South Carolina Car Insurance Requirements

Minimum Coverage Requirements

South Carolina requires drivers to carry minimum liability insurance of 25/50/25 — meaning $25,000 per person for bodily injury, $50,000 per accident for bodily injury, and $25,000 for property damage. PIP coverage is not required in South Carolina, though it may be available as an optional add-on. These are the legal minimums; most insurance professionals recommend carrying significantly higher limits to protect personal assets in a serious accident. A common recommendation is at least 100/300/100, which provides substantially more protection without a proportionally large premium increase.

Average Car Insurance Costs in South Carolina

Drivers in South Carolina typically pay approximately $1,540 per year ($128/month) for car insurance, based on 2026 industry average data. Individual premiums vary significantly based on driving record, age, vehicle type, annual mileage, and selected coverage levels. Drivers with clean records may see rates well below the state average, while those with violations, claims, or high-risk profiles may pay substantially more.

Car Insurance Rates by City in South Carolina

Insurance rates vary considerably by city within South Carolina, reflecting differences in traffic density, accident frequency, vehicle theft rates, and local repair costs. The following estimated annual premiums are based on a typical driver profile with full coverage.

City	Est. Annual Premium
Columbia	$1,680/yr
Charleston	$1,590/yr
North Charleston	$1,720/yr
Mount Pleasant	$1,530/yr
Greenville	$1,480/yr
Myrtle Beach	$1,570/yr

Estimates based on 2026 industry data for a typical driver profile. Individual rates vary based on driving history, vehicle, and coverage selection.

State Regulations and Key Rules

South Carolina is an at-fault state. Uninsured motorist coverage is required. The state has a relatively high rate of accidents and fatalities per mile driven, influencing insurance pricing.

What Makes South Carolina Unique

South Carolina requires uninsured motorist coverage by default, providing automatic protection. The state's coastal areas face elevated risk from hurricane-related flooding and wind damage.

Uninsured Drivers in South Carolina

Approximately 10.0% of drivers in South Carolina are estimated to be uninsured. Carrying uninsured and underinsured motorist coverage provides important protection against the financial impact of an accident with an uninsured or underinsured driver. Uninsured motorist (UM) coverage pays for your medical expenses and vehicle damage if you are hit by a driver without insurance or with insufficient coverage. Underinsured motorist (UIM) coverage fills the gap when the at-fault driver's policy limits are too low to cover your losses.

Risk Factors Specific to South Carolina

South Carolina's Atlantic coast faces significant hurricane and tropical storm risk — comprehensive coverage is essential for coastal residents. Myrtle Beach sees high traffic during tourist season, increasing accident frequency. Deer collisions are common in rural upstate South Carolina.

How to Save on Car Insurance in South Carolina

Charleston and coastal areas face higher comprehensive rates due to hurricane risk — choosing the right deductible balances protection and premium cost. South Carolina's required UM coverage provides good baseline protection. Good driver discounts are competitive among major carriers in the state.

• Compare quotes from at least 3–5 insurers annually — rates for identical coverage can vary by hundreds of dollars.
• State minimums are typically insufficient for serious accidents — consider liability limits of at least 100/300/100.
• Ask about bundling discounts if you also need home or renters insurance.
• Consider telematics or usage-based insurance if you drive fewer miles than average or primarily drive during off-peak hours.
• Review your coverage annually, especially after major life changes: moving, buying a new vehicle, or adding a teen driver.

The information on this page is provided for general informational purposes only and reflects estimated industry averages and state requirements as of 2026. Insurance regulations and rates change periodically; always verify current requirements with your state's department of insurance or a licensed insurance professional before making coverage decisions. City-level and statewide premiums shown are approximations — individual rates will vary based on personal factors.