Stonetrust Commercial Insurance Company has entered the South Carolina market, marking its 14th state of operation across the South and Midwest regions. The expansion follows the company's entry into North Carolina in December.
The Louisiana-based specialty workers' compensation carrier holds an AM Best "A" rating. Stonetrust said it is now accepting submissions from appointed independent agencies for accounts in South Carolina with effective dates starting Jan. 15, 2026.
Stonetrust now maintains a presence across a 14-state territory spanning the southern and midwestern United States.
President and CEO Michael G. Dileo (pictured above) said the company views South Carolina as an opportunity to continue its regional growth strategy. "We're excited to add South Carolina to our expanding footprint," Dileo said.
He added that 2025 was a strong year for the company and that further expansion aligns with Stonetrust's commitment to being a responsive workers' compensation solution for agency partners and policyholders.
The expansion comes as the broader US workers' compensation market enters a pivotal period in 2026. According to the Risk Placement Services' 2026 US Workers' Compensation Market Outlook, the segment is being shaped by rising medical costs, cumulative trauma litigation, and concerns over reserve adequacy.
Dileo noted that the company's approach centers on service and relationship-building. "We strongly believe that our expertise, our emphasis on personal service and our focus on building relationships differentiates us from many carriers and will work well in South Carolina," he said.
As part of its market entry, Stonetrust is offering a 25% commission on new business written with a January 2026 effective date. The incentive is aimed at independent agencies appointed to write business in the state.
Medical inflation continues to be a primary driver of claim severity, particularly in jurisdictions where healthcare costs are rising faster than the national average. The RPS outlook indicates that insurers, brokers, and employers will face continued pressure from evolving legal frameworks and complex claims trends, requiring careful attention to state-specific regulations.
