What does Mauldin Insurance Group do?

Mauldin Insurance Group is an independent insurance agency based in Lexington, SC. We help individuals, families, and businesses across South Carolina find the right insurance coverage — including Medicare Advantage, Medicare Supplement, Part D, ACA health insurance, life insurance, final expense, auto, home, and commercial insurance. As an independent agency, we work with multiple top-rated carriers and shop the market on your behalf at no cost to you.

When do I need to sign up for Medicare, and what happens if I miss my enrollment window?

Your Initial Enrollment Period is a 7-month window that begins 3 months before the month you turn 65 and ends 3 months after. If you miss this window and do not have qualifying employer coverage, you may face a permanent late enrollment penalty on your Part B premium — 10% for each 12-month period you delayed — plus a gap in coverage. The Annual Enrollment Period runs October 15 through December 7 each year. We strongly recommend calling us before your 65th birthday to map out your enrollment timeline and avoid any costly mistakes.

What are the best Medicare plans available in Lexington and the Midlands area?

The best Medicare plan depends entirely on your health needs, your doctors, your prescriptions, and your budget. In the Lexington and Columbia, SC area, we represent 6 organizations offering 52 products in our service area — including Medicare Advantage plans, Medicare Supplement plans (Plan G and Plan N are most popular for new enrollees), and Part D prescription drug plans. We compare every available option side by side and help you choose the plan that fits your life at no cost to you. Call Jennifer at (843) 509-2462 for a free, no-pressure comparison.

What is the difference between Medicare Advantage and Medicare Supplement?

Medicare Advantage (Part C) is an all-in-one alternative to Original Medicare offered by private insurers. It typically bundles Parts A, B, and D in one plan — often with extra benefits like dental and vision — and usually has low or $0 monthly premiums, but uses provider networks and involves copays. Medicare Supplement (Medigap) works alongside Original Medicare, covering the 20% coinsurance and other out-of-pocket costs Original Medicare leaves behind. It carries a monthly premium but gives you the freedom to see any Medicare-accepting doctor nationwide with very predictable costs. We help you decide which approach is right for your health and budget.

How much does health insurance cost in South Carolina, and can I get help paying for it?

ACA health insurance premiums in South Carolina vary based on your age, household size, income, and the plan tier you choose. Many South Carolinians qualify for premium tax credits through the federal marketplace that significantly reduce their monthly cost — some qualify for plans as low as $0 per month depending on income. We help you determine your subsidy eligibility, compare all available plans, and enroll at no charge. Call us at (843) 509-2462 or (803) 920-8827 to get started.

How much life insurance do I actually need to protect my family in South Carolina?

A common starting point is the DIME method: add up your Debt, Income replacement (typically 10x your annual income), Mortgage balance, and Education costs for your children. For most South Carolina families this works out to $500,000 to $1,000,000 in coverage. Term life insurance is often the most affordable way to get there — a healthy 35-year-old can often get $500,000 in 20-year term coverage for $25 to $35 per month. We help you find the right amount and the right carrier based on your specific situation at no cost.

What is final expense insurance and who is it for?

Final expense insurance is a type of whole life insurance with a smaller face value — typically $5,000 to $25,000 — designed specifically to cover funeral costs, burial expenses, outstanding medical bills, and other end-of-life costs. The average funeral in South Carolina costs between $9,000 and $12,000. It is a good fit if you are between ages 50 and 85, want guaranteed coverage with no medical exam required, and need an affordable, predictable premium that never increases. Coverage typically starts at $20 to $70 per month. Call Jennifer at (843) 509-2462 for a free quote.

How much does homeowners insurance cost in South Carolina?

The average homeowners insurance premium in South Carolina runs approximately $1,400 to $1,900 per year for a typical single-family home, though this varies significantly based on your home's location, age, roof type, construction, coverage limits, deductible, and claims history. As an independent agency, we shop multiple carriers to find the best combination of coverage and price. We also review your dwelling coverage limit to make sure it reflects current rebuilding costs — many SC homeowners are significantly underinsured without realizing it.

Should I bundle my home and auto insurance?

