South Carolina Car Insurance Guide for New Drivers
South Carolina requires 25/50/25 liability coverage and is an at-fault state.
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South Carolina at a Glance
25/50/25
Minimum liability limits, in thousands of dollars (per person / per accident / property)
At-fault
The at-fault driver's insurance pays for the damage they cause
Required
Uninsured motorist coverage must be on every policy
15
Minimum learner's permit age, 40 supervised driving hours
Source: state DMV, insurance department and statute records, verified July 2026
State Requirements
South Carolina operates under a traditional tort liability system, meaning the at-fault driver's insurance pays for damages after an accident. All drivers must carry proof of insurance in their vehicle at all times — officers can verify coverage electronically through the state's Electronic Insurance Verification System (EIVS). The South Carolina Department of Insurance requires insurers to report all policies directly to the state, making coverage gaps easily detectable.
Bodily Injury Liability
Property Damage Liability
Uninsured Motorist Coverage
Collision Coverage
Comprehensive Coverage
Cost Overview
$453/mo
Typical monthly rate in South Carolina, new drivers
Rate data: Insurify, 2026
Start Your First Policy on the Right Foot
Get Your First Auto QuoteRules for new drivers
Night driving
6pm-6am EST / 8pm-6am EDT
Passengers
no more than 2 passengers younger than 21
Source: IIHS and state DMV records, verified July 2026
Frequently Asked Questions
What does full coverage car insurance mean in South Carolina?
Full coverage refers to a policy that includes liability (required by law) plus collision and comprehensive coverage for your own vehicle. Collision pays for accident damage regardless of fault, while comprehensive covers theft, weather, vandalism, and animal strikes. Lenders require full coverage if you finance or lease a car, and it's recommended if your vehicle is worth more than you can afford to replace out-of-pocket.
What happens if I let my car insurance lapse in South Carolina?
The state's Electronic Insurance Verification System detects coverage gaps automatically, triggering license and registration suspension. You'll receive a notice requiring you to either provide proof of continuous coverage or surrender your license plates and registration within 15 days. Reinstatement requires paying fees, obtaining new insurance, and filing an SR-22 certificate for three years, which significantly increases premiums.
Coverage Types
Liability Insurance
Covers injuries and property damage you cause to others. The state minimum of 25/50/25 is rarely enough — a single serious accident can generate medical bills and vehicle damage exceeding $100,000, leaving you personally liable for the difference.
Full Coverage
A term referring to liability plus collision and comprehensive coverage for your own vehicle. Required by lenders if you finance or lease, and recommended if your car is worth more than you can afford to replace out-of-pocket.
Comprehensive Coverage
Pays for damage to your car from theft, vandalism, weather, falling objects, and animal collisions. You choose a deductible, with higher deductibles lowering your monthly premium.
Uninsured Motorist Coverage
Covers your medical bills and lost wages when hit by a driver with no insurance or a hit-and-run driver who flees the scene. Offered at the same limits as your liability coverage but can be rejected in writing.
Collision Coverage
Repairs or replaces your vehicle after an accident with another car or object, regardless of fault. Your deductible (amount you pay first) ranges from $250 to $1,000, directly affecting your premium.
SR-22 Insurance
Not a separate coverage type, but a certificate your insurer files with the state proving you carry insurance. Required after certain violations like DUI, driving without insurance, or multiple at-fault accidents within a short period.