South Carolina Car Insurance Requirements
Uninsured/Underinsured Motorists Coverage
To comply with South Carolina car insurance requirements drivers must have at least a minimum amount of uninsured/underinsured motorists coverage. The minimum limits for this type of coverage are $25,000 in bodily injury coverage for one person and $50,000 in bodily injury coverage for two or more persons, as well as $25,000 in property damage coverage.
Uninsured/underinsured motorists coverage will pay for any damages and injuries sustained by you and your passengers if you are involved in an accident where someone else is at fault.
Liability Auto Insurance
Most states require a minimum amount of liability auto insurance which would pay for damages to another person's property or pay for their medical expenses injured in an accident in which you are at fault. In South Carolina however eligible consumers may legally drive without liability coverage by paying an annual fee of $550 to the Department of public safety.
If you choose to go without liability auto insurance it is important to keep in mind you will still be personally liable for any damages caused to others if you are at fault in an accident. This includes repairing or replacing a damaged vehicle as well as paying for medical bills to anyone injured in the accident.
South Carolina Associated Automobile Insurers Plan (SCAAIP)
For consumers in South Carolina that would like to carry auto insurance but are unable to obtain coverage from a private insurance company, the South Carolina associated automobile insurers plan will provide coverage. Insurance providers are not allowed to refuse service based on income level, race, creed, national origin, ancestry, marital status, or lawful occupation but they are not required to insure all vehicle owners regardless of risk either. Insurance providers do have the right to refuse an auto insurance policy to a driver that poses significant risk. If you are a high-risk driver that is not able to obtain coverage the SCAAIP provides you with another option.
For more information about South Carolina car insurance requirements or to get answers to any questions you might have you may visit the South Carolina Department of Insurance website at http://doi.sc.gov