Bundling your auto and home insurance with the same carrier typically saves 10% to 20% on both policies and simplifies your coverage — one agent, one renewal cycle, and one point of contact if you ever need to file a claim. Most major carriers offer a multi-policy discount that makes bundling a straightforward win for most families. That said, bundling is not always the cheapest option in every situation. We compare bundled and unbundled scenarios side by side so you can make an informed decision. Call Ben at (803) 920-8827 for a free auto and home quote.

What is the difference between liability and full coverage auto insurance?

Liability insurance covers damage and injuries you cause to other people in an accident — it is the minimum coverage required by South Carolina law (25/50/25 minimums). It does not pay for damage to your own vehicle. Full coverage typically adds collision coverage (damage to your own vehicle in an accident) and comprehensive coverage (theft, weather damage, falling objects, and animal strikes). Whether full coverage makes financial sense depends on your vehicle value, whether you have a loan or lease, and your personal financial situation. We help you think through the right level of coverage for your specific circumstances.

Does Mauldin Insurance Group serve areas outside of Lexington, SC?

Yes — we serve clients across all of South Carolina and are also licensed in North Carolina and Georgia. While we are based in Lexington and serve a large volume of clients in the Columbia, Irmo, Chapin, Cayce, West Columbia, and Lake Murray areas, we work with clients statewide by phone, video, and in-person when needed. Distance is never an obstacle and there is no extra charge for clients outside the immediate Lexington area.

Does it cost anything to work with Mauldin Insurance Group?

No — our services are completely free to you. Insurance carriers pay independent agents a commission when a policy is placed. Your monthly premium is exactly the same whether you enroll through us or go directly to the carrier. The difference is that we do the research, comparison, and shopping for you, and we stay in your corner at renewal and at claim time. There is no obligation and no pressure — just honest help from people who live and work in your community.

Home-Based Business Insurance in South Carolina — When Your Homeowners Policy Isn't Enough

Ben J. Mauldin | Apr 23 2026 14:24

By Ben Mauldin | Mauldin Insurance Group, Lexington, SC | 2026

South Carolina's home-based business economy has expanded dramatically over the past five years. From Lexington County consultants and freelancers to Columbia-area e-commerce sellers, personal trainers, tutors, caterers, and skilled tradespeople who run their operations from home — the variety of businesses operating out of residential addresses in the Midlands is remarkable.

And the majority of them have the same insurance problem: their homeowners policy was written for a home, not a business. When the two overlap, the homeowners policy usually loses — and the business owner is left holding the financial bag.

This guide explains where the homeowners policy ends, what a proper home-based business insurance program looks like, and how to know which level of coverage your operation actually needs.

The Three Gaps Every Home-Based Business Faces

Gap 1: Business Property

Standard homeowners policies cap coverage for business property at $1,500 to $2,500 on-premises. For most home-based businesses, this is woefully inadequate.

Consider a home-based photographer: $4,000 in camera bodies and lenses, $1,500 in lighting equipment, $2,000 in editing hardware. A house fire results in $7,500 in business property loss — of which the HO policy covers $2,500.

Or a home-based catering operation: commercial-grade mixers, food processors, specialized serving equipment, and inventory. A theft event or kitchen fire could produce a business property loss well above any HO sub-limit.

Gap 2: Business Liability

Homeowners policies exclude liability arising from business activities. This means:

A client who comes to your home for a consultation and is injured cannot recover under your HO liability coverage
A customer who claims your product injured them or caused property damage cannot make a claim under your personal liability
A student, client, or customer injured on your property during a business interaction is excluded

In South Carolina, where personal injury lawsuits can easily reach six figures, operating a home-based business without liability coverage is a genuine financial risk to your personal assets — your home, your savings, your vehicles.

Gap 3: Business Income

If a covered event — fire, significant water damage, storm — makes your home temporarily unusable, your homeowners loss of use coverage pays for your temporary housing. It does not pay for the business income you lose while your operation is shut down.

For a home-based business generating $5,000-$10,000 per month, a 60-90 day shutdown while your home is repaired can represent a $10,000-$30,000 loss in income. No standard HO policy covers this.

The Right Coverage for Your Stage of Business

Stage 1: The Part-Time or Early-Stage Business

If you're generating modest income from a home-based operation — freelancing, consulting, selling online, tutoring — an in-home business endorsement on your existing homeowners policy is usually the right starting point.

