South Carolina Minimum Coverage Car Insurance: Requirements and Costs (2024)

South Carolina mandates that drivers carry minimum car insurance requirements, including bodily injury liability of $25,000 per person, $50,000 bodily injury liability per accident and property damage liability of $25,000 per accident. You should also have uninsured motorist bodily injury coverage of $25,000 per person and $50,000 per accident. South Carolina is an at-fault state, meaning the driver responsible for the accident is also responsible for covering the resulting costs through their insurance. The mandatory insurance underscores the importance of financial responsibility in the event of an accident.

State minimum car insurance in South Carolina costs about $63 per month. To ensure you're getting a competitive rate, review the cheapest car insurance in South Carolina. Remember that selecting the state minimum coverage is a start, and you can always choose more comprehensive coverage for greater protection on the road.

In South Carolina, drivers are legally required to have minimum coverage auto insurance before they can take to the roads. The state-mandates minimum coverages 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 uninsured motorist bodily injury per person
• $50,000 uninsured motorist bodily injury per accident

South Carolina is a fault state, which means that insurance companies pay according to each party's degree of fault in an accident. The state's status as a fault or no-fault state affects the implications for your premium. As a fault state, the driver who is determined to have caused the accident is responsible for the damages.

The table above reflects South Carolina's minimum car insurance requirements, including bodily injury and property damage coverage. Your policy's terms and conditions will determine specific coverage details.

The table below details the average cost of minimum coverage car insurance in South Carolina for various age groups, presenting how age affects insurance premiums. In South Carolina, drivers aged 22 to 29 face the highest premiums because they are often considered more risk-prone than older drivers.

In South Carolina, drivers seeking minimum coverage auto insurance can find the most affordable options with these companies:

• American National P&C: $297 per year; $25 per month
• Auto-Owners: $439 per year; $37 per month

Finding an affordable plan that meets South Carolina's state minimum requirements is essential, but you should also choose coverage that aligns with your individual needs. Explore the best car insurance in South Carolina for more comprehensive options.

South Carolina optional add-on car insurance coverages include uninsured motorist coverage, collision coverage, comprehensive coverage, medical payments coverage and rental reimbursement. These options can provide extensive protection for various incidents, such as accidents with uninsured drivers, vehicle theft and personal injury. While not mandated by law, having these coverages can offer financial security post-accident. It's important to evaluate your individual circumstances and risks to determine how much car insurance you need.

In South Carolina, the cost of a ticket for driving without minimum coverage insurance depends on whether it's your first offense or if you've been caught without insurance before. For a first offense, drivers may face penalties such as fines and community service. Those who have done this more than once could face harsher consequences, including possibly higher fines and longer community service hours.

Additional penalties for driving without car insurance in South Carolina can include:

• Vehicle impoundment: Your vehicle can be taken to an impoundment lot or a tow yard, and you have to pay the cost of towing and storage to get it back.
• Suspension of vehicle registration: You cannot drive your vehicle legally unless the registration is reinstated.
• Suspension of driver's license: Your driving privilege may be suspended for a certain period, and you have to pay reinstatement fees once eligible.
• Mandatory SR-22 insurance documentation: An SR-22 is a form you or your insurer must file to prove you have the required insurance.
• Jail time: You can face jail time of up to six months, particularly if you are involved in an accident without insurance.**

Remember, carrying minimum coverage insurance is more than just a legal requirement; it's a crucial part of responsible driving. Staying insured helps protect you and others on the road. Make sure to follow the law to avoid these serious penalties.

If your car insurance policy in South Carolina is canceled, you should immediately contact your insurance agent to discuss your options or find a new provider. Driving without insurance is illegal and can lead to serious consequences. The Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) in South Carolina will be notified if you are uninsured, which could result in fines, license suspension or revocation of vehicle registration.

South Carolina does not directly offer a program for high-risk drivers struggling to get insured. However, you can explore the South Carolina Automobile Insurance Plan (SCAIP) for assistance in obtaining the required minimum coverage auto insurance. This plan ensures that all eligible drivers have access to car insurance, even if they have a high-risk profile.

Remember, driving without at least minimum coverage auto insurance in South Carolina is against the law. Always ensure that you're legally covered before getting behind the wheel.

We provide clear answers to frequently asked questions about minimum coverage car insurance to help you understand the essential coverage needed to legally drive in the Palmetto State.