Workers' comp rates in South Carolina depend on your industry and team size. Find answers to common coverage questions below.
Best Workers' Comp Insurance in South Carolina
With rates starting at $6 monthly, ERGO NEXT, The Hartford and Simply Business offer the cheapest and best workers' comp insurance in South Carolina.
Get matched to top South Carolina workers’ comp insurance providers and find your ideal coverage.
Select your industry
Select state
Updated: January 23, 2026
Advertising & Editorial Disclosure
Best South Carolina Workers' Comp Insurance: Fast Answers
What are the best and cheapest workers' comp insurance providers in South Carolina?
ERGO NEXT offers the top cheap workers' compensation insurance in South Carolina. The following are the state's cheapest and best workers' comp insurance providers and their average monthly rates:
- ERGO NEXT: $71
- The Hartford: $71
- Simply Business: $73
- Progressive: $73
- Coverdash: $75
Is workers' comp insurance required in South Carolina?
South Carolina mandates workers' comp insurance for businesses with four or more employees, whether full-time or part-time. Sole proprietors, partners and companies with fewer than four workers are exempt. Non-compliant employers face penalties including fines up to $1,000 plus $100 daily until coverage begins, and potential criminal misdemeanor charges.
How much does workers' comp insurance cost in South Carolina?
Workers' compensation insurance costs in South Carolina run $38 monthly per employee for small businesses. Costs differ based on your industry and payroll size. Low-risk businesses like ad agencies pay around $8 per employee monthly, while high-risk industries such as window cleaning can cost $108 per employee each month.
How do you get workers' comp insurance in South Carolina?
You can get workers' comp coverage in South Carolina by:
- Purchasing coverage from private insurance companies licensed in the state
- Buying through the South Carolina State Accident Fund for competitive rates
- Qualifying for self-insurance if your business meets strict financial requirements
Many business owners compare quotes online or through brokers to get the best rate and compliance support.
What does South Carolina workers' comp insurance cover?
Workers' compensation in South Carolina covers:
- Medical expenses for work-related injuries and occupational illnesses
- Wage replacement benefits during recovery periods
- Permanent disability compensation for lasting impairments
- Death benefits for families of workers killed on the job
Best Workers' Comp Insurance Companies in South Carolina
ERGO NEXT tops our rankings for workers' comp insurance in South Carolina, delivering outstanding customer support and comprehensive coverage options that protect businesses thoroughly. The Hartford and Simply Business round out the top three, both providing excellent alternatives for South Carolina small business owners seeking reliable protection.
| ERGO NEXT | 4.61 | $71 | 1 | 2 |
| The Hartford | 4.55 | $71 | 2 | 3 |
| Simply Business | 4.53 | $73 | 5 | 1 |
| Coverdash | 4.46 | $75 | 6 | 2 |
| biBERK | 4.44 | $77 | 2 | 5 |
| Nationwide | 4.43 | $84 | 2 | 4 |
| Progressive Commercial | 4.40 | $73 | 7 | 5 |
| Hiscox | 4.38 | $74 | 4 | 6 |
| Thimble | 4.35 | $73 | 8 | 5 |
| Chubb | 4.28 | $87 | 3 | 4 |
How Did We Determine These Rates and Rankings?
These rates are estimates based on 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 Top Workers' Comp Insurers in South Carolina
Select your industry and state to get a customized South Carolina workers' comp quote from your top provider match.
