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South Carolina asks for more than liability coverage. Alongside 25/50/25 liability limits, the Department of Insurance says drivers must carry uninsured motorist coverage at the same 25/50/25 levels, subject to a $200 deductible on property damage claims. Underinsured motorist coverage is optional, which means a driver hit by someone with only the minimum limits may have to rely on that extra coverage or on their own health insurance.
The state's penalty for going uninsured is also distinctive. For a vehicle you own, the SCDMV suspends your license and registration until you pay an uninsured motorist fee, now listed at $700, and you must carry an SR-22 for three years. Older guides still quote a $550 figure or describe a way to register a car uninsured by paying a fee. Current SCDMV guidance does not support that, so treat those numbers as out of date.
| Minimum liability | 25/50/25 (BI per person / BI per accident / PD, in $1,000s) |
|---|---|
| Other required coverage | Uninsured motorist (UM) coverage: $25,000 per person / $50,000 per accident bodily injury and $25,000 property damage (UM property damage claims carry a $200 deductible) |
| Fault system | At-fault (tort) |
| Credit-based insurance scores | Allowed |
| SR-22 / proof of financial responsibility | If you are convicted of driving uninsured, the SCDMV requires your insurer to file an SR-22 Certificate of Insurance for three years starting from the date of suspension. |
South Carolina minimum liability limits
To register and drive a car in South Carolina you need at least this much liability coverage:
- $25,000 for injuries to one person in an accident you cause.
- $50,000 in total for injuries to everyone in that accident.
- $25,000 for damage to other people's property, such as their car.
Tip: The minimum is a legal floor, not a recommendation. If a serious crash costs more than your limits, you could be personally responsible for the rest. See how much liability coverage you may need.
Other required and offered coverage
Besides liability, South Carolina requires:
- Uninsured motorist (UM) coverage: $25,000 per person / $50,000 per accident bodily injury and $25,000 property damage (UM property damage claims carry a $200 deductible)
Underinsured motorist coverage is optional in South Carolina.
Learn more about uninsured motorist coverage and personal injury protection.
Is South Carolina a no-fault state?
South Carolina is an at-fault (tort) state. The driver who causes a crash is responsible for the other people's injuries and property damage, which is normally paid by that driver's liability insurance. Injured people can claim against the at-fault driver's insurer or, in some cases, sue.
South Carolina is an at-fault state. It uses modified comparative negligence, so you can recover reduced damages only if you are not more than 50 percent at fault.
Read more: at-fault vs. no-fault states explained.
Can insurers use your credit in South Carolina?
Status: Allowed.
See how credit affects car insurance for the bigger picture.
Penalties for driving uninsured in South Carolina
If you are found guilty of driving a vehicle you own without insurance, the SCDMV suspends your license and registration until you pay an uninsured motorist fee, which it currently lists as $700, and you must file an SR-22 for three years. For a vehicle you do not own, the SCDMV lists a 30-day license suspension and a $100 reinstatement fee.
If you are convicted of driving uninsured, the SCDMV requires your insurer to file an SR-22 Certificate of Insurance for three years starting from the date of suspension.
If you are ordered to file proof of insurance, see what SR-22 insurance is.
Tips for South Carolina drivers
- Do not rely on old advice that you can pay a fee instead of buying insurance. The SCDMV treats the uninsured motorist fee as a penalty that comes with a suspension, not as an alternative to coverage.
- If you plan to cancel a policy because you are selling a car or moving, surrender the plate and registration to the SCDMV first. The SCDMV says doing this before cancelling insurance avoids the uninsured penalty.
- Because UM coverage is mandatory but underinsured motorist coverage is not, ask your insurer to explain the difference and what limits you are being quoted before you finalize a policy.
- Remember the $200 deductible that applies to uninsured motorist property damage claims when you decide how much other coverage, such as collision, to carry.
- Keep a copy of your policy declarations. If a suspension ever occurs, you will need your insurer to file an SR-22, and gaps in coverage make that process slower.
When you shop, compare quotes from several insurers using the same limits and deductibles, so the prices are like-for-like.
Official resources
- Insurance regulator: South Carolina Department of Insurance
- Motor vehicle agency: South Carolina Department of Motor Vehicles
Your state insurance department can answer questions about your rights and handle complaints about insurers.
Frequently asked questions
What car insurance is required in South Carolina?
South Carolina requires liability coverage of 25/50/25, plus uninsured motorist coverage at the same 25/50/25 levels. Liability pays for injuries and damage you cause to others. UM coverage helps pay for your injuries and, subject to a $200 deductible, property damage caused by an uninsured or hit-and-run driver.
Is the South Carolina uninsured motorist fee still $550?
Current SCDMV guidance lists the uninsured motorist fee at $700, not $550. The older $550 figure appears in outdated guides. If you are convicted of driving a vehicle you own without insurance, your license and registration stay suspended until the SCDMV receives the fee, and you must also file an SR-22.
How long do I need an SR-22 in South Carolina after driving uninsured?
The SCDMV says you must have your insurance company file an SR-22 Certificate of Insurance for three years starting from the date of suspension. The SR-22 is a filing your insurer submits to the state, not a separate type of policy. Not every insurer offers it, so you may need to ask several.
Is underinsured motorist coverage required in South Carolina?
No. The South Carolina Department of Insurance says underinsured motorist coverage is not mandatory, although uninsured motorist coverage is. Underinsured coverage can matter when the at-fault driver carries only minimum limits that do not cover your damages, so it is worth asking an agent or insurer about it.
Sources
- South Carolina Department of Motor Vehicles - Facts About Driving Uninsured
- South Carolina Department of Insurance - Automobile Insurance
- South Carolina Department of Insurance - FAQs: Auto Insurance
- Insurance Information Institute - Background on compulsory auto/uninsured motorists
General information only. State rules change. Confirm current requirements with the South Carolina Department of Insurance or your insurer before you buy. This page is not insurance or legal advice.