South Carolina Car Insurance Requirements (2025)
Discover everything you need to know about South Carolina car insurance requirements. Our unbiased resource provides in-depth insights into the minimum coverage mandated by the state. Make informed decisions and ensure you have the right level of protection for your vehicle on South Carolina's roads.
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Published Insurance Expert
Melanie Musson is the fourth generation in her family to work in the insurance industry. She grew up with insurance talk as part of her everyday conversation and has studied to gain an in-depth knowledge of state-specific insurance laws and dynamics as well as a broad understanding of how insurance fits into every person’s life, from budgets to coverage levels. Through her years working in th...
Melanie Musson
Licensed Insurance Agent
Travis Thompson has been a licensed insurance agent for nearly five years. After obtaining his life and health insurance licenses, he began working for Symmetry Financial Group as a State Licensed Field Underwriter. In this position, he learned the coverage options and limits surrounding mortgage protection. He advised clients on the coverage needed to protect them in the event of a death, critica...
Travis Thompson
Updated October 2024
Welcome to our comprehensive guide on South Carolina Car Insurance Requirements. If you’re a resident of the Palmetto State or planning to move there, understanding the minimum coverage mandated by the state is essential. In this article, we will delve into the key topics surrounding car insurance in South Carolina, including liability coverage, uninsured motorist protection, and optional coverages to consider.
We will provide you with unbiased information and expert insights to help you make informed decisions about your auto insurance needs. To ensure you find the best rates and coverage options tailored to your specific requirements, simply enter your ZIP code below and compare quotes from top insurance providers. Take the first step towards securing the right car insurance policy for your peace of mind on South Carolina’s roads.
Required Coverage
All personal vehicles in South Carolina require the following liability coverage requirements:
- Bodily Injury
- Property Damage
Additionally, South Carolina requires the following coverage:
- Uninsured / Underinsured Motorist Bodily Injury
- Uninsured / Underinsured Motorist Property Damage
Read More: South Carolina Car Insurance Discounts
| Minimum South Carolina Car Insurance Requirements | |||
|---|---|---|---|
| Bodily Injury Liability | $25,000 / $50,000 Limit | ||
| Property Damage Liability | $25,000 Limit | ||
| Uninsured/Underinsured Bodily Injury | $25,000 / $50,000 Limit | ||
| Uninsured/Underinsured Property Liability | $25,000 Limit | ||
Additional insurance coverage can include:
- Comprehensive and Collision Coverage
Comprehensive and collision insurance coverage are usually packaged together by insurance companies. They each help provide additional coverage for your vehicle if it needs repairs or replacement. Comprehensive is the “non-collision” type of coverage which pays for damages to your vehicle anytime other than when it has been in a collision such as after a hurricane or being stolen. Collision pays for repairs or replacement of your vehicle if it is involved in any type of accident. Regardless if your car isn’t listed as one of the most stolen vehicles in South Carolina, you should consider adding comprehensive coverage.
Proof of Insurance and Financial Responsibility
Establishing proof of insurance and financial responsibility
- Get a standard liability car insurance policy
- Registering as an uninsured motorist with the state and paying a fee of $550 per year. This provides no liability protection in the event of an accident.
Required Documentation
In order to provide proof of insurance, you can provide one of the following:
- Insurance ID Card
- Policy Binder
You must maintain proof of insurance and financial responsibility and present it:
- When asked by a police officer
- After an accident
- When obtaining or transferring your license or permit
- When restoring your license after having it revoked or suspended
- When obtaining a title or registration for your vehicle
Failure to Maintain Financial Responsibility Penalties
If you cancel your insurance coverage and do not notify the DMV of new coverage, you can face one of the following penalties:
- Suspension of your license
- Suspension of your license plates and vehicle registration
- A reinstatement fee of $200
- A fee of $5 for each day your vehicle was uninsured up to a maximum of $200
If you are caught driving a vehicle you do not own while uninsured, you can face the following penalties:
- Suspension of your license for 30 days
- A reinstatement fee of $100
If you are caught driving a vehicle you own while uninsured, you can face the following penalties:
- Suspension of your license and registration until the DMV receives a $550 reinstatement fee
- Requirement to file an SR-22 for the following 3 years
South Carolina Insurance Agents
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Frequently Asked Questions
What is the minimum car insurance coverage required in South Carolina?
South Carolina requires minimum insurance coverage of 25/50/25, which means $25,000 bodily injury liability per person, $50,000 bodily injury liability per accident, and $25,000 property damage liability per accident.
What is the tort system in South Carolina?
South Carolina follows a tort system, which means that someone must be found at fault for causing an accident and is then responsible for paying related expenses.
What are some additional insurance coverage options in South Carolina?
Additional insurance coverage options in South Carolina can include comprehensive and collision insurance, which provide additional coverage for your vehicle if it needs repairs or replacement.
What documents are needed to prove insurance and financial responsibility in South Carolina?
In South Carolina, you can provide proof of insurance and financial responsibility by showing your insurance ID card, a copy of your insurance policy, or a certificate of deposit from the State Treasurer.
What are the penalties for not maintaining financial responsibility in South Carolina?
If you do not maintain financial responsibility in South Carolina, you can face penalties such as fines, license suspension, and vehicle impoundment.
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