Industry
State
LEARN MORE ABOUT THE BEST BUSINESS INSURANCE IN SOUTH CAROLINA
Explore the best business insurance providers in South Carolina through our guides:
Best South Carolina Workers’ Comp Insurance Company Reviews
Review our top picks for workers' comp insurance in South Carolina:
ERGO NEXT
Best Workers' Comp Insurance in South Carolina
MoneyGeek Rating
4.6/ 5
4.4/5Affordability
4.7/5Customer Experience
4.8/5Coverage Points
Average Monthly Workers' Comp Premium
$71Based on average costs across South Carolina businessesWorkers' Comp Digital Experience Score
4.8/5 (1st)Rating based on MoneyGeek's customer satisfaction surveyWorkers' Comp Customer Likelihood to Be Recommended to Others Score
4.8/5 (1st)Percentage of customers who would recommend ERGO NEXT
The Hartford
Best South Carolina Workers' Comp Insurance: Runner-Up
MoneyGeek Rating
4.5/ 5
4.4/5Affordability
4.6/5Customer Experience
4.7/5Coverage Points
Average Monthly Workers' Comp Premium
$71Based on average costs across business types and coverage levelsWorkers' Comp Claims Process Score
4.5/5 (1st)Rating from MoneyGeek's customer satisfaction surveyWorkers' Comp Customer Likelihood to Be Recommended to Others Score
4.5/5 (2nd)Percentage of customers who would recommend The Hartford
Cheapest Workers' Comp Insurance Companies in South Carolina
ERGO NEXT offers the most affordable workers' compensation insurance in South Carolina, available for just $71 per month or $849 per year. This saves business owners $5 each month compared to the state's average rate, putting 7% more money back in your budget.
The Hartford comes in as a close second at $71 monthly, while Simply Business rounds out the top three most affordable options at $73 per month. The table below shows costs from all companies we analyzed.
| ERGO NEXT | $71 | $849 |
| The Hartford | $71 | $851 |
| Simply Business | $73 | $872 |
| Thimble | $73 | $875 |
| Progressive Commercial | $73 | $880 |
| Hiscox | $74 | $888 |
| Coverdash | $75 | $899 |
| biBERK | $77 | $924 |
| Nationwide | $84 | $1,004 |
| Chubb | $87 | $1,047 |
How Did We Determine These Rates?
These rates represent small businesses with two employees across 79 major industries and focus solely on workers' comp policies. Your actual premium depends on your business location, industry, employee count, claims history, coverage limits and other factors insurers consider.
Cheapest Workers' Comp in South Carolina by Industry
The Hartford offers the cheapest workers' comp rates for dental practices at $11 monthly or $129 annually. The Hartford dominates pricing in 27 industries, excelling in ad agency, automotive and veterinary sectors. As the most affordable provider overall, The Hartford delivers competitive rates across advertising, car-related businesses and animal care industries.
| Accountants | Thimble | $20 | $236 |
| Ad Agency | The Hartford | $15 | $179 |
| Automotive | The Hartford | $112 | $1,344 |
| Auto Repair | ERGO NEXT | $143 | $1,717 |
| Bakery | ERGO NEXT | $51 | $607 |
| Barber | The Hartford | $13 | $155 |
| Beauty Salon | ERGO NEXT | $14 | $166 |
| Bounce House | The Hartford | $38 | $453 |
| Candle | The Hartford | $37 | $447 |
| Cannabis | Hiscox | $85 | $1,022 |
| Catering | Nationwide | $84 | $1,004 |
