Commercial auto insurance in South Carolina

Do I need commercial auto insurance in South Carolina?

Yes, whether you have a business-use sedan or a fleet of vehicles, if you use a vehicle for work purposes, commercial auto insurance is required in South Carolina.

The type of vehicle and how you use your work vehicle will determine if you must carry higher liability limits.

If you’re driving a standard-size sedan, pickup or van for work, the mandated commercial auto insurance policy will be a lot like a personal auto policy. Your business-use vehicle brings different risks than your personal car, which is why a commercial policy is required.

Expert InsightDon’t make the mistake of assuming your personal auto policy will cover even occasional business use. This incorrect assumption could mean a financially devastating mistake. If the vehicle is used, even briefly, for business purposes, make sure you have commercial auto coverage.

Here are questions to review to help you decide if you need commercial auto insurance. You’ll usually need a South Carolina commercial or business policy if you answer yes to any of these items.

Is the vehicle owned, leased or registered in the company’s name?
Do I use my vehicle for deliveries, transporting goods or people?
Do I use my vehicle to visit clients?
Do my employees or I regularly use the vehicle for business purposes?
Do multiple drivers, such as employees or contractors, drive the vehicle?
Do I carry passengers in the vehicle for business reasons (employees, clients, or rideshare work)?
Do I already carry general liability, workers’ comp or other business insurance policies?
Does my work vehicle cross state lines? If so you must comply with Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) insurance regulations.

What are the minimum requirements for commercial auto insurance in South Carolina?

South Carolina mandates 25/50/25 liability insurance and uninsured motorist at the same level on most vehicles, but limits vary based on the vehicle type, usage and federal regulations.

A car, pickup truck or van requires lower limits than flatbed trucks, box trucks, tractor-trailers or heavy-duty construction vehicles. A vehicle’s gross vehicle weight rating (GVWR) usually helps determine the classification it falls into.

Also, if you cross state lines and operate in interstate commerce, or haul regulated materials, Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) financial responsibility rules and regulations are triggered. These insurance limits range from $300,000 to $5 million depending on your vehicle and cargo.

Type of vehicle	Minimum insurance requirements
Standard registered vehicles, such as: cars, pick up trucks and standard vans	Liability: 25/50/25, which stands for: $25,000 per person of bodily injury liability $50,000 per accident of bodily injury liability $25,000 per accident of property damage liability Uninsured motorist limits: 25/50/25
Household goods carriers less than 10,000 GVWR	Liability: a combined single limit of $500,000 for bodily injury and property damage per accident
Household goods carriers 10,000 GVWR or more	Liability: a combined single limit of $750,000 for bodily injury and property damage per accident
Charter bus (intrastate) for 16 or more passengers	Liability: 25/300/25
Taxi (intrastate only)	1 to 7 passengers: 25/50/25 8 to 15 passengeres: 25/100/25

What does commercial auto insurance in South Carolina cost?

The average cost of commercial auto insurance in South Carolina is $168, or $2,016 according to data from small business insurance agency Insureon.

What factors affect commercial auto insurance costs in South Carolina?

Commercial vehicle insurance costs vary based on risk factors, such as:

Vehicle type, value and use
Number of vehicles insured
Coverage types chosen
Selected policy limits and deductibles
Business’s claim history
Industry risks
Driving history of drivers
Location
Mileage (operating radius)

People ask

Does personal auto insurance cover a vehicle if I use it for work or deliveries in South Carolina?

No, a personal auto insurance policy won’t cover a vehicle you use for work or deliveries in South Carolina. You need a commercial auto insurance policy because a work vehicle has different risks than a personal vehicle.

Who are the top commercial auto insurers in South Carolina?

These commercial auto insurance companies offer availability in South Carolina, solid financial strength and policy options for a wide range of commercial vehicles.