Commercial insurance options
Or, quote another product
South Carolina Workers' Compensation Insurance
Protect your business and employees with South Carolina workers' comp
Whether you run an engineering firm in Charleston or a restaurant in Greenville, having workers' compensation insurance in South Carolina is important. This coverage pays medical expenses and lost wages for people who get injured or sick because of their job. It also helps businesses support their employees and follow the law.
See how experts at Progressive Commercial can help keep your employees and business safe.
Who needs workers' compensation insurance in South Carolina?
The South Carolina Workers' Compensation Commission says that businesses with four or more regular employees need coverage. This number includes part-time staff and family members who work for you.
Explore South Carolina employer requirements for workers' compensation to see if you need insurance.
South Carolina workers' compensation insurance exemptions
Some South Carolina companies don't need workers' compensation insurance. For example, businesses with an annual payroll of less than $3,000 don't require coverage.
Other exemptions include:
- Casual employees who only work as needed
- Agricultural employees
- State and county fair associations
- Federal employees
- Owner operator drivers
- Certain real estate agents who work on commission
Even if the law says you don't have to have South Carolina workers' comp, it's a good way to protect your company.
What are the penalties for not having workers' comp in South Carolina?
Businesses without South Carolina workers' compensation insurance usually have to pay for claims if one of their employees gets injured or sick on the job.
How much does workers' comp cost in South Carolina?
South Carolina workers' compensation rates are based on different parts of your business, such as:
- Job classification code: The National Council on Compensation Insurance (NCCI) sets workers' compensation class codes based how risky different jobs are.
- Payroll: Workers' comp insurance cost is calculated per every $100 of your total payroll. If you pay more in wages, the insurance will cost more.
- Claims history: Your claims history affects what you'll pay for South Carolina workers' compensation coverage. Businesses with more claims than usual can expect a higher cost.
- Insurance carrier: Workers' comp insurance providers can set unique rates based on their own risk checks, pricing choices, and more.
How can you get workers' comp in South Carolina?
You can get South Carolina workers' compensation insurance three ways:
- Private insurers: Many businesses buy workers' comp coverage from private insurance companies that customize policies and offer additional benefits. Learn about these features when you get a Progressive Commercial quote.
- Self-insurance: Employers can apply for individual self-insurance or a self-insurance group fund through the South Carolina Workers' Compensation Commission. This option helps businesses save on costs, but they have to manage the policy on their own.
- Assigned risk fund: Businesses in high-risk industries or with a history of claims can apply for coverage through the NCCI.
How does workers' comp work in South Carolina?
Employees have 90 days to tell you about any work-related injuries or illnesses. After that, either of you can file a claim with the South Carolina Workers' Compensation Commission.
If the claim is approved, the worker gets money. The amount depends on their weekly pay, how bad the injury is, and if they can still work.
Common employee benefits include:
- Medical expenses
- Disability benefits
- Lost wages
- Rehabilitation costs
Don't forget that South Carolina workers' compensation insurance is also good for employers. It can protect your business from fines and lawsuits. When employees accept this help, they usually can't sue the company. If a lawsuit does happen, the insurance helps pay your legal costs.
Get answers to common questions about South Carolina workers' comp claims.
South Carolina workers' comp death benefits
Workers' compensation death benefits in South Carolina support the family of an employee who died because of their job. Their spouse and dependents can receive:
- Payments equal to two-thirds of what the employee earned each week, for up to 500 weeks
- $2,500 for funeral expenses
South Carolina workers' compensation statute of limitations
South Carolina workers' compensation laws give employees two years to file a claim, as long as they tell you about the injury within 90 days.
Encourage your team to report on-the-job accidents as soon as possible to protect their right to workers' comp.
Why choose South Carolina workers' comp through Progressive Commercial
Progressive Commercial makes it easy to keep your company and employees safe with South Carolina workers' compensation insurance. For over 50 years, business owners like you have trusted us to connect them with personalized coverage at a fair price.
Call us or start a quote to get reliable support and peace of mind.