| Cleaning | The Hartford | $46 | $555 |
| Coffee Shop | Thimble | $45 | $536 |
| Computer Programming | Thimble | $27 | $320 |
| Computer Repair | Thimble | $23 | $273 |
| Construction | ERGO NEXT | $171 | $2,047 |
| Consulting | ERGO NEXT | $29 | $342 |
| Contractor | Simply Business | $158 | $1,891 |
| Courier | The Hartford | $212 | $2,539 |
| Daycare | ERGO NEXT | $13 | $154 |
| Dental | The Hartford | $11 | $129 |
| Dental | ERGO NEXT | $11 | $129 |
| DJ | ERGO NEXT | $13 | $157 |
| Dog Grooming | Simply Business | $61 | $735 |
| Drone | ERGO NEXT | $26 | $309 |
| Ecommerce | The Hartford | $21 | $250 |
| Electrical | Progressive Commercial | $54 | $649 |
| Engineering | The Hartford | $36 | $436 |
| Excavation | Simply Business | $103 | $1,231 |
| Florist | The Hartford | $59 | $707 |
| Food | Thimble | $40 | $477 |
| Food Truck | Simply Business | $44 | $527 |
| Funeral Home | The Hartford | $26 | $310 |
| Gardening | ERGO NEXT | $44 | $523 |
| Handyman | ERGO NEXT | $88 | $1,061 |
| Home-based | The Hartford | $10 | $116 |
| Hospitality | Thimble | $68 | $813 |
| HVAC | ERGO NEXT | $60 | $717 |
| Janitorial | The Hartford | $46 | $550 |
| Jewelry | The Hartford | $28 | $339 |
| Junk Removal | ERGO NEXT | $133 | $1,595 |
| Lawn/Landscaping | The Hartford | $36 | $437 |
| Lawyers | ERGO NEXT | $51 | $608 |
| Manufacturing | ERGO NEXT | $58 | $691 |
| Marine | ERGO NEXT | $141 | $1,687 |
| Massage | The Hartford | $14 | $168 |
| Mortgage Broker | The Hartford | $13 | $160 |
| Moving | ERGO NEXT | $249 | $2,994 |
| Nonprofit | The Hartford | $30 | $365 |
| Painting | Simply Business | $135 | $1,615 |
| Party Rental | Simply Business | $35 | $417 |
| Personal Training | Progressive Commercial | $24 | $286 |
| Pest Control | Chubb | $83 | $1,000 |
| Pet | ERGO NEXT | $29 | $352 |
| Pharmacy | ERGO NEXT | $6 | $72 |
| Photography | ERGO NEXT | $16 | $192 |
| Physical Therapy | The Hartford | $6 | $77 |
| Physical Therapy | ERGO NEXT | $6 | $77 |
| Plumbing | The Hartford | $61 | $736 |
| Pressure Washing | Coverdash | $84 | $1,012 |
| Real Estate | The Hartford | $29 | $343 |
| Restaurant | Thimble | $61 | $729 |
| Retail | ERGO NEXT | $33 | $400 |
| Roofing | Thimble | $838 | $10,060 |
| Security | Progressive Commercial | $49 | $591 |
| Snack Bars | Simply Business | $42 | $503 |
| Software | Progressive Commercial | $26 | $308 |
| Spa/Wellness | ERGO NEXT | $17 | $203 |
| Speech Therapist | The Hartford | $6 | $68 |
| Startup | The Hartford | $13 | $151 |
| Tech/IT | The Hartford | $25 | $305 |
| Transportation | The Hartford | $214 | $2,565 |
| Travel | Chubb | $8 | $100 |
| Tree Service | ERGO NEXT | $209 | $2,513 |
| Trucking | ERGO NEXT | $250 | $2,997 |
| Tutoring | Simply Business | $9 | $113 |
| Veterinary | The Hartford | $19 | $222 |
| Wedding Planning | ERGO NEXT | $27 | $321 |
| Welding | ERGO NEXT | $111 | $1,328 |
| Wholesale | Thimble | $38 | $460 |
| Window Cleaning | ERGO NEXT | $199 | $2,384 |
How Much Is Workers' Comp Insurance in South Carolina?
South Carolina workers' comp insurance cost averages $76 monthly ($909 annually), slightly above the national average of $74. Industry rates vary from $6 monthly ($3 per employee) for speech therapists to $871 monthly ($436 per employee) for roofers.
