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South Carolina Auto Insurance Rates & Requirements

South Carolina requires 25/50/25 liability coverage — $25,000 per person for bodily injury, $50,000 per accident, and $25,000 for property damage. Drivers pay $140–$180/month on average for minimum coverage, with full coverage ranging $220–$310/month based on available industry data.

White car with severe front-end collision damage showing crumpled hood and broken headlight after accident

Updated March 2026

State Requirements

South Carolina operates as a tort liability state where at-fault drivers are financially responsible for damages. All drivers must carry proof of insurance and present it during traffic stops or after accidents. The South Carolina Department of Insurance mandates FR-10 form filing for certain violations, and the state suspends registration and license for driving uninsured.

Cost Overview

South Carolina drivers pay more than the national average due to high uninsured motorist rates, frequent severe weather, and collision patterns on I-26, I-85, and coastal highways. Rates vary significantly between rural counties with deer collision risk and urban areas like Charleston and Columbia where theft and traffic density increase claims. Your age, driving record, credit-based insurance score, and ZIP code create larger rate swings than coverage selection alone.

Minimum Coverage
State-required 25/50/25 liability and uninsured motorist coverage. Leaves you financially exposed in serious crashes and provides no protection for your own vehicle.
Standard Coverage
Increases liability to 100/300/100, adds underinsured motorist coverage, and includes collision and comprehensive with $500–$1,000 deductibles. Balances cost and protection for most drivers.
Full Coverage
Liability limits at 250/500/100 or higher, lower deductibles ($250–$500), and optional coverages like rental reimbursement and roadside assistance. Protects assets for homeowners and high-equity vehicle owners.

What Affects Your Rate

  • Charleston and Myrtle Beach drivers pay 20–35% more than Upstate residents due to hurricane risk, flood exposure, and tourism-related traffic density.
  • Drivers with a single at-fault accident see rates increase 30–50%, while a DUI conviction raises premiums 80–140% and triggers SR-22 filing requirements for three years.
  • Credit-based insurance scores impact rates more in South Carolina than in 12 states that restrict credit use — drivers with poor credit pay 50–90% more than those with excellent credit for identical coverage.
  • Young drivers under 25 pay $3,600–$5,400/year on average, roughly double the cost for drivers aged 30–50, due to collision frequency in this age group.
  • Vehicle type matters: insuring a 2022 Honda Civic costs 40–60% less than a 2022 Ford F-250 due to repair costs, theft rates, and collision severity patterns.
  • Bundling home and auto insurance with the same carrier reduces premiums 15–25%, and maintaining continuous coverage without lapses qualifies you for loyalty discounts that compound over time.

Compare Auto Insurance Rates in South Carolina

Coverage Options

Find Your City in South Carolina

Charleston, South Carolina cityscape and street view

Charleston

urban
Columbia, South Carolina cityscape and street view

Columbia

urban
North Charleston, South Carolina cityscape and street view

North Charleston

suburban
Wooden pier extending over water at sunset with marsh grasses in foreground and orange sky

Mount Pleasant

suburban
Park walking path with bench and small dog among tall trees and fallen leaves

Rock Hill

suburban
Greenville, South Carolina cityscape and street view

Greenville

urban
Suburban street with houses and orange tile roofs during golden hour lighting

Summerville

suburban
Evening street scene with glowing street lamps, parked cars, and landscaped flower beds in downtown area

Spartanburg

urban

Frequently Asked Questions

Sources

  • South Carolina Department of Insurance - scdoi.com
  • Insurance Information Institute (III) State Data, 2024
  • South Carolina Department of Motor Vehicles - scdmvonline.com

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