What Car Insurance You Must Have in South Carolina

South Carolina's Minimum Coverage Requirements

South Carolina requires you to carry three types of car insurance before you can legally drive: liability coverage, uninsured motorist coverage, and underinsured motorist coverage. The state sets minimum dollar amounts for each, and you must show proof of coverage when you register your vehicle or if a police officer asks during a traffic stop.

Liability coverage pays for damage or injuries you cause to someone else in an accident. South Carolina's minimum is $25,000 per person for bodily injury, $50,000 per accident for bodily injury to multiple people, and $25,000 per accident for property damage (the damage to the other person's car or belongings). These are written as 25/50/25.

Uninsured motorist coverage protects you if someone without insurance hits you. The minimum is $25,000 per person and $50,000 per accident for bodily injury. Underinsured motorist coverage kicks in when the at-fault driver's insurance is not enough to cover your costs. South Carolina requires the same minimums: $25,000 per person and $50,000 per accident.

Key Takeaways

• South Carolina requires liability coverage of at least 25/50/25 (meaning $25,000 per person, $50,000 per accident for injuries, and $25,000 for property damage).
• You must also carry uninsured and underinsured motorist coverage at the same 25/50 limits for bodily injury.
• You can show proof of insurance through your insurance card, a printed declaration page from your insurer, or your phone if your insurer has a digital ID card.
• Driving without the required coverage can result in fines, license suspension, and registration suspension, even if you are not in an accident.
• The minimum coverage amounts are often not enough to cover serious injuries or major property damage, so many drivers carry higher limits.

How to Prove You Have Insurance

When you register your vehicle with the South Carolina Department of Motor Vehicles, you will need to provide proof that you have the required coverage. Your insurance company will give you a declarations page or an insurance card showing your policy number, coverage types, and limits. You can use either the physical card or a digital version on your phone.

If a police officer stops you, you must show proof of insurance. Having the card or declaration page in your car is the simplest way. If you cannot produce proof at the time of the stop, you may receive a ticket, though you can often dismiss it later by showing the officer or the court that you did have coverage on that date.

What Happens If You Do Not Carry the Required Coverage

Driving without the required insurance in South Carolina carries real penalties. A first offense can result in a fine of $25 to $500, and your vehicle registration can be suspended. If you are caught a second time within three years, the fine increases to $100 to $1,000 and your license itself can be suspended for up to three months.

If you cause an accident while uninsured, you are personally responsible for all damages and injuries. The other person can sue you directly, and a judgment against you can lead to wage garnishment or bank account levies. You will also have to pay to reinstate your registration and license once the suspension ends.

Minimum Coverage vs. What You Actually Need

The state minimums exist so that drivers have at least some way to pay for basic accidents, but they often fall short in real situations. A serious injury claim can easily exceed $25,000 per person. If you cause an accident that injures two people and each person's medical bills and lost wages total $40,000, the minimum liability coverage leaves you personally responsible for the extra $15,000 per person.

Many insurance agents recommend carrying higher limits — such as 50/100/50 or 100/300/100 — especially if you have assets to protect or if you drive frequently. The cost difference between minimum and higher limits is usually modest, often $10 to $30 per month depending on your age, driving record, and location.

Special Situations: Rideshare, Commercial Use, and Rental Cars

If you drive for a rideshare service like Uber or Lyft, your personal auto policy may not cover you while you are working. Rideshare companies provide some coverage, but it often has gaps. Check with your insurance company about whether you need a commercial or rideshare endorsement to your policy.

If you rent a car in South Carolina, your personal auto insurance may extend to the rental, or the rental company may require you to purchase their coverage. Check your policy before you rent, and ask the rental company what they require. Some credit cards also offer rental car coverage, though it typically covers damage only, not liability.

How to Update Your Coverage If You Change Insurers

When you switch insurance companies, make sure there is no gap in coverage. Contact your new insurer and ask them to start coverage on a specific date — ideally the same day your old policy ends. Once the new policy is active, ask for a new declarations page or digital card to carry in your vehicle.

If you are financing or leasing your car, your lender will require you to maintain continuous coverage. A lapse can trigger a forced-placed insurance policy that the lender buys on your behalf, which is usually more expensive and covers only the lender's interest, not yours.

Where to Find Insurance in South Carolina

You can purchase auto insurance directly from major insurers like State Farm, Geico, Allstate, or Progressive, or through local independent agents who represent multiple companies. Independent agents can often compare quotes from several insurers at once, which may save you time.

South Carolina also has a Fair Access to Insurance Requirements (FAIR) Plan for drivers who cannot find coverage in the standard market due to driving record or other factors. Contact the South Carolina Insurance Underwriting Association to learn whether you may have access to and what the process involves.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I get a ticket for not having my insurance card with me if I have active coverage?

Yes, you can receive a ticket for not showing proof at the time of a traffic stop, even if your policy is active. However, many courts will dismiss the ticket if you later show proof that coverage was in place on that date. Contact the court listed on your ticket to ask about the process.

Does my insurance cover me if I lend my car to a friend?

Most personal auto policies cover anyone driving your car with your permission, as long as they have a valid license. However, some policies exclude household members or have restrictions. Check your declarations page or call your insurer to confirm.

What if I cannot afford the minimum insurance?

If cost is a barrier, ask your insurer about discounts for bundling policies, paying in full, or maintaining a good driving record. You can also shop around — rates vary significantly between companies. If you still cannot find affordable coverage, contact the South Carolina Insurance Underwriting Association about the FAIR Plan.

Do I need insurance if my car is parked and not being driven?

If your vehicle is registered and could be driven, you must carry the required coverage. If you are storing a car long-term and do not plan to drive it, you can ask your insurer about a storage or non-use discount, or you can cancel the policy and let your registration lapse — but you cannot legally drive it again without reinstating both.

What is the difference between uninsured and underinsured motorist coverage?

Uninsured motorist coverage pays your medical bills and lost wages if someone with no insurance hits you. Underinsured motorist coverage pays the difference if the at-fault driver's insurance is not enough. Both are required in South Carolina at the same minimum limits.