Commercial Auto Insurance in South Carolina

Operating a business in South Carolina often means your vehicles are central to daily operations. Whether you’re delivering goods along busy Charleston streets, transporting equipment between Columbia and Greenville, or running service vehicles in rural counties, commercial auto insurance is critical to protect your business from accidents and unexpected expenses. South Carolina’s mix of urban roads, coastal traffic, and rural highways makes having the right coverage essential to keeping your operations running smoothly.

GEICO’s flexible and affordable commercial auto insurance provides coverage for your business vehicles and also allows for personal use under a single policy. You can rest assured your vehicles are protected wherever your business takes them across the Palmetto State.

What is Commercial Auto Insurance in South Carolina?

Commercial auto insurance is specifically designed for vehicles that are used for business purposes. Unlike personal auto insurance, these policies cover a broader range of business-related exposures, supporting safe and efficient operations while ensuring your company’s vehicles and employees are protected.

If you use a vehicle for tasks like transporting goods, meeting clients, or providing services, commercial auto insurance helps protect you from claims from accidents, vehicle damage, and more. This insurance covers not only the vehicle itself, but also any injuries or property damage caused by your business vehicle.

Who Needs Commercial Auto Insurance in South Carolina?

Any business in South Carolina that relies on vehicles for daily operations likely needs commercial auto insurance. GEICO offers coverage for a wide range of businesses across different industries, including:

• Contractors and Tradespeople: Electricians, plumbers, and HVAC technicians who carry expensive tools and equipment.
• Carpenters, Painters, and Contractors: These workers move equipment and supplies between job locations.
• Landscapers and Snow Plow Services: Vehicles used to transport heavy landscaping equipment.
• Caterers and Food Vendors: These businesses use vehicles to bring food and supplies to events.
• Delivery Services: Businesses that transport products, goods, or materials need to cover any potential accidents.
• Real Estate Agents and Salespeople: Professionals who use their vehicles to meet clients and attend property showings.
• Long-haul Trucking: Long-distance drivers carry valuable cargo and must follow strict safety rules.

Since coverage can vary between insurers, check with your provider to confirm which business-related tasks are covered under your personal auto policy before using your vehicle for work purposes. It’s also important to note that all drivers must be listed on the commercial auto insurance policy to ensure coverage applies when they operate the vehicle for business purposes.

Minimum South Carolina Commercial Auto Insurance Requirements

South Carolina’s commercial auto insurance requirements ensure that businesses are covered in case of accidents, injuries, or property damage. The minimum required coverage includes:

To see how accidents and coverage types influence your policy, it’s important to look at what each component actually covers and how insurers assess risk. The size of a settlement generally doesn’t impact insurance costs, but other factors, like at-fault vs. not-at-fault accidents, do. Medical payments (MedPay) coverage, for example, is designed to pay for the medical expenses of you and your passengers after a collision, regardless of fault.

Optional Commercial Auto Coverages & Add-Ons in South Carolina

Although South Carolina’s mandated minimum coverage gives business owners a basic level of protection, it may not address every risk your vehicles or employees could encounter. GEICO offers a range of optional add-ons to enhance your commercial auto policy, providing extra safeguards for both your business vehicles and the people who operate them.

Common additional coverages include:

• Collision Coverage: Pays for damage to your vehicle from a collision, regardless of fault.
• Comprehensive Coverage: Covers non-collision incidents, such as theft, vandalism, or weather damage.
• Medical Payments Coverage: Helps with medical expenses for you or your passengers after an accident.

Federal Compliance for Business Vehicles in South Carolina

Businesses in South Carolina that operate larger or commercial vehicles may need to comply with federal safety and registration requirements in addition to maintaining the state’s minimum insurance. The Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) and the U.S. Department of Transportation (USDOT) require many companies to obtain a USDOT number if they operate vehicles with a gross vehicle weight of 10,001 pounds or more.

FMCSA regulations for South Carolina-based carriers typically include regular vehicle inspections, maintaining accurate driver qualification files, and adhering to hours-of-service rules to ensure drivers remain alert and safe on the roads. Depending on your business type, you may also need to keep detailed maintenance records, implement drug and alcohol testing programs for drivers, and comply with other federal regulations.

Types of Vehicles Covered in South Carolina

GEICO provides commercial auto insurance for a wide range of vehicles, allowing businesses of all kinds to receive the coverage they need. Some vehicles, such as food trucks, come with additional considerations, so it’s essential to research the specific requirements for your vehicle before selecting a plan.

Some of the different types of vehicles covered by GEICO include:

• Business Vehicles: Company cars, SUVs, and pickups used for business errands or deliveries.
• Contractor Vehicles: Work vans and trucks for transporting tools and equipment.
• Delivery & Service Vehicles: Vans or trucks for deliveries, repairs, or client visits.
• Food Trucks and Catering Services: Food trucks and catering vans that need protection while on the road. It’s important to note that food spoilage, food-borne illness, allergic reactions, product liability (hot beverages), and equipment breakdowns are not covered under commercial auto insurance, so businesses should consider additional coverage like General Liability (GL). You can also add business personal property protection to the GL to cover additional business items, such as cooking equipment or inventory stored in the vehicle.
• Heavy Trucks: Includes tractor-trailers, dump trucks, box trucks, flatbeds, and cargo & freight trucks.
• Owner-Operator Trucks: Independently operated trucks or vans, including those leased to a company.
• Non-Trucking Liability: Coverage for trucks when not hauling cargo or under dispatch.
• Specialty Vehicles: Refrigerated trucks, buses, or other unique vehicles as needed.

Factors Affecting the Cost of South Carolina Commercial Auto Insurance

In South Carolina, several factors influence the cost of commercial auto insurance. While commercial auto insurance premiums in South Carolina generally fall near the national average, your actual cost is influenced primarily by various factors:

Some factors that may affect your premium include:

• Job or Industry: Jobs like construction or delivery typically have higher premiums.
• Type of Vehicle: Larger vehicles or those used to transport goods often cost more to insure.
• Driving History: Drivers with a clean history usually pay lower rates.
• How Far You Drive: If your vehicle travels long distances or goes through busy areas, your costs may increase.
• Coverage Amount: Choosing higher limits or additional coverage will increase the premium.

GEICO offers commercial auto insurance payment plans to help South Carolina businesses get the protection they need.

Why Choose GEICO for South Carolina Commercial Auto Insurance?

GEICO is a trusted name in commercial auto insurance. We offer reliable, cost-effective solutions for South Carolina business owners, providing personalized policies tailored to your unique needs. With coverage for a wide variety of vehicle types, our quick claims process ensures that your business experiences minimal downtime in the event of a claim.

With flexible payment options, personalized coverage, and experienced agents, GEICO is here to support your business, no matter how big or small.

How to Get a South Carolina Commercial Auto Insurance Quote from GEICO

Protecting your business vehicles in South Carolina is easy with GEICO. You can get a free commercial auto insurance quote online, speak with a licensed agent, or use flexible digital tools, whichever works best for your business. The process involves providing details about your business, your drivers, and your coverage preferences.

Start your quote today and gain the peace of mind that comes from knowing your South Carolina commercial vehicles are properly insured.