South Carolina Car Insurance Guide
Whether you live in Columbia or along the Atlantic coast, affordable auto insurance can help protect you, your loved ones, and your vehicle on every journey around South Carolina. Learn which coverages are mandatory, which are optional, and how EagleWay Auto Insurance could be your cheap South Carolina car insurance solution. Get a free quote to see how much you can save.
Do You Have to Have Car Insurance in South Carolina?
South Carolina law requires all drivers to have proof of financial responsibility, usually satisfied by purchasing an auto insurance policy that meets the state’s minimum coverage limits. Liability limits are expressed as three numbers representing thousands of dollars. For South Carolina, these limits are 25/50/25.
Additionally, South Carolina requires all drivers to carry uninsured motorist (UM) coverage at the same minimum limits as liability coverage.
South Carolina Minimum Car Insurance Requirements
| Coverage Type | Required by Law | Limits |
|---|---|---|
| Bodily Injury Liability – Pays for medical expenses and legal costs if you injure someone in an accident. | Yes | $25,000 per person / $50,000 per accident |
| Property Damage Liability – Pays to repair or replace others’ property damaged in an accident. | Yes | $25,000 per accident |
| Uninsured/Underinsured Motorist (UM/UIM) – Pays for medical bills if the other driver lacks coverage. | UM: Yes / UIM: Not required | $25,000 UM bodily injury per person / $50,000 UM bodily injury per accident / $25,000 UM property damage liability (UM property damage has a $200 deductible) |
| Collision – Pays to repair or replace your vehicle after a collision. | Not required¹ | – |
| Comprehensive – Pays for non-collision damages like fire, vandalism, flood, or animal impact. | Not required¹ | – |
¹May be required by lenders if the vehicle is leased or financed.
Important: State minimum coverage ensures legal compliance but does not protect your own injuries or vehicle. Additional coverage like comprehensive and collision is recommended.
Additional Coverage Options
- Roadside Assistance*
- Emergency Protection Plan (EPP)*
- Medical Payments Coverage (Med Pay)
- Towing & Labor Coverage
- Rental Reimbursement Coverage
Proof of Financial Responsibility and Penalties
Every South Carolina driver must have proof of financial responsibility to drive legally. Driving without insurance can result in fines, loss of license, loss of registration, and SR-22 requirements for three years. If your policy lapses or is canceled, you have 20 days to verify coverage or face penalties and up to $400 to reinstate your driving privileges. Driving without insurance may also result in a $600 uninsured motorist fee.
Penalties for Driving with a Suspended License
Driving with a suspended, revoked, or invalid license can result in escalating fines and jail time depending on the offense. DUI-related suspensions carry even stricter penalties.
SR-22 Insurance in South Carolina
High-risk drivers may be required to maintain an SR-22 certificate (proof of financial responsibility) if they:
- Were ticketed for driving without insurance
- Were convicted of a DUI/DWI
- Were driving with a revoked or invalid license
EagleWay Auto Insurance can help file an SR-22 and guide drivers through compliance.
High-Risk Auto Insurance
Drivers with violations or poor records may need non-standard (high-risk) auto insurance. EagleWay Auto Insurance provides coverage for all drivers, regardless of past driving history.
Finding the Cheapest Car Insurance Rates in South Carolina
Rates vary depending on:
- Coverage type and limits
- Vehicle year, make, and model
- Driving habits, location, and distance driven
- Demographics, driving record, and credit history
EagleWay Auto Insurance helps drivers find affordable coverage. Get a free quote online or work with an agent to create a plan that meets your needs and ensures you get all available discounts.