South Carolina State Minimum Car Insurance & Requirements
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From the historic streets of Charleston to the capital city of Columbia and the beaches of Myrtle Beach, make sure you have the auto coverage you need before you hit the road. Direct Auto Insurance can help make getting covered easier with cheap car insurance options in South Carolina, a low upfront payment, and flexible payment options that work with your schedule and budget. Get a free quote today and use this guide to learn which coverages South Carolina requires, and which options may offer additional protection.
South Carolina Car Insurance Laws
Do you have to have car insurance in South Carolina?
South Carolina law generally requires drivers to have proof of financial responsibility, which is typically satisfied by a car insurance policy that meets the state’s requirements. South Carolina auto insurance policies generally must at least meet the minimum liability coverage limits, typically expressed as three numbers representing thousands of dollars. Those are 25/50/25, as shown below under South Carolina Minimum Car Insurance Requirements.
South Carolina also generally requires drivers to carry uninsured motorist coverage at the same minimum limits as liability coverage.
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South Carolina Minimum Car Insurance Requirements
Wondering what your insurance policy needs to fulfill South Carolina insurance requirements? Here’s a quick breakdown by coverage type.
|
Coverages |
Is It Required by Law? |
|
Bodily injury liability coverage provides financial protection if you cause an accident that injures another person. It helps pay for their medical expenses and your legal defense services (if necessary). |
Yes. $25,000 limit per person/$50,000 limit per accident. |
|
Property damage liability coverage helps pay to repair or replace other people’s property that is damaged in an accident you cause. It typically involves damage to another vehicle, but it could help pay to repair a house, fence, mailbox, and more. |
Yes. $25,000 limit per accident. |
|
Uninsured/underinsured motorist coverage (UM/UIM) helps pay for your medical bills and related expenses if an at-fault driver has no insurance (UM), doesn’t have enough insurance (UIM), or, in certain cases, can’t be identified after certain hit-and-run accidents. |
Yes for UM. Required at 25/50/25 limits. UIM not required but must be offered and may be rejected. |
|
Medical payments coverage helps pay for your medical and related expenses stemming from an accident, regardless of fault. |
Not required. |
|
Collision coverage helps pay to repair or replace your vehicle if you collide with another car, tree, guardrail, or another object. |
Not required.1 |
|
Comprehensive coverage helps pay to repair or replace your vehicle if it’s damaged by something other than a collision, like fire, floodwaters, falling branches, vandalism, or contact with an animal. |
Not required.1 |
IMPORTANT NOTE: While purchasing liability-only coverage ensures you follow South Carolina's insurance laws, it doesn't necessarily protect you and your vehicle in every circumstance. You would need to add additional coverage, like UM/UIM, comprehensive, and collision, to protect yourself and your vehicle more fully.
1Your lender may require these coverages if you lease or finance your vehicle.
Are there additional coverage options?
For added peace of mind, Direct Auto offers optional coverages, services, and protection plans for South Carolina drivers:
South Carolina Proof of Financial Responsibility and Penalties
What if I don't meet South Carolina’s minimum car insurance requirements?
Every South Carolina driver is required to have proof of financial responsibility to drive legally. If you’re caught driving without insurance, you could lose your license, lose your registration, and face fines.
South Carolina law generally requires drivers to carry proof of insurance and may need to present proof of insurance upon request, such as during a traffic stop, at an accident scene, etc. You can typically do so by showing your physical ID card or downloading an electronic copy to your mobile device.
If your insurance policy is canceled or lapses, your insurer will typically notify the South Carolina Department of Motor Vehicles. You may then have 20 days to verify your coverage, or you could face the penalties above and may have to pay up to $400 to have your driving privileges reinstated. If you receive a ticket for driving without insurance, you may have to pay a $600 uninsured motorist fee and could be subjected to SR-22 requirements for three years.
Penalties for Driving with a Suspended License in South Carolina
It’s generally against the law to operate a vehicle without a valid driver’s license in South Carolina. The exact penalty for driving without a license or driving with a suspended or revoked license in South Carolina may depend on a few factors, although it generally involves fines, jail time, or both.
SR-22 Insurance in South Carolina
Some drivers may be required to keep an SR-22 (also known as a certificate of financial responsibility) on file with the state verifying they have purchased auto insurance coverage that satisfies the state’s minimum coverage requirements. Drivers might be required to fulfill SR-22 requirements if:
- They have been caught not maintaining proper liability coverage.
- They were convicted of a DUI/DWI.
- They have committed other serious driving violations.
If you have any questions about SR-22 filings, we’d be happy to help. Our agents specialize in helping people find affordable car insurance coverage, regardless of their driving history.
Cheap Car Insurance in South Carolina
Whether you have a clean driving record or need high-risk auto insurance, Direct Auto offers affordable coverage options for South Carolina drivers. No matter your driving history, we’re committed to helping you find quality coverage that fits your budget.
Your rate depends on factors like your coverage, vehicle, driving habits, location, driving record, and credit history (where permitted by law).
Ready to save? Get a South Carolina car insurance quote from Direct Auto today. Call, click, or stop by a local store to find affordable coverage.
South Carolina Regional Auto Insurance
Wherever you live in South Carolina, Direct Auto can help you find car insurance coverage that fits your needs.
Charleston Auto Insurance
Columbia Auto Insurance
Mount Pleasant Auto Insurance
North Charleston Auto Insurance
Rock Hill Auto Insurance
Other South Carolina Auto Insurance Resources
*Cost and down payments will vary based on coverages and pay plan selected, state requirements, and how you buy. A lower down payment does not equal premium savings. Additional fees may apply.
**Emergency Protection Plans (EPP) and Roadside Assistance are not insurance and are administered through Nation Safe Drivers, Boca Raton, FL. Not all benefits are available in all states.
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