Protect your restaurant and meet South Carolina's legal requirements

Your full-service restaurant brings a special flavor to South Carolina. We believe in your business and know how hard you’ve worked to build it. Unfortunately, one surprise expense (a grease fire, an entrée that causes an allergic reaction or a liquored-up customer who gets into a car crash) can put your whole business at risk. That’s why restaurant owners across South Carolina look for affordable insurance that meets state requirements and protects their property, team and income. This guide breaks down:

South Carolina's required coverages
The most recommended protections
How to save money on business insurance
How to get fast quotes from top-rated insurance carriers

QUICK SUMMARY (Because we know you're busy cooking up something amazing)

Full-service restaurants in South Carolina face specific risks that require customized insurance coverage.
A Business Owner’s Policy for restaurants saves you money by bundling general liability, property insurance and optional business interruption coverage.
General liability insurance for restaurants covers injuries and damages caused by your business, as well as advertising-related claims.
Restaurant property insurance helps replace or repair damaged equipment, furnishings and inventory.
Workers’ compensation for restaurant employees is required by South Carolina and covers staff injuries and lost wages.
Commercial umbrella insurance for restaurants provides extra coverage when other policies reach their limits.
Cyber insurance for restaurants helps you cover the high costs of a data breach, including repairs and regulatory fines.
Working with Mylo can help you find the right coverage at the best value.

FIVE BEST INSURANCE COVERAGES FOR SOUTH CAROLINA FULL-SERVICE RESTAURANTS:

Here are five essential coverages every full-service restaurant owner should consider to stay protected and profitable:

1. Business Owner's Policy for restaurants

A business owner’s policy (BOP) is a smart starting point. It bundles key coverages into one affordable package – ideal for new or growing establishments. Your BOP typically includes:

GENERAL LIABILITY FOR RESTAURANT OWNERS covers legal and medical costs if a customer or other visitor is injured or their property is damaged in your restaurant. It also protects you from advertising-related claims. Examples:

A diner has an allergic reaction by eating or touching the wrong food
A server accidentally spills wine on a pricey designer dress
A competitor claims you stole their logo or copyrighted slogan

RESTAURANT PROPERTY INSURANCE helps repair or replace your space and equipment if disaster strikes – like fire, theft, or vandalism. Examples:

A grease fire causes major damage in your space
A storm floods your kitchen and cause serious food spoilage
The copper in your outdoor AC unit is stripped out by someone hoping to sell it (yes, this actually happens)

BUSINESS INTERRUPTION INSURANCE Replaces lost income if you need to temporarily close your restaurant due to covered property damage.

Ready to get your free quote now? CLICK HERE

2. Workers' compensation (required in South Carolina)

If you have four or more employees, South Carolina requires workers’ compensation. It covers medical care and lost wages for staff injured on the job – and shields you from most employee lawsuits. Examples:

A server spills a drink and then slips and falls on it
A kitchen worker has a mishap with a knife or industrial mixer
An employee strains their back from lifting heavy supplies

3. Liquor liability (required in South Carolina)

If your restaurant serves alcohol, South Carolina law requires liquor liability coverage. This protects you against alcohol-related claims, such as serving an intoxicated person who later causes harm.

Example: A customer leaves intoxicated and causes a car accident

4. Cyber insurance for restaurants

If you take online reservations, accept credit card payments and store customer payment data, you're vulnerable to a cyberbreach. Cyber insurance helps you afford the high costs of repairing your system and restoring your damaged reputation.

Example: Hackers steal credit card information from your POS system.

5. Commercial umbrella insurance for restaurants

Think of this as insurance for your insurance! A commercial umbrella insurance policy provides extra protection if a major incident causes key policies such as your general liability to reach their limits.

Get the best full-service restaurant insurance in South Carolina

Your awesome eatery deserves protection that keeps up with your business. Mylo has been innovating insurance for 10 years. Because we don't sell our own insurance, we can give you an objective recommendation and find you the best value in South Carolina– at no cost to you.

In minutes Mylo will:

Recommend the right coverage for your South Carolina salon
Compare quotes from top-rated insurance carriers
Find you the best combination of coverage and price
Keep you feeling confident about growing your business!

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RESTAURANT INSURANCE FAQs

What restaurant insurance coverages are required by South Carolina?

South Carolina requires WORKERS' COMPENSATION if you have four or more employees, LIQUOR LIABILITY if you serve alcohol, and COMMERCIAL AUTO for any vehicle you own operate for business. South Carolina doesn’t require GENERAL LIABILITY, but many of your contracts with landlords, partners and vendors will.

Why should I shop for a BUSINESS OWNER'S POLICY (BOP)?

A BUSINESS OWNER'S POLICY saves you money by combining GENERAL LIABILITY (which helps you pay for medical expenses or lawsuits if someone is accidentally injured in your space) with PROPERTY (which helps repair or replace your lost, stolen or damaged business property) and BUSINESS INTERRUPTION (which compensates you for lost revenue because of property damage). Also, "BOP" is fun to say. We won't judge.

What are some ways I can save money on insurance?

You may be able to bundle your most essential coverages (GENERAL LIABILITY, PROPERTY and BUSINESS INTERRUPTION) in a money-saving BUSINESS OWNER'S POLICY. In addition, Mylo makes it easy to compare the best quotes from multiple top-rated carriers so you can find the right coverage at the best value.

How do I get a Certificate of Insurance (COI)?

A CERTIFICATE OF INSURANCE provides proof to your clients that they can do business with you and not be on the hook financially if something goes wrong. Once Mylo has helped you purchase a policy, you can request a free certificate of insurance (COI) directly from your new carrier. Contact information for your insurance carrier will be included in the email your Mylo agent sends out with your policy documents.

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Ready to untangle another tricky topic?

Protect what matters: your business

Why business insurance? That’s easy – it’s designed to keep you in business. When certain losses come along, you can dodge bankruptcy and stay on top of your game.

Who pays for employee car accidents?

When employees get into accidents while driving their own cars at work, who pays? Learn about the tricky intersection between commercial and personal auto.

When should I shop for a BOP?

Good news: if you’re a BOP holder, you always get the “special” top tier of business insurance. You’re platinum, baby! Learn more benefits & options.

The right coverage for you? Surprisingly simple.