South Carolina Minimum Auto Insurance Requirements for 2025 (See SC Policies & Limits)
South Carolina minimum auto insurance requirements are 25/50/25, meaning drivers need at least $25,000 for injuries to one person, $50,000 for all injuries in an accident, and $25,000 for property damage. Minimum car insurance rates in South Carolina start at $28/month.
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Justin Wright
Licensed Insurance Agent
Justin Wright has been a licensed insurance broker for over 9 years. After graduating from Southeastern Seminary with a Masters in Philosophy, Justin started his career as a professor, teaching Philosophy and Ethics. Later, Justin obtained both his Property & Casualty license and his Life and Health license and began working for State Farm and Allstate. In 2020, Justin began working as an i...
Licensed Insurance Agent
UPDATED: Dec 26, 2024
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Advertiser Disclosure: We strive to help you make confident auto insurance decisions. Comparison shopping should be easy. We are not affiliated with any one auto insurance provider and cannot guarantee quotes from any single provider. Our partnerships don’t influence our content. Our opinions are our own. To compare quotes from many different companies please enter your ZIP code on this page to use the free quote tool. The more quotes you compare, the more chances to save.
Editorial Guidelines: We are a free online resource for anyone interested in learning more about auto insurance. Our goal is to be an objective, third-party resource for everything auto insurance related. We update our site regularly, and all content is reviewed by auto insurance experts.
UPDATED: Dec 26, 2024
It’s all about you. We want to help you make the right coverage choices.
Advertiser Disclosure: We strive to help you make confident auto insurance decisions. Comparison shopping should be easy. We are not affiliated with any one auto insurance provider and cannot guarantee quotes from any single provider. Our partnerships don’t influence our content. Our opinions are our own. To compare quotes from many different companies please enter your ZIP code on this page to use the free quote tool. The more quotes you compare, the more chances to save.
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South Carolina minimum auto insurance requirements ensure drivers have essential liability protection, with set limits of $25,000 for injury per person, $50,000 per accident, and $25,000 for property damage.
USAA offers the lowest rates starting at $28 per month, followed by Geico at $33 per month and State Farm at $36 per month. These companies meet South Carolina’s minimum coverage needs while keeping costs affordable for drivers.
South Carolina Minimum Auto Insurance Coverage Requirements & Limits
Coverage Limits
Bodily Injury Liability $25,000 per person / $50,000 per accident
Property Damage Liability $25,000 per accident
Since accident expenses can quickly exceed minimum limits, many drivers consider adding extra coverage for better financial protection.
Exploring options like comprehensive and collision auto insurance coverage can provide added peace of mind. Compare South Carolina car insurance rates today using our free quote tool to find the best coverage at the lowest price.
South Carolina Minimum Coverage Requirements & What They Cover
South Carolina car insurance laws require all drivers to carry both liability and uninsured motorist coverage to stay compliant with SC auto insurance requirements. The state minimum car insurance in South Carolina mandates includes coverage for bodily injury and property damage under specific limits.
Drivers must have at least $25,000 in bodily injury coverage per person, $50,000 per accident, and $25,000 in property damage coverage. Additionally, South Carolina minimum car insurance coverage includes uninsured motorist protection, ensuring financial protection if you’re hit by an uninsured driver.
This includes $25,000 per person and $50,000 per accident for bodily injury, plus $25,000 for property damage. Understanding SC minimum car insurance requirements is crucial, as failing to meet South Carolina car insurance requirements can result in penalties, fines, and potential license suspension. Be sure to review South Carolina SR-22 insurance requirements if you have driving violations that require proof of coverage.
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Cheapest Car Insurance in South Carolina
Finding the cheapest South Carolina car insurance starts with knowing your options. USAA offers the lowest rates at $28/month, followed closely by Geico at $33/month and State Farm at $36/month.
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These companies meet South Carolina auto insurance requirements while providing affordable coverage for drivers. Rates can vary depending on where you live. For example, minimum coverage in Charleston averages $78/month, while drivers in Aiken pay around $66/month.
To avoid the penalty for driving without insurance in South Carolina, compare quotes from top providers to meet SC state minimum car insurance requirements without overspending.
South Carolina Min. Coverage Auto Insurance Monthly Rates by City
City Rates
Aiken $66
Anderson $67
Charleston $78
Columbia $75
Florence $68
Goose Creek $72
Greenville $72
Hilton Head Island $77
Mount Pleasant $76
Myrtle Beach $74
North Charleston $74
Rock Hill $73
Spartanburg $70
Summerville $71
Sumter $69
Understanding SC auto insurance laws can help you save money by ensuring you only pay for what you need. Get the best rates by comparing companies that fit your budget while staying compliant with South Carolina insurance requirements. Start your search today and lock in the most affordable coverage for your vehicle.
Other Coverage Options to Consider in South Carolina
While meeting South Carolina auto insurance laws by purchasing minimum car insurance in South Carolina coverage is required, drivers may want to explore additional coverage options for extra protection.
Standard liability coverage only pays for damages you cause to others, leaving your own vehicle unprotected. Consider adding collision and comprehensive coverage to cover your car in case of accidents, theft, or natural disasters.
SC car insurance requirements also recommend medical payments coverage (MedPay) or personal injury protection (PIP) to help with medical expenses after an accident. Uninsured/underinsured motorist coverage is another essential option, protecting you if the at-fault driver lacks adequate insurance.
Knowing when to buy car insurance in South Carolina can save you money, especially if you’re purchasing a new vehicle or changing policies. Evaluating these additional options ensures you stay compliant with SC car insurance laws while securing broader financial protection on the road.
