General Liability Insurance for Restaurants in South Carolina

By Brad Davis, CIC (July 27, 2025)

If you own a restaurant in South Carolina—whether it’s a casual coastal diner in Myrtle Beach, a food truck in Charleston, or a fine-dining spot in Columbia—general liability insurance isn’t just recommended, it’s essential.

At Davis Insurance Associates, we work with restaurant owners across South Carolina who want to protect their business without overpaying. Let’s break down what General Liability Insurance is, why your restaurant needs it, and how to make sure you’re getting the right coverage.

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What is General Liability Insurance?

General liability insurance protects your restaurant from the kinds of risks that come with owning and operating a business that serves the public. This coverage helps protect you if:

• A customer slips and falls in your dining room
• A server accidentally spills hot coffee or soup on a customer
• A patron claims food poisoning from your meal
• Someone sues your restaurant for advertising injury or personal harm

In short, general liability coverage is designed to help cover lawsuits, medical expenses, and legal fees resulting from accidents or claims of negligence. Without it, your restaurant could be on the hook financially—and those costs can quickly get out of control.

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Why Restaurants in South Carolina Need General Liability Insurance

Running a restaurant is rewarding, but it comes with risk. Restaurants have high foot traffic, work with heat, sharp equipment, and food allergens—all of which increase the potential for something to go wrong.

Here’s why it’s especially important in South Carolina:

1. Tourism = High Foot Traffic

Places like Myrtle Beach, Charleston, and Hilton Head attract visitors year-round. More guests mean more potential for slip-and-falls, allergic reactions, or injury-related claims.

2. Lawsuits Are Costly and Time-Consuming

Even if you win a lawsuit, defending your business in court can be expensive. General liability insurance can help pay for your defense and any damages you’re legally required to cover.

3. Landlords and Vendors Often Require It

If you lease your space, chances are your landlord requires general liability coverage as part of your lease. Many vendors and event hosts also require a certificate of insurance before working with you.

4. It’s Often the First Policy Needed to Get Started

General liability is a foundational policy. If you’re just opening your restaurant in South Carolina, this is usually the first insurance policy you’ll need to legally operate and get approved for licenses.

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Real-World Examples from South Carolina Restaurants

• A waitress accidentally spills a hot drink on a customer’s lap. The customer sues for burns and medical costs.
• A child runs and slips on a wet floor in your dining area. The parents claim your restaurant was negligent.
• A competing restaurant claims you copied their advertising and sues for defamation or copyright infringement.

These aren’t far-fetched situations. These are real risks for restaurants throughout the Palmetto State, from small family-run eateries to multi-location franchises.

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What General Liability Insurance Covers (and What It Doesn’t)

Typically covered:
✔ Bodily injury to customers
✔ Property damage caused by your business
✔ Personal and advertising injury
✔ Medical payments
✔ Legal defense and settlements

Not covered (but still important):
✘ Employee injuries (you’ll need Workers’ Compensation)
✘ Damage to your own property or equipment (Property Insurance)
✘ Liquor liability (Separate Liquor Liability Policy)
✘ Food spoilage, lost income, or equipment breakdown (available with other coverages)

That’s why general liability is often paired with a Business Owners Policy (BOP) or customized restaurant insurance package.

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How Much Does General Liability Insurance Cost in South Carolina?

Premiums vary depending on your restaurant’s size, location, sales volume, and risk factors. A small café may pay less than $100/month, while a busy full-service restaurant may pay several hundred per month.

Key pricing factors include:

• Square footage
• Annual revenue
• Type of food served
• Alcohol sales
• Past claims history
• Location (coastal cities may have higher premiums)

At Davis Insurance Associates, we help restaurant owners compare coverage and find the right policy for the best price. We represent multiple insurance companies and can explain the pros and cons of each.

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Final Thoughts: Don’t Open or Operate Without It

In South Carolina, restaurant owners face unique challenges—seasonal traffic, hurricane season, and heavy tourism demand. General liability insurance is the baseline protection that every restaurant needs to stay open, stay compliant, and stay safe from the unexpected.

If you’re unsure whether your current policy is enough—or if you’re just starting out—let’s talk. We’ll help you understand your options and make sure you’re properly covered, whether you’re in Myrtle Beach, Columbia, Charleston, or anywhere else in SC.

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Need Restaurant Insurance in South Carolina?

Davis Insurance Associates is based in Myrtle Beach and proudly serves restaurants all across the state. Whether you’re opening a food truck or managing a busy waterfront bistro, we’re here to help.

📞 Call us at (843)213-0000
📩 Email: info@thinkdavisinsurance.com
🌐 Request a Quote Online

Let us help you protect your restaurant—so you can focus on serving great food.