Jeffrey Wade
In South Carolina, drivers are legally required to have minimum coverage auto insurance. The state-mandated minimum coverages are: $25,000 for bodily injury liability per person, $50,000 for bodily injury liability per accident, and $25,000 for property damage liability per accident. Additionally, drivers are required to have uninsured motorist bodily injury coverage of $25,000 per person and $50,000 per accident.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Bodily injury liability per person | $25,000 |
| Bodily injury liability per accident | $50,000 |
| Property damage liability per accident | $25,000 |
| Uninsured motorist bodily injury liability per person | $25,000 |
| Uninsured motorist bodily injury liability per accident | $50,000 |
| Uninsured motorist property damage liability per accident | $25,000 |
What You'll Learn
Bodily injury liability insurance
South Carolina requires drivers to carry a minimum amount of liability insurance coverage to operate a vehicle legally. This includes bodily injury liability insurance, which protects you against claims made by other people who are injured in an accident that you caused.
The minimum bodily injury liability insurance requirements in South Carolina are $25,000 per person and $50,000 for all persons injured in one accident. This means that if you are found to be at fault in a car accident, your insurance will cover the medical expenses of the other party or parties, up to $25,000 per person or $50,000 total. If their medical expenses are less than $25,000, the insurance will pay that amount but not the full $25,000. Claims for bodily injury may include medical expenses, lost wages, and pain and suffering.
It is important to note that bodily injury liability insurance does not cover your own injuries or damages to your own property in an accident. Instead, it only covers the medical expenses and vehicle repair costs for the other driver and their passengers. If you want to ensure that your own expenses are covered, you will need to purchase additional coverage, such as collision coverage or personal injury protection.
While meeting the minimum insurance requirements is essential, it is recommended that drivers consider purchasing more than the minimum coverage to provide additional protection. This is because the damages and medical expenses resulting from an accident can quickly exceed the minimum insurance coverage limits, leaving you liable for any remaining costs. By purchasing additional liability coverage, you can help protect your assets and reduce your risk of financial hardship.
In addition to bodily injury liability insurance, South Carolina also requires drivers to carry property damage liability insurance and uninsured motorist coverage. Property damage liability insurance covers any damage you cause to the property of others, including other vehicles, buildings, walls, fences, and equipment. The minimum limit for property damage coverage in South Carolina is $25,000 per accident. Meanwhile, uninsured motorist coverage will cover your own medical expenses and property damage if you are in an accident with a driver who is uninsured or does not have enough insurance to cover your expenses.
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Property damage liability insurance
Minimum Requirements in South Carolina
South Carolina mandates a minimum property damage liability coverage of $25,000 per accident. This means that if you are found at fault for an accident, your insurance will cover the repairs or replacement of the other person's property, including their vehicle or any other damaged property, up to the limit of $25,000. This coverage is essential to protect yourself financially in case of an accident.
What It Covers
How It Works
Why You Need More than the Minimum
While the state-mandated minimum coverage is necessary to comply with the law, it may not be sufficient to cover all potential damages in a major accident. For example, if you crash into a luxury or sports car, the repair costs could exceed the minimum coverage limit. Additionally, if you have a high net worth, you may want to consider higher coverage limits to protect yourself from financial losses in the event of an accident.
In conclusion, property damage liability insurance is a vital component of your auto insurance policy in South Carolina. By understanding the minimum requirements, what it covers, how it works, and why you may need more than the minimum, you can make informed decisions about your coverage limits and ensure you have adequate protection in the event of an accident.
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Uninsured motorist coverage
- A driver who doesn’t have any liability car insurance.
- A hit-and-run driver.
- A driver whose insurance company denies coverage or goes out of business.
In some states, you can also purchase uninsured motorist property damage (UMPD) coverage, which pays for damage to your car if it is hit by an uninsured driver. However, collision coverage, which is optional, can also cover vehicle damage regardless of whether the other driver is insured.
Underinsured motorist (UIM) insurance is similar to uninsured motorist coverage but is designed for accidents where the at-fault driver does not have enough insurance to cover your total damages. UIM insurance pays for a portion of your injuries or damages in this case. While insurance companies are required to offer UIM coverage in South Carolina, it is not mandatory to purchase it.
In South Carolina, the minimum coverage for uninsured motorist bodily injury (UMBI) is $25,000 per person and $50,000 per accident. This coverage is mandatory and must be purchased when you buy liability insurance. The deductible for UMBI is typically $200.
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Underinsured motorist coverage
Even if drivers in South Carolina carry the minimum required liability insurance, that coverage often isn't enough to pay for all the injuries and damages following a serious car accident. In this case, underinsured motorist coverage can help cover the remaining costs.
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Collision coverage
In the event of an accident, collision coverage will pay for the cost of repairs or replacement, minus your deductible. If the cost of repairs exceeds 75% of the car's actual cash value, your insurer may deem the car a total loss and pay you the actual cash value of the car, minus the deductible, instead of covering the repairs.
While collision coverage is not mandatory, it can provide valuable protection for your vehicle. It's important to weigh the costs and benefits of this coverage based on your individual circumstances and the value of your car.
If you choose to purchase collision coverage, it's recommended to take the highest deductible you can afford. This can help lower your auto insurance premiums. Additionally, remember to shop around and compare prices from different insurance providers to get the best rate.
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Frequently asked questions
The minimum coverage in South Carolina is 25/50/25. This includes $25,000 for bodily injury liability per person, $50,000 for bodily injury liability per accident, and $25,000 for property damage liability per accident.
The state requires uninsured motorist coverage equal to the minimum liability coverage. This includes $25,000 per person and $50,000 per accident for bodily injury, and $25,000 per accident for property damage.
The liability insurance covers the medical expenses and legal expenses of the other driver in an accident where you are at fault. It also covers property damage, including damage to other vehicles and property such as buildings and equipment.
Yes, you can pay a non-refundable $550 annual fee and apply for an "uninsured motorist registration". However, you will be fully responsible for any financial burden resulting from an accident.
