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.

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.

Car Insurance Rates by City in South Carolina

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.

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.

What South Carolina’s Minimum Actually Covers

South Carolina’s minimum is 25/50/25: $25,000 per injured person, $50,000 total per accident for injuries, and $25,000 for property damage. With new vehicles averaging roughly $50,000, the $25,000 property damage limit would leave about $25,000 unpaid if you totaled an average new car — and that gap becomes your personal debt.

No-Fault, PIP, and Required Add-Ons in South Carolina

South Carolina also requires UM including property damage coverage, which pays when the at-fault driver has no insurance or too little.

How South Carolina Compares: Uninsured Drivers and Price

An estimated 10.0% of South Carolina drivers are uninsured — roughly 1 in 10 — a middle-of-the-pack uninsured rate.

Our average premium estimate of $1,540 a year puts South Carolina above the national middle in our 50-state estimates (median $1,395).

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.

• South Carolina's minimum liability requirement of 25/50/25 is the legal floor, not a safe target — since PIP isn't required in South Carolina, a separate medical payments (MedPay) add-on is worth pricing out.
• With an estimated 10.0% of South Carolina drivers uninsured, carrying uninsured/underinsured motorist coverage above the state minimum is one of the highest-value add-ons you can buy.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the minimum car insurance in South Carolina?

25/50/25: $25,000 of bodily injury liability per person, $50,000 per accident, and $25,000 of property damage liability.

Is South Carolina a no-fault state?

No. South Carolina is an at-fault state, so the driver who causes an accident is responsible for the resulting injuries and damage, usually through their liability insurance.

Is uninsured motorist coverage required in South Carolina?

Yes. South Carolina requires UM including property damage coverage.

How many drivers are uninsured in South Carolina?

An estimated 10.0% of South Carolina drivers are uninsured, roughly 1 in 10.

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.