Auto Insurance Requirements In South Carolina
South Carolina Auto Insurance
According to South Carolina state law, all motorists applying for vehicle registration are required to have valid vehicle liability insurance. This insurance helps cover the costs of damages or injuries you may have inflicted on others if you are responsible for an accident. You must carry evidence of insurance in your vehicle at all times, and provide it to law enforcement and others involved in an accident with you upon request. While this is the minimum amount as required by law, drivers are strongly urged to consider higher limits. It’s also important to note that, while South Carolina law does not require you to have collision and comprehensive coverages, you may have to purchase both as part of your car’s finance or lease agreement.
Car Insurance Policy Requirements in the state of South Carolina
South Carolina law mandates that every automobile insurance policy sold in the state must have these minimum coverages:
- $25,000 per person for bodily injury
- $50,000 for all persons injured in one accident
- uninsured motorists coverage equal to the minimum amounts of liability coverage (25/50/25).
Penalties and Violations
If you are caught driving without insurance in South Carolina, you can be found guilty of a misdemeanor. Failure to present insurance papers or an insurance ID when a traffic official asks for it will result in a $100-200 fine and the possible confiscation of registration and license plates. You will need to either pay the $550 Uninsured Motorist Fee or file a SR-22 immediately after the citation. Additionally, you get a surcharge of $5 for every day that a new insurance policy is not submitted to Court.
You are also deemed fully responsible for any financial repercussions should you cause an accident and not have any insurance to cover the cost of the damage.
Choosing the insurance that’s actually right for you may seem overwhelming. It’s important to make sure you’re adhering to the law in whatever state you live. Don’t go it alone — have one of our friendly, knowledgeable agents help you cut through the nonsense, and get you the security you need while you’re out on the road. Getting the right insurance is just a few steps away.