No matter where you are driving in the state, South Carolina auto insurance laws require drivers to have minimal insurance to drive legally. There are 3.8 million licensed drivers on South Carolina’s 78,000 kilometers of public roads. South Carolina also has the country’s second highest mortality rate when it comes to car accidents, further emphasizing the need for residents of the South Carolina maintain a comprehensive auto insurance policy.
South Carolina auto insurance laws
Like other states, South Carolina has well-defined laws for drivers in order to maintain safe driving practices. South Carolina drivers are required to have minimum liability insurance, as well as minimum coverage for uninsured drivers and insufficient coverage for drivers:
- Personal injury: $ 25,000 per person and $ 50,000 per accident
- Property damage: $ 25,000 per accident
- Personal injury to an uninsured driver: $ 25,000 per person and $ 50,000 per accident
- Damage to the driver’s property without insurance: $ 25,000 per accident with a $ 200 deductible
- Bodily injury to the insured driver: $ 25,000 per person and $ 50,000 per accident
- Damage to the driver’s property with insufficient insurance: $ 25,000 per accident
In addition to these minimum required coverage, South Carolina law also mandates that drivers be required to provide proof of insurance when asked to do so by a police officer.
South Carolina Liability Insurance
While these minimum requirements are typical of other states, it may not be enough to cover you if you are to blame for a major accident. For example, if it is determined that you are to blame and that several cars and drivers are involved in the accident, the $ 50,000 limit may not be sufficient to cover all medical bills, lost revenue and other expenses for several people. You are responsible for the difference between your insurance limits and the amount needed to cover all expenses if you do not have sufficient coverage.
Is South Carolina a faultless state?
South Carolina is considered a missing state. This means that once a driver is found guilty, he is responsible for damage to property and costs of bodily injury associated with the accident. If the damage is greater than the driver’s insurance limits, the other driver can sue the guilty driver to recover the remaining expenses, such as lost income, medical payments and moral damages payment.
Penalties for driving without insurance in South Carolina
Drivers caught without insurance coverage in South Carolina face heavy penalties, including fines and possible jail time. In addition, South Carolina requires insurers to notify the South Carolina Department of Motor Vehicles (SCDMV) when a policy is canceled.
If the SCDMV does not receive proof of coverage, drivers may face suspension of license, registration and license plate. It costs up to $ 400 for reinstatement. The same applies if a police officer stops you and you do not provide proof of insurance, but you will also be subject to a $ 550 uninsured driver’s penalty.
The first offense of driving without insurance requires you to buy an SR-22, pay a fine of up to $ 200 (or you can get 30 days in prison) and have your license suspended.
The second offense is another $ 200 fine and mandatory jail time, and a third offense means 45 days to 6 months in prison. All of this in addition to fines, license suspension and registration and SR-22 requirements.
Additional car insurance coverage options in South Carolina
Drivers in South Carolina can further customize their auto insurance policy to ensure that there is sufficient coverage. Here are other options worth adding to complete coverage:
- Collision: Collision insurance pays for repairs to your vehicle if you are involved in an accident or hit something like a tree or pole. The average cost of collision insurance in South Carolina is $ 303, according to the Insurance Information Institute (III).
- Comprehensive: If your car is damaged by anything other than an accident, comprehensive coverage covers repairs. Common examples of this include theft, vandalism, fire, flood and other water damage. In South Carolina, the average cost of comprehensive coverage is $ 197.24 per year, according to III.
- Car rental refund: This option is a convenient option to make it easier for you if your car is in the garage due to a covered accident. You are reimbursed every day for a rental car, or the insurer may charge the rental company directly under certain circumstances.
- Roadside assistance: Roadside assistance is a useful option when your car is down. This assistance provides assistance if you need towing, fuel delivery, recharging or battery replacement, etc.
Common questions
What is the best car insurance in South Carolina?
The best car insurance is based on several factors. Look at an operator’s financial stability ratings, customer service reviews, rates, discounts, and digital assets to find one that meets your needs. Bankrate analyzed several companies in South Carolina and found that Alfa Insurance and Allstate obtained high marks.
What is the cheapest car insurance in South Carolina?
South Carolina has many affordable auto insurance options. Bankrate analyzed several and found that Geico and Allstate offer the least expensive rates for South Carolinians. Minimum coverage averages $ 357 per year for minimum coverage and $ 1,063 for full coverage with Geico. Your specific rate depends on several factors, including location, credit score, vehicle, age and other factors.