South Carolina contractors insurance

Licensing & registration in South Carolina

Contractor licensing in South Carolina is handled at the state and/or local level and can vary by trade and project size — commercial and residential work above certain values is commonly licensed or registered at the state level, while smaller jobs and some trades follow local rules. Verify the current requirement with your state licensing board (and the city or county where you work) before bidding.

Many licensing bodies require a license or registration bond as a guarantee to the public, separate from your liability insurance. Whether a bond applies depends on your jurisdiction and trade, so confirm the current rule before you start.

Coverages South Carolina contractors carry

• •General liability — generally intended to respond to third-party injury and property damage from your work, including completed-operations claims that surface after a job.
• •Workers’ compensation — required in most states once you have employees, and commonly required of subs by the GCs who hire them.
• •License / registration bond — a guarantee to the public required by many licensing bodies; distinct from your liability insurance.
• •Tools & equipment (inland marine) — optional coverage generally intended to address loss or damage to your own gear.
• •Commercial auto — for work trucks and vans; personal auto typically excludes business use.

Who needs it in South Carolina

Common South Carolina users include home builders and remodelers, roofers, electricians, plumbers, HVAC, and landscapers across Columbia, Charleston, and Greenville.