Commercial Auto Insurance in South Carolina

Did you know that a personal auto insurance policy will not cover an accident that happens while you are driving for work? It is one of the most common and costly coverage gaps for small business owners in South Carolina. Whether you operate a single work truck or a fleet of service vehicles, commercial auto insurance protects your business from the financial and legal consequences of on-the-job accidents. At Citadel Insurance Group, we help Spartanburg and Upstate South Carolina businesses get the right coverage for the way they actually operate.

Commercial Auto vs. Personal Auto: Why the Difference Matters

Personal auto policies are built for everyday, non-business driving. The moment a vehicle is used for work, including deliveries, client visits, hauling equipment, or transporting employees, most personal policies exclude coverage entirely. Commercial auto insurance fills that gap with higher liability limits, coverage for multiple drivers, and protection designed specifically for business-related vehicle use. In South Carolina, using a personal policy to cover business vehicle use can result in a denied claim and significant out-of-pocket exposure.

South Carolina Commercial Auto Insurance Requirements

Under South Carolina law (S.C. Code § 38-77-140), commercial auto policies must meet the same baseline liability limits as personal auto policies, plus mandatory uninsured motorist coverage:

• Bodily Injury: $25,000 per person / $50,000 per accident
• Property Damage: $25,000 per accident
• Uninsured Motorist: $25,000 per person / $50,000 per accident (required)

For-hire carriers and vehicles over 10,000 lbs GVWR may be subject to significantly higher limits under South Carolina Public Service Commission regulations and federal FMCSA requirements. Our agents can help you determine the correct limits for your specific operation.

Who Needs Commercial Auto Insurance in South Carolina?

• Contractors, tradespeople, and construction companies with work trucks or vans
• Businesses that make deliveries or transport goods
• Companies with employees driving company-owned vehicles
• Service businesses that travel to client locations
• Operations using hired, rented, or employee-owned vehicles for work errands