If you’re new to or planning a move to the beautiful state of South Carolina, chances are you may have a few questions about car insurance. With that in mind, knowing about car insurance in South Carolina can be quite helpful before you start shopping for your next policy

1. What You Should Know About
Car Insurance in South Carolina

2. Considering South Carolina as a
Destination
If you’re new to or planning a
move to the beautiful state of
South Carolina, chances are
you may have a few questions
about car insurance. With that
in mind, knowing about car
insurance in South Carolina can
be quite helpful before you start
shopping for your next policy.

3. Liability Coverage
As with many states, South
Carolina drivers are required to
carry a minimum level of liability
coverage in the following amounts:
• $25,000 for injury/death to one
person
• $50,000 for injury/death to more
than one person
• $25,000 for damage to property

4. Additional Coverage
It’s generally recommended by
insurance experts that you buy
additional coverage. As an
example, you can purchase
comprehensive coverage, to
protect you if your car is damaged
as a result of a non-traffic related
occurrence, such as a storm, theft,
or falling object.

5. Motorist Coverage
The state of South Carolina
also suggests
uninsured/underinsured
motorist coverage for its
licensed residents. Since
rates of uninsured motorists
are considerably low, drivers
are given the option to decide
for themselves if paying the
extra expense makes sense.

6. The Concept
In addition, the state offers
an alternative to car
insurance. You may qualify
to register as an uninsured
motorist if:
• You have been licensed in
South Carolina for at least
three years
• Have maintained a clean
driving record
• Pay the $550 per year fee

7. Protection
While the cost of $550 a year is less
expensive than many insurance
policies, the main drawback is that it
doesn’t provide you with any
protection whatsoever in the event of
an accident. Not only that, but if
you’re at-fault in an accident, you’ll
be digging deep into your pockets to
pay for all associated costs from the
collision. And, that could amount to
tens of thousands of dollars, which is
definitely something to consider
before choosing this option.

8. Plans For The Future
South Carolina drivers enjoy one
of the nation’s lowest car
insurance rates with an average
annual premium of $1,253. This
is, in part, the result of the
insurance-friendly laws and
normally good weather. Yet, you
can probably save even more by
comparison shopping and
researching all available
discounts when getting auto
insurance quotes.

9. Outcome of Failure to Pay
An important point to remember is –
should you fail to keep your car insurance
current – and haven’t paid the uninsured
motorist fee of $550 – you could be
subject to some very costly
consequences. If you’re stopped while
driving uninsured, you could face a
substantial fine. Not only might your
license be suspended indefinitely, but you
could be forced to pay a $200
reinstatement fee, and charged $5 for
every day your vehicle remains
uninsured. And, if you make the mistake
of driving while your license is suspended
due to the insurance citation, you could
be arrested and sentenced to jail time.

10. Outcome of Failure to Pay
If your driving record leaves a lot to
be desired – because of more than
one at-fault accident, getting caught
without auto insurance, driving on a
suspended license or have been
arrested for a DUI, you may have a
harder time getting insured. In this
case, you may be required to file an
SR-22. As a last resort, you might be
able to obtain coverage through
the Associated Auto Insurers Plan
of South Carolina. Your local DMV
can assist you with any additional
questions you may have.

11. Contact Us
Are you an insured or
uninsured motorist in
South Carolina? Don’t
question if you’re getting
the best rate on your
auto insurance. Why not
get a free auto insurance
quote today?