South Carolina Car Insurance Laws and Requirements (2023)

South Carolina law dictates the minimum requirements for insurance coverage that all drivers must carry. All drivers in South Carolina must hold 25/50/25 in bodily injury per person, bodily injury per accident, and property damage per accident. Additionally, drivers can pick from a long list of additional coverages for added protection.

Minimum Car Insurance Requirements in South Carolina

The minimum car insurance requirements in South Carolina^[1] are:

• $25,000 for bodily injury liability per person

• $50,000 for bodily injury liability per accident

• $25,000 for property damage liability per accident

• $25,000 for uninsured motorist bodily injury per person

• $50,000 for uninsured motorist bodily injury per accident

• $25,000 for uninsured motorist property damage per accident

South Carolina is an at-fault or tort state. This means that after an accident, victims may seek compensation from the at-fault driver. They can file a claim with their car insurance company or pursue a personal injury lawsuit. To prove fault, victims may use a combination of police reports, witness testimony, and videos or photos.

Bodily Injury Liability

Bodily injury liability is part of your liability car insurance coverage. If you cause an accident, this coverage will help cover the other party’s medical expenses. This type of coverage will not cover your own medical expenses for injuries sustained in a car accident you caused. Bodily injury liability coverage is required in South Carolina.

Property Damage Liability

Property damage liability is the other half of your liability car insurance. It covers repair costs and damage expenses to the other cars involved in an accident you caused. This coverage does not cover damage to your own car in an accident you were at fault for. Property damage liability coverage is required in South Carolina.

Uninsured/Underinsured Motorist Coverage

If an uninsured (or underinsured) driver causes an accident and you suffer bodily injury, uninsured motorist coverage will cover your medical expenses. If the at-fault driver surpasses their bodily injury liability coverage limits, your underinsured motorist coverage will cover the rest of your medical expenses. Uninsured motorist coverage is required in South Carolina.

Is state minimum car insurance enough in South Carolina?

The minimum required car insurance coverage in South Carolina provides drivers with a solid foundation of auto insurance coverage, but it may not be enough for everyone. Since a catastrophic accident may exceed $25,000 in property damage, for example, it may be worth it to invest in additional coverage. Doing so can help you avoid high out-of-pocket costs.

Optional Car Insurance Coverage for South Carolina

South Carolina drivers who want to be protected in any situation should consider bolstering the minimum car insurance coverage with the following supplemental car insurance coverages:

Collision Coverage

Collision coverage covers damages to your car after a collision with another vehicle or object. If your vehicle is a total loss, collision coverage will reimburse you for the actual cash value of your vehicle. This is a great addition to the required property damage liability coverage in South Carolina, which applies only to the damages to the other driver’s vehicle.

Comprehensive Coverage

Complementing your collision coverage, comprehensive insurance covers damage to your vehicle that occurs during an event that is not a collision with another vehicle or object. This may apply in situations of vandalism, theft, weather damage, or a run-in with an animal. Adding comprehensive and collision coverage together creates a full-coverage car insurance policy.

Other Supplemental Coverage

MedPay, or medical payments coverage, covers medical expenses that come from a car accident, no matter who is at fault. These may include doctor’s visits, medical treatments, ambulance fees, prosthetic limbs, dental treatments, and more.

Rental car reimbursement can pay for a rental car while your car is being repaired after a covered accident. You may also consider roadside assistance, which can be a real lifesaver when you experience car trouble. If you’re stranded, this coverage can provide services like jump-starting a dead battery, changing a flat tire, or towing your car to a repair shop.

Penalties for Driving Uninsured in South Carolina

It is illegal to drive in South Carolina without the minimum car insurance coverage.

• Fines: You may pay a fine of $550.

• Daily fines: You might be on the hook for $5 for every day you have a coverage lapse.

• Jail time: Depending on the situation, you might spend 30 days to six months in jail.

• Driving privileges: Your registration and license may be suspended.

• SR-22 requirement: You’ll need to file an SR-22 and cover the reinstatement fee.

Minimum Requirements for High-Risk Drivers in South Carolina

If you’re convicted of a serious driving violation like a DUI, reckless driving, or a hit-and-run, you’ll need to file an SR-22 form with the South Carolina Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV). This will confirm you meet the minimum car insurance requirements in the state. Your insurance company can file this form on your behalf after you pay a fee and accept your higher rate.

More Information for High-Risk Drivers in South Carolina

DUI Insurance in South Carolina

SR-22 Insurance in South Carolina

Cheapest Minimum Car Insurance in South Carolina

Car insurance companies weigh different factors to determine what to quote drivers on their car insurance policies. Minimum coverage generally means lower car insurance rates. It also means low coverage limits, which may cost you if you’re ever involved in an accident. Here are the cheapest car insurance quotes for minimum coverage in South Carolina.

How to Find Cheap Car Insurance in South Carolina

If you’re looking for cheap car insurance in South Carolina, check out Insurify. With this tool, you can compare car insurance quotes from a number of car insurance companies in the Palmetto State. Just fill out a short form with some basic information about yourself and your vehicle. It’s free to use, and there is no sign-up required.