South Carolina Auto Insurance

South Carolina auto insurance laws are fairly straightforward. But you still need to take a close look at your policy and the premium you pay on it.

This guide:

  • Explains South Carolina auto insurance laws and requirements

  • Describes how South Carolina car insurance rates are set

  • Shows you how to save money with multiple quotes

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South Carolina auto insurance laws

South Carolina auto insurance laws require that every driver carry auto liability insurance. This coverage helps insure you against the cost of injury and damage you cause to someone else in an auto accident.

South Carolina auto insurance regulations require minimum liability limits of 15/30/10. (That's $15,000 per person for injuries you cause to the other party, up to $30,000 for all, and $10,000 for damage you cause to the other party's property.)

South Carolina auto insurance laws also require that you purchase uninsured motorist coverage. These policies apply when another driver with inadequate liability coverage causes injury or property damage to you. The required minimums on this policy are also 15/30/10 ($15,000 for injuries per person, up to $30,000 total, and $10,000 in property damage).

However, these are only minimums, and carrying higher levels of both liability and uninsured motorist coverages is strongly recommended.

Also not required by law, but very recommended, is underinsured motorist coverage. This policy covers you for the difference between your limits and the liability limits of a driver who hits you, should their coverage prove insufficient. It's an inexpensive policy that can provide a lot of added security.

South Carolina auto insurance companies will also offer optional policies such as medical payments, collision, and comprehensive coverages.

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If you are a South Carolina resident, you may be able to save on your premium by visiting Electric Insurance. Their policies are available only to those drivers whose credit and driving records could be described as being at least good.

After you compare several rates at ComparisonMarket, get a quote from Electric to see if you qualify.

How South Carolina car insurance rates are set

For better or for worse, the price of South Carolina auto insurance is decided by the behavior of the state's drivers as a whole. South Carolina auto insurance companies take the cost of insuring South Carolina drivers (this includes what they pay out for injury and damage, legal and administrative fees, and the cost of prosecuting insurance fraud) and divide it up among the drivers.

But these costs aren't spread around evenly. Instead, South Carolina car insurance providers calculate how much a certain "category" of driver costs them, and decide premiums based on that. The "category" you're in is decided by your driving record, your age, where you live, and the kind of car you drive, among other things.

Of course, not all insurance companies use the same categories and calculations, so the same set of characteristics (yours!) will be seen very differently by different insurance companies. And they'll quote you different rates.

What this means for you, as an South Carolina driver, is that you need to shop around. It's the fastest easiest way to save on an South Carolina auto insurance policy.

Fortunately, shopping around is easy to do online.

Where you can get South Carolina auto insurance quotes

The following web sites will help you find South Carolina car insurance quotes: (these links will open in a new window)


  • ComparisonMarket is the best online insurance shopping service, the site where you can compare the most quotes and save the most money.

Click here for your quote.

Others:

  • Electric Insurance a provider with discount rates for good drivers

  • Netquote provides insurance quotes directly from local agents who can provide additional service and help you design the right policy.

  • Geico - a great service, especially for those who can't get insured elsewhere. Be sure to complete the entire quote form!

  • Get quotes using your ZIP Code! You'll find insurers who offer quotes tailored specifically to your area:

More SC car insurance help

If you want more help designing your SC auto insurance policy, read our guide to setting safe and reasonable car insurance coverage levels. It contains a lot of money saving advice too.

To find out more about SC auto insurance laws and regulations, visit the state's official website of the South Carolina Department of Insurance.

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