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

South Carolina's minimum coverage liability limits are 25/50/25. The average annual cost for state minimum car insurance in South Carolina is $953, or about $79 per month.

Updated: December 10, 2024

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South Carolina requires minimum car insurance coverage of $25,000 for bodily injury liability per person, $50,000 for bodily injury per accident, and $25,000 for property damage liability per accident. The state also mandates uninsured motorist coverage with the same minimums. South Carolina operates as an at-fault state, meaning the driver responsible for the accident is also responsible for covering the resulting costs through their insurance.

The cost of minimum coverage in South Carolina is about $79 per month. Explore the cheapest car insurance in South Carolina to ensure you get the best rate for your needs.

TABLE OF CONTENTS

South Carolina Minimum Coverage Requirements
Average Cost of Minimum Coverage Car Insurance in South Carolina
Cheapest Companies in South Carolina for Minimum Coverage
Add-On Coverages in South Carolina
Penalties for Driving Without Insurance in South Carolina
FAQ

Why Trust MoneyGeek? MoneyGeek analyzed data from Quadrant Information Services and the South Carolina Department of Insurance to give you the most accurate cost data for a range of South Carolina drivers.

These rates reflect the cost of minimum coverage car insurance requirements in South Carolina as of December 2024.

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South Carolina Minimum Coverage Car Insurance Requirements

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.

DOES SOUTH CAROLINA REQUIRE COLLISION AND COMPREHENSIVE COVERAGE?

South Carolina does not require drivers to carry collision or comprehensive insurance. However, if you're financing or leasing a vehicle, lenders often require both collision and comprehensive coverage to protect their investment. This ensures that the vehicle will be repaired or replaced in case of an accident, theft or other damages not covered by liability insurance.

What Does Minimum Coverage Cover?

What Liability Insurance Covers	What Liability Insurance Doesn't Cover
Injuries to others if you are at fault in an accident	Your injuries
Damage to another person’s property if you are at fault in an accident	Damages to your car
Some coverage for injuries caused by uninsured/underinsured drivers, depending on your policy	Repairs for weather-related accidents or if you were hit by an animal
	Property damage caused by uninsured/underinsured drivers, unless additional coverage is purchased

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.

Average Cost of Minimum Coverage Car Insurance in South Carolina

In South Carolina, drivers aged 22 to 29 face the highest premiums due to their higher risk of accidents and lack of driving experience. The table below shows the average minimum coverage cost in South Carolina per age group.


22-29	$1,166	$97
30-59	$953	$79
60 +	$953	$79

Cheapest Companies for Minimum Coverage Car Insurance in South Carolina

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

American National P&C: $391 per year; $33 per month
South Carolina Farm Bureau: $483 per year; $40 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.

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Age Group:30-59


American National P&C	$391	$33
South Carolina Farm Bureau	$483	$40
Auto-Owners Insurance Co	$530	$44
Progressive	$581	$48
GEICO	$644	$54
American Family	$663	$55
Allstate	$707	$59
State Farm	$889	$74
Travelers	$1,297	$108
Bristol West	$1,957	$163
Dairyland	$2,340	$195

Optional Add-On Coverages in South Carolina

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.

