What is the penalty for driving without car insurance in South Carolina?

Unlike other states, South Carolina doesn’t technically require motorists to enroll in car insurance before they get behind the wheel. Instead, residents have two options: they can purchase a minimum coverage policy from an insurer, or they can pay the DMV $550 to acquire uninsured motorist registration.

If you meet certain requirements, including a driving record free from accidents for the last three years, you may be able to enroll in this unique type of registration. By doing so, you affirm that you will be held financially responsible for any accident you cause, and your registration may be revoked in the event of a moving violation.

Should a motorist opt out of both traditional auto insurance and uninsured motorist registration, they could face steep fines if they are found operating a vehicle. In addition to paying the $550 uninsured motorist fee, drivers without car insurance could also be subject to:

An additional fine ranging from $100 to $200

30 days in jail

A daily fine of $5 for each day they remain uninsured

Suspension of their vehicle registration and driver’s license

A $200 reinstatement fee and an SR-22 added to their driving history

It’s essential that you maintain continuous auto insurance coverage in South Carolina and carry proof of insurance inside your vehicle in the event of an auto accident. The South Carolina Department of Motor Vehicles and local law enforcement take car insurance seriously, as it’s designed to protect everyone on the road.