Penalties for Driving Without Insurance in South Carolina
Driving without insurance in South Carolina comes with serious legal and financial consequences. According to South Carolina auto insurance laws, all drivers must maintain at least the state minimum car insurance coverage of 25/50/25 for bodily injury and property damage. Failing to meet this requirement can result in fines, license suspension, and even jail time.
Penalties for Driving Without Auto Insurance in South Carolina
Offense Fine Uninsured Motorist Fee Driver’s License Suspension Vehicle Registration Suspension Reinstatement Fee Additional Penalty
First Offense $100 to $200 $550 (optional in some cases to avoid suspension) Until proof of insurance is provided Until proof of insurance is provided $200 per vehicle NA
Second Offense $200 to $400 $550 Until proof of insurance is provided Until proof of insurance is provided $200 per vehicle NA
Third and Subsequent Offenses Up to $500 $550 Until proof of insurance is provided Until proof of insurance is provided $200 per vehicle Possible Jail Time: Up to 30 days
For a first offense, drivers face fines ranging from $100 to $200, along with a $550 uninsured motorist fee. If insurance isn’t obtained, the driver’s license and vehicle registration will be suspended until proof of coverage is provided, plus a $200 reinstatement fee. Daily ends of $5 apply until insurance is purchased.
Chris Abrams
Licensed Insurance Agent
Maintaining the right level of car insurance in South Carolina protects your finances and keeps you legally compliant on the road.
Second-time offenders face steeper fines between $200 and $400, additional daily penalties, and up to 30 days in jail. Subsequent violations can lead to jail sentences of up to six months, making it crucial to follow SC car insurance laws and maintain valid insurance coverage.
Read more: Does a suspended license affect auto insurance rates?
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Tips for Finding Affordable Insurance in SC
Driving in South Carolina requires a valid insurance policy that meets state minimum car insurance requirements or the coverage standards set by your lender if you’re financing your vehicle. Driving without insurance is risky and costly, but you can lower your premiums by understanding how insurance companies determine rates and applying for available discounts.
Insurance providers evaluate your risk level based on factors like your driving record, credit score, and vehicle type. Maintaining a clean driving history, good credit, and owning a safe, reliable car can reduce your rates.
Before requesting insurance quotes, check your credit report for errors and explore potential discounts. Many providers offer savings for insuring multiple vehicles, bundling home and auto policies, or being a low-mileage or retired driver.
Don’t miss the chance to secure affordable coverage! Use our free quote tool by entering your ZIP code and compare rates to find the best insurance options today.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is car insurance mandatory in South Carolina?
Yes, car insurance is mandatory in South Carolina. Drivers must carry at least the state minimum coverage of 25/50/25 for bodily injury and property damage liability to legally operate a vehicle (Read more: Best Property Damage Liability (PDL) Auto Insurance ).
What are the cheapest car insurance providers in South Carolina?
The cheapest car insurance providers in South Carolina are USAA, starting at $28/month, Geico at $33/month, and State Farm at $36/month. Comparing quotes from these companies can help you find affordable coverage while staying compliant with South Carolina auto insurance laws. Get fast and cheap auto insurance coverage today with our quote comparison tool.
What happens if I drive without insurance in South Carolina?
Driving without insurance in South Carolina can result in fines, license suspension, vehicle registration suspension, and even jail time for repeat offenses.
How can I find affordable car insurance in South Carolina?
You can find affordable car insurance by comparing quotes from multiple providers, maintaining a clean driving record, improving your credit score, and taking advantage of discounts like multi-car, low-mileage, and bundling policies (Read more: Best Low-Mileage Auto Insurance Discounts ).
What is uninsured motorist coverage in South Carolina?
Uninsured motorist coverage in South Carolina protects you if a driver hits you without insurance. The state requires minimum uninsured motorist coverage of 25/50/25.
Read more: Uninsured Motorist Property Damage (UMPD) Coverage
When should I buy car insurance in South Carolina?
You should buy car insurance before registering or driving a vehicle in South Carolina. Coverage must be active to comply with state laws and avoid penalties.
Can I legally drive without insurance in South Carolina if I pay the uninsured motorist fee?
Yes, South Carolina allows drivers to pay a $550 uninsured motorist fee to legally drive without insurance, which makes them fully responsible for any accident costs.
Are there penalties for a lapse in car insurance coverage?
Yes, a lapse in car insurance can result in fines, license suspension, daily penalties, and increased insurance premiums when reinstating your policy.
Read more: Can you get auto insurance with a suspended license?
Do car insurance rates vary by city in South Carolina?
Yes, car insurance rates in South Carolina can vary by city due to population density, accident rates, and local crime statistics.
What factors affect car insurance premiums in South Carolina?
Car insurance premiums in South Carolina depend on your driving record, credit score, vehicle type, coverage limits, location, and the coverage you choose. Start saving on your auto insurance by entering your ZIP code and comparing quotes.
Free Auto Insurance Comparison
Enter your ZIP code below to view companies that have cheap auto insurance rates.
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Justin Wright
Licensed Insurance Agent
Justin Wright has been a licensed insurance broker for over 9 years. After graduating from Southeastern Seminary with a Masters in Philosophy, Justin started his career as a professor, teaching Philosophy and Ethics. Later, Justin obtained both his Property & Casualty license and his Life and Health license and began working for State Farm and Allstate. In 2020, Justin began working as an i...
Licensed Insurance Agent
Editorial Guidelines: We are a free online resource for anyone interested in learning more about auto insurance. Our goal is to be an objective, third-party resource for everything auto insurance related. We update our site regularly, and all content is reviewed by auto insurance experts.