South Carolina Car Insurance Requirements
Numbers refreshed
What each South Carolina driver must carry at minimum, and what the cover pays for.
- Liability coverage costs $80 on average each month.
- The minimum liability limits are 25/50/25.
- Among the states, this one ranks 16th of 51 for cost (1st = highest).
What the state of South Carolina requires
| Cover | Minimum |
|---|---|
| Bodily injury, per person | $25,000 |
| Bodily injury, per crash | $50,000 |
| Property damage, per crash | $25,000 |
| Personal injury protection | Not required |
| Uninsured motorist | Required |
| Underinsured motorist | Not required |
| Fault system | At-fault |
Source: South Carolina Department of Insurance, Automobile Insurance; Automobile Financial Responsibility Limits by State, rev. 7/2024 (Insurance Information Institute table archive 21211, APCIA data; PDF copy hosted by riskeducation.org).
What the numbers cover
In South Carolina, drivers must carry 25/50/25 liability coverage or more. Each person hurt is covered up to $25,000, all people hurt in one crash up to $50,000, and damage to someone else's property up to $25,000.
These limits often fall short of what medical bills and a newer car cost. Any amount above these limits can be claimed from you, which is why many drivers buy 100/300/100 instead. The average annual cost for a liability policy in South Carolina is $963.
Driving without insurance
If you drive uninsured in South Carolina, you may lose your license and registration. You may have to submit proof of insurance for several years to get them back.
Send your questions to the South Carolina Department of Motor Vehicles (SCDMV).
More car insurance information for South Carolina
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