South Carolina Auto Insurance Requirements & Rates

Covers medical expenses, lost wages, and legal fees when you cause injury to others in an accident. The 25/50 minimum falls short in serious crashes — a single emergency room visit and short hospital stay can exceed $25,000. South Carolina tort law allows injured parties to pursue your personal assets beyond policy limits if damages exceed your coverage.

Pays for damage to another person's vehicle, fence, building, or other property when you're at fault. The $25,000 limit may not cover a totaled luxury vehicle or multi-car accident. South Carolina does not require collision or comprehensive coverage on your own vehicle, even if you're financing — though lenders impose their own requirements.

Protects you when hit by a driver with no insurance or insufficient coverage. South Carolina mandates this coverage at the same limits as your liability unless you formally decline it, a legal default that reflects the state's elevated uninsured driver rate of approximately 11%. This requirement exists in your policy automatically unless you sign a waiver.

Pays to repair or replace your vehicle after a collision with another car or object, regardless of fault. South Carolina does not mandate this coverage, but lenders and lessors require it to protect their financial interest in the vehicle.

Covers damage from non-collision events like theft, hail, flooding, or animal strikes. Coastal areas of South Carolina face elevated hurricane and flood risk, making comprehensive coverage particularly relevant despite no state mandate. This coverage is typically paired with collision as part of full coverage policies.

Covers only the state-required 25/50/25 liability and uninsured motorist minimums. Provides no protection for your own vehicle and leaves you financially exposed in serious accidents.

Raises liability to 100/300/100 and adds collision and comprehensive with a $500–$1,000 deductible. Balances cost and protection for most drivers.

Includes 250/500/100 liability, collision and comprehensive with lower deductibles, and enhanced uninsured motorist protection. Appropriate for newer vehicles, financed cars, or drivers seeking maximum protection in South Carolina's tort environment.

The foundation of your policy and the only coverage South Carolina requires. Covers injury and property damage you cause to others, but nothing on your own vehicle or your own injuries after an at-fault accident.

Combines liability, collision, comprehensive, and enhanced uninsured motorist coverage into one package. Protects both your financial liability and your vehicle's value.

Covers non-collision damage including theft, vandalism, hail, flooding, falling objects, and animal strikes. Pays the actual cash value of your vehicle minus your deductible.

Steps in when you're hit by a driver with no insurance or a hit-and-run driver. South Carolina requires this at your liability limits unless you decline it in writing.

Pays to repair or replace your vehicle after a crash with another car or object, regardless of who caused the accident. Required by lenders but optional once your car is paid off.

Not a separate coverage type but a certificate your insurer files with the South Carolina DMV proving you carry at least minimum liability. Required after DUI, reckless driving, or driving uninsured.