South Carolina Workers Compensation Insurance-Workmans Compensation

South Carolina Workers' Compensation Insurance Rules

South Carolina Workers Compensation

1. Does my South Carolina business need workers compensation insurance?

Any employer who regularly employs four or more workers full-time or part-time is required to have workers' compensation insurance.

2. In South Carolina who can exempt themselves from Workers Compensation Insurance?

Agricultural employees, railroads, and railway express companies and their employees, and employers who had a total annual payroll during the previous year of less than $3,000, regardless of the number of workers employed during that period are exempt. Textile Hall Corporations and certain real estate agents are also exempt.

3. Does South Carolina workers compensation law have specific requirements for subcontractors/contractors and sole proprietors?

Employers should inquire whether or not a sub-contractor/contractor working for them has workers' compensation insurance. If the sub-contractor/contractor does not, the sub-contractor/contractor's injured employees would be covered under the employer's workers' compensation insurance. If the subcontractor does not carry workers' compensation insurance, then the owner or the principal contractor would be liable just as if the subcontractor's employee was one of their employees.

Sole Proprietors and partnerships are not required to have workers' compensation insurance, however, they may elect to purchase coverage by notifying their insurance carrier. When a sole proprietorship or partnership incorporates, all employees are automatically covered, including the owners if they are also employees of the corporation.

Employee Leasing and Staffing Companies

Using a PEO or staffing company to obtain your workers compensation may be a good alternative to purchasing your own workers compensation policy. Leasing companies handle your payroll, w-2 forms, unemployment and workers compensation claims. In many cases the down payment required to obtain a new workers compensation policy is high and many new businesses cannot afford the down payment. Another advantage, based on my experience, is that you will never get audited because you pay as you go for your coverage. We represent numerous leasing and staffing companies who in many cases offer deep discounts on your workers compensation coverage that you will not find from standard workers compensation insurance carriers.

USL&H & The Jones Act

We have excellent programs for specialty risks requiring this endorsement. Minimum premium for a USL&H endorsement usually start out at $2,500.00 plus the cost of the workers compensation insurance. If you are unsure and want to read either the USL&H or Jones Act I have provided helpful links below for you convenience.

South Carolina Workers Compensation

South Carolina Workers Compensation Links

News and Legislative Updates
South Carolina Workers Compensation Statutes
South Carolina Workers Comp. Laws and Regulations
South Carolina Workers Comp. Forms
Employee FAQ
Quick Facts and Contact Information