South Carolina Church Insurance

South Carolina church insurance depends heavily on where the building sits. A congregation on the Grand Strand or in the Lowcountry is buying coastal windstorm coverage. A church in the Upstate or the Midlands is more focused on severe storms, liability and staff. Integrity Now Insurance Brokers is an independent broker. We compare church insurance in South Carolina from several carriers for churches in Charleston, Myrtle Beach, Beaufort, Columbia, Greenville, Spartanburg and the small towns in between.

Request a South Carolina church insurance quote.

Coastal Churches and the South Carolina Wind Pool

When private carriers exclude wind on coastal buildings, the South Carolina Wind and Hail Underwriting Association (the Wind Pool) provides wind and hail insurance for residential and commercial property in the coastal area. That covers parts of Horry, Georgetown, Charleston, Colleton and Beaufort counties. A Wind Pool policy covers wind and hail only, so a coastal church usually needs:

• A church property policy covering fire, theft and other perils, with wind excluded.
• A Wind Pool policy for wind and hail.
• Separate flood coverage for storm surge and rising water.

Any licensed South Carolina agent or broker can submit a Wind Pool application. We coordinate the three policies so limits and deductibles line up. See church property insurance.

Inland Risks: Storms, Tornadoes and Older Buildings

Upstate and Midlands churches see tornadoes, hail and tropical remnants that move well inland. Review wind and hail deductibles, tree-removal coverage and business income. Older brick churches should add ordinance or law coverage for code upgrades after a loss.

Workers’ Comp: Four Employees, Including Part-Time

South Carolina generally requires workers’ compensation when an employer regularly employs four or more people, and part-time workers and family members count, according to the South Carolina Workers’ Compensation Commission. Employers with less than $3,000 in annual payroll in the previous year are exempt. A church with a pastor, a secretary and two part-time staff has reached four. This is general information, not legal advice.

Church Insurance in South Carolina: Core Coverages

• General liability for services, events, camps and rentals.
• Abuse and molestation coverage, with screening policies.
• Directors and officers and employment practices.
• Commercial auto and hired and non-owned auto for volunteer drivers.
• Crime coverage and an umbrella policy.

See every option on our church insurance coverage page.

Nonprofit Insurance in South Carolina: The Charitable Liability Limit

South Carolina limits recovery for injuries caused by a charity’s employees. Under S.C. Code § 33-56-180, a person injured by the tortious act or omission of an employee of a charitable organization (one exempt under IRC § 501(c)(3) or (d)) acting within the scope of employment can recover only actual damages, up to the limits in the South Carolina Tort Claims Act.

A few points for nonprofit boards:

• The limit is tied to the Tort Claims Act, which the Legislature can change. H.4544 in the 2025–2026 session proposed changes to both, so confirm the current figures with counsel.
• The section addresses claims based on employees’ acts. It isn’t a blanket immunity for volunteers, officers or every kind of claim.
• Defense costs, employment claims and governance disputes still need general liability, EPLI and D&O coverage.

We place nonprofit insurance in South Carolina for schools, food ministries, shelters and community organizations. See our nonprofit insurance page.

Why South Carolina Churches Work With Integrity Now

Integrity Now has served more than 500 congregations since 2012. Our owner, Kevin Edwards, is a licensed agent and active Youth Pastor. We don’t charge broker fees; carriers pay our commission. We compare several church insurers, which is especially useful when a coastal church needs property, Wind Pool and flood policies to work together. See typical church insurance costs, then start your quote.

South Carolina Church Insurance FAQs

What is the South Carolina Wind Pool?

The South Carolina Wind and Hail Underwriting Association provides wind and hail coverage for residential and commercial property in the coastal area when private carriers won't. It covers wind and hail only, so churches also need a property policy and flood coverage.

When does a South Carolina church need workers' compensation?

Generally once it regularly employs four or more people, counting part-time workers and family members. Employers with less than $3,000 in annual payroll in the previous year are exempt.

Does South Carolina limit lawsuits against charities?

S.C. Code § 33-56-180 limits recovery for injuries caused by employees of 501(c)(3) or (d) charities to actual damages up to the South Carolina Tort Claims Act limits. The Legislature has considered changes, so confirm current limits.

Do coastal South Carolina churches need flood insurance?

Yes, in most cases. Neither standard church property policies nor Wind Pool policies cover flood or storm surge.

How does a church apply for Wind Pool coverage?

Through a licensed South Carolina agent or broker, who submits the application. The Wind Pool policy then needs to be coordinated with the church's property and flood policies.