NEXT leads the field for workers' comp insurance in South Carolina, standing out for exceptional customer service and comprehensive coverage options. The Hartford and Simply Business offer equally reliable alternatives for Palmetto State business owners, with all three providers delivering similarly strong performance.
Workers' Comp Insurance in South Carolina
NEXT tops our analysis as the best workers' comp insurance provider in South Carolina with a 4.61 out of 5 overall score.
Compare top South Carolina workers' comp insurance providers and find your ideal coverage.
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Updated: September 11, 2025
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Key Takeaways
NEXT, The Hartford and Simply Business lead South Carolina's workers' compensation insurance market based on overall performance scores.
Your business type, number of workers, prior claims and available funds determine which South Carolina workers' comp provider fits best.
South Carolina business owners should collect multiple quotes, verify provider experience and review coverage details before selecting workers' comp insurance.
Best Workers' Comp Insurance Companies in South Carolina
| NEXT | 4.61 | 1 |
| The Hartford | 4.55 | 2 |
| Simply Business | 4.53 | 3 |
| Coverdash | 4.46 | 4 |
| biBERK | 4.44 | 5 |
| Nationwide | 4.43 | 6 |
| Progressive Commercial | 4.40 | 7 |
| Hiscox | 4.38 | 8 |
| Thimble | 4.35 | 9 |
| Chubb | 4.28 | 10 |
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.
LEARN MORE ABOUT BUSINESS INSURANCE IN SOUTH CAROLINA
While workers' compensation is essential for South Carolina businesses, you may need additional insurance. Here are helpful resources to learn more about other types of coverage:
Best South Carolina Workers’ Comp Insurance Reviews
NEXT and The Hartford emerge as South Carolina's premier workers' compensation insurance providers, offering businesses superior coverage options.
NEXT
Best Overall Provider
MoneyGeek Rating
4.6/ 5
4.4/5Affordability
4.7/5Customer Experience
4.8/5Coverage Options
Average monthly premium
$71Based on average costs across South Carolina businessesOur survey: Claims process
3.9/5Rating based on customer satisfaction with claims handlingOur survey: Recommend to others
4.8/5Percentage of customers who would recommend NEXT
The Hartford
Runner-Up Best Provider
MoneyGeek Rating
4.5/ 5
4.4/5Affordability
4.6/5Customer Experience
4.7/5Coverage Options
Average monthly premium
$71Based on average costs across business types and coverage levelsOur survey: Claims process
4.5/5Rating from MoneyGeek's customer satisfaction surveyOur survey: Recommend to others
4.5/5Percentage of customers who would recommend The Hartford
Cheapest Workers' Comp Insurance Companies in South Carolina
South Carolina businesses can get cheap workers' comp coverage from NEXT at $71 monthly ($849 annually). The Hartford and Simply Business offer competitive rates at $71 and $73 per month, respectively, with minimal price difference between providers. The table below shows costs from all companies we analyzed:
| 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 are for small businesses with two employees across 79 major industries or business types and focus solely on workers’ comp policies. Your actual premium depends on where your business is located, what industry you're in, how many employees you have, and other factors insurers consider.
Average Cost of Workers’ Comp Insurance in South Carolina
Workers' compensation insurance in South Carolina costs businesses an average of $76 per month ($909 annually). South Carolina's rates run just $2 above the national monthly average of $74. Your company's actual premium depends on your industry's risk level, number of employees, annual payroll and past claims experience.
Average Cost of Workers' Comp in South Carolina by Industry
In South Carolina, workers' compensation insurance costs vary by industry. Speech therapists pay the lowest premiums at $6 monthly, while roofing businesses face much higher rates at $871 monthly. This substantial difference reflects the varying workplace injury risks across different professions in South Carolina.
| 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 |
How Much Workers' Comp Insurance Do I Need in South Carolina?
In South Carolina, businesses with four or more employees must carry workers' compensation insurance. This coverage ensures employees receive medical care and wage replacement if they suffer work-related injuries or illnesses.
Businesses operating without required coverage face fines up to $1,000 per violation, plus $100 per day until compliance is achieved. The state may also pursue criminal charges.
Sole Proprietors
Business owners operating alone can typically opt out of coverage for themselves while still needing it for any employees. A formal election form must be filed with the state.
Corporate Officers
Executive officers owning at least 25% of company stock can exempt themselves by filing a written waiver. They must maintain separate health insurance coverage.
Independent Contractors
Workers who control their own work methods and maintain separate business operations can qualify as independent contractors exempt from coverage requirements.
Real Estate Agents
Licensed real estate agents working on commission are generally considered independent contractors and exempt from mandatory coverage.
Domestic Workers
Household employees working fewer than 40 hours per week or earning under $750 per quarter are typically exempt from coverage requirements.
