South Carolina State Minimum Car Insurance Requirements and Laws (2021).

From the Harbison State Forest to the sandy shores of the Atlantic Ocean, there’s no shortage of beautiful places to drive to in South Carolina. Even if you’re headed to work or school instead of starting an epic road trip, there’s one thing that motorists in the Palmetto State need to think about before they buckle up—their auto insurance policy.

Whether you’re a new driver or experienced behind the wheel, it’s important to understand exactly what type of insurance coverage you’ll need in South Carolina so you can find the best rates for your specific needs. Insurify can help, offering drivers real-time quotes in a matter of minutes, with policy features that help you stay compliant while on the road.

Minimum Car Insurance Requirements in South Carolina

No matter where you live, your car insurance company will likely provide a number of policy choices when it comes to auto insurance. While it’s smart to purchase a robust policy, not every coverage type is legally required. In South Carolina, drivers must enroll in minimum auto insurance coverage options before they operate their vehicle, including:

Bodily injury liability with a limit of $25,000 per person and $50,000 per accident: If you’re found to be at fault for a car accident and the other driver sustains injuries, this part of your insurance policy will pay toward their medical bills. It may also help with your legal costs if the other driver sues you.
Property damage liability with a limit of $25,000 per accident: Car repairs can add up quickly, and if you cause damage to another person’s vehicle during a collision, this coverage can help cover those costs. Keep in mind, your property damage coverage won’t pay toward repairs on your vehicle.
Uninsured motorist coverage with a limit of $25,000 per person and $50,000 per accident: South Carolina requires that this type of protection match your bodily injury liability limits and include a $200 deductible. Should your vehicle get hit by an uninsured driver or be involved in a hit-and-run, this coverage will kick in.

It’s important to note that the above types include liability coverage only, and would not help a driver if their car is damaged in a car accident. Many drivers want more than just liability insurance and often opt for both comprehensive and collision coverage. While optional for South Carolina drivers, these features can create a more robust car insurance policy.

If you want to make the most of your South Carolina auto insurance, personal injury protection (PIP) is another option to consider. This choice helps cover your own medical payments if you are injured in a car accident and, while similar in concept to bodily injury liability, is not based on who is at fault for the collision.