| Accountants | $21 | $253 |
| Ad Agency | $16 | $195 |
| Auto Repair | $156 | $1,874 |
| Automotive | $121 | $1,449 |
| Bakery | $55 | $657 |
| Barber | $14 | $173 |
| Beauty Salon | $15 | $180 |
| Bounce House | $41 | $496 |
| Candle | $41 | $496 |
| Cannabis | $86 | $1,030 |
| Catering | $77 | $923 |
| Cleaning | $50 | $597 |
| Coffee Shop | $48 | $576 |
| Computer Programming | $29 | $348 |
| Computer Repair | $25 | $296 |
| Construction | $187 | $2,243 |
| Consulting | $31 | $372 |
| Contractor | $170 | $2,040 |
| Courier | $231 | $2,769 |
| DJ | $14 | $173 |
| Daycare | $14 | $165 |
| Dental | $11 | $137 |
| Dog Grooming | $66 | $795 |
| Drone | $28 | $333 |
| Ecommerce | $22 | $267 |
| Electrical | $59 | $705 |
| Engineering | $39 | $467 |
| Excavation | $111 | $1,328 |
| Florist | $63 | $757 |
| Food | $43 | $516 |
| Food Truck | $47 | $562 |
| Funeral Home | $28 | $333 |
| Gardening | $49 | $584 |
| HVAC | $65 | $777 |
| Handyman | $97 | $1,158 |
| Home-based | $10 | $124 |
| Hospitality | $72 | $866 |
| Janitorial | $50 | $600 |
| Jewelry | $31 | $372 |
| Junk Removal | $143 | $1,717 |
| Lawn/Landscaping | $39 | $465 |
| Lawyers | $54 | $649 |
| Manufacturing | $60 | $725 |
| Marine | $154 | $1,848 |
| Massage | $15 | $181 |
| Mortgage Broker | $14 | $171 |
| Moving | $269 | $3,230 |
| Nonprofit | $33 | $393 |
| Painting | $145 | $1,736 |
| Party Rental | $38 | $452 |
| Personal Training | $26 | $310 |
| Pest Control | $71 | $856 |
| Pet | $32 | $381 |
| Pharmacy | $7 | $79 |
| Photography | $18 | $210 |
| Physical Therapy | $7 | $84 |
| Plumbing | $66 | $795 |
| Pressure Washing | $86 | $1,027 |
| Real Estate | $31 | $369 |
| Restaurant | $65 | $782 |
| Retail | $36 | $428 |
| Roofing | $871 | $10,453 |
| Security | $53 | $639 |
| Snack Bars | $45 | $540 |
| Software | $27 | $326 |
| Spa/Wellness | $18 | $217 |
| Speech Therapist | $6 | $73 |
| Startup | $13 | $161 |
| Tech/IT | $28 | $336 |
| Transportation | $236 | $2,837 |
| Travel | $7 | $87 |
| Tree Service | $226 | $2,710 |
| Trucking | $275 | $3,299 |
| Tutoring | $10 | $122 |
| Veterinary | $20 | $241 |
| Wedding Planning | $29 | $353 |
| Welding | $121 | $1,450 |
| Wholesale | $41 | $495 |
| Window Cleaning | $215 | $2,586 |
South Carolina Workers' Comp Insurance Cost Factors
These cost factors affect workers' compensation insurance rates in South Carolina:
Second Injury Fund Closure
South Carolina closed its Second Injury Fund in 2013, ending the safety net that reimbursed employers when pre-existing conditions worsened workplace injuries. Your business now covers the full cost of claims involving workers with prior health issues or disabilities. This policy shift increased insurers' loss exposure and raised premiums, particularly for South Carolina small businesses hiring employees with previous medical conditions.
Commission-Controlled Fee Schedules
The South Carolina Workers' Compensation Commission sets medical reimbursement rates each year rather than letting providers charge market rates. The 2025 conversion factor of $52.00 for professional services caps what doctors can bill for treating injured workers. These commission-controlled fee schedules keep medical costs predictable, which helps your South Carolina business avoid the surprise premium increases common in states without fee schedule oversight.
Uninsured Employers Fund Lien Powers
South Carolina takes a tough stance on businesses operating without coverage. The state's Uninsured Employers Fund pays injured workers when their employers lack insurance, then places liens against business assets with the same priority as tax debts. These liens survive bankruptcy. Since 2008, the fund has paid tens of millions in claims, and aggressive enforcement keeps more South Carolina businesses compliant, strengthening the insurance market.
25% Schedule Rating Flexibility
South Carolina insurers can adjust your base premium by up to 25% based on your safety record, management practices, and workplace conditions. This schedule rating flexibility creates significant price differences between carriers for the same South Carolina business. Strong safety programs and good management can earn you substantial discounts, while poor practices increase costs. Shopping multiple insurers becomes essential because of this wide rating latitude.