What it covers: increased business property limits (typically $5,000-$10,000), basic business liability, limited business income. What it costs: $200-$500 per year. Best for: solo operations, low revenue, no client traffic on-site, limited equipment.

Stage 2: The Established Home-Based Business

If your business generates consistent revenue, has regular client interaction, or involves significant equipment or inventory, a standalone in-home business policy provides more comprehensive coverage than an endorsement.

What it covers: higher property limits, robust liability coverage (typically $300,000-$1,000,000), business income protection, and often some professional liability. What it costs: $400-$900 per year depending on business type and revenue. Best for: businesses with $20,000-$100,000+ in annual revenue, client visits, or meaningful equipment.

Stage 3: The Growing Business Operated From Home

When a home-based business has grown to include employees, a substantial client base, significant equipment, or meaningful inventory, a Business Owners Policy (BOP) provides commercial-grade coverage that isn't tethered to your residential insurance at all.

What it covers: commercial property, general liability, business income, and optional endorsements for professional liability, cyber liability, and more. What it costs: $500-$2,000+ per year depending on business type, revenue, and coverage levels. Best for: businesses with employees, regular client traffic, high revenue, or operations that have outgrown the in-home framework.

Which Stage Are You?

Not sure where your business falls? Here's a quick test: (1) Do clients come to your home? (2) Do you have more than $5,000 in business equipment? (3) Do you have employees, even part-time? (4) Is your business your primary income source? If you answered yes to two or more, you're likely past Stage 1.

Business Types That Need Extra Attention in SC

Personal Services (Hair, Nails, Esthetics, Massage)

South Carolina licensed personal service professionals who operate from home face both property exposure (specialty equipment, products, supplies) and significant liability exposure (clients on-site, services that could result in injury or adverse reaction claims). Professional liability coverage is especially important here.

Food-Related Businesses (Catering, Baked Goods, Meal Prep)

Home-based food businesses face product liability exposure — if a customer claims your food made them ill, a personal injury lawsuit is possible regardless of whether you're operating commercially out of your home. Food-related businesses also carry higher property exposure due to commercial equipment.

Childcare

Home-based daycare providers in SC have some of the highest liability exposure of any home-based business. State licensing requirements may mandate specific insurance minimums. A child injured in your care creates direct personal liability. This is one area where standard HO coverage is completely inadequate.

E-Commerce / Product Sales

Inventory stored at home is subject to HO business property sub-limits. Products shipped to customers can generate product liability claims. If you're running a meaningful e-commerce operation, a business policy with product liability coverage is essential.

Professional Services (Consultants, Accountants, Designers, Writers)

Client visits, professional advice, and work products that could be challenged all create liability exposure beyond what HO policies cover. Professional liability (E&O) insurance is a separate coverage from general liability and is essential for anyone who provides professional services or advice for compensation.

What About Working for a Platform (Uber, TaskRabbit, Instacart, etc.)?

Gig economy workers face a unique coverage gap. Platform insurance coverage is limited and often has significant gaps — especially for the period between trips or tasks. Personal auto insurance generally excludes commercial use. Personal HO coverage excludes business activities.

If you drive for a rideshare or delivery platform, or provide services through a gig marketplace, a conversation about your coverage is worth having. The gaps are real and the liability exposure is significant.

Building the Right Program for Your SC Home Business

The right insurance program for your home-based business depends on what you do, how much revenue you generate, whether clients come to your home, and what equipment or inventory you have. A 20-minute conversation with me usually identifies exactly what's needed and what's overkill.

Most home-based business owners in Lexington and the Midlands are surprised at how affordable proper coverage is — and how significant the gap in their current homeowners policy actually is.

Get the Right Coverage for Your Home-Based Business

We help SC home-based businesses of all types build the right insurance program — affordably, without gaps. Free consultation, no pressure.

📞 Call or Text Ben: 803-920-8827

🌐 MauldinInsuranceGroup.com

📍 100 Old Cherokee Rd, Lexington, SC · Serving all of South Carolina

By Ben Mauldin | Mauldin Insurance Group, Lexington, SC | 2026South Carolina's home-based business economy has expanded dramatically over the past five years. From Lexington County consultants...

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