South Carolina Auto Insurance Laws: What You Need To Know

South Carolina's auto insurance laws require drivers to carry liability and uninsured motorist coverage. The minimum coverage is $25,000 per person for bodily injury and $50,000 for all persons injured in one accident, with a minimum limit of $25,000 for all property damage in one accident. Driving without insurance in the state can lead to strict penalties, and if an uninsured driver causes an accident, they could face serious financial consequences.

Minimum insurance coverage requirements

In South Carolina, drivers are required to carry liability and uninsured motorist coverage. The minimum liability coverage is $25,000 for bodily injury per person, $50,000 for bodily injury per accident, and $25,000 for property damage per accident. This means that the insurance company will pay up to $25,000 for injuries to a single person and $50,000 total for injuries to all persons involved in an accident caused by the owner/driver of the insured vehicle. It will also cover up to $25,000 for damage to the property of others in the accident.

Bodily injury liability insurance covers medical expenses, lost wages, and pain and suffering for other people injured in an accident for which you were at fault. Property damage liability insurance covers any damage you cause to the property of others, including damage to other vehicles, buildings, walls, fences, and equipment.

Uninsured motorist coverage protects you if you are injured or your property is damaged by a hit-and-run driver or an uninsured driver. The minimum coverage for uninsured motorist bodily injury is $25,000 per person and $50,000 per accident, and there is typically a $200 deductible. Underinsured motorist coverage is similar but applies when the at-fault driver does not have enough insurance to cover your damages or medical bills. While auto insurers are required to offer this coverage, you are not required to purchase it.

Penalties for driving without insurance

Driving without insurance in South Carolina can lead to strict penalties. If you are pulled over and cannot provide proof of insurance, you will have 30 days to get that proof together. If you are in an accident, you only have 15 days from the date of the crash to provide proof. If you are caught driving without insurance in South Carolina, your license and registration will be suspended until the South Carolina Department of Motor Vehicles (SCDMV) receives an "uninsured motorist fee" of $550, and you will likely need to pay a fee of up to $400 to reinstate your driving privileges and registration. If you are driving a vehicle that you do not own, your license will probably be suspended for 30 days, and you'll need to pay a $100 reinstatement fee.

The penalties for driving without insurance in South Carolina vary by the number of offenses. The first time you drive without insurance in South Carolina, you may experience an uninsured motorist fee of $600 if coverage is not restored, a fine of up to $200 or 30 days in jail, or both. You will also be charged $5 per day for each day you went without insurance, up to a maximum of $200. Your license and registration could be suspended until you can provide proof of car insurance coverage, also called an SR-22. Reinstating your driving privileges will cost $200.

For a second offense, all the penalties from the first offense apply, and there is no option of a fine or jail time; you will be fined and face up to 30 days in jail. A second offense is considered a criminal misdemeanor, which stays on your criminal record permanently.

For a third offense, the above fees and penalties apply, but jail time is increased to between 45 days and six months.

Proof of insurance requirements

South Carolina requires vehicle owners to carry liability auto insurance and uninsured motorist coverage. When applying for or renewing a driver's license, you must certify that you are insured by an automobile liability policy. If you do not own a vehicle, you must mark this on the relevant form.

You must provide the name of your insurance company when you first register your vehicle in South Carolina and every time you renew your vehicle registration. If the South Carolina Department of Motor Vehicles (SCDMV) cannot verify that you have insurance, your license and registration may be suspended.

If you are pulled over by a law enforcement officer and cannot prove that you have insurance, you may receive a ticket, be fined, or even be taken to jail. If you receive a ticket, you must show proof of insurance on the vehicle you were driving within 30 days to avoid a suspended license. If your license is suspended, you will have to pay a $100 reinstatement fee.

If you are in an accident, you must be able to show evidence of insurance coverage to the investigating officer. Failure to provide current proof of insurance could result in fines or impoundment of your vehicle.

Valid proof of insurance is typically demonstrated by providing your insurance card, which shows the policy details, or by displaying an electronic copy on your smartphone or other devices. The insurance card includes the policy number, insurance company name, policyholder names, covered vehicles, effective date, and expiration date. It is important to note that expired insurance cards do not meet the proof obligations under South Carolina law.

Uninsured motorist coverage

In addition to uninsured motorist coverage, South Carolina law also requires drivers to carry liability insurance. This includes bodily injury liability insurance and property damage liability insurance. Bodily injury liability insurance covers the medical expenses, lost wages, and pain and suffering of those injured in an accident for which you are at fault, while property damage liability insurance covers any damage you cause to another person's property, including vehicles, buildings, walls, fences, and equipment.

While not a legal requirement, underinsured motorist coverage is also available in South Carolina and can provide additional protection. This coverage can be useful if the at-fault driver does not have enough insurance to cover your damages or medical bills.

Optional insurance coverage

While South Carolina law requires drivers to carry liability and uninsured motorist coverage, there are several other types of optional insurance coverage that drivers may want to consider. These additional coverages can provide enhanced protection and peace of mind in the event of an accident or other vehicle-related incidents. Here is a detailed overview of some optional insurance coverages available in South Carolina:

Comprehensive Coverage

Comprehensive coverage protects your vehicle from non-collision incidents, such as theft, weather damage, or even collisions with animals. It covers a wide range of scenarios that are not typically included in collision coverage. For example, if your car is vandalized or damaged in a flood, comprehensive coverage will help pay for the repairs. This type of coverage is particularly useful if you live in an area prone to natural disasters or if you frequently park your car in areas with a high risk of vandalism.

Collision Coverage

Collision coverage, on the other hand, focuses specifically on damages to your vehicle resulting from a collision with another vehicle or object. If you get into an accident and your car sustains significant damage, collision coverage will help cover the cost of repairs. It is worth noting that collision coverage is relatively expensive compared to comprehensive coverage, but it can provide valuable financial protection in the event of a collision.

Loan/Lease Payoff Coverage

Also known as gap coverage, loan/lease payoff coverage is especially useful if you are financing a vehicle. In the unfortunate event that your vehicle is totaled, this coverage will pay off the difference between your vehicle's actual cash value and the amount you still owe on the loan. This can help protect you from being left with a substantial financial burden if your car is declared a total loss.

Medical Payments Coverage

Medical payments coverage, often abbreviated as "med pay," is designed to help with medical expenses accrued by you or your passengers in an accident. It covers medical bills, hospital stays, and other related costs that may arise from injuries sustained in a car accident. This type of coverage ensures that you have financial support for your medical needs following a collision.

Rental Car Reimbursement Coverage

If your car is damaged and unable to be driven, rental car reimbursement coverage will help cover the costs of renting a temporary replacement vehicle until your car is repaired. This coverage can be a lifesaver if you rely on your car for daily commutes or other essential activities, as it ensures you won't have to bear the full cost of a rental car out of pocket.

Roadside Assistance Coverage

Roadside assistance coverage offers help with common driving inconveniences, such as battery jumps, towing services, and flat tire fixes. The specific services included in this coverage may vary depending on the insurance company, but it generally provides peace of mind for drivers who want the assurance of quick assistance in case of breakdowns or minor accidents.

Frequently asked questions