Business insurance • South Carolina plumbing contractors
South Carolina Plumbing Contractor Insurance: Mechanical License and Workers’ Comp
South Carolina requires a state mechanical contractor license from the Contractor’s Licensing Board when plumbing work exceeds $10,000, including labor, materials, and profit. Applicants support their license group with a financial statement or surety bond. Employers that regularly have four or more workers must carry workers’ compensation.
This guide covers South Carolina plumbing licensing, financial requirements, workers’ comp, coverage, and typical costs. Blake Insurance Group is an independent agency licensed in South Carolina, and a licensed agent can compare quotes for your plumbing business.
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South Carolina mechanical license
| License group | Requirement |
|---|---|
| Groups 1–2 | Owner-prepared financial statement with affidavit, or surety bond |
| Groups 3–4 | CPA-compiled financial statement, or surety bond |
| Group 5 | CPA-audited balance sheet, or surety bond |
A state mechanical license is required when total plumbing work exceeds $10,000. Source: Contractor License Requirements (South Carolina plumber guide).
See our South Carolina contractor license bond guide.
South Carolina workers’ compensation
Employers that regularly have four or more workers, full-time or part-time, must carry workers’ compensation. Employers with a total annual payroll under $3,000 are exempt (SC Workers’ Compensation Commission).
Coverage most South Carolina plumbers carry
- General liability: third-party injuries and property damage, such as a failed fitting that floods a customer’s home.
- Business owner’s policy: general liability bundled with property coverage for your shop and stock, often at a lower combined price.
- Workers’ compensation: medical bills and lost wages if an employee is hurt on the job.
- Commercial auto: service vans and trucks that carry crews, parts, and equipment.
- Tools and equipment (inland marine): pipe threaders, drain machines, and cameras on job sites or in transit.
- Commercial umbrella: extra limits on top of general liability and auto, often required on commercial jobs.
What South Carolina plumbers pay
| Policy | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|
| General liability | $147 | $1,768 |
| Business owner’s policy | $213 | $2,559 |
| Workers’ compensation | $179 | $2,150 |
| Commercial auto | $285 | $3,415 |
| Tools and equipment | $42 | $505 |
| Professional liability | $67 | $808 |
| Commercial umbrella | $93 | $1,111 |
Costs reported by Insureon for plumbing businesses that bought policies through its site, mostly with fewer than five employees. Your price depends on payroll, the work you do, claims history, and location.
South Carolina plumbing insurance FAQs
When do South Carolina plumbers need a state license?
When total plumbing work on a project exceeds $10,000.
Do South Carolina plumbing contractors need a bond?
A surety bond is one way to meet the financial requirement for your license group.
Do South Carolina plumbers need workers’ comp?
Employers that regularly have four or more workers must carry it.
Related guides
- Plumbing contractor insurance
- South Carolina roofing contractor insurance
- South Carolina contractor license bond
- South Carolina contractor insurance
- General liability insurance
- Workers’ compensation insurance
- Commercial auto insurance
- Contractor insurance
- South Carolina electrical contractor insurance
- South Carolina HVAC contractor insurance
Important information
Compensation. The link in the partner quote box near the top of this page is sponsored, and Blake Insurance Group may be paid if you make a purchase. Sponsored placement does not affect the other information on this page.
Independent agency. Blake Insurance Group LLC is an independent insurance agency. Licensed insurance producer NPN 16944666. Licensed states: AZ, AL, TX, CA, NY, OH, FL, NC, VA, GA, OK, NM, IA, KS, MI, NE, SC, SD, WV, IL, NJ, PA, TN, and WA. Which insurance companies we can quote depends on our current appointments, the product, and your state. Mentioning a company on this page does not mean we represent it.
Cost figures. Published averages and ranges are cited from the sources named, as of the dates shown. They are not quotes and may not reflect your price, which depends on the insurer, your state, your payroll, the work you do, and your claims history.
Availability. Coverage, prices, discounts, and eligibility vary by insurer, state, and applicant, and are subject to underwriting. The issued policy controls.
Your next step
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