Post-2010 Rate Stabilization
South Carolina workers' comp rates dropped 9.8% in 2010 and continued falling through 2014 as the state recovered from recession-era losses. Rates have since stabilized around 6% above the national average. Your South Carolina business benefits from this stability through predictable renewal costs, though premiums remain higher than neighboring states. Improved workplace safety and fewer claims helped create this more favorable rate environment.
Employer-Directed Medical Treatment
South Carolina law gives you and your insurer control over which doctors treat injured employees. This provider selection authority lets insurers build networks of medical professionals who understand workers' comp protocols and control costs effectively. Unlike states where injured workers choose their own doctors, South Carolina's employer-directed system reduces unnecessary treatments and medical expenses, helping moderate your premium increases over time.
Limited Mental Injury Coverage
South Carolina restricts coverage for stress-related injuries and mental health claims unless workers prove "extraordinary and unusual" employment conditions caused the harm. Claims for workplace stress from normal job duties like performance reviews or schedule changes don't qualify for benefits. This strict standard significantly reduces expensive psychiatric treatment claims and mental health litigation, keeping your South Carolina workers' comp costs lower than states with broader mental injury coverage.
How Much Workers' Comp Insurance Do I Need in South Carolina?
South Carolina law mandates workers' compensation insurance if you employ four or more people (including part-time workers and family members) and have at least $3,000 in annual payroll. Your required workers' compensation coverage has no dollar limits. Policies must cover full medical treatment, two-thirds of injured workers' wages up to $1,134.43 weekly, and permanent disability benefits ranging from weeks to lifetime depending on injury severity.
Coverage amounts scale with your payroll and industry risk. Insurers calculate premiums per $100 of payroll based on your classification code. Operating without coverage triggers the Uninsured Employers Fund, which places bankruptcy-proof liens against all business assets.
South Carolina Workers' Comp Insurance Exemptions
While you're required to have coverage in South Carolina, some business categories are exempt from workers' comp requirements:
- Small businesses with 3 or fewer employees: You don't need workers' comp coverage if your South Carolina business employs three people or fewer, whether they work part-time or full-time.
- Annual payroll below $3,000: Your business is exempt when total annual payroll stays under $3,000 during the previous calendar year, no matter how many employees you have.
- Agricultural operations: Farming businesses and their workers don't fall under South Carolina's workers' compensation requirements.
- State and county fair associations: These organizations operate without the requirement to carry workers' compensation coverage.
- Commission-based real estate and agricultural sales agents: Real estate agents and agricultural salespeople who work on commission and meet specific state thresholds are exempt from coverage requirements.
- Owner-operator motor carriers: If you own and operate your own trucking business as an independent contractor, you're not required to carry workers' compensation insurance.
- Business owners and partners: A sole proprietor, business partner or LLC member is automatically excluded from coverage but can choose to add yourself to your policy by contacting your insurer.
- Corporate officers: Corporate officers automatically receive coverage under your company's policy, though you can opt out by filing the Corporate Officer's Notice to Reject form with your insurer.
- Casual and irregular workers: Workers you hire sporadically for tasks outside your regular business operations don't require coverage.
- Self-employed business owners: When you run your business as a self-employed individual without employees, you're exempt from workers' compensation requirements but can purchase coverage for your own protection.
FEDERAL WORKERS' COMP PROGRAMS OVERRIDE STATE REQUIREMENTS
Federal employees working at South Carolina's military bases, postal facilities and government offices receive coverage through the Federal Employees' Compensation Act instead of state workers' comp. Charleston's port workers fall under the Longshore and Harbor Workers' Compensation Act, while railroad employees use the Federal Employers' Liability Act. Independent contractors don't qualify for workers' compensation coverage as they're not classified as employees. You don't need South Carolina workers' comp for federally covered positions, but other employees still require state coverage once you reach four workers.
