Needs
Licensed electricians in South Carolina must carry $300,000 per occurrence and $600,000 annual aggregate, while fire safety companies need $1 million per occurrence and $2 million aggregate.
Many commercial landlords and larger companies require $1 million in coverage even when state minimums are lower. Before comparing business insurance coverage, review your industry licensing rules and client contracts to identify the minimum limits your business needs.
- 2Prepare Business Information
Insurers calculate South Carolina premiums based on your annual revenue, employee count, business classification and physical location. Coastal locations see steeper rates due to hurricane risks, while construction businesses pay higher premiums than retail stores. Gather your EIN, business registration and tax permits before requesting quotes to streamline the application process and ensure accurate pricing.
- 3Compare Multiple Quotes
Request quotes from at least three different insurers since business insurance costs vary across carriers. Average general liability coverage in South Carolina costs $44 per month, but rates differ by hundreds of dollars annually depending on your industry and location. Compare deductibles, coverage limits and whether legal defense costs count toward or sit outside your policy limits.
- 4Look Beyond Price
Focus on exclusions and coverage limits rather than just comparing cheap business insurance rates. Read policy exclusions carefully to understand what's not covered, since professional errors, pollution and employee injuries require separate policies. Confirm whether your insurer pays legal defense costs in addition to your policy limits or subtracts them from your coverage amount.
- 5Verify Insurer Credentials
The South Carolina Department of Insurance's online database allows you to search for insurance companies and agents licensed to do business in South Carolina, including information on consumer complaints. Review AM Best financial ratings, which are recognized as the benchmark for assessing the financial strength of insurance companies. Strong financial backing ensures your insurer can pay large claims when needed.
- 6Ask About Discounts
Insurers offer savings opportunities like bundling multiple business insurance coverage types together, implementing workplace safety programs, or maintaining a clean claims history. Combining general liability with commercial auto or property insurance through a business owner's policy can lower costs by 10% to 25%. Professional certifications and employee safety training demonstrate lower risk and often qualify for additional premium reductions.
- 7Obtain Certificate Documentation
South Carolina clients, landlords and contractors require certificates of insurance before starting work or signing lease agreements. Request your certificate of insurance immediately after purchasing coverage since clients and landlords often require proof. Many insurers provide digital certificates instantly through online portals, while others may take up to 48 hours for processing.
- 8Review Coverage Annually
Reassess your limits yearly when your business adds employees, expands services or sees notable revenue growth. South Carolina's humid subtropical climate brings severe thunderstorms, flooding from heavy rains and hurricane threats along the coast, which may require adjusting coverage for weather-related risks.
Compare quotes 60 to 90 days before renewal to find better rates or modify limits appropriately for your current operations.
Top General Liability Insurance in South Carolina: Bottom Line
Finding the right general liability insurance in South Carolina starts with understanding your specific business needs and researching providers thoroughly. The Hartford, NEXT, and Nationwide emerge as leading options, but your best choice depends on your industry, company size, and budget. Compare quotes from multiple insurers and verify their credentials before making your final decision.
About Mark Fitzpatrick
Mark Fitzpatrick, a Licensed Property and Casualty Insurance Producer, is MoneyGeek's resident Personal Finance Expert. With over five years of experience analyzing the insurance market, he conducts original research and creates tailored content for all types of buyers. His insights have been featured in publications like CNBC, NBC News and Mashable.
Fitzpatrick holds a master’s degree in economics and international relations from Johns Hopkins University and a bachelor’s degree from Boston College. He's also a five-time Jeopardy champion!
He writes about economics and insurance, breaking down complex topics so people know what they're buying.
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