Agricultural Workers
Small farms with fewer than five regular employees or annual payroll under $20,000 may be exempt from providing workers compensation coverage.
Religious Organizations
Members of religious organizations who have taken vows of poverty while working for the organization are usually exempt from coverage.
Professional Athletes
Athletes in certain professional sports may be covered under separate injury protection agreements rather than standard workers compensation.
How to Get the Best Workers' Comp Insurance in South Carolina
Getting workers' comp coverage in South Carolina doesn't have to be overwhelming, and you can find protection that keeps business insurance costs manageable. Start by comparing rates from different providers and evaluating their coverage options and claims handling processes to find the right fit for your company.
- 1
Check coverage requirements
South Carolina mandates workers' comp insurance for most businesses with four or more employees.
- 2
Collect business details
Prepare accurate payroll records and employee job classifications before requesting quotes.
- 3
Get multiple insurance quotes
Contact at least three insurance carriers for quotes. Rates in South Carolina can vary between providers for the same coverage level.
- 4
Find industry-specific experience
Select insurers who understand your business sector's unique risks. This is particularly important for construction companies and other high-risk industries that face strict state safety regulations.
- 5
Review provider performance
Investigate each carrier's claim processing speed and complaint history. Look for additional benefits like workplace safety training.
- 6
Examine policy details
Review coverage limits and exclusions thoroughly. Consider payment flexibility options, including pay-as-you-go.
- 7
Schedule annual reviews
Changes in employee count, payroll or business operations can affect your premium and coverage needs.
South Carolina Workers’ Comp: Bottom Line
South Carolina businesses have access to several strong workers' compensation insurance providers. Our analysis shows NEXT, The Hartford and Simply Business as the leading carriers in South Carolina. Consider getting quotes from multiple providers to find the best match for your industry type, company size and financial requirements.
South Carolina Workers' Comp Insurance: FAQ
Understanding workers' comp insurance requirements and costs in South Carolina often presents challenges for business owners. Find clear answers to your most common questions in our comprehensive FAQ guide below.
Is workers' comp insurance required for all South Carolina businesses?
South Carolina requires workers' compensation insurance for businesses with four or more employees. Notable exemptions include independent contractors, agricultural workers, and corporate officers.
How much does workers' comp insurance cost in South Carolina?
NEXT offers the lowest-priced workers' comp insurance in South Carolina at $71 per month ($849 annually). Your actual premium will depend on your industry risk level, number of employees, payroll size and claims history.
What does workers' comp insurance cover in South Carolina?
South Carolina workers' compensation insurance covers medical expenses, rehabilitation costs and partial wage replacement for work-related injuries or illnesses. Benefits include disability payments and death benefits for surviving dependents. The insurance protects employers from lawsuits while providing coverage for regular employees, not independent contractors.
Which workers' comp insurance company is best in South Carolina?
NEXT leads South Carolina workers' compensation insurance with a 4.61 overall score, excelling in customer service (4.70) and coverage options (4.80). The Hartford follows at 4.55, known for consistent service, while Simply Business scores 4.53 and offers the most comprehensive coverage options (4.90). Choose based on your priority: service quality, reliability or coverage breadth.
What happens if I don't have workers' comp insurance in South Carolina?
Operating without workers' compensation insurance in South Carolina is illegal for businesses with four or more employees. Violations can result in fines, potential criminal charges and business closure.
Do sole proprietors need workers' comp insurance in South Carolina?
Sole proprietors in South Carolina aren't required to carry workers' compensation insurance unless they work in specific high-risk industries like construction or roofing.
How do I choose the right workers' comp insurance company in South Carolina?
Start by getting quotes from at least three workers' compensation insurance providers in South Carolina. Look for carriers with expertise in your specific industry and compare their claims processes. Check their financial strength ratings and complaint records with the South Carolina Department of Insurance before making your final decision.
How We Scored the Best Workers' Comp Insurance Companies in South Carolina
- Affordability (50%): Cost drives every small business insurance decision in South Carolina's expensive market. We compared monthly premiums across all companies, since even comprehensive policies won't help if you can't afford them.
- Customer experience (30%): When your employee gets hurt, you'll need an insurer that handles claims quickly and treats injured workers fairly. We used J.D. Power ratings, South Carolina Department of Insurance complaint data and independent reviews.
- Coverage options (15%): We evaluated each company's policy flexibility, add-on options and coverage limitations for specific South Carolina industries and regulatory requirements.
- Financial strength (5%): Premium savings don't matter if your insurer struggles financially. We checked AM Best ratings to ensure recommended carriers can deliver on their promises.
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!
Passionate about economics and insurance, he aims to promote transparency in financial topics and empower others to make confident money decisions.