How to Get the Best Workers' Comp Insurance in South Carolina
Here's how to get workers' comp insurance with the right provider at the best price.
- 1Determine if you need workers' comp coverage in South Carolina
Check whether exemptions apply to your business structure or employee types. A sole proprietor web designer operates without coverage, but adding one employee triggers the requirement. South Carolina counts part-time workers and family members toward your four-employee threshold, so your nephew working weekends counts. Misclassifying contractors as independent workers can leave you exposed when the state reviews your employee status.
- 2Gather your business information
You'll need accurate employee count, annual payroll and NCCI classification codes for quotes. South Carolina uses the NCCI system to assign risk levels across hundreds of industry classifications. Wrong payroll figures or classification codes lead to audit adjustments later or coverage gaps when you file claims. Construction businesses face close scrutiny since worker classifications significantly impact premiums.
- 3Request workers' comp quotes from multiple carriers
Compare at least three insurers to understand business insurance costs in South Carolina. Carriers can apply policy credits and debits up to 25% on base rates, creating substantial price differences for identical classification codes. South Carolina rates run about 6% above the national average, making comparison shopping critical for controlling the cost of your coverage.
- 4Research providers with industry experience
Focus on insurers who understand your specific business risks rather than just offering cheap business insurance rates. Construction companies benefit from carriers experienced with high-risk industries, while retail businesses can work with general commercial insurers. Ask about their familiarity with South Carolina's claims process and Workers' Compensation Commission procedures.
- 5Evaluate your top provider options
Research each insurer's performance record to find the best business insurance for your company:
- Review claim processing speed, customer service ratings and complaint records with the South Carolina Department of Insurance
- Confirm the carrier's financial strength and track record handling South Carolina claims
- Ask about return-to-work programs and safety consultation services they provide
- Compare how carriers manage disputes through the South Carolina Workers' Compensation Commission
- 6Review and purchase your workers' compensation policy
Read policy terms thoroughly, examining coverage limits, exclusions and renewal conditions. Select payment options matching your cash flow needs, like pay-as-you-go workers' comp for seasonal operations or businesses with variable payroll. Corporate officers can file rejection forms to exclude themselves from coverage, potentially reducing your premium.
- 7Reassess before annual renewal
Review your business changes before renewal time. Examine employee count shifts, analyze claims you filed and check your experience modification rate. South Carolina uses NCCI to calculate your EMR, which directly impacts premium costs. Adding employees or expanding into riskier services changes your coverage requirements and expenses.
Best South Carolina Workers' Compensation Insurance: Bottom Line
ERGO NEXT, The Hartford and Simply Business rank as South Carolina's top workers' comp insurers. Research each company's service quality, maximize discounts and select coverage that fits your budget.
About Mark Fitzpatrick
Mark Fitzpatrick, a Licensed Property and Casualty Insurance Producer, is MoneyGeek's resident Personal Finance Expert. He has analyzed the insurance market for over five years, conducting original research for insurance shoppers. His insights have been featured in 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.
sources
- National Council on Compensation Insurance. "Workers Compensation Class Codes." Accessed January 26, 2026.
- South Carolina Department of Insurance. "Workers' Compensation Insurance." Accessed January 26, 2026.
- South Carolina Legislature. "Code of Laws - Title 42 - Chapter 7 - Workers' Compensation." Accessed January 26, 2026.
- South Carolina Legislature. "Code of Laws - Title 42 - Chapter 9 - Workers' Compensation." Accessed January 26, 2026.
- South Carolina Workers' Compensation Commission. "Compensation Rates." Accessed January 26, 2026.
- South Carolina Workers' Compensation Commission. "Coverage and Compliance FAQs." Accessed January 26, 2026.
- South Carolina Workers' Compensation Commission. "Employer FAQ's." Accessed January 26, 2026.
- South Carolina Workers' Compensation Commission. "Medical Fee Schedules." Accessed January 26, 2026.
- State Accident Fund. "Uninsured Employers' Fund." Accessed January 26, 2026.