South Carolina Auto Insurance Rates & Requirements
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
Source: state DMV, insurance department and statute records, verified July 2026
State Requirements
South Carolina operates under a tort-based liability system, meaning at-fault drivers are financially responsible for damages they cause. The state requires all drivers to carry proof of insurance and mandates electronic verification through the South Carolina Department of Motor Vehicles Insurance Verification System (IVS).
Bodily Injury Liability
Property Damage Liability
Uninsured Motorist Coverage
Collision Coverage
Comprehensive Coverage
Cost Overview
$61–$160/mo
Typical monthly rate in South Carolina, minimum-coverage policies
Rate data: NerdWallet, ValuePenguin and Insurify, 2026
Find the Lowest Rate That Still Protects You
Find Your Lowest RateCoverage Types
Liability Insurance
Covers injury and property damage you cause to others. South Carolina's 25/50/25 minimum is the legal floor, but one serious accident can exceed these limits by $50,000 or more, leaving you personally liable for the difference.
Uninsured Motorist Coverage
Pays your medical bills and vehicle damage when the at-fault driver has no insurance or flees the scene. You can reject this in writing to save money, but you'll have no coverage if hit by an uninsured driver.
Full Coverage
Bundles liability, collision, and comprehensive coverage. Mandatory if you finance or lease, but optional once you own the vehicle outright — especially when vehicle value drops below $4,000–$5,000.
SR-22 Insurance
Not a coverage type — it's a state filing proving you carry minimum liability insurance after a DUI, at-fault accident without insurance, or license suspension. Required for three years in South Carolina.