Add-On Coverage	What It Covers	What It Doesn't Cover
Uninsured/Underinsured Motorist Coverage	Medical expenses, lost wages and repair costs if you're hit by a driver with no or insufficient insurance.	Damage to your vehicle if you are at fault or damages that exceed policy limits.
Personal Injury Protection (PIP)	Medical expenses, lost income and funeral costs for you or your passengers, regardless of who's at fault.	Vehicle damage or injuries to the other driver.
Roadside Assistance	Services like towing, flat tire changes and jump-starts when your car breaks down.	Cost of parts or repairs needed after the tow.
Gap Insurance	Pays the difference between your car's current value and what you still owe if it's totaled or stolen.	Vehicle depreciation or overdue loan payments.
Rental Car Reimbursement	The cost of a rental car while your vehicle is being repaired after a covered event.	Fuel, insurance or other rental extras.
Collision Coverage	Repairs to your car after an accident, regardless of fault.	Damage due to theft, vandalism or natural disasters.
Comprehensive Coverage	Repairs to non-collision damages from events like theft, fire or hail.	Damages from a collision or personal injuries.
Towing and Labor Coverage	Towing and basic roadside assistance labor costs at the site of your vehicle's breakdown.	More extensive repairs needed at a garage.
Custom Parts and Equipment Coverage	Safeguards aftermarket enhancements like custom wheels or stereo systems.	Original parts that came with your vehicle.
Accidental Death Coverage	Offers a payout if you or a passenger dies or experiences certain injuries in a car accident.	Non-accidental death or injuries.
Classic Car Insurance	Agreed-upon values for your unique vehicle, tailored for vintage or collector cars.	Regular use like your daily commute.

Penalties for Driving Without Insurance in South Carolina

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.

What to Do if Your Policy Is Canceled

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.

WHY WAS MY POLICY CANCELED?

Your car insurance policy in South Carolina may have been canceled for a few reasons:

Non-Payment: The insurance company would cancel your coverage if you didn't pay your premiums.
License Suspension: Should your driver's license be suspended, your insurance provider may cancel your policy.
Too Many Claims: Filing multiple claims within a short period can lead to cancellation, as it increases your risk to the insurer.
Fraud: Any fraudulent activity associated with your policy, such as providing false information, can result in the termination of your insurance policy.
Vehicle Changes: Major alterations to your vehicle that affect its safety or value could also prompt cancellation.

When an insurer cancels your policy, they must provide ample notice and explain the reasons for cancellation, allowing you to rectify the issue or find new coverage.

FAQ: South Carolina Minimum Coverage Car Insurance

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.

What is the minimum car insurance coverage in South Carolina?

The minimum car insurance coverage in South Carolina consists of bodily injury liability at $25,000 per person and $50,000 per accident, along with property damage liability of $25,000. The state also requires uninsured/underinsured motorist coverage, which matches the bodily injury liability coverage at $25,000 per person and $50,000 per accident. This is just the base requirement, and you may opt for higher limits or additional coverages for more comprehensive protection.

Why does South Carolina require minimum automobile liability coverage for motorists?

Minimum coverage auto insurance is a legal requirement in South Carolina. It serves as a safeguard, guaranteeing that all drivers are financially responsible for any damage or injury they may cause in an accident. This ensures that victims are not left without a means of recovery, maintaining a level of financial security on the South Carolina's roadways.

Do you need comprehensive insurance in South Carolina?

In South Carolina, comprehensive insurance is not legally required. However, it's a smart choice for protection against non-collision events such as theft, vandalism or natural disasters. If you're financing or leasing a vehicle, your lender may mandate comprehensive insurance as part of your loan terms. It's an essential safeguard for your investment, particularly if you drive a high-value car or live in an area prone to severe weather conditions or theft.

What happens if you drive uninsured in South Carolina?

Driving uninsured in South Carolina can lead to significant penalties. The state may fine you up to $550 for noncompliance, plus additional reinstatement fees. Your driver's license and registration could be suspended until you can demonstrate proof of insurance. To avoid these consequences, ensure you have at least the state minimum coverage before getting behind the wheel.

About Mark Fitzpatrick

Mark Fitzpatrick is a Licensed Property and Casualty Insurance Producer and MoneyGeek's Head of Insurance. He has analyzed the insurance market for over five years, conducting original research and creating personalized content for every kind of buyer. He has been quoted in several insurance-related publications, including CNBC, NBC News and Mashable.

Fitzpatrick earned a master’s degree in economics and international relations from Johns Hopkins University and a bachelor’s degree from Boston College. He is passionate about using his knowledge of economics and insurance to bring transparency around financial topics and help others feel confident in their money moves.

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