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South Carolina requires every driver to carry liability insurance and uninsured motorist coverage before operating a vehicle on public roads. The state minimum is 25/50/25 — $25,000 bodily injury per person, $50,000 per accident, and $25,000 property damage. South Carolina is an at-fault state, so the driver who causes an accident is responsible for the other party's damages.
South Carolina Minimum Coverage Requirements
| Coverage | Minimum Required |
|---|---|
| Bodily injury liability (per person) | $25,000 |
| Bodily injury liability (per accident) | $50,000 |
| Property damage liability | $25,000 |
| Uninsured motorist bodily injury (per person) | $25,000 |
| Uninsured motorist bodily injury (per accident) | $50,000 |
| Uninsured motorist property damage | $25,000 |
Expert Tip: South Carolina Requires UM — But Not UIM
South Carolina mandates uninsured motorist coverage, which protects you when the at-fault driver has no insurance at all. But underinsured motorist coverage — which kicks in when the at-fault driver has some insurance but not enough — is optional. Given that many drivers carry only the state minimum, adding UIM to your policy closes a significant gap for a relatively small premium increase.
—Brad Cummins
These limits apply to all private passenger vehicles registered in South Carolina. Motorcycles, commercial vehicles, and fleet vehicles may have different requirements.
What's Required vs. Optional
Required:
- Bodily injury liability (BI) — Pays for injuries you cause to others. Does not cover you or your passengers.
- Property damage liability (PD) — Covers damage you cause to another person's vehicle or property.
- Uninsured motorist (UM) — South Carolina mandates UM bodily injury and property damage coverage. This protects you when the at-fault driver has no insurance. See our UM/UIM guide.
Not required but worth considering:
- Underinsured motorist (UIM) — South Carolina does not require UIM, but carriers must offer it. UIM covers the gap when the at-fault driver's limits are too low to cover your losses.
- Personal injury protection (PIP) / MedPay — South Carolina is an at-fault state with no PIP mandate. MedPay is available as an add-on and covers your medical bills regardless of fault. See our Med Pay guide.
- Collision — Covers damage to your own vehicle from a crash. Required by most lenders if you finance or lease. See collision coverage.
- Comprehensive — Covers non-collision losses: theft, weather, animal strikes, vandalism. Also typically required by lenders. See comprehensive coverage.
The state minimum is the legal floor, not a recommended coverage level. Most agents suggest at least 100/300/100 to protect against serious accidents.
Proof of Insurance & Vehicle Registration
South Carolina requires proof of insurance at registration and at any traffic stop. Acceptable proof includes:
- Insurance ID card (physical or digital)
- Policy declarations page
South Carolina uses an electronic verification system. Insurers report policy status to the state, so a lapse can trigger a notice even without a traffic stop.
SR-22: If your license is suspended for an insurance violation or certain driving offenses, South Carolina may require an SR-22 certificate of financial responsibility filed by your insurer. SR-22 requirements typically last three years.
Penalties for Driving Uninsured
| Violation | Consequence |
|---|---|
| First offense | License/registration suspension; $550 reinstatement fee |
| Subsequent offenses within 5 years | $550 reinstatement fee; possible vehicle impoundment |
| Driving on suspended license | Additional criminal penalties |
Reinstating your license requires proof of insurance and payment of all applicable fees.
Cost of Car Insurance in South Carolina
South Carolina's average annual premium runs near the national average — roughly $1,400–$1,700 per year for full coverage, depending on the driver profile and ZIP code. Coastal areas like Charleston and Myrtle Beach typically see higher rates due to weather exposure and tourism traffic.
Rates vary most by:
- Driving record — At-fault accidents and major violations raise premiums significantly.
- Location — Charleston, Columbia, and Myrtle Beach see higher rates than rural counties.
- Vehicle — Financed vehicles require collision and comprehensive, which increases total premium.
- Age — Teen drivers typically pay 2–3× the adult average.
- Credit history — South Carolina allows credit as a rating factor.
Use our car insurance calculator to estimate your costs.
Get Free South Carolina Car Insurance Quotes
South Carolina requires UM but not UIM — leaving many drivers exposed when the at-fault driver carries only the state minimum. That coverage gap is easy to close. Share your current policy through Canopy Connect and let a licensed agent confirm your protection covers both scenarios.
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About Brad Cummins
Brad Cummins is the founder of Insurance Geek and primary author of its educational content. Licensed since 2004, he brings over 21 years of experience structuring life insurance and IUL strategies for clients nationwide.
Fact checked by Brianna Baiocco
Brianna Baiocco runs P&C operations at Insurance Geek and fact-checks property and casualty content. Licensed since 2009, she brings over 16 years of experience in auto, home, renters, and commercial insurance.
