Restaurant Insurance in South Carolina: 2026 Cost Guide

How Much Does Restaurant Insurance Cost in South Carolina?

Restaurant insurance in South Carolina averages $150 per month for general liability coverage alone. A comprehensive insurance package — including general liability, commercial property, and workers' compensation — typically runs between $2,076–$3,558 per year for a typical full-service restaurant.

Here's what you can expect to pay for individual coverage types in South Carolina:

These figures are based on a typical full-service restaurant with 10-20 employees and $500,000–$1,500,000 in annual revenue. Your actual costs will depend on your specific location within South Carolina, claims history, employee count, and coverage limits.

South Carolina-Specific Insurance Requirements

South Carolina has the nation's highest mandatory liquor liability insurance requirement—$1,000,000 for on-premise alcohol consumption establishments. This significantly impacts restaurant insurance budgets. Charleston has become one of the country's premier food destinations, with correspondingly higher insurance costs. Coastal restaurants face hurricane and flood exposure that can make property insurance the largest insurance expense.

Required Coverages in South Carolina

• General Liability
• Workers' Compensation (4+ employees)
• Liquor Liability ($1M minimum for on-premise alcohol)

Recommended Additional Coverages

• Commercial Property
• Hurricane/Windstorm Coverage
• Flood Insurance
• Business Interruption
• Umbrella/Excess Liability

South Carolina Risk Factors That Affect Insurance Costs

South Carolina's coast (Charleston, Hilton Head, Myrtle Beach) faces significant hurricane and flooding risk, with Hurricane Hugo (1989) and Hurricane Matthew (2016) demonstrating devastating potential.

The state mandates $1,000,000 in liquor liability coverage for on-premise establishments—the highest state minimum in the nation.

Charleston's booming restaurant scene has driven up commercial property values and liability exposure in the Lowcountry.

Best Restaurant Insurance Companies in South Carolina

We've identified the top insurance providers serving South Carolina restaurants. CoverWallet is our top pick for most South Carolina restaurants based on coverage options, pricing, and customer satisfaction.

Workers' Compensation Rules in South Carolina

South Carolina requires workers' comp for employers with 4 or more employees. Coverage is available through private insurers.