South Carolina Car Insurance Requirements
All South Carolina drivers must carry auto insurance if they get behind the wheel.
This article shares what insurance minimums you must carry. The article also covers the repercussions of not having it.
And provides SC insurance quotes if you’re shopping for coverage in South Carolina.
It is important to understand that the minimum auto insurance coverage required in South Carolina changes every year, so be sure to check with your provider or the South Carolina Department of Insurance to make sure you are carrying the right amount of liability coverage. Depending on your driving record and situation, you may be able to qualify for discounts or other special considerations.
South Carolina’s auto insurance minimums include the following:
The South Carolina Car Insurance Minimums and Requirements
South Carolina requires the following required auto insurance coverage:
- Property Damage: $25,000 per accident
- Bodily Injury: $25,000 per person / $50,000 per accident
- Uninsured Motorist Bodily Injury: $25,000 per person / $50,000 per accident
- Uninsured Motorist Property Damage: $25,000 per accident with $200 deductible
- Underinsured Motorist Bodily Injury: $25,000 per person / $50,000 per accident
- Underinsured Motorist Property Damage: $25,000 per accident
Your final insurance needs will depend on your driving abilities, history, and needs. Some vehicles, like when leasing, may require collision and compressive coverage.
Penalties for Driving Without Insurance in South Carolina
Driving without insurance is a serious offense in the state of South Carolina.
The fines and penalties depend on your actions when behind-the-wheel. You can expect anything from fees and loss of driving privileges to potential jail time.
First Offenses
- Fines: $100 to $200, $550 uninsured motorist fee
- Jail: Up to 30 days of jail time or a fine
- Privileges: Possible license and registration suspension
Second Offenses
- Fines: $200 + $5/day without insurance
- Jail: Up to 30 days of jail time plus possible fines
- Privileges: Possible license and registration suspension
Subsequent Offenses
- Fines: Prior fines and $5/day fee
- Jail: Up to 45 days to 6 months plus possible fines
- Privileges: Possible license and registration suspension
In all, driving without insurance in South Carolina is a major issue.
You may receive these penalties when being stopped or through the states electronic monitoring. Failing to provide proof of insurance will result in a 1st offense. Subsequent offenses carry heavier fines, fees, and possible jail time for your actions.
The offense stays on your record for quite some time. As a result, you will face hard fines and jail time if you’re founding driving without insurance any time within 10 years of the first offense. Subsequent offenses carry heavier penalties as you’re labeled a habitual offender.
The later fines and jail time are the only way to satisfy the state’s punishment for driving without insurance. This means real jail time! All-in-all, don’t get behind the wheel if you do not carry insurance.
Compare Quotes for South Carolina Insurance Policies
Whether you just moved to South Carolina or you’re a resident, you need auto insurance if you’re getting behind-the-wheel and on state roads and highways. The insurance helps protect you from uninsured motorists while providing if you’re the one at fault.
Your intent may be finding cheap South Carolina auto insurance to cover the state’s minimums. You may decide to upgrade your insurance policy once you’re driving. Many SC car insurance companies offer good driver discounts lowering their premiums – this also applies to good students!
