Minimum requirements and how to get cheap auto insurance in South Carolina
You might think that getting car insurance is all the same no matter where you go. But coverage requirements and overall costs can vary a lot based on your location alone, and the level of coverage that works out in Nevada isn’t the same as what you need in South Carolina.
If you plan to drive in South Carolina, you’ll need to carry a minimum level of liability coverage. You’ll also have the option to carry additional protection on your policy, which might better protect you, your vehicle, your passengers and your fellow travelers on the road.
Read on to learn more about everything from car insurance laws in South Carolina to who’s at fault after an accident.
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Most drivers in South Carolina can expect to pay about the national average, which was somewhere between $1,200 and $1,300 annually in 2017. This is quite a bit more than in the cheapest state, Maine, where coverage averaged around $900 a year, but it’s much cheaper than Michigan, the most expensive state in the country for auto insurance. Michigan’s drivers paid on average more than $2,300 a year in 2017.
What’s more, your costs are likely to change based on where you are in the state. City driving comes with additional risks for traffic accidents, theft and vandalism. If you live in downtown Charleston or Columbia, you can expect to pay more for your coverage than if you lived in Bluffton or Travelers Rest.
Looking for ways to save money on your auto insurance in South Carolina? No matter what state you’re in, you can use our general guide to lowery our premiums and get a better value out of your coverage.
To legally drive in South Carolina, you’ll need insurance that includes at least:
When you’re shopping for coverage, you might see these minimums expressed as 25/50/25.
South Carolina also requires you to carry coverage for uninsured motorists, so that you’re protected in a hit-and-run scenario or a crash with someone who doesn’t have enough coverage. The amounts you’ll need for this coverage are the same as your typical liability insurance: 25/50/25.
You might want additional coverage if you want extra protection for yourself, your car or your passengers.
In South Carolina, you can choose from options that include:
Less than 10% of South Carolina’s motorists were driving around without insurance in 2015, according to estimates from the Insurance Research Council. This was below the nationwide average of 13%, and far below the numbers for Florida, where experts reported up to 26% of all drivers were uninsured.
You can deposit $35,000 with the South Carolina Treasurer’s Office for a certificate proving your financial responsibility. But if you do this, a severe accident could wipe out that deposit, leaving you owing more from your own pocket to cover medical bills and big vehicle repairs. For these reasons, plus the large initial cash outlay, most drivers in this state stick with traditional car insurance coverage.
You also have the option of paying a $550 fee annually to avoid buying insurance. But you must meet eligibility that includes five or more years of driving experience. And if you get into an accident, you’re on the hook for all damages you’re considered responsible for.
Yes, you can purchase temporary car insurance in South Carolina. It might be hard to find a good option, as not all providers offer it in every state, and it’s usually more expensive than normal car insurance.
If you’re caught driving without coverage, you can expect fines, a driver’s license or registration suspension, and possibly even jail time if you’re a repeat offender.
While most states in the US enforce similar traffic laws, South Carolina has a handful of its own laws you’ll want to take note of:
This state holds drivers to the same standards as every other state, enforcing an upper limit of 0.08% blood alcohol content (BAC) for everyday drivers and 0.04% for commercial drivers.
If you’re caught over the limit, you can expect steep fines, a driver’s license suspension and possibly a stint in jail.
| First offense | Second offense | Third offense | Fourth offense | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Jail | 2 to 90 days | 5 days to 3 years | 60 days to 5 years | 1 to 7 years |
| Fines and penalties | $400–$1,000 | $2,100–$6,500 | $3,800–$10,000 | Up to $10,000 |
| License suspension | 6 months | 1 year | 2 years | Permanent |
| Ignition interlock device (IID) required | No | Yes | Yes | N/A |
In addition to the state’s DUI laws, South Carolina has a law of implied consent. This means if a police officer asks you to take a breathalyzer or portable breath test when you’re pulled over, you’re required to take it, whether you’ve been drinking or not.
Penalties for not taking the test can involve a driver’s license suspension. Your first offense suspends your license for six months, the second for nine months and the third for a full year. You’ll also likely have to pay a license reinstatement fee when your suspension is over.
Yes, you can get an SR-22 in South Carolina, which is a document your insurance company files with the state that proves you have the minimum liability coverage needed to get behind the wheel. You might need this kind of coverage if you’ve gotten a DUI or if you’re caught driving without the minimum car insurance required by the state.
Even the smallest car accident can throw you for a loop, leaving you disoriented and not sure what to do next.
If you’re in an accident, follow these steps to ensure that you’re safe and protected against unnecessary worries when processing your car insurance claim:
South Carolina is considered a tort state, which means any driver not at fault for the accident can pursue a claim against the at-fault party after a crash.
South Carolina also follows a type of fault assignment called “comparative negligence,” which means if you’re judged 25% at fault for a crash, you can be denied 25% of your claim amount.
You don’t have to report every fender bender you’re ever involved in, but some circumstances require getting the police involved. These situations include:
Should either of these conditions apply to the accident you’re involved in, file a Traffic Collision Report within 15 days of the crash.
You might need to hire an attorney if:
To best protect yourself, your vehicle and others on the road in South Carolina, you’ll want to find a car insurance policy that works for your needs and your budget. The good news is that you have a lot of options, and by shopping around and comparing rates, you’re sure to find a terrific value.
To learn more about these topics, from state laws and requirements to discounts and savings, read our comprehensive guide to car insurance.
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