Need Business Owners Policy?

As a business owner in South Carolina, you have enough on your mind without having to worry about your insurance needs. A Business Owners Policy (BOP) gives you the confidence that your business is protected, combining two of the coverages you need most into one simplified, cost-effective policy.

What Does a Business Owners Policy Cover?

A BOP bundles general liability insurance and commercial property insurance into a single policy, and many BOPs can also include business interruption insurance to help replace lost income if a covered event forces you to temporarily close. Because these coverages are packaged together, a BOP typically costs less than buying each policy separately — South Carolina businesses typically pay around $684 per year, or roughly $57 a month, for $1 million in coverage.

General liability insurance protects your business if a customer, vendor, or other third party is injured, or their property is damaged, because of your business operations. Commercial property insurance covers your building, equipment, inventory, and other business property against risks like fire, theft, and storm damage — an especially important protection along the South Carolina coast. If your business has employees, South Carolina law also requires workers' compensation insurance, which is available as a separate policy alongside your BOP.

Who Qualifies for a BOP in South Carolina?

BOPs are generally designed for small to mid-sized businesses with moderate risk profiles — offices, retail shops, restaurants, salons, and small contractors are common fits. Eligibility typically depends on your industry, employee count, revenue, and the presence of higher-hazard operations; larger or higher-risk operations (heavy manufacturing, large habitational properties, businesses with significant product liability exposure) often need coverage built from separate general liability and property policies instead.

What a BOP Doesn't Cover

A BOP does not include commercial auto insurance for business vehicles, workers' compensation, or, in most cases, flood coverage — standard commercial property policies exclude flood, which matters given how much of the Charleston area sits in a FEMA-mapped flood zone. Businesses near the water or in flood-prone areas typically need a separate flood and hurricane insurance policy alongside their BOP. Professional errors, such as a mistake in advice or services rendered, also fall outside a BOP and require a separate professional liability (E&O) policy.

Landlords, lenders, and commercial leases in the Charleston area frequently require proof of both liability and property coverage before you can sign a lease or start a job — even though South Carolina doesn't mandate a BOP by law, having one in place is often a practical requirement to do business here.

Business Owners Policy FAQ

How much does a BOP cost in South Carolina?

Typical South Carolina businesses pay around $684 per year (about $57/month) for $1 million in coverage, though your actual cost depends on industry, location, revenue, and claims history.

Does a BOP cover flood damage?

No. Flood is excluded from standard commercial property coverage, including BOPs. Businesses in Charleston-area flood zones need a separate flood policy.

Do I still need workers' compensation if I have a BOP?

Yes. If you have employees, South Carolina law requires workers' compensation insurance as a separate policy — a BOP does not include it.

Can any business get a BOP?

No. BOPs are generally designed for small to mid-sized, lower-risk businesses. Larger operations or higher-hazard industries often need standalone general liability and property policies instead.

Not sure if a BOP is the right fit, or need to add liability, property, or flood coverage alongside it? Contact